Vermeil is a process invented by the French last century. Using pure or a % of gold, on sterling silver 925. When wording such as “filled gold”, “gold plated” “electroplated gold” ASK whether is it vermeil. A reasonable and experienced dealer will know the answer.

Some people just can’t get enough of the gold, the colour pleases them, yet they cannot afford, say 18ct, these days. Gold electroplating is the answer.

99% of wearers can use our gold jewellery because we use genuine metals. Many allergies and indeed illnesses can occur when wearing alloy metals. The use or wearing of alloys is banned worldwide these days. Yet there are many countries that still disguise alloy fittings in jewellery! Even marking it 925! This then of course must be cheaper. You know what they say you get what you pay for. Using genuine metals is an expensive process. Getting the picture yet?

If there is anything we have learned over recent times it’s that China can produce most things much cheaper than the West. To reason how, we must see that it does not necessarily mean they use the same components as we do at Julleen. The quality they use in many similar looking products, may not and usually ARE NOT the same.

At closer scrutiny judge for yourself. Feel the weight of the metal. Is it the quality silver used by Julleen? Is it much thinner like sheet metal, paper thin? Or is it overly heavy? If so it could contain high degrees of alloys. It’s difficult to tell sometimes, to an untrained eye. True silver smells like silver. By examining it over time you will get to know immediately what is true silver. Please folks don’t try this yourselves, but you can bite into it. True silver dents with sharp pressure.

Really isn’t it best, dealing with a label that has been in the business for over a decade? A trusted and respected name which is 100% Australian? And who permanently guarantee their designs? And if we say it’s silver it will be.

Well here’s a treat! Our pearls actually come from the East. Our gemstones are sought worldwide. If there is another great thing about China they are without doubt the world leaders in FW pearl producing and harvesting.

Pearls begin when layers of nacre form over an irritation in the muscle of a mollusk or oyster. A natural colouring (say from beetroot) can be introduced (a very delicate process!) before the pearl matures. The result can be mauve/purple/red depending on the added colour density. Having said that, many of our A grade pearls are not dyed and are natural.

That is their beauty. FW pearls grow more naturally and it is a miracle of nature to find 2 that match. We love trying to match up sets. It’s fun!

Cultured means that man has had a hand in the growing process.

South Sea Pearls are sea pearls usually harvested from the sea or salt water and range from 10mm –16mm ++ (rare) Depending on the sand natural to the area where the pearls are harvested the pearls take on the colouring of the surroundings.

Tahitian pearls are dark green to blackish. Indonesian pearls are golden and Australian pearls (ie Broome pearls) are silver white. Akoya are Japanese pearls usually beginning with sphere cores with nacre layering.

We use Australian waxed cotton. Stranding is individually double knotted. Restringing with double knotting usually costs $60. All our necklaces are knotted.