Our Materials
What we’re made of, and why it matters.
At Athenassa, we create jewellery that’s made to last and feel meaningful from the inside out. That means carefully chosen materials, responsible sourcing, and finishes that look as beautiful years from now as they do today. It’s not just about what sparkles, it’s about how it’s made.
Recycled metals
Gold Vermeil
We use a thick layer of 18k gold over 100% recycled sterling silver. Known as vermeil, it’s the premium standard for gold-plated jewellery, long-lasting, tarnish-resistant, and beautiful to wear every day.
Sterling Silver
All of our silver jewellery is made with 925 certified sterling silver, crafted from 92.5% pure recycled silver and 7.5% alloys to ensure strength, shine, and durability.
14ct Solid Gold
For our most elevated pieces, we use solid 14ct gold, warm in tone and beautifully resilient, it’s a material you can wear (and love) forever.
Diamonds and gemstones
Diamonds
We work with both lab-grown and mined diamonds, but always with ethics in mind. Our mined diamonds are conflict-free and comply with the Kimberley Process, while our lab grown diamonds are created using certified renewable energy and a fraction of the carbon footprint.
Gemstones
Each stone we use is chosen for its beauty, colour and symbolism. We’re committed to full supply chain traceability, and all our gemstone suppliers meet strict social, environmental, and ethical standards.
Pearls
Our cultured freshwater pearls are sourced from carefully chosen farms across Asia. Each one takes years to grow and is selected by hand, which means no two are the same. It’s nature’s luxury, reimagined for today.
Sustainable packaging
Because the unboxing should feel as good as what’s inside. Every Athenassa order arrives gift boxed in plastic-free, fully recyclable packaging. Our jewellery pouches are reusable, and we encourage you to keep them, they’re perfect for storing your pieces (and keeping them tangle-free). We’re always looking for ways to make our packaging more circular, more beautiful, and more planet-kind.
Hallmarking and certification
Proof of what we promise.
All our sterling silver is 925 certified, and our solid gold pieces are hallmarked to UK Assay Office standards, confirming the purity and authenticity of our materials.
Traceability in progress
We’re building a fully traceable supply chain, not just for metals and stones, but for every detail down to chains, findings and clasps. It’s not perfect yet, but we’re moving in the right direction and always committed to transparency.
People and process
Every Athenassa piece is handmade in workshops carefully selected for their expertise, values, and working conditions. We build long-term partnerships with our makers and only work with suppliers who uphold ethical labour standards.
Because how your jewellery is made matters, just as much as how it looks.
Quality you can feel
We don’t make throwaway jewellery. Every Athenassa piece is made in small production runs by skilled makers, using only high-quality materials and time-honoured techniques. We test everything for strength, wearability and finish, and we stand behind every piece you buy.
We’re not perfect, but we’re proud of our standards, and always working to raise them.
