Heart Locket in Sterling Silver, 16mm

Precious Metals at Sophia Jewelers

Our jewelry comes in a range of metals, from gold, platinum and sterling silver to stainless steel and titanium. Each product page lists its exact metal.

14k Gold (Most Popular)

58.3% pure gold. The ideal balance of durability and color richness. Available in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. The standard choice for fine jewelry.

18k Gold (Premium)

75% pure gold. Richer in color, slightly softer than 14k. Preferred for heirloom and statement pieces where purity matters most.

10k Gold (Everyday Value)

41.7% pure gold. The most durable gold alloy — ideal for active wearers. Stamped 417 on the piece.

Sterling Silver

92.5% pure silver, stamped 925. Cool-toned and versatile. Best for occasional wear; silver develops a natural patina over time.

Platinum

Naturally white, hypoallergenic, and the most durable precious metal. Recommended for those with nickel sensitivities.

Titanium & Stainless Steel

Lightweight, hypoallergenic, and virtually maintenance-free. Excellent for everyday wear and sensitive skin.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. Same carbon crystal structure, same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), same brilliance. Created in a controlled environment, lab-grown diamonds are typically 50-70% less expensive than comparable mined stones. Lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free by origin. Grading reports are included only when the individual product details specify one.

Choosing the Right Pendant or Charm

Pendant Sizing and Chain Length

The chain length determines where a pendant sits on the body. A quick reference guide:

• 14 inches (Choker): Sits at the base of the throat. Works with small, delicate pendants only.
• 16 inches (Princess): Rests at the collarbone. The most popular length for solitaire and small pendants.
• 18 inches: Hangs just below the collarbone. Versatile — suits most pendant sizes and necklines.
• 20-22 inches (Matinee): Sits on the chest. Works well for larger, statement pendants.
• 24-30 inches (Opera): Falls below the neckline. Best for bold pendants or layered looks.

As a rule: larger and heavier pendants look best on longer chains. Small, delicate pendants can feel lost on a long chain.

Layering Pendants

Vary chain lengths by 2-4 inches between each layer. Classic three-layer: 16", 18", 20-22". Mix pendant sizes from small at the shortest layer to larger at the longest. Mixing chain styles — box chain, cable chain, snake chain — adds texture without clutter.

Charm Bracelet Compatibility

Charms are designed to attach via lobster claw clasp or jump ring to a bracelet or chain. Standard compatibility works with bracelets that accept 3-5mm wire gauges. Contact us with your bracelet details and we will confirm compatibility before you purchase.

Pendant Types at Sophia Jewelers

• Solitaire pendant — a single stone in a bezel or prong setting, the most classic choice
• Cluster pendant — multiple stones arranged together for maximum brilliance
• Locket — opens to hold a photo or keepsake; a timeless heirloom style
• Cross pendant — available in plain metal and gemstone-set styles across all metals
• Symbolic charm — hearts, stars, initials, animals, zodiac signs; ideal for charm bracelets

Caring for Your Jewelry

Fine jewelry deserves thoughtful care. These guidelines will keep your pieces luminous for years.

Daily Wear

• Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or using cleaning products
• Apply lotion, perfume, and hairspray before putting on your jewelry
• Avoid wearing jewelry during gym workouts or high-contact activities
• Put jewelry on last when getting dressed

Cleaning at Home

Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Soak for 15-20 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Safe for gold, platinum, and most gemstones. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for pearls, opals, and emeralds.

Storage

Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or compartmentalized jewelry box to prevent scratching. Keep chains laid flat or hung to avoid tangling. Store silver in anti-tarnish pouches to slow oxidation.

Professional Care

Have precious stone jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected once a year to check prong integrity, stone security, and clasp function.

Shipping

Standard shipping is free on US orders of $99 or more. Orders ship within 2–3 business days in insured packaging.

• Standard: free on US orders of $99 or more; under $99, the USPS rate is shown at checkout
• Faster delivery: USPS Priority Mail, UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS Next Day Air, priced at checkout
• International: Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia and Japan, priced at checkout

A tracking number is emailed as soon as your order ships.

Returns and Exchanges

Return or exchange unworn items within 30 days of delivery, with their original tags and packaging. Request a return authorization (RMA) first; refunds carry a 10% restocking fee, waived for store credit. Engraved and personalized pieces can't be returned.

To start a return or exchange, email info@sophiajewelers.com with your order number, or see how returns work.