Products & Materials
Everything you need to know about what goes into your Merchants® piece — from the metals we use to how they're made.
What are your rings made of?
Our rings are handcrafted from recycled 925 sterling silver — the same quality as traditional sterling silver, sourced responsibly from certified recycled suppliers. We also offer pieces in 18k gold vermeil, which is a thick layer of real 18-karat go
Is your jewelry real silver?
Absolutely. All our core pieces are crafted from 925 sterling silver, which means 92.5% pure silver. The silver is recycled and sourced from certified suppliers, so you're getting genuine sterling silver with the added benefit of environmental respon
Do you have gold options?
Yes! We offer pieces in 18k gold vermeil — a thick layer of real 18-karat gold bonded to a sterling silver base. It gives you that rich gold look with better durability than standard gold plating, and it's more sustainable than solid gold production.
What's the difference between gold vermeil and gold plating?
Gold vermeil uses a much thicker layer of real gold (minimum 2.5 microns of 18k gold) bonded to sterling silver, while standard gold plating is thinner and often applied to base metals. The result? Vermeil lasts significantly longer, looks richer, an
How long does gold vermeil last?
With normal daily wear, the gold layer typically lasts 2–5 years before it may start to show the silver underneath. You can extend this by avoiding perfume, lotions, and water contact before wearing. If the plating breaks down within 6 months, that's
Will your silver tarnish?
Sterling silver naturally develops a patina over time — it's part of its beauty and character, not a defect. With simple care (storing in a dry place and avoiding chemicals, perfume, and chlorine), your piece will look incredible for years. We includ
Are your products handmade?
Every piece is handcrafted in Bali using traditional lost wax casting — one of the oldest metalworking techniques in existence. Our designs are hand-carved in wax, cast in molten metal, and individually finished by skilled artisans in limited edition
How is lost wax casting different from mass production?
Lost wax casting is a traditional metalworking technique dating back thousands of years. Here's the process: our artisans hand-carve the original design in wax, create a mold, burn out the wax in a kiln, pour molten silver or gold into the mold, then
Why are your prices higher than mass-produced jewelry?
Our pricing reflects true craftsmanship and quality materials. Each piece is handcrafted using traditional lost wax casting — a process that takes hours per piece. We use recycled 925 sterling silver or 18k gold vermeil, both sourced responsibly. We
What product categories do you offer?
We make rings, necklaces and pendants, chains, bracelets and cuffs, and earrings — all handcrafted from recycled sterling silver or 18k gold vermeil. Rings are our core category, ranging from classic signet rings to contemporary gemstone-adorned band
What's the Signature Range?
The Signature Range is the foundation of Merchants® — our core bestsellers, crafted in limited edition batches and periodically restocked based on demand. These are masculine, timeless designs built to last. Prices range from $89–$349 AUD. They're th
Can I wear your jewelry every day?
Absolutely. Our pieces are designed for everyday wear. The lost wax casting process creates incredibly durable, detailed pieces built to last a lifetime. Sterling silver and gold vermeil are both suitable for daily wear — just follow simple care prac
Are you sustainable?
Merchants® is B Corp certified and committed to genuine sustainability. Here's what that means in practice: we use recycled 925 sterling silver from certified suppliers (no virgin mining), offer 18k gold vermeil instead of solid gold (reducing mining
What is B Corp certification?
B Corp certification means we meet rigorous standards for environmental and social performance. It's a credible third-party validation — not something we self-proclaim. We're legally required to consider our impact on workers, customers, community, a