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.
Browse the Full Collection
See our full collection online, or visit us at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens.
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. Skin-contact surfaces are manufactured to meet EU REACH nickel-release limits. Note that a nickel barrier layer sits within the plating stack, so the accurate description is nickel-release compliant rather than nickel-free throughout.