Frequently Asked Questions

About Camóre Jewelry

What is Demi-Fine Jewelry?

Demi-fine jewelry means half-fine or semi-fine jewelry. It uses higher quality materials than fashion jewelry, making it a step up in quality, but it’s still more affordable than fine jewelry.

Not all gold-plated jewelry is the same in terms of quality. What truly determines quality is the thickness of the gold plating layer, which is measured in microns. Camóre pieces feature a 5-micron layer of 14K gold, which is up to 10 times more than the industry standard, and 2 times more than gold vermeil.

The type of stones also matters when defining demi-fine jewelry. We use 5A cubic zirconia, the highest quality available, chosen for their clarity and precision cut. With proper care, our goal is for Camóre pieces to last for years rather than months.

Is Camóre jewelry hypoallergenic?

Yes. All Camóre jewelry is made with a 925 sterling silver base, which is naturally hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. Creating hypoallergenic pieces was especially important to our founder, who personally can’t wear jewelry made with nickel or copper. Many fashion jewelry brands use inexpensive base metals under thin layers of gold plating, which often cause allergic reactions.

What are 5A cubic zirconias, and why do you use them?

When it comes to cubic zirconias, not all stones are the same quality. 5A CZs are the highest grade available, cut with precision to maximize clarity and brilliance. Lower-grade CZs can often look dull, cloudy, or fade over time.

Camóre only uses 5A CZs because we wanted stones that match the same level of craftsmanship as our gold and silver. Every material decision we made, from plating thickness to stone quality, was about creating jewelry that feels elevated from every angle.

What makes Camóre different from other demi-fine or gold-plated jewelry brands?

Most affordable jewelry brands use only 0.5–2.5 microns of gold plating. Camóre uses a 5-micron layer of 14K gold, which is twice the amount used in gold vermeil. Our pieces are crafted using a 925 sterling silver base to ensure stronger adhesion during the plating process and lasting hypoallergenic qualities. We also use 5A cubic zirconia, the highest grade available, chosen for their clarity and brilliance.

Another detail that sets Camóre apart is the color of our gold. We worked closely with our manufacturer to match the luxury tone of 14KT gold, so it feels elevated and high-end. Many fashion jewelry pieces look overly yellow or brassy, but Camóre was intentionally developed to feel soft, timeless, and refined.

Even the weight of each piece was considered. Camóre jewelry is designed to feel substantial in your hand and on your body, not thin, light, or flimsy, so it holds up to everyday wear without denting or breaking easily. Every decision, from the materials to the mechanisms, was made intentionally to raise the bar on what the fashion jewelry industry is currently offering.

What is the difference between gold plated, gold vermeil, and gold filled jewelry?

If you’ve ever been confused while shopping for jewelry, you’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

  • Gold plated (under 2.5 microns, base = nickel/brass/copper): A very thin layer of gold that typically tarnishes quickly, often within six months of daily wear. Because the base metals are not hypoallergenic, this type can also irritate skin.
  • Gold vermeil (2.5 microns, sterling silver base): Always has a sterling silver core and is considered higher quality than standard plating. With daily wear, gold vermeil usually lasts six months to a year.
  • Camóre (5 microns, sterling silver base): Camóre pieces use twice the amount of gold as gold vermeil and features a sterling silver base, which makes them hypoallergenic, highly tarnish-resistant, and long-lasting.
  • Gold filled (5% solid gold by weight, mechanically bonded): Very tarnish-resistant, but limited in design flexibility because of the way it’s manufactured. Most gold-filled jewelry is mass-produced in simple styles, with very limited design flexibility.

Camóre sits in that demi-fine space, offering thicker plating and finer materials than most gold-plated jewelry, while still maintaining an affordable price point.

Is Camóre jewelry tarnish-resistant or waterproof?

Camóre jewelry is highly tarnish-resistant, not tarnish-proof. No gold-plated jewelry can be considered fully “waterproof,” since exposure to water, chemicals, or daily wear will eventually cause tarnishing over time.

What sets Camóre apart is the thickness of its gold plating. Each piece is plated with a 5-micron layer of 14K gold, which is significantly more than most brands on the market. This thicker layer makes Camóre jewelry much more resistant to tarnishing and ensures it lasts longer when cared in accordance with our care guide.

Who designs Camóre jewelry?

Every Camóre piece is designed by the brand’s founder, Taylor Heller. Taylor began her career working for her mom’s fine jewelry company, where she learned the full process of creating high-quality pieces, from sketch to final product. That foundation of craftsmanship and attention to detail is what guides all of Camóre’s design decisions.

Each design begins as a hand sketch before moving through technical drawings, CAD renderings, and multiple rounds of sampling. Pieces are not released until they have been tested for both quality and wear.

What does tarnish resistance actually mean?

Tarnish resistance comes down to the thickness of the gold layer when gold-plating. Gold plating under 1 micron will tarnish very quickly. Gold vermeil at 2.5 microns lasts longer, but still usually about six months to a year with daily wear. At 5 microns, Camóre pieces are designed to last for years if cared for in accordance with our care guide.

Being tarnish-resistant doesn’t mean your jewelry will never tarnish, it means it’s built to resist tarnishing. By intentionally choosing a 5-micron layer of 14K gold, Camóre ensures its jewelry meets a true standard of tarnish resistance.

Does Camóre have a retail store?

Camóre is currently available online only at shopcamore.com. While we don’t have a retail store, we do plan to host special pop-ups and events, so you’ll be able to experience Camóre in person at select times. Make sure you’re on our email list or following us on Instagram and TikTok to be the first to hear about upcoming events.

Is Camóre made ethically?

Yes. Camóre’s manufacturing partners operate under clear ethical standards that address both people and materials. Jewelry is produced in safe, regulated facilities, where workers are paid fair wages and there is no child labor in the supply chain.

All materials, gold, silver, and stones, are sourced through vetted suppliers. Before production begins, suppliers are required to provide contracts and independent testing reports to confirm the origin, grade, and authenticity of each material. This process ensures metals are genuine, stones are properly graded, and sourcing is conducted responsibly.

Our partners also hold third-party certifications and audits including RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council), Fairmined, BSCI, SEDEX, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001. These certifications verify their commitment to ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and environmental accountability.

Does Camóre take sustainability efforts?

Yes. Camóre, as well as our manufacturing partners, have committed to measurable sustainability practices and a long-term goal of achieving highly reduced emissions.

Recyclable Metals: All jewelry is made using 100% recyclable metals and materials are only sourced from suppliers with valid sustainability certifications.

Recyclable Packaging: Our linen cinch bags are both recyclable and biodegradable, and our mailer boxes and pouch boxes are made from recycled fibers.