Pure gold and sterling silver are hypoallergenic. Solid gold jewelry is typically a mix of gold and other alloys. 24k gold is 100% gold, but too soft and susceptible to wear and tear for everyday jewelry. 18k is 75% gold; 14k is only 58.3% gold. Most skin does fine with 14k, but we use 18k whenever possible to reduce the risk of reactions.

Gold plating involves a layer of gold over a base metal. Our custom pieces are available in an extra thick electroplated vermeil plating, which is 3 microns of 18k gold over sterling silver, so it is unlikely to cause skin reactions, even if the vermeil plating wears down over the years. Gold fill jewelry, as in some of our chains, contains a layer of gold that is bonded using heat or pressure to a base metal, usually brass. It typically contains a higher percentage of gold than vermeil, but if that layer wears off, skin may be sensitive to the brass underneath.

We work hard to ensure that our jewelry will last generations, and provides social benefit while being gentle to the Earth. All of those things make the jewelry more expensive.

Each piece is made-to-order instead of mass produced, so we don't get the price breaks factories provide to large companies ordering thousands of pieces at a time. We use a higher gold content than most companies by using solid 18k instead of 14k, and our 18k vermeil is extra-thick (12 times the gold of standard fashion plating) which is, of course, more expensive to produce. We also go to great lengths to ensure that the metals and stones we use are sourced responsibly, which drives prices up.

We contract with several different ethical manufacturers to ensure that each of our pieces is brought to you at the very best price we can achieve.

Each of our pieces is consciously crafted upon order. This is better for the environment and more sustainable for our small, independent business. We promise it's worth the wait and you'll love it for a lifetime.

We cannot accept returns on custom items where you selected specific gemstones, enamel, or engraving, unless there is a manufacturing defect. In the case of a defect on any item, please notify us at jules@allusiojewelry.com within 10 business days of delivery, and we will process an exchange. Non-custom items without any defects can be returned within 10 days for a 10% restocking fee.

Email our founder directly at jules@allusiojewelry.com.

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Allusio is a Latin word meaning to play or frolic. Play is the best way that humans learn, and we founded Allusio to encourage our clients to play with their personal narratives.