At A La Pina, NY, we offer two distinct types of jewelry:

Gold Plated: The majority of our jewelry falls under this category. Gold plating involves applying a thin layer of gold over a base metal. Our pieces are PVD Gold Plated, a vacuum coating process that uses titanium nitride to provide a highly durable finish. This makes the jewelry more resistant to corrosion from sweat and regular wear compared to traditional gold plating. Additionally, the longevity of PVD-plated jewelry helps reduce waste, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Gold Filled: Gold-filled jewelry is crafted by bonding layers of solid gold sheets to a base metal. This process creates jewelry that resists tarnishing, peeling, chipping, or discoloration. If your gold-filled jewelry ever appears dull, it's usually due to dirt buildup and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Since gold-filled pieces are made with solid gold sheets, the base metal doesn’t come into contact with your skin, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Care Instructions

While our jewelry is water- and tarnish-resistant, following these tips will help ensure it lasts for years:

• Prolonged exposure to water containing chlorine, salt, or harsh chemicals may cause tarnishing. We recommend removing your jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising.
• Avoid spraying perfumes or applying lotions directly on your jewelry. Apply these products first, then put on your pieces.
• Store your jewelry in the A La Pina pouch included with every purchase when not in use.
• If tarnishing occurs, gently clean your pieces with a microfiber cloth.
• Remember, while our gold-plated jewelry is of high quality, it’s not solid gold. With proper care, these pieces can last for years!

The More You Know

Most of the jewelry at A La Pina is hypoallergenic, meaning it carries minimal risk of causing allergic reactions. The base metal used in our jewelry is stainless steel (unless otherwise specified). This metal is often combined with chromium, titanium, carbon, and iron. Stainless steel contains low levels of nickel, which contributes to its excellent hypoallergenic properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Green Skin? Discoloration where jewelry touches your skin is rare but can occur due to a combination of factors such as the metals in the jewelry, your skin's chemistry, and your body’s immune response. While it’s uncommon for our jewelry to cause discoloration, individual sensitivities vary. Some people may react to trace amounts of metals like copper or nickel. Although our jewelry is made from stainless steel (with low nickel levels) and PVD gold plating, it's important to care for your pieces. To prevent discoloration, avoid lotions, soaps, and other chemicals on your skin while wearing jewelry. Always remove it before bathing or swimming, especially in salt water.