Jewelry Metal Types
Caring for Your MONOLISA Jewelry Metals
At MONOLISA, Artist Lisa Ramos thoughtfully designs each piece using premium metals chosen for their beauty, durability, and timeless appeal. The current collections feature Argentium silver, traditional sterling silver, 14k palladium white gold, high-karat 14k gold, and 14k gold-filled metals—each selected for its distinct qualities.
Earlier collections were crafted with brass and plated metals; these are no longer part of our designs as we focus on the finest, longer-lasting materials. Below you’ll find care notes for each metal type to help preserve your jewelry’s brilliance.
14k Gold Jewelry
MONOLISA 14 Karat Gold Jewelry Collection is designed in high-karat 14k yellow gold. The solid 14k gold material is sourced from LBMA-listed refiners—certified, independently audited, and traceable, conflict-free supplies.
14k Palladium White Gold Jewelry
MONOLISA 14k Palladium White Gold Jewelry Collection is designed in high-karat gold with palladium. 14k palladium white gold contains 58% pure gold, ~15% palladium, with the remainder copper and silver. It’s hypo-allergenic, tarnish-resistant, and nickel-free, with a light gray appearance and greater strength than traditional white gold. Palladium is rarer than gold. Read more.
Argentium® Silver
Argentium silver contains 94% pure silver—more pure than traditional 925—and is up to seven times more tarnish-resistant than sterling. It’s nickel-free, exceptionally bright with a beautiful white finish, made in the USA, and uses ethically sourced silver. More about Argentium silver.
Traditional Sterling
MONOLISA uses high-quality sterling silver alloys for strength and durability. Sterling jewelry won’t wear down like plating can and is generally considered hypoallergenic. The sterling material is made in the USA.
Titanium Metal
Titanium is exceptionally lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant. It’s widely considered hypoallergenic and ideal for comfortable everyday jewelry. Read 10 Facts About Titanium Metal Jewelry.
14k Gold Filled Jewelry
Gold-filled has a thick, bonded layer of gold (far more gold than plating), making it more valuable, durable, and tarnish-resistant. It has the appearance of high-karat gold. Read 10 Facts About Gold-Filled Jewelry.
14k Rose Gold Filled Jewelry
Rose gold-filled features a bonded gold layer that resists tarnish and wears like high-karat gold. Copper in the alloy creates the warm pink hue. Rose gold-filled metals are made in the USA.
Jewelry Metals Guide: How to Choose the Right Metal
Choosing jewelry isn’t just about style — it’s also about materials, comfort, and how a piece will hold up over time. This evergreen guide explains the differences between 14k gold filled, solid 14k gold, Argentium® silver, and traditional sterling silver, and why these metals are used throughout MONOLISA collections.
How to Choose Comfortable Earrings for Sensitive Ears
Choosing earrings for sensitive ears is not just about style — comfort, weight, and materials all matter. In this guide, California artist Lisa Ramos shares her approach to designing lightweight handmade earrings using quality materials such as Argentium® silver, titanium, and nickel-free 14k gold filled metals.
The article also explores why some earrings irritate sensitive ears, how lightweight designs can improve comfort, and why versatile styles like earring jackets have become a favorite for travel and long art show days.
Why I Use Argentium® Silver Instead of Traditional Sterling Silver
Discover why artist Lisa Ramos uses Argentium® silver in select MONOLISA handmade jewelry designs. This educational article explores the differences between Argentium® silver and traditional sterling silver, including purity, tarnish resistance, comfort, metalsmithing techniques, and everyday wearability.
The article also shares Lisa’s personal experience working with Argentium® silver, including why she appreciates its bright white finish, fusing capabilities, and long-term durability for handcrafted jewelry.
