Forever Treasures: Solid Silver & Gold Jewellery That Endures
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Like the treasures in fairytales — Sleeping Beauty’s kingdom frozen in time until its awakening — true jewellery magic lies in pieces designed to endure. At Eleanor Johnson Jewellery, every creation I make is crafted from solid recycled silver or gold, chosen for their durability, beauty, and meaning. Unlike plated fashion jewellery that fades, cracks, and loses its charm, solid metal jewels are heirlooms waiting to be worn, loved, and passed down. Here are five reasons I work only with solid silver and gold when creating my handmade, sustainable jewellery in the UK.
1. Durability and Longevity
Solid silver and gold jewellery is made to last. Unlike plated jewellery, where a thin layer of precious metal can wear away to reveal a base metal like brass, solid metals remain beautiful through years of wear. This durability means your jewel can accompany you through daily life, becoming part of your story — a true modern heirloom, not a throwaway accessory.
2. Investment Pieces with Long-Term Value
Fashion jewellery may look cheap and cheerful in the moment, but it holds no value once it breaks or tarnishes. Solid silver and gold, on the other hand, retain intrinsic worth. Their value can even grow as precious metal prices rise, making them both wearable art and a long-term investment. When you choose solid gold jewellery or solid silver jewellery, you’re choosing something that carries lasting financial and emotional value.
3. Hypoallergenic and Suitable for Sensitive Skin
Jewellery should bring joy, not irritation. Many plated or alloy-based pieces contain nickel, a common allergen. That’s why I only use high-quality, nickel-free solid silver and gold alloys. With sensitive skin myself — and a family history of nickel allergies — I know how important it is to create jewellery that feels as comfortable as it looks magical.
4. Easy to Care For
The beauty of solid silver and gold is that, even if tarnish appears, it’s easily restored. A little warm water, gentle soap, a soft toothbrush, and a polishing cloth are enough to bring back their glow. Unlike plated jewellery, which can’t be re-polished without wearing away, solid metals awaken their shine again and again — just like the fairytale treasures brought back to life.
5. A Sustainable and Ethical Choice
Solid silver and gold jewellery doesn’t just last a lifetime — it also lessens the need for overconsumption. I use recycled gold and silver in all my designs, which reduces the demand for environmentally destructive mining. Choosing recycled metals means you’re investing in jewellery that honours both people and planet. And because solid gold and silver jewels are higher in value, they encourage thoughtful consumption — buying fewer, but better, pieces that you’ll cherish forever.
Conclusion: Modern Heirlooms to Treasure Forever
If you dream of jewellery that lasts — jewels that keep their beauty, carry meaning, and can be passed down like the treasures in fairytales — solid silver and gold are the only way to go. Handmade slowly in recycled metals, each Eleanor Johnson jewel is designed to be more than adornment. It’s a forever treasure: ethical, magical, and uniquely yours.
If you're interesting in commissioning your very own custom modern heirloom, check out my bespoke jewellery service for information on how we can work together.