Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Medal in Sterling Silver, 11.5mm

Precious Metals at Sophia Jewelers

Every piece is crafted from certified precious metals selected for lasting brilliance and skin-safe wear.

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 and everyday wear.

18k Gold (Premium)

75% pure gold. Richer in color, slightly softer than 14k. Preferred for statement and heirloom 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 jewelry 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. The difference is origin and price: created in a controlled environment, lab-grown diamonds are typically 50-70% less expensive than comparable mined stones, meaning you get a larger, higher-quality diamond for your budget.

All Sophia Jewelers lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free by definition and independently graded by IGI or GIA using the same 4C criteria applied to mined diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

How to Care for Your Jewelry

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

Daily Wear

• Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or using cleaning products
• Apply lotion, perfume, and hairspray before putting on your jewelry — chemicals can dull metal and damage stones
• Avoid wearing jewelry during gym workouts or high-contact activities
• Put jewelry on last when getting dressed — last on, first off

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. This method is 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 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. Most jewelers offer this service free of charge.

Shipping

Free standard shipping on all orders over $99. Orders ship within 2–3 business days in insured packaging.

• Standard Shipping: Free on orders over $99 (5-7 business days)
• Expedited Shipping: 2-3 business days (additional fee at checkout)
• Overnight Shipping: Next business day (available for select items)

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

Returns and Exchanges

We offer a 30-day return policy on all unworn, unaltered items in original condition with original packaging. Custom-engraved and custom-sized items are not eligible for return.

To begin a return or exchange, email info@sophiajewelers.com with your order number. Our team responds within one business day.