Every piece starts with materials we actually trust. Here's what goes into your jewellery, and why we chose it.

14k Gold Filled

Gold filled isn't the same as gold plated, and the difference matters. It's a thick layer of real 14k gold, pressure bonded onto a base metal core using heat, not just a thin coating dipped on top. That bonding is what makes it last, gold filled pieces resist flaking, fading and tarnishing in a way plating simply can't, and some gold filled jewellery from over a century ago is still around today. It's also hypoallergenic for most people and completely waterproof, so it's built for a piece you'll actually wear every day, shower, swim and all.

925 Sterling Silver

Pure silver is too soft to hold its shape, so sterling silver mixes in a small amount of other metal, just enough to make it strong without losing that clean, bright finish. The 92.5% purity standard is recognised by jewellers worldwide, so it's easy to trust and easy to care for. A little tarnish is normal over time, but it wipes away easily, and honestly, wearing it often is the best way to keep it looking good.

Freshwater Pearls

Freshwater pearls are grown differently to most other pearls, formed from solid nacre rather than around a bead centre, which gives them that soft, warm glow instead of a hard mirror shine. We choose ours for their lustre first, since that's what gives a pearl its life, then shape and surface quality, so every pearl feels considered rather than just picked off a shelf.

Semi-Precious Beads

No two stones are exactly alike, and that's kind of the point. We use semi-precious beads to bring colour, texture and a bit of natural character into our pieces, each one with its own subtle variation that makes your piece feel a little more one of a kind.

Why it matters

We could cut corners and you'd probably never notice, not at first. But jewellery that's actually built to last is the whole reason Hey Tilly exists, so we choose materials that hold up to real life, not just a photo.