Pearl Jewelry Metals: Gold, Silver & Base Metal
Written by: AKWAYA Pearl Jewelry Team
Reviewed by: AKWAYA for consistency with published product specifications
Updated:
This guide explains listing terms and practical comparisons. Current specifications and the selected variant describe the item being offered. Our editorial approach.
When choosing pearl jewelry, read the metal description as carefully as the pearl specifications. A listing may describe the clasp, earring wires, setting or beads; check which component the metal wording applies to.
14K gold, sterling silver and base metal in pearl jewelry
The FTC explains that karat describes gold content: 14K is 14 parts gold out of 24, and 18K is 18 parts out of 24. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and may be marked 925. A plated layer and the underlying metal are separate parts of a description.
On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to compare all columns.
| Listing term | Read it this way | Check the component |
|---|---|---|
| 14K white or yellow gold | A karat gold description with the stated color. | Does it describe the clasp, setting, posts or wires? |
| Sterling silver / 925 | A sterling-silver material description. | Which findings or setting are specified as sterling silver? |
| Plated or tone finish | Read the complete wording, including the underlying metal. | A rhodium-plated base-metal clasp is described as base metal beneath its finish. |
| Base metal | The listing names a base-metal component. | Do not assume a specific alloy or precious-metal content if none is stated. |
Read the metal and the finish together
Start with the full material phrase. In our catalog, rhodium-plated base metal names the finish and its base-metal component. Rose-gold-tone base metal describes a colored finish on base metal. Those phrases should stay intact when you compare listings; shortening either to gold or silver would lose a meaningful detail.
Likewise, a white appearance alone does not establish sterling silver, white gold or platinum. Use the written specification and ask if a component's material is unclear. The FTC's precious-metal jewelry guide also explains gold plating and platinum markings.
For 18K or platinum pieces, read the exact karat or purity wording supplied for that item. This guide does not imply that every metal category is offered in every AKWAYA design.
Compare current AKWAYA material descriptions
- 14K white gold bead clasp: 18-inch 8.5–9mm white Akoya pearl necklace. The material description names the clasp; review its design alongside the pearl specifications.
- 14K gold with selectable color: 7–8mm white freshwater pearl bracelet. White gold has 6.5-, 7- and 8-inch options; yellow gold also has a 7.5-inch option. Confirm the length and metal together.
- Sterling-silver kidney ear wires: 7–7.5mm dyed black Akoya pearl dangle earrings. The wire style and the metal are separate details to compare.
- Base-metal double-safety clasp: two-row 7–8mm white freshwater pearl bracelet. The bracelet is listed at 7.5 inches and uses unknotted wire stringing.
- Rhodium-plated base-metal fishhook clasp: 18-inch 7.5–8.5mm white freshwater pearl necklace. Read the plating and underlying metal as one complete description.
A practical metal checklist before ordering
- Write down the complete metal wording and the component it describes. Do not assume every metal part has the same specification.
- Check the chosen variant. A URL or photo may show one gold color while the selector offers more than one.
- Compare the clasp or earring-back style separately from metal and pearl grade. These are different purchasing decisions.
- If exact alloy ingredients or a particular coating matter to you, request that information for the item. A general gold, silver or base-metal label does not supply every ingredient.
- Read current price, availability, shipping and returns before choosing between pieces.
For help with a specific component, contact AKWAYA with the product link and your selected option. Continue with the pearl buying guide for a complete jewelry checklist, or the metal stamp guide for marking terminology.
Source and scope
FTC — Buying Platinum, Gold, and Silver Jewelry supports the general material terminology. AKWAYA provides the component checklist and examples from its own listings. This guide does not provide an independent assay or promise a specific wear life.