Bel e Viv Honeycomb Hoop Earrings

Our pieces are generally suitable for sensitive skin and are crafted with genuine 18k gold plating over sterling silver. They are free from nickel, lead, and cadmium—three of the most common irritants found in mass-produced jewellery.

For guidance on choosing jewellery that’s kind to your skin, explore our journal here.

If you have any specific concerns, please email us at hello@bytonin.com.

Our demi-fine pieces are crafted from a sterling silver base, layered with silver plating and palladium for durability, and finished with a thick 18k gold layer (1 micron for standard pieces, 2.5 microns for vermeil). This means they offer the look and feel of gold without being solid gold.

Unlike fashion jewellery, they are made to endure everyday wear, and while more accessible than fine jewellery, they reflect the same refined aesthetic and commitment to responsible craftsmanship.

Learn more here.

The key difference is in the thickness of the gold layer.

Our gold vermeil pieces feature a generous 2.5-micron layer of 18k gold over sterling silver, while our gold-plated pieces are coated with a 1-micron layer.

Both are more durable and longer-lasting than costume jewellery or flash-plated pieces, with vermeil offering even greater longevity thanks to its thicker gold finish.

Our standard gold-plated pieces feature a minimum of 1 micron of gold, while our vermeil pieces are layered with at least 2.5 microns. Each one is also finished with an e-coating for added protection against daily wear.

This careful layering makes our jewellery significantly more durable than flash-plated or costume pieces, which often use ultra-thin plating, as little as 0.05 microns, over brass, copper, or stainless steel. Those base metals are not only less durable, but also more likely to cause skin irritation, green marks, and premature wear.

Our gold plating:

• Uses genuine 18k gold
• Applied over sterling silver
• Thickness starts at 1 micron, with our vermeil pieces reaching 2.5 microns or more
• Hypoallergenic and gentle on skin
• Designed for everyday wear

Standard gold plating (as used in many fast fashion and budget-friendly pieces):

• Gold layer can be as thin as 0.05 microns
• Typically plated over brass, copper, or stainless steel
• More prone to fading, tarnishing, and skin reactions
• Often causes the green marks and irritation associated with cheap jewellery

A softer shine naturally develops on jewellery through regular wear. Made from precious metals, our pieces gradually develop a warm patina over time. With proper care, you can keep your jewellery at its best.

A softer shine naturally develops on jewellery through regular wear. Over time, all precious metals, including gold and silver, develop a warm patina due to oxidation.

While our materials and finishes are thoughtfully chosen to extend the life of your jewellery, their appearance can still be affected by factors like skin chemistry, environment, and daily wear.

With mindful care and by following our care guidelines, you can help minimise tarnishing and preserve the beauty of your piece.