Materials
Since 1991, Dogeared has designed, sourced and produced products in the U.S.A. We have adhered to these tenants as much possible, but there are a few materials, like gems and pearls, that our domestic vendors source overseas. We use recycled sterling silver, keep our products 100% nickel-free, and use recycled packaging and mailers. Our charms are created using the ancient lost wax casting process ensuring that each charm is truly handcrafted and made to last.
CHARMS
Dogeared charms are cast in the U.S.A. with sterling silver.
- Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure sterling silver and 7.5% Copper.
- Gold finished charms are 14K gold plated over sterling silver.
In a few instances, we offer plated brass alloy charms. We use recycled brass whenever possible.
CHAINS
Most chains we use are manufactured in the U.S.A.
Here are the details:
Sterling Silver: chains have a protective coating to prevent tarnishing.
Gold Plated: 14k gold plated over sterling silver.
Gold Filled: 14/20: 14k gold bonded to brass alloys using heat and pressure, consisting of at least 5% (1/20th) of total weight.
Rose Gold: 14K rose gold plated over sterling silver.
In a few styles, we use plated brass chain.
FINDINGS
Most of our findings (clasps, beads, jump rings and wires) are manufactured in the U.S.A. All findings are sterling silver, 14/20 gold filled, or gold plated over sterling silver. In very few instances, we use brass findings.
Hoop earrings are brass alloy hoops with sterling silver posts plated with sterling silver, 14k gold.
Earrings with ear wires are plated brass alloy designs with sterling silver ear wires or plated 14k gold, 14k rose gold or black rhodium over sterling silver.
EARRINGS
Stud earrings are:
sterling silver with sterling silver posts.
14k gold plated over sterling silver.
Hoop earrings are brass alloy that are:
sterling silver plated with sterling silver posts
14K gold plated with 14K gold plated sterling silver posts
Ear Wire styles are brass alloy with:
sterling silver plated with sterling silver ear wires
14K gold plated with 14K gold plated ear wire
GEMS, PEARLS AND CRYSTALS
We use precious or semi-precious gemstones that originate overseas.
Every pearl we use is a cultured fresh-water pearl that originates overseas.
All Crystals are genuine Swarovski Crystals.