The stone draws all eyes, but it's the metal that gives a piece of jewelry its character — and determines its longevity. 925 silver, rhodium finish, 18-carat yellow or rose gold plating: here's how to choose.
925 Sterling Silver: The Noble Base
"925" means the alloy contains 92.5% pure silver, supplemented with copper for strength (pure silver alone would be too soft for jewelry). This is the international standard for quality jewelry, hallmarked and recognized everywhere.
- Hypoallergenic: Nickel-free, it's suitable for sensitive skin.
- Durable: A solid silver piece of jewelry can be kept and passed down — unlike fashion alloys that blacken or tarnish.
- Repairable: It can be polished, re-set, and resized.
Rhodium Plating: The Lasting "White Gold" Shine
Our silver creations are rhodium-plated: covered with a thin layer of rhodium, a precious metal from the platinum group, rarer than gold. This treatment — the same as that applied to white gold in fine jewelry — provides:
- a bright, cool white that enhances the brilliance of moissanite;
- protection against oxidation: rhodium-plated silver does not tarnish;
- better resistance to micro-scratches.
18-Carat Yellow or Rose Gold Plating: Added Warmth
Our gold finishes apply a generous layer of 18-carat gold (75% pure gold) over a sterling silver base — the best of both worlds: the nobility of gold, the strength of solid silver, and a reasonable price.
- Yellow gold plating: The timeless classic, warm, perfect for golden to dark skin tones.
- Rose gold plating: Romantic and contemporary, flattering on fair to rosy skin tones.
How to Choose? The 3-Question Method
1. What is your skin tone?
Look at the veins on your wrist: blue/purple → cool undertone → rhodium-plated silver or rose gold. Green → warm undertone → yellow gold. Both → anything suits you.
2. What metals do you already wear?
For a gift, this is the most reliable clue: observe the color of the jewelry worn daily and stay within the same family.
3. What is the intended use?For jewelry worn every day (engagement ring, wedding band), rhodium-plated silver is the most durable. Gold finishes, like all plating, appreciate a little more care: remove them before swimming and sports.
Maintenance in two steps
Regardless of the metal: a bath of warm soapy water and a soft brush once a month, a soft cloth to polish, and storage in its box away from humidity. Full details are in our durability and maintenance guide.
At WM Paris, every creation is available in rhodium-plated silver, 18K yellow gold plated, or 18K rose gold plated — find all three finishes on our rings, necklaces, and bracelets in moissanite. And to learn everything about the stone itself, start with our moissanite guide.