What our jewelry is made from

Two materials. That is all.

Base: 316L surgical grade stainless steel

This is the same medical grade stainless steel used in pacemakers, joint replacements, and orthopedic implants. 316L is widely recognized in dermatology and medical device literature as a low nickel release material, which is why it is the standard choice for jewelry intended for people with metal allergies. See the American Academy of Dermatology guidance on nickel allergy.

Finish: 14K gold plating

We use a 2.5 plus micron plating, which is roughly 25 to 50 times thicker than the gold layer on standard plated fashion jewelry. The plating is what gives you the warm gold look. The 316L base is what makes the piece safe for sensitive skin.

Because our base metal is stainless steel and not sterling silver, our pieces are correctly labeled as 14K gold plated stainless steel, not vermeil. Vermeil is a regulated term under FTC rules (16 CFR Part 23, Subpart C, Section 23.5) that requires a sterling silver base. We respect the term and we do not misuse it. Read our full breakdown of the FTC vermeil rule and why most brands ignore it.

What this means for your skin

• Designed for sensitive skin. Nickel is the leading cause of contact dermatitis from jewelry, affecting roughly 10 to 20 percent of women in North America according to dermatology literature. 316L is chosen specifically because it minimizes that exposure.
• No green discoloration. Green skin is caused by copper or brass bases reacting with skin oils and sweat. Stainless steel does not oxidize in that way.
• No tarnishing. 316L is inherently corrosion resistant.
• Built for 24 hour wear. Thick gold plating plus a corrosion proof base means you do not have to take pieces off for showers, workouts, sleep, or pool days.

What we are not

We are not solid gold. Solid 14K gold is a beautiful material and beyond the budget of an everyday jewelry wardrobe for most people. We give you a similar look at a much lower price.

We are not gold filled. Gold filled has a thicker bonded gold layer but typically uses brass as the base. Brass can still cause reactions in highly sensitive individuals.

We are not standard gold plated fashion jewelry. Standard plating is 0.05 to 0.1 microns thick and wears off within weeks. Ours is 25 to 50 times thicker than that.

Honest about what we know and what we do not

We have not commissioned an independent lab to certify a specific nickel release figure for each finished Caeli piece. What we can say is this: the 316L surgical steel category as a whole is widely documented in medical and industrial literature as a low nickel release material, which is why it is the standard for jewelry posts, surgical instruments, and orthopedic devices.