Vivienne Westwood Questions & Answers

It depends on the line. Vivienne Westwood sells two distinct ranges: a solid 925 sterling silver collection, and a much larger plated brass collection in gold-tone, platinum-tone and rose-gold-tone. The product title and description on every OD's listing states the exact metal — if it says ‘sterling silver’ it is solid 925; if it says ‘platinum-plated’ or ‘gold-plated’ the base is 100% brass with a precious-metal coating (confirmed on our product specs).

Yes. There is a dedicated sterling silver Orb earring and pendant range, and the OD's sterling silver VW selection is filtered so you can shop it directly. Sterling silver is the right choice if you have sensitive ears or want a piece that won't wear through over years of daily use.

No. Vivienne Westwood gold-tone pieces are gold-plated over brass, not solid 9ct/18ct gold. This is normal for designer fashion jewellery and is exactly why a gold Orb earring costs £70–£120 instead of several hundred pounds. The plating is durable for everyday wear if kept dry and stored in its pouch.

Genuine pieces have the signature 3D Orb crisply cast (not flat or blurry), the correct model code stamped or on the tag, and arrive in branded packaging with a pouch. Counterfeits usually get the Orb proportions wrong and feel light. Buying from an authorised UK stockist like OD's removes all doubt — every piece is genuine and boxed.

Tell-tale signs of a counterfeit: a flat, blurry or wrongly-proportioned Orb (the genuine Orb is crisp and 3D, with the cross and ring clearly defined); a missing or incorrect model code; pieces that feel light or hollow; glued rather than set stones; plating that wears off within weeks; and cheap, generic packaging with no branded pouch or spelling errors on the cards. Prices far below £60 from an unknown marketplace seller are the biggest red flag.

The sterling silver line won't — it's solid 925. Plated pieces can dull over time if exposed to perfume, water or sweat; keep them dry, wipe after wear and store in the pouch and they'll stay bright far longer. If you react to plated metals, choose the sterling silver range.

At OD's, earrings dominate — they make up 10 of our 12 fastest-selling VW lines. The Orb stud and small-hoop earrings are the classic entry point; the Ariella heart-crystal bracelet is our single best-selling individual piece.

An Orb pendant necklace or a pair of Orb stud earrings — both sit under £100, are instantly recognisable as Vivienne Westwood, and suit almost anyone. For pearls, the Gaby and Mila lines are popular gifting choices.

The sterling silver earring range. Solid 925 silver is hypoallergenic for most people, unlike plated brass which can irritate sensitive skin.

For a designer watch, yes — OD's VW watches are Swiss-made with stainless-steel or gold-plated cases, mineral-glass lenses, 5 ATM water resistance and a 2-year warranty. They're bought for design and brand, not horological investment, so ‘worth it’ if you love the Orb look rather than for resale value.

At OD's that's the Wallace and Limehouse — gold-plated bracelet watches with a striking green dial (around £295–£300). These are the green-faced gold watches most people mean by ‘the gold and green one’. (The older ‘Time Machine’ line is a separate, largely discontinued design.)

It's a premium designer / fashion watch brand, not a Swiss luxury house like Omega or Tag Heuer. Price and positioning sit in the affordable-designer tier — strong on identity and style.

OD's VW watches are rated 5 ATM (50m) — fine for handwashing, rain and brief swimming, but not for diving or hot showers. Water-resistant, not waterproof.

For its price tier, yes — it's well-finished designer fashion jewellery with strong, consistent Orb branding. The sterling silver line is the highest-quality option; the plated lines are good everyday pieces if cared for. It is not fine jewellery (no solid gold/diamonds), and isn't priced as such.

Yes — the crystal and pearl bracelets (like the best-selling Ariella) are nicely made for the £100–£120 range. As with all the plated lines, keep them dry and stored to protect the finish.

It varies by piece, and each OD's product spec lists the exact stone. Several lines use genuine mother of pearl (e.g. the Petra earrings and Mother Orb watch dials); others use pearl-effect beads and faceted crystals and cubic zirconia for sparkle — Vivienne Westwood has a long history of using Swarovski crystals, and as formulations can change we always state the material on the product page. Want to see the finish for yourself? The full range is on display in our St Helens store.

Vivienne Westwood is a British design house (founded by Dame Vivienne Westwood). The watches are Swiss-made; jewellery is manufactured to VW's design specification. The design identity — the Orb — is the brand's signature.

Lower prices reflect the plated brass construction and simpler designs — still genuine Vivienne Westwood, just not solid silver. ‘Cheap’ genuine pieces start around £60–£70; anything far below that from an unknown seller is worth checking for authenticity.

As designer fashion jewellery, it holds style and gift value rather than resale/investment value. You're paying for the design and the brand, not the metal weight.