Our Materials & Craftsmanship

Overview

ATHENAIE creates jewelry with premium, jewelry‑grade materials: 925 sterling silver, Murano glass torch‑worked in our own studio, solid 14K gold accents, brilliant 3A cubic zirconia, and select designs embellished with Crystals by Swarovski®. Each piece is hand‑finished for a fine‑jewelry look and made to be gift‑ready for life’s most meaningful moments.

Gifting tip: Pair a bracelet with 3–5 charms for a classic starter set that looks polished from day one.

1) 925 Sterling Silver

Timeless • Durable • REACH‑tested

Most ATHENAIE charms and bracelets are crafted from 925 sterling silver (92.5% pure silver), the standard for fine silver jewelry. We hand‑polish every surface, and most pieces are then finished with rhodium plating (see “Rhodium Plating”) for a brighter, whiter shine. Every ATHENAIE product is tested to EU REACH nickel‑release limits before it goes on sale.

Why it’s a great gift: sterling silver suits any style and pairs beautifully with Murano glass and enamel colors.

2) Murano Glass, Torch‑Worked in Our Studio

Handmade bead by bead • Rich, layered color

Our glass beads are made from Italian Murano glass rods, shaped one at a time at the torch in our own studio. Colors are layered by hand, so no two beads are exactly alike.

Each bead is handmade with traditional lampwork (flamework) techniques: glass rods are heated, wound and layered around a mandrel. Subtle bubbles, ribbons and foil effects come from careful temperature control and color stacking. Each finished bead is fitted with a smooth, unthreaded 925 sterling silver core.

Italian Murano glass rods, ready for the torch

Lampwork artistry: heating, winding and layering at the torch

Professional glassworking tools (USA) for consistent quality

Gift idea: choose a Murano glass bead in a birthstone shade to personalize any bracelet.

3) Solid 14K Gold Accents

Warm glow • Heirloom appeal

Select designs feature solid 14K gold details on 925 sterling silver: solid gold rather than plating, for a warm glow on milestone keepsakes. A few other designs use 18K gold plating on small details, and each product page states exactly which finish is used.

4) 3A Cubic Zirconia & Crystals

Cut for fire • Selected for clarity

We set 3A‑grade cubic zirconia, chosen for precise cutting and lively sparkle at an approachable price. Select crystal drop designs are embellished with Crystals by Swarovski®.

5) Micro‑Pavé Setting

Fine‑jewelry technique • Hand set under magnification

Stones are secured with micro‑pavé — a high‑end technique where tiny prongs are formed under magnification to hold each stone precisely. Compared with glued settings, micro‑pavé delivers superior durability, crisp light return and a refined, couture look.

Result: a field of uniform sparkle that elevates everyday style into special‑occasion shine.

6) Rhodium Plating

Most of our 925 sterling silver pieces are finished with rhodium plating; any unplated design is marked on its product page. Rhodium is a bright, hard metal from the platinum family: it gives silver a whiter, more reflective shine, helps resist everyday scratches, and slows tarnish while the plating is intact, so pieces need less frequent polishing.

7) Enamel Artistry

Color stories • Smooth gloss • Long‑wear finish

ATHENAIE enamel is applied in carefully controlled layers and cured for a smooth, glassy surface. It delivers saturated color that complements silver and glass, adding character to themed charms without sacrificing durability.

Gifting note: enamel motifs make it easy to tell a story — travel, luck, love, or a favorite hobby.

Explore More

Need sizing or care tips to keep your jewelry shining? Check these guides: