Jewelry Education: Stones & Metals

At The Gilded Moose, we believe jewelry should be both beautiful and lasting. We use only authentic stones and high-quality precious metals so you can shop with confidence.

✨ Authenticity Promise

At The Gilded Moose, we take pride in offering only genuine, high-quality materials. All of our metals are gold or sterling silver (925) — even when gold-plated, it is gold over solid 925 silver. We never use copper, stainless steel, brass, nickel, or other base metals.

Every gemstone in our collection is authentic. All stones are genuine, with the exception of lab-grown diamonds and moissanite, which we include for their exceptional brilliance and ethical sourcing. Each piece will be clearly labeled to indicate whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown, or if the stone is moissanite.

💎 Understanding Stones

Natural Diamonds

  • Origin: Earth-formed over billions of years.
  • Durability: Hardest natural substance (10 on Mohs).
  • Appearance: Classic brilliance; each diamond is unique.
  • Value: Long-term value and tradition.

Best for timeless beauty and rarity.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

  • Origin: Created in advanced labs replicating natural processes.
  • Durability: Chemically/physically identical to natural diamonds (10 on Mohs).
  • Eco-Friendly: No mining required, reducing environmental impact.
  • Value: Typically 20–40% more affordable than natural diamonds.

Best for a real diamond that’s eco-conscious and budget-friendly.

Moissanite

  • Origin: Discovered in a meteorite; grown in labs today.
  • Durability: Very durable (9.25 on Mohs).
  • Appearance: Bold sparkle with rainbow-like flashes.
  • Value: Affordable, durable, and brilliant.

Best for maximum sparkle at a lower price.

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) — Not Sold Here

  • Origin: Synthetic zirconium dioxide.
  • Durability: 8–8.5 on Mohs; can scratch/cloud over time.
  • Appearance: Sparkly when new, less brilliance than diamond or moissanite.
  • Value: Inexpensive, not heirloom quality.

We do not carry CZ because it does not meet our long-term quality standards.

Stones at a Glance

Stone Hardness (Mohs) Sparkle/Fire Origin Price Range Eco-Friendly Offered at The Gilded Moose
Natural Diamond 10 Classic brilliance Earth-formed $$$$ Mining ✔️ Yes
Lab-Grown Diamond 10 Same as natural Lab-created $$$ ✔️ No mining ✔️ Yes
Moissanite 9.25 Intense, rainbow-like Lab-created $$ ✔️ No mining ✔️ Yes
Cubic Zirconia 8–8.5 Sparkly but less durable Lab-created $ ✔️ No mining ❌ No

🪙 Understanding Metals

Gold: 10k, 14k, 18k, 24k

Gold purity is measured in karats (k)—the higher the number, the greater the gold content.

  • 10k Gold (41.7%): Strongest and most affordable; lighter yellow.
  • 14k Gold (58.3%): Most popular; warm tone; great balance of durability & price.
  • 18k Gold (75%): Rich, deep yellow; more luxurious; slightly softer.
  • 24k Gold (99.9%): Purest and brightest; very soft—not ideal for daily wear rings.

Sterling Silver (925)

Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for strength. Bright, timeless, and durable with simple care. Look for the “925” stamp.

Gold Over Silver (Vermeil / Gold Overlay)

  • Thick layer of gold bonded to sterling silver.
  • Looks like solid gold; hypoallergenic and skin-safe.
  • More durable than gold-plated base metals.

Metals at a Glance

Metal Purity / Composition Color & Appearance Durability & Wearability Price Range Offered at The Gilded Moose
10k Gold 41.7% pure gold + alloys Paler yellow Very durable; great for daily wear $$ ✔️ Yes
14k Gold 58.3% pure gold + alloys Warm yellow (most popular) Durable with rich color $$$ ✔️ Yes
18k Gold 75% pure gold + alloys Deep yellow, luxurious Softer than 14k but wearable $$$$ ✔️ Yes
24k Gold 99.9% pure gold Rich, bright yellow Very soft; not ideal for rings $$$$$ ✔️ Yes (select)
Sterling Silver (925) 92.5% silver + 7.5% copper Bright, shiny white Durable with care; can tarnish $–$$ ✔️ Yes
Gold Over Silver Thick gold layer over 925 silver Looks like solid gold Durable, hypoallergenic, affordable $$ ✔️ Yes
Brass / Steel / Nickel Base metals (not precious) Dull or plated appearance Tarnishes; may irritate skin $ ❌ No

✅ Our Commitment to Quality

  • Stones: Natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and genuine semi-precious gems only.
  • Metals: Gold, sterling silver, and gold over silver only.
  • We do not sell: Cubic zirconia, brass, steel, nickel, or synthetic stones.

Your jewelry should be as genuine as the memories it represents. Authenticity. Durability. Lasting value.