Fleur-de-lis Crucifix Fanned Crucifix Classic Crucifix How Lifetime Jewelry Is Made For one thing, we make our jewelry here in the United States. For another, our jewelry is made with a proprietary formula known only to our highly skilled artisans. We apply 20 micro inches to a core made of semi-precious metals in order to improve resistance to tarnishing and the look and feel of solid gold. How Common Plated Jewelry Is Made Normally, electroplate has 2-4 micro inches of gold on it which isn't much. This is why it tends to wear so quickly. The pot metal core is usually made of nickel or steel which tend to cause allergic reactions in people. Lifetime Jewelry Process Standard Manufacture Process We have been a family run small business since 1987 We are real people who use our own products every day We expect the best for our families and want the same for yours We cut no corners in our products, and will cut no corners in our support to you Proudly made in the USA How to Care for Your Fine Fashion Jewelry Handle with Love: Treat your jewelry delicately to preserve its beauty. Gentle Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Prior to this, remove any oils with a touch of alcohol or vinegar. Avoid Abrasives: Refrain from using abrasive substances, as they can potentially harm the gold plating, regardless of its thickness. Here's a fun fact: You can also clean your gold plated jewelry with beer! Simply submerge the piece in beer for a few minutes, rinse it off with running water, and then gently polish it with Lifetime Jewelry polishing cloth (available on Amazon) or a soft cloth. It's an unconventional but effective way to maintain your jewelry's luster. With the above steps, your beautiful jewelry will continue to sparkle and delight for years to come. Enjoy your precious pieces!