Materials We Use

316L is a low-carbon grade of stainless steel classified as surgical grade. It contains chromium (16–18%), nickel (10–14%), and molybdenum (2–3%), which give it exceptional resistance to corrosion and oxidation. The "L" designation indicates low carbon content, which improves its resistance to corrosion in harsh environments.

Properties:

• Corrosion-resistant in saltwater, chlorinated water, and sweat
• Does not tarnish or oxidise
• Hypoallergenic — the nickel is bound within the alloy and does not migrate freely to the skin
• Hardness: approximately 200 HV (Vickers)
• Used in medical implants, surgical instruments, and watch cases

All Velorne Everyday pieces use 316L stainless steel as the base metal. No brass. No mystery alloys.

PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) is a vacuum coating process in which real 18K gold is vaporised and deposited onto the metal surface at a molecular level. A titanium adhesion layer bonds the gold to the steel substrate before the gold layer is applied.

18K gold contains 75% pure gold, with the remaining 25% comprising alloying metals for durability.

Properties:

• Adhesion: molecular-level bond — does not flake, peel, or chip
• Hardness: significantly harder than electroplated gold
• Thickness: 0.3–0.5 micron standard
• Colour: Warm 18K gold tone, or slightly lighter 14K gold tone
• Waterproof and resistant to daily wear
• Nickel-free — safe for sensitive skin

Used in: all Velorne Everyday pieces as the surface finish over 316L stainless steel.

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthesised crystalline form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂). It is optically flawless and produced in controlled conditions for consistency.

AAA is the highest commercially available cut grade. AAA CZ is faceted with precision to maximise light refraction and brilliance.

Properties:

• Hardness: 8–8.5 on the Mohs scale
• Refractive index: 2.15–2.18 (higher than diamond at 2.42 in some cuts)
• Density: 5.6–6.0 g/cm³
• Colourless (D equivalent) in AAA grade
• Resistant to chipping in normal daily wear

Used in: all Velorne pieces set with stones.

Freshwater pearls are cultured in freshwater mussels under controlled conditions. Nucleation involves inserting a small tissue graft into the mussel, which then secretes nacre around it over 2–5 years.

Baroque pearls are non-spherical freshwater pearls with an irregular, organic shape — often featuring unique surface texture and high lustre.

Grading (AA to AAAA):

• AA: good lustre, minor surface blemishes, near-round
• AAA: high lustre, minimal blemishes, near-round to round
• AAAA: very high lustre, clean surface, round - highest grade used in Velorne pieces

Properties:

• Nacre thickness: 0.5–2.5mm depending on cultivation period and grade
• Hardness: 2.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale
• Sensitive to acids, perfume, hairspray, and chlorine
• Each pearl is unique - minor variations in lustre and tone are natural

Used in: Velorne Pearl Collection. White, pink, and baroque variants.