Materials Guide
Stainless steel, sterling silver, rhodium, zircons… each material has its own qualities. Here's what sets them apart and how to care for them so your Fïve jewelry keeps its shine.
Stainless steel
An alloy based on iron and chromium, very durable and easy to live with every day.
- Properties: hypoallergenic and nickel-free, resistant to water, sweat, and scratches. Doesn't tarnish or turn skin green.
- Look: a cool, uniform shine, very stable over time.
- Care: almost none needed. A soft, slightly damp cloth is enough. It can be worn every day, including in the shower or at the gym.
It's the material behind most Fïve pieces: designed for everyday wear with no fuss.
Sterling silver (925)
A precious metal made of 92.5% pure silver, alloyed with 5% other metals (usually copper) to strengthen it.
- Properties: precious metal, warm and luminous shine. More sensitive to oxidation than stainless steel: it can tarnish on contact with air, humidity, or certain cosmetics.
- Look: a more nuanced, lively shine than stainless steel.
- Care: clean it regularly with a polishing cloth or a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid contact with seawater, chlorine, and perfumes or creams applied directly to the jewelry. Store away from air, ideally in a pouch or a closed case.
Rhodium (rhodium plating)
Rhodium isn't a piece of jewelry on its own but a surface treatment: a thin layer of rhodium (a precious metal from the platinum family) is deposited by electrolysis onto silver to protect it.
- Properties: gives a mirror-like shine, boosts scratch resistance, and slows the oxidation of the silver underneath.
- Good to know: rhodium plating wears off gradually over time and with friction. A refresh every 2 to 3 years at a jeweler's brings back its original shine.
- Care: the same precautions as for sterling silver — avoid harsh chemicals and excessive rubbing, which speed up the wear of the rhodium layer.
Zircons (cubic zirconia)
A synthetic stone made of zirconium oxide, cut to mimic the sparkle of a diamond at an accessible price.
- Properties: very sparkly, clean facets, nearly indistinguishable from a diamond to the naked eye. Hardness of 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale (versus 10 for diamond), making it a bit more prone to scratches over the very long term.
- Look: a pure, luminous sparkle, available colorless or in many shades.
- Care: easy. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, rinse and dry the stone well to keep its full sparkle. Avoid knocks against hard surfaces.
In summary
| Material | Type | Care | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Non-precious alloy | Minimal | Everyday wear without a second thought |
| 925 Sterling silver | Precious metal | Regular | A warm, precious shine |
| Rhodium | Surface treatment | Refresh every 2-3 years | Enhancing and protecting silver |
| Cubic zirconia | Synthetic stone | Easy | Diamond sparkle at a small price |
General tips
- Remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, intense exercise, or sleeping when possible — even stainless steel lasts longer with a bit of care.
- Apply perfume, creams, and sprays before putting on your jewelry, never after.
- Store each piece separately to avoid scratches between pieces of jewelry.
Need help?
Have a question about the material of a Fïve piece? Write to us at contact@fivejewelsparis.com — we'll be happy to help.
