Laura Ashley Jewellery Sterling Silver & Gold Plating Materials Guide
This is a supporting guide to our Laura Ashley Jewellery Brand Guide.
This guide covers what Laura Ashley jewellery is made from — sterling silver composition, recycled silver, gold plating tiers, and the AnchorCert Protect hypoallergenic testing standard.
925 Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. The “925” stamp confirms this composition. Pure silver (Mohs hardness ~2.5) is too soft for everyday jewellery — the copper alloy provides significantly greater hardness and durability.
Pieces above the legal weight threshold under the Hallmarking Act 1973 carry UK hallmarks confirming composition, assay office, and manufacturer’s mark.
Recycled Sterling Silver
Metallurgically Identical
Recycled silver is obtained by melting industrial scrap and post-consumer jewellery, then refining through electrolytic processes. Once re-alloyed to 925, it is indistinguishable from newly mined silver in composition, appearance, and performance. The distinction is environmental, not material.
Gold Plating Tiers
| Tier | Thickness | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Flash plating | Under 0.175 microns | Weeks of regular wear |
| Standard plating | 0.5–1.0 microns | 6–12 months regular wear |
| Heavy plating | 1.5–2.5 microns | 1–2 years with care |
| Gold Vermeil | Minimum 2.5 microns on 925 silver | Highest standard, longest wear |
Some designs use gold-plated brass or alloy rather than silver. If plating wears through, exposed brass appears yellow-orange rather than silver’s white-grey. Brass-based pieces are not hallmarked.
AnchorCert Protect
All Laura Ashley jewellery carries AnchorCert Protect certification — developed by the Birmingham Assay Office and UKAS-accredited. It tests for metallic elements causing Allergic Contact Dermatitis using simulated sweat solution under realistic skin contact conditions.
Beyond Nickel-Free
This is a higher standard than simple “nickel-free” declarations. AnchorCert screens for a broader range of sensitising elements with independent, accredited testing — not a self-declared claim.
Quick Reference
- 925 sterling silver: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper. Hallmarked where legally required
- Recycled silver: Metallurgically identical to mined silver after refining
- Gold plating: Electroplated gold layer. Specific micron depth varies by piece
- Gold vermeil: Minimum 2.5 microns on 925 silver base. Legal definition
- Gold-plated brass: Different base metal. Not hallmarked
- AnchorCert Protect: UKAS-accredited hypoallergenic testing beyond nickel screening
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is recycled silver lower quality?
No. Recycled sterling silver is metallurgically identical to newly mined silver once refined and re-alloyed to the 925 standard. The distinction is environmental, not material.
What is the difference between gold plating and gold vermeil?
Gold vermeil must meet three criteria: 925 sterling silver base, minimum 2.5 micron gold thickness, and at least 10 karat gold purity. Standard gold plating may use thinner layers or different base metals.
What does AnchorCert Protect mean?
A UKAS-accredited testing standard from the Birmingham Assay Office that screens for multiple metallic allergens using simulated sweat solution — not just a self-declared nickel-free claim.