Our Materials
Every MOHRA piece is built on the same honest foundation: a base of 925 sterling silver, a finish we name plainly, and a high-clarity VVS moissanite at its heart. Here is exactly what that means — no jargon, nothing hidden.
The base: 925 sterling silver
Underneath every finish is solid 925 sterling silver — a genuine precious metal, hypoallergenic, nickel and lead free, and gentle on sensitive skin. It gives our pieces their weight, their quality, and their longevity. We never use the brass or steel base found in cheap costume jewellery.
What is gold vermeil?
Gold vermeil is a premium finish defined by strict international standards. To qualify as true vermeil, a piece must have two things:
- A base of solid 925 sterling silver
- A thick layer of real gold — at least 2.5 microns
Our vermeil pieces are finished in 18K gold at that full 2.5-micron thickness — roughly five times thicker than standard gold plating. That thickness is what gives vermeil its durability and its warm, lasting glow: a finish made for every day, not just occasions. Because it is real gold over sterling silver, it is hypoallergenic and nickel free.
| Gold Plated | ◆ Vermeil | Solid Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base metal | Brass or steel | 925 sterling silver | Solid gold |
| Gold thickness | Under 0.5 micron | 2.5 microns of real 18K | Solid throughout |
| Durability | Wears sooner | Long-lasting, everyday | Highest |
| Price | Lowest | Accessible luxury | Highest |
What is rhodium?
Rhodium is a rare precious metal from the platinum family — rarer, in fact, than gold. It is the finish that gives white gold and fine silver jewellery their bright, mirror-white shine, and it is exactly what luxury jewellers use to finish their own white-gold pieces.
On our silver and white pieces, a layer of rhodium over 925 sterling silver brings a brilliant, reflective finish that is hard-wearing and resists scratching and tarnish. Because the sterling silver beneath is already pale, rhodium wears especially gracefully. Like everything we make, it is nickel free and gentle on sensitive skin.
Our finishes, named honestly
We always tell you exactly which finish you are getting:
- 18K Gold Vermeil — our premium gold finish: 18K gold at 2.5 microns over 925 sterling silver. Durable, warm, and made for daily wear. Look for "Gold Vermeil" in the name.
- 18K Gold Finish — a warm 18K gold finish over the same 925 sterling silver base. A lighter gold layer than vermeil, so it rewards a little extra care — but always over real sterling, never brass. Named simply "Gold."
- Rhodium Finish — for our silver and white pieces: bright, hard-wearing rhodium, a member of the platinum family, over 925 sterling silver. Named "Silver."
As MOHRA grows, we are moving more of our gold pieces to full vermeil — and whenever a piece qualifies, we will say so, plainly.
Caring for your piece
- Avoid direct contact with perfume, lotion, and household chemicals
- Remove before showering, swimming, or exercising
- Wipe gently with your MOHRA care cloth after each wear
- Store dry — ideally in your MOHRA box, away from other pieces
A little care keeps every finish — vermeil, gold, or rhodium — brilliant for years.
Frequently asked questions
Is gold vermeil real gold?
Yes. Vermeil is a thick layer of real 18K gold — at least 2.5 microns — bonded over a solid 925 sterling silver base. It is genuine gold on a genuine precious-metal base, which is exactly what separates true vermeil from ordinary gold plating.
How long does gold vermeil last?
With everyday care, vermeil keeps its finish for years. Because our gold layer is around five times thicker than standard plating, it resists wear far better. Keeping it away from perfume, chlorine, and moisture — and wiping it with your care cloth — keeps it looking its best.
Can gold vermeil tarnish?
The gold layer itself does not tarnish. Over time, and with exposure to chemicals or moisture, any plated finish can gradually wear — but vermeil's thickness means this happens far more slowly than with thin plating. A gentle wipe after wear keeps it bright.
Is gold vermeil waterproof?
No — and no plated jewellery truly is. We recommend removing your vermeil pieces before showering, swimming, or exercising. Water, soap, and chlorine shorten the life of any gold finish. Treat it like fine jewellery and it will reward you.
Is gold vermeil good for engagement rings?
Vermeil is beautiful, durable, and a wonderful choice for everyday and statement rings. That said, for a ring meant to be worn every single day for a lifetime, solid gold is the traditional heirloom choice, because the gold runs all the way through. Many people happily choose vermeil for its look and value — we simply want you to choose with the full picture.
What is rhodium plating?
Rhodium is a rare precious metal from the platinum family. A rhodium finish over sterling silver gives our silver and white pieces their bright, mirror-white shine — the very same finish fine jewellers use on white gold.
Does rhodium wear off?
Like any finish, rhodium can wear gradually over years of daily wear. But because rhodium is hard and the sterling silver beneath is already pale, it wears especially gracefully — far more forgiving than thin gold plating. With a little care, the finish stays bright for a long time.
Luxury you can live in.