We believe that sustainable jewelry is not only about using environmentally friendly materials but also delivering high quality that can be enjoyed for years. With that in mind, we work hard to make sure that our suppliers share the same values.
Our materials are all handpicked and ethically sourced so that each piece of our jewelry will last and stand for sustainable jewelry.
Material that may be used in your buffagems’ pieces include:
Buffalo horn:
Buffalo horn is a by-product of the food industry which would, otherwise, become waste. Buffalo horns would be collected, and mostly hand-finished by craftsmen in Vietnam through a chemical-free process.
Due to its natural material, buffalo horn jewelry needs special care to maintain its charming look. Below are a few tips that you can apply:
- Avoid drenching your buffalo horn jewelry with water or other liquids.
- Avoid leaving buffalo horn jewelry in excessively hot or humid condition for an extended period of time.
- Clean horn jewelry with a dry soft cloth. You can add a few drops of coconut oil or jojoba oil to polish horn adornments in a circular motion.
14k Gold-filled:
“Gold filled” (or “rolled gold”) is composed of a solid layer of 14k gold permanently bonded to a base metal, such as brass.
The minimum layer of gold must equal at least 5% of the total item’s weight. It is very hard wearing and under normal wear, the gold will not peel or flake. 14k gold-filled pieces have the same appearance as 14 gold and can last for more than 10 years even with daily wear. The thick outer layer of gold makes it safe for people with allergies or sensitive skin. Our 14k gold-filled parts are sourced from the UK and USA.
Gold vermeil:
Gold vermeil is sterling silver plated with gold. Our gold vermeil parts are plated at 0,5 or 2,5 microns with 18k or 24k gold, giving them a luxury look while also being durable. Our gold vermeil parts are sourced from Germany and Italy.
Sterling silver:
Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. Our sterling silver parts are sourced from Germany.
Argentium 935 silver:
Argentium 935 silver is a brand of modern tarnish-resistant silver alloys, containing 93.5% silver. It was developed specifically to combat the tarnish that occurs as silver oxidizes when it comes into contact with air, which is a major drawback for all who love silver. Argentium silver is 7 times more tarnish-resistant than sterling silver.
Our Argentium 935 silver parts are sourced from Germany.
Brass:
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Brass jewelry has been in use for thousands of years for its long wear and bright, gold-like appearance. Brass resists tarnish better than many other jewelry metals, and when it does tarnish it tends to take on a brownish, antiqued color as it darkens.
Our brass pieces are sourced from reliable suppliers in the UK and Pakistan. They are nickel-free and made to be tarnish resistant. However, brass, as its nature, may still tarnish over time, especially when being in contact with skin oil. Some easy care like cleaning your brass pieces regularly and avoid frequent exposure to humidity would help you enjoy your brass jewelry for a long time.