SUSTAINABLE JEWELRY: CACHET’S 18K GOLD AND RHODIUM PLATING

At Paparazzi Accessories, we create jewelry designs that are bigger, brighter, bolder—and now, more sustainable. With the launch of our new line of high-end accessories, Cachet by Paparazzi, we’re offering heirloom-worthy pieces that last longer without losing their luster. 

We’ve achieved this level of durability and sustainability by plating each piece of Cachet jewelry with rhodium or 18 karat gold. Not sure what that means? Not a problem. Let’s take a closer look at rhodium and 18K gold plating and how it makes our Cachet line so special!

WHAT IS RHODIUM PLATING?

Rhodium is a brilliant, durable, precious metal that gives jewelry a stunning silver sheen and reflective surface. To give Cachet jewelry a shimmering rhodium finish, we dip clean, finished accessories into a liquid rhodium plating mixture. This process results in jewelry that’s fully coated in rhodium, giving each piece a smooth, seamless finish.

Each rhodium-plated Cachet accessory has a stainless steel base. We chose stainless steel because it’s a more durable and hypoallergenic material than sterling silver or other metal alternatives. Dipping stainless steel in rhodium gives the jewelry a jaw-dropping, high-sheen appearance that turns heads in every room.

 

 

Benefits of Rhodium Plating

Take a look at some of the ways rhodium plating makes our jewelry more wearable and sustainable: 

• Tarnish resistance: Rhodium is highly resistant to scratches, corrosion, and tarnishing. The durable nature of rhodium plating makes Cachet pieces the perfect addition to everyday looks, as they can withstand exposure to normal wear and tear.
• Water resistance: Rhodium plating enhances the water resistance of jewelry, allowing Cachet pieces to withstand exposure to moisture. Even though Cachet’s rhodium pieces are water resistant, you can protect and extend the life of your accessories by taking them off before showering, swimming, or sweating.

• • Hypoallergenic qualities: Rhodium plating and stainless steel accessories are gentle on the skin, even after long-term wear. This makes Cachet jewelry comfortable and hypoallergenic for individuals with sensitive skin or metal allergies.

 

 

WHAT IS 18 KARAT GOLD PLATING?

18K gold plating is a thin layer of 75% pure gold that gives Cachet jewelry a rich, gleaming luster that shines like solid gold, for a fraction of the price. To achieve a smooth, even finish on each gold accessory, Cachet uses the PVD plating process, which involves applying a thin layer of vaporized 18K gold onto a stainless steel base.

Like our rhodium pieces, we craft each 18K gold-plated piece with a stainless steel base to enhance the jewelry’s durability. Stainless steel provides a strong, tarnish-resistant foundation for the plated gold, taking each accessory from stylish to sustainable. 

 

 

Benefits of 18K Gold Plating

We chose to use 18 karat gold in our Cachet line to make our jewelry more durable, beautiful, luxurious, and timeless. Check out some of the additional benefits of 18K gold plating:

• Rich color: The high purity of gold in 18K plating creates a deep, rich gold color that looks stunning and retains its shine.

• • Tarnish resistance: While 18K gold plating is resistant to tarnishing, it is still a good idea to avoid exposing your jewelry to chemicals and products like perfumes, lotions, and cleaning solutions. 

• • Water resistance: 18K gold-plated jewelry is water resistant, but removing it before spending time in or around water will protect your high-end jewelry from overexposure.

• • Hypoallergenic qualities: Because 18K gold has a high concentration of pure gold, it has more hypoallergenic properties than lower karat materials, like 10K or 14K gold, which contain more alternative metals. Pairing 18K gold with stainless steel results in jewelry that is even less likely to irritate the skin.

 

 

EXPLORE SUSTAINABLE JEWELRY WITH CACHET BY PAPARAZZI

At Paparazzi Accessories, we plate every piece in the Cachet line with either rhodium or 18 karat gold to create luxurious, sustainable jewelry that helps you look and feel incredible. When you purchase a piece of Cachet jewelry, you’re investing in your future—these are elevated accessories you can wear over and over, with every outfit, and for every occasion.

Check out the Paparazzi Pulse™ to find more information on the new Cachet line and other jewelry trends and sneak peeks. Follow along on social media to stay updated on all things Cachet and Paparazzi Accessories!