Core Materials

• Base metal: Nickel-free 925 sterling silver across our jewellery ranges.
• Exceptions: Mărțișor parts (brooches, charms, bracelets) may use other metals unless clearly marked as sterling silver or solid gold; product pages are labelled.
• Solid gold: Select pieces in 14k / 585 are clearly marked as such.

Metals & Finishes

For consistent quality and longevity, we partner with a trusted European manufacturer that produces our sterling-silver and 14k-gold components and performs the galvanic plating. With 35+ years of jewellery expertise, they deliver consistent alloys, precise tolerances and controlled plating thickness for lasting colour and shine.

Plating Options

• 24k gold (two-layer system: primer + finish)
• 18k rose gold (two-layer system)
• Rhodium (primer and finish coats)

Total plating thickness: approx. 0.4 µm (galvanization), designed for brightness and everyday wear. As with all plated jewellery, gentle care prolongs the finish—see our Jewellery Care Guide.

Crystals & Stones

• Premium Austrian crystals (no brand names used by agreement), in classic cuts and colours
• Cubic zirconia for crisp brilliance
• Crystal pearls and occasional freshwater pearls

Our crystals are lead-free and REACH-compliant, with styles chosen for durability and light performance.

Sourcing & Ethics

Our silver and gold components and plated finishes are made by our long-term European manufacturing partner. Centralising production with one specialist gives us tighter quality control, material traceability and alignment with EU standards (including REACH for our crystals). Our silver and gold jewellery ranges are ethically sourced in Europe. Pieces are then assembled and hand-finished in Ireland.

Note on Mărțișor (Seasonal Collection): Mărțișor pieces are designed and hand-assembled in our Co. Cork studio using imported components (threads, brooches, charms and links). We hand-tie the traditional red-and-white thread and assemble the bracelets here in Ireland. Each item is mounted on our own Magpie Gems support card (with story on the reverse), then packed in a clear protective bag and labelled for gifting or retail. Materials vary; items are not sterling silver unless clearly marked as 925 or solid gold (585). We therefore do not apply the “ethically sourced in Europe” line to this collection.

Crafting in Co. Cork, Ireland

• Designed, hand-assembled and hand-finished in our Co. Cork studio.
• Laser engraving (in-house)
• Laser-cut personalisation (name pendants)
• Hand assembly and stone setting where applicable
• Hand polishing & finishing
• Quality control, packaging & shipping
• Support-card design & layout (Mărțișor), hand-assembly, plus hand packaging & labelling in clear protective bags

Each piece is given a final hand-polish before it leaves our studio—because the last 5% of care is what you notice first.

Stamps, Hallmarking & Safety

• Metal marks: Pieces are stamped 925 (sterling silver) or 585 (14k gold) at source by our European partner.
• Irish Assay Office: We do not use the Irish Assay Office hallmark; metal fineness marks are applied by our components manufacturer.
• Nickel-free & hypoallergenic: Our sterling silver is nickel-free; plating stacks are selected to minimise sensitisers.
• Compliance: Crystals are lead-free and REACH-compliant. We do not intentionally add lead or cadmium and work to EU limits.

Durability, Care & Service

• Re-plating available (gold, rose gold, rhodium)
• Repairs & adjustments (clasps, chains, sizing where possible)
• Warranty: 30-day workmanship warranty (see Returns for details; personalised items follow EU rules).

For best results: wipe after wear, avoid chemicals, and store in an airtight pouch. See full tips in our Jewellery Care Guide.

Personalisation

• Laser-cut names: usual lead time 1–3 weeks depending on design queue.
• Engraving: typically next-day to a few days. Popular fonts include Allura and Bodoni—others on request. See Engraving Fonts for options.
• Character limits: depend on pendant size/area; we’ll guide you during ordering.

Sustainability

• Local finishing: Irish studio assembly reduces transport and lets us repair/extend product life.
• Low-waste practice: careful cutting, small-batch production and studio scrap recycling.
• Packaging: paper/cardboard first; compostable, water-soluble void fill; recyclable outer cartons (foam insert & box magnet not yet recyclable). Learn more: Gift Wrapping & Packaging.

Materials & Crafting — FAQ

Are your pieces nickel-free?

Yes. Our sterling silver is nickel-free, and our plating stacks are selected to minimise sensitisers.

Who makes your components and plating?

A single trusted European manufacturer produces our sterling-silver and 14k-gold components and performs the galvanic plating. They have 35+ years of jewellery expertise. We complete engraving, assembly, finishing, packaging and shipping in Co. Cork, Ireland.

What crystals do you use?

Premium Austrian crystals (no brand names used by agreement), cubic zirconia, crystal pearls and occasional freshwater pearls. Our crystals are lead-free and REACH-compliant.

Do you offer re-plating or repairs?

Yes—re-plating, repairs and adjustments are available. Email Lavinia@MagpieGems.ie with your piece and we’ll advise.

How should I care for plated jewellery?

Wipe after wear, avoid chemicals and friction, and store airtight. See our full Jewellery Care Guide for step-by-step tips.

Are all items “ethically sourced in Europe”?

This applies to our silver and gold jewellery ranges. Mărțișor items are sourced separately (Romania/China) and are labelled on their pages.