Hypoallergenic jewelry is jewelry made from materials unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. The term means "less likely to cause allergies" — not completely allergy-proof. Truly hypoallergenic jewelry uses nickel-free metals such as 316L surgical steel, titanium, or platinum as the base material, avoiding the reactive metals — primarily nickel and cobalt — that cause most jewelry-related skin reactions.

The word is unregulated in the US, meaning any brand can use it without testing or certification. Always ask for the specific base metal grade rather than trusting the label alone. See our complete guide: The Complete Guide to Hypoallergenic Jewelry →

Yes, completely. Every piece is made from 316L surgical steel — the same material used in medical implants and surgical instruments. It contains no nickel, lead, or other common allergens. We test every design for nickel release and meet EU REACH safety standards.

If you've ever had a reaction to jewelry, the most common cause is nickel in the base metal. Our surgical steel base eliminates that source entirely. Learn more about nickel allergy and jewelry →

No — gold plated brass is not reliably hypoallergenic. The gold layer is a coating over a brass base. Brass frequently contains nickel as a hardening agent, and as the gold plating wears away through normal use, the reactive brass makes direct contact with your skin. Jewelry that causes no reaction for months can suddenly cause reactions once the plating thins.

The base metal determines long-term safety — not the gold finish. This is why Caeli uses 316L surgical steel as the base: even as the gold layer shows wear over time, the exposed steel remains safe. Gold vermeil vs gold plated vs gold filled — full comparison →

Gold vermeil can be hypoallergenic — but only if the base metal is safe. "Vermeil" describes the gold finish (minimum 2.5 microns of real 14K gold), not what's underneath.

• Gold vermeil over brass: Not hypoallergenic long-term. The brass base contains nickel that is exposed as the gold wears.
• Gold vermeil over 316L surgical steel: Genuinely hypoallergenic. Even as the gold layer thins, the exposed base metal remains safe for sensitive skin.

All Caeli pieces use gold vermeil over surgical steel. Always ask: vermeil over what?

Hypoallergenic does not automatically mean tarnish-resistant — these are separate properties. Tarnishing depends on whether the base metal oxidizes.

316L surgical steel does not oxidize, so jewelry built on it has dramatically better tarnish resistance than brass-based pieces. Caeli's gold vermeil over surgical steel maintains its color far longer than standard gold plating over brass, which tarnishes as the plating wears. Full guide: does hypoallergenic jewelry tarnish? →

No. The 316L stainless steel base will never tarnish, rust, or corrode. The 14K gold vermeil finish (2.5+ microns thick) is designed to maintain its color for years with proper care.

Unlike cheaper jewelry with thin plating (0.05-0.1 microns), our vermeil layer is 25-50x thicker and resists wear from daily use, showering, and exercise.

Every Caeli piece is crafted from 316L surgical-grade stainless steel with a 14K gold vermeil finish (2.5+ microns thick).

• 316L steel: The same material used in medical implants — completely hypoallergenic, tarnish-proof, and water-resistant
• 14K vermeil: 25-50x thicker than standard fashion jewelry plating, ensuring lasting color and durability
• Nickel-free, lead-free: Meets EU REACH safety standards for nickel release

The finish is real 14K gold vermeil — a thick layer of genuine 14-karat gold over surgical steel. Vermeil (pronounced vehr-MAY) requires a minimum 2.5 micron gold layer by FTC standards. Our plating meets and exceeds this requirement.

It's not solid gold, but the gold you see and touch is real 14K gold. The surgical steel base provides durability, hypoallergenic properties, and water resistance that solid gold can't offer. Compare gold vermeil, gold plated, and gold filled →

Yes — gold vermeil over 316L surgical steel is water-resistant and safe for showers. The surgical steel base does not react to water or moisture. Daily showers, sweat, rain, and hand washing will not damage Caeli jewelry.

We recommend rinsing after prolonged exposure to chlorinated pools or saltwater to preserve the gold finish over time — not because the steel is affected, but because chlorine can accelerate gold layer wear. Full shower jewelry guide →

Yes — Caeli jewelry is designed for 24/7 wear. You can:

• ✓ Shower — hot or cold water, daily showers
• ✓ Exercise — gym, yoga, running, any activity
• ✓ Sleep — comfortable and safe overnight
• ✓ Everyday life — rain, humidity, hand washing
• ⚠ Chlorinated pools & saltwater — rinse after to preserve gold finish

The 316L surgical steel base is completely waterproof. The gold vermeil finish is water-resistant — prolonged chlorine or saltwater exposure can accelerate gold wear over time. Jewelry you can sleep in: what's actually safe →

US Domestic: 3-7 business days with free shipping on orders over $50. Orders under $50 have a flat $5.95 shipping fee.

International: 7-21 business days depending on destination. Rates calculated at checkout.

All orders are processed within 1-2 business days. You'll receive a tracking number via email once your order ships. See our full Shipping Policy →

We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with your Caeli piece, return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

Conditions:

• Item must be unworn and in original condition
• Original packaging included
• Certificate of authenticity enclosed
• Email hello@caelijewelry.com with your order number to initiate

Return shipping is free for US customers — we'll email a prepaid return label. See our full Returns & Refunds Policy →

Yes — we ship to over 50 countries worldwide. International shipping rates and delivery times vary by location and are calculated at checkout. All international orders include tracking. Customers are responsible for any customs duties or import taxes charged by their country.

Yes — free exchanges within 30 days for US customers. Email hello@caelijewelry.com with your order number and the item you want instead. We'll send your new item immediately and provide a prepaid return label for the original.

Best method: Visit a local jeweler for professional sizing (free at most jewelry stores).

At-home method:

1. Wrap a string around your finger where the ring will sit
2. Mark where the string overlaps
3. Measure the length in millimeters
4. Compare to a standard US ring size chart

Pro tip: Measure at the end of the day when fingers are slightly larger. Ring should slide on with slight resistance and slide off with a gentle tug.

Yes — all Caeli necklaces feature a 2-inch extender chain, giving you flexibility in length. Standard lengths range from 16–18 inches. A 16" chain sits at the collarbone; 18" sits just below. For layering: How to Layer Necklaces Without Looking Overdone →

We offer free size exchanges within 30 days. Email hello@caelijewelry.com with your order number and we'll ship your new size immediately with a return label for the original.

Daily cleaning: Wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing to remove oils and residue.

Deep cleaning:

1. Soak briefly (20–30 seconds) in warm water with one drop of mild dish soap
2. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush — no pressure
3. Rinse thoroughly under cool running water
4. Pat dry immediately — never air dry

Never use: Toothpaste, bleach, rubbing alcohol, commercial jewelry cleaner, or abrasive materials — these thin the gold layer. See our complete jewelry cleaning guide →

With proper care, the 14K gold vermeil finish will maintain its color for years. The 2.5+ micron plating is 25-50x thicker than standard fashion jewelry, making it significantly more resistant to wear.

To maximize longevity:

• Wipe after each wear
• Apply perfume and lotions before putting jewelry on
• Rinse after chlorinated pools or saltwater
• Store in the provided velvet pouch
• Avoid harsh chemicals (bleach, household cleaners)

We accept:

• All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay
• Buy Now, Pay Later — Klarna and Afterpay (4 interest-free payments)

All transactions are encrypted and secure.

Yes. Every Caeli order arrives gift-ready in our signature navy box with velvet pouch, certificate of authenticity, care card, and story card. No price information is included. Add a personal gift message at checkout at no charge. The recipient can exchange for a different size within 30 days.

Every Caeli design is released in a limited run of exactly 100 individually numbered pieces. Once those 100 sell out, we permanently retire the design — never restocked, never recreated.

Each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity showing its unique number (1/100, 2/100, etc.). Your piece is one of only 100 in existence, ever.

Contact us at hello@caelijewelry.com or call (832) 224-5786. We respond within 24 hours, Monday–Friday. Every message is read and answered by a real person.