UNOde50 Materials & Plating Guide
This is a supporting guide to our UNOde50 Brand Guide.
This guide covers the metallurgy, plating engineering, and material science behind UNOde50 jewellery — what the metal actually is, why the plating outlasts competitors, and why certain modifications are structurally impossible.
The Base Metal: Zamak
UNOde50’s base is a Zamak zinc-aluminium alloy designed for high-fidelity lost-wax casting. Its lower melting point allows rapid solidification that retains the organic imperfections of hand-sculpted wax — the “perfectly imperfect” finish the brand is known for.
Why Zamak Matters
Substantially heavier than hollow or injection-moulded fashion jewellery. This density gives UNOde50 its weighty, precious-metal feel — a key quality differentiator.
Plating Specification
| Tier | Thickness | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Flash plating (mass-market) | Under 1 micron | Weeks |
| Vermeil standard | 2.5 microns | 1–2 years |
| Boutique standard | 3–5 microns | 2–4 years |
| UNOde50 (heavy plating) | 15–20 microns | Significantly longer |
Multi-Layer Architecture
- Copper underplating: Levels microscopic pits, provides ductile interface between zinc core and outer layers
- Barrier layer: Prevents copper migrating into silver (which causes yellowing). Nickel-free, EU REACH compliant
- Silver or 18K gold top layer: Built to 15–20 micron thickness for the finished surface
This architecture allows thick silver to adhere reliably to a dissimilar base metal without cracking, peeling, or delaminating.
Nickel-Free & Skin Safety
All UNOde50 jewellery operates under EU REACH regulatory framework (Regulation No. 1907/2006) for skin-contact metals. The nickel-free positioning applies across all pieces — silver-plated, gold-plated, and those with leather or crystal elements.
Why Rings Cannot Be Resized
The combination of base alloy and thick multi-layer plated shell creates a composite structure. Soldering temperatures compromise the base alloy. Mechanical deformation cracks the plated finish. Both methods risk permanent destruction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is UNOde50 real silver?
UNOde50 is silver-plated, not solid silver. The base is a Zamak zinc alloy coated with 15–20 microns of sterling silver — significantly thicker than standard fashion jewellery plating.
What is Zamak?
A zinc-aluminium alloy family used for high-fidelity casting. It provides the dense, weighty feel and fine surface detail that distinguish UNOde50 from lightweight fashion jewellery.
Is UNOde50 safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. All pieces are nickel-free and manufactured under EU REACH regulatory compliance for skin-contact metals. The nickel-free positioning applies to all UNOde50 pieces.