Our Materials & Craftsmanship
Every piece of luxury Scottish jewellery that we create is crafted with only the finest precious metals and ethically sourced gemstones. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship ensures that each item is designed to be treasured for generations.
We believe that gold and silver jewellery hold their value long-term and that your most special memories deserve to be captured in pieces built to last. Investing in precious metal jewellery has always proved worthwhile over time, items purchased years ago have risen significantly in value.
Jewellery that holds its value
-
GOLD- JAN 2026 PEAK
$5,521
Per ounce, a record high. Gold has reached an all time high over the past 12 months, making precious metal jewellery an increasingly strong long term choice.
-
SILVER- LAST 12 MONTHS
3x
Silver has tripled in value over the last year. Our sterling silver and vermeil jewellery have appreciated significantly, meaning that items purchased 18 months ago have risen in value massively.
Precious Metals
Solid Gold
We use high-quality 9-carat and 18-carat gold to craft our lockets, necklaces, rings, earrings & bracelets, ensuring a luxurious and durable finish. Our solid gold lockets and rings are designed to withstand everyday wear while retaining their beauty. Every gold piece is hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office, guaranteeing its authenticity and purity.
Sterling Silver
Our sterling silver jewellery is crafted from 92.5% pure silver. Each locket is hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay office, confirming its purity and our commitment to quality.
Gold Vermeil
For those who love the warmth of gold with exceptional value, our gold vermeil jewellery is the perfect choice. We use a thick layer of 18-carat gold (3 microns thick) over solid sterling silver, offering a rich, long-lasting finish. Unlike gold-plated jewellery, gold vermeil contains no base metals like brass or copper, making it a superior choice for sensitive skin.
What Is Vermeil?
Vermeil jewellery, pronounced ver-may, is a traditional French technique passed down by jewellers through the centuries. In vermeil, a very thick quantity of gold- more than 10 to 20 times the thickness of regular gold plate is applied to a noble metal . At Lily Blanche, that noble metal is always Sterling Silver.
We incorporate vermeil to enhance design flexibility whilst creating precious pieces that remain accessible. Many of our designs draw inspiration form vintage aesthetics , requiring substantially more precious metals than contemporary lightweight jewellery. Some of our bestselling lockets contain over an ounce of precious metal. As gold prices continue to rose, vermeil offers the optimal balance of exceptional quality and value.
Will Vermeil Wear Out?
Vermeil Jewellery is Built to last. Lily Blanche exceeds industry standards with 18 carat gold at a minimum of 3 microns, significantly more than the legal 2.5 micron requirement.
Store your Lily Blanche Pieces in our Intercept anti-tarnish pouches, included with every Lily Blanche Jewellery Care Kit. Custom made for us in the USA, the pouches are woven with patented polymers to neutralise the gasses that cause tarnishing.
The exceptional quality and longevity of our vermeil jewellery- whether in yellow gold, rose gold or white gold- have earned loyalty from customers who frequently build collections of our signature lockets, necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. Items worn continuously may develop some silvering over time, particularly where jewellery contacts coarse fabrics or other metals. Rather than diminishing the piece, this patina enhances its character, creating a coveted vintage aesthetic as the jewellery evolves with its wearers' unique journey.
Vermeil jewellery represents an outstanding and affordable alternative to solid gold. Its sterling silver foundation—a pure precious metal—makes it an excellent option for those with metal sensitivities. For those seeking to elevate their jewellery collection, vermeil offers exceptional value and quality.
Gold-plated vs Vermeil
vs Solid GoldUnderstanding your options before you buy.
| Gold Plated | Lily Blanche Vermeil Our standard | Solid Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Metal | Brass or copper | ✓ Sterling silver (925) | ✓ Pure gold alloy |
| Gold Purity | – Often unknown | ✓ 18-carat | ✓ 9ct or 18ct |
| Gold Thickness | 0.5µm minimum | ✓ 3 microns + (6× thicker) | ✓ Solid throughout |
| Hallmarkable | ✗ No — base metal | ✓ Yes — 925 stamped | ✓ Yes — Edinburgh Assay |
| Hypoallergenic | ✗ No — may irritate | ✓ Yes — nickel-free | ✓ Yes — pure metal |
Chains
We make our chains in a variety of versions, including sterling silver, 18-carat gold vermeil and solid gold. We can also make bespoke solid gold chains. If there is a style and length you would like, please email us at hello@lilyblanche.com
Pearls
Our cultured freshwater pearls are hand-selected for their luminous quality and elegance. Grown sustainably, each pearl showcases a unique, organic beauty, making it the perfect addition to timeless designs.
Natural Gemstones & Diamonds
We carefully select natural, ethically sourced gemstones to enhance the beauty and meaning of our jewellery. Our gemstones are cut and polished by expert lapidarists to ensure maximum brilliance and quality.
-
DiamondsWe use natural, conflict-free diamonds that adhere to the Kimberley Process, ensuring ethical sourcing. Our diamond jewellery comes with a certificate of authenticity.
-
Emeralds, Sapphires & RubiesOur vibrant, high-quality gemstones are sourced for their exceptional colour and clarity.
-
BirthstonesFrom deep blue sapphires to fiery garnets, our genuine birthstones add a personal touch to your jewellery.
Our Collections Feature
-
GarnetKnown for its deep red tones, symbolising passion and vitality.
-
AmethystCelebrated for its captivating purple hue and believed to promote calmness and clarity.
-
TopazAvailable in various shades, topaz is associated with love and affection.
-
EmeraldA vibrant green gemstone representing rebirth and prosperity.
-
SapphireEsteemed for its rich blue colour, symbolising wisdom and nobility.
-
RubyA striking red gem associated with love and courage.
Each gemstone is carefully set by skilled artisans, ensuring lasting beauty and durability.
A note on natural inclusions: Natural gemstones will always contain small inclusions. These are to be expected and do not diminish the jewellery. Inclusions act as a marker of the gemstone's unique identity, much as a fingerprint does for humans. Gemmologists study inclusions to determine whether a gemstone is organic or synthetic and to identify its provenance. While inclusions in diamonds are often regarded negatively, this is not the case for coloured gemstones, where inclusions are frequently prized. We do not use any lab-created stones in our jewellery.
You can read more about the origins and properties of our precious gemstone jewellery here.
Transparency
We aim to provide as much transparency as possible to our customers. All dimensions and weights listed in the product descriptions and details boxes include the entire jewellery piece, including pendant and locket bails (the loops that chains pass through) and earring wires. The item weight refers to the locket or pendant component only, while the total weight includes the full piece with the chain.
We are always happy to answer any questions about jewellery dimensions or materials. Please contact us at hello@lilyblanche.com or via our live chat.
Our jewellery is photographed in multiple ways to give the best representation. The initial image on a white background meets Google standards and is shot under bright studio lights. Model photography is taken in natural light, and videos are available on our website, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube to provide additional perspective.
Why Choose Lily Blanche Jewellery?
✔100% Precious Metals– No base metals, only high-quality gold and silver.
✔Ethically Sourced Gemstones– Natural stones selected for brilliance and beauty.
✔Handcrafted by Experts– Created by master goldsmiths and silversmiths.
✔Hallmarked & Certified– Guaranteed authenticity and premium quality.
✔Designed to Last– Timeless, heirloom-worthy jewellery for every occasion.
Explore Our Collections:
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Materials
What is Gold Vermeil?
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a traditional jewellery technique in which a thick layer of gold is applied to a pure sterling silver base. To be legally classified as vermeil in the UK, the gold must be at least 10-carat and 2.5 microns thick. At Lily Blanche, we exceed this standard, using 18-carat gold at a minimum of 3 microns over 925 sterling silver.
What is the difference between gold vermeil and gold plated jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery typically uses cheap base metals such as brass or copper, with a very thin gold layer of 0.125 to 0.5 microns. Gold vermeil, by contrast, requires a sterling silver base and a minimum gold thickness of 2.5 microns. This makes vermeil significantly more durable, hypoallergenic, and hallmarkable — qualities that gold plated jewellery cannot achieve.
Will gold vermeil wear out or tarnish?
With proper care, Lily Blanche gold vermeil is highly durable. Our 3-micron, 18-carat gold layer significantly exceeds the 2.5 micron legal minimum. Items worn continuously may develop a natural patina over time, which adds character rather than diminishing the piece. Storing your jewellery in our Intercept anti-tarnish pouches will prevent tarnishing by neutralising oxidising gases.
Is sterling silver hypoallergenic?
Yes. 925 sterling silver is naturally hypoallergenic because it contains no nickel — the most common cause of metal allergies. It is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for strength. All Lily Blanche silver and gold vermeil jewellery is nickel-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
Are Lily Blanche lockets and necklaces hallmarked?
Yes. Every Lily Blanche locket and solid gold pieces are independently hallmarked by the Edinburgh Assay Office, one of the UK's four official assay offices. The hallmark is your legal guarantee of the metal's authenticity and purity and confirms that the piece meets the standards of the UK hallmarking act of 1973.
Do natural gemstones contain flaws?
Natural gemstones always contain small inclusions and this is entirley normal. Gemmologists consider inclusions as a gemstone's unique fingerprint- proof of it's natural origin and authenticity. While inclusions in diamonds are often viewed negatively, inclusions in coloured gemstones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires are frequently prized. Lily Blanche does not use lab-created stones.
What materials are used in your men's jewellery collection?
Our men's jewellery collection is crafted using the same premium materials as our full range: solid 925 sterling silver, solid 375 and 18-carat gold vermeil. These materials are selected for their durability, hypoallergenic properties and suitability for everyday wear.
How should I clean gold vermeil and sterling silver jewellery?
Gently polish your Lily Blanche jewellery with a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth after each wear. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive brushes or liquid dips, as these can damage the gold layer on the gold vermeil pieces. Always remove your jewellery before swimming, showering or applying perfumes and lotions. Store pieces in the Intercept anti-tarnish pouch that we provide free with all orders.
Are your diamonds ethically sourced?
Yes. All diamonds used in Lily Blanche jewellery are natural and conflict free, adhering strictly to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. We are committed to responsible sourcing and do not use lab-created stones. Our diamond pieces are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
What is the difference between 9-carat and 18-carat solid gold?
9-carat gold contains 37.5% pure gold alloyed with stronger metals, making it highly durable for everyday wear. 18-carat gold contains 75% pure gold, offering a richer colour and higher intrinsic value, though it is slightly softer. Lily Blanche uses both carats, selecting the appropriate grade based on the design and intended use of the piece.
