Materials & Care

What our pieces are made of

Marquezza pieces are electroplated brass, finished in gold or silver tone depending on the piece. Stones are lab grown or crystal, set by hand.

They are not solid gold and not sterling silver, and we will never describe them as though they were.

What that means for you

Plating is a surface. Worn with a little care it holds its colour for a long time. Worn in water, or against perfume, lotion and cleaning products, it will wear through — and once it does, the brass underneath is exposed.

That is not a defect. It is what plated jewelry does, from any brand at any price. The difference is whether someone tells you before you buy.

The five rules that actually matter

1. Take it off before water. Showering, swimming, washing up. This is the single most important one — prolonged contact with water is what strips a finish fastest.
2. Perfume, lotion and hairspray first. Jewelry second. Alcohol and oils attack plating. Let everything dry before you put a piece on.
3. Take it off to sleep and to exercise. Friction and sweat do more damage than time does.
4. Store it dry and separate. Humidity dulls the finish; pieces rubbing together scratch it. Keep them in the pouch.
5. Never use silver dip or abrasive polish. It strips plating instantly and permanently. A soft dry cloth is all a plated piece ever needs.

If your skin is sensitive

If you have reacted to plated or costume jewelry before, patch-test a piece for a few hours before wearing it all day. We recommend removing any piece that causes irritation.

If something goes wrong

If the finish flakes or peels, a stone comes loose, or a clasp fails within 30 days of delivery, email photographs to contactmarquezza@gmail.com and we will replace the piece or refund it — your choice.

Gradual wear from ordinary use is not a fault. It is exactly why the five rules above are on this page rather than hidden in a policy.