At Noir KĀLA, every piece of jewelry tells a story shaped by passionate artisans whose craftsmanship has been passed down through generations. We are incredibly proud to collaborate with two family-owned businesses in Rajasthan, India. These workshops have been crafting jewelry for generations, and their remarkable growth reflects a clear vision: to preserve and promote rich heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Rajasthan, an exceptional land, is home to some of the most accomplished and talented artisan communities in the world. It is an honor for us to work with these master craftsmen and to ensure the longevity of their ancestral practices, giving them the recognition they fully deserve.

We craft our jewelry in small batches to ensure each piece is exclusive and of the highest quality. While handmade work remains at the heart of our creations, we have introduced designs made by molding to meet specific functional needs. These molded pieces, while respecting our quality standards, offer technical advantages that complement our artisanal range.

We choose to work with solid, earth-derived metals such as sterling silver 925, brass, 22-carat gold vermeil, and 22-carat gold-plated sterling silver, not only for their durability but also for their strong connection to nature. Each metal we use is rooted in ancient practices and carries with it a unique vibration derived from the very elements of the earth.

·       Sterling Silver 925: A noble metal par excellence, recognized for its robustness and ability to evolve with time while maintaining its shine. It embodies purity and clarity, and its high conductivity makes it a preferred choice for jewelry making. Silver, the metal of the moon, is also associated with protection and harmony in many cultures throughout the centuries.

·       Brass: An ancient alloy with a raw beauty, distinguished by its ability to patina over time. Composed of copper and zinc, brass is a resilient metal that offers a vintage aesthetic and symbolizes strength and transformation. It has been used since antiquity in decorative objects, armors, and amulets, highlighting its versatility and longevity.

·       22-Carat Gold Vermeil: By choosing 22-carat gold for plating our sterling silver pieces, we aim to combine the intensity and richness of gold with the solidity of silver, while offering an accessible product. This metal, prized since antiquity, symbolizes longevity and wealth, while distinguishing itself with its precious and timeless vibration.

·       22-Carat Gold-Plated Sterling Silver: For pieces requiring a golden finish but at a more accessible price, 22-carat gold plating offers intense shine while remaining true to Noir KĀLA's principles of quality and aesthetics. It is designed to withstand the test of time and embody wealth and elegance while being practical for daily life.

·       18-Carat Gold Vermeil or Plating on Sterling Silver: A small number of pieces are available in 18-carat gold vermeil or plating for those who appreciate a softer golden hue.

Comparison Table of Metals:

·       Silver has a lunar silver tone, sometimes completely polished, sometimes oxidized for a more complex look.

·       Brass has a coppery tone, sometimes completely polished, sometimes oxidized for a more complex look.

·       22-Carat Gold Vermeil or Plated Gold has a very pigmented golden tone, warm with pinkish highlights.

·       18-Carat Gold Vermeil or Plated Gold has a cooler, paler golden tone, leaning more towards yellow than orange.

We are committed to promoting responsible consumption by focusing on sustainable materials and prioritizing timeless collections, far from fleeting trends. Our jewelry is not only a beauty object; it embodies a legacy, an ethical approach, and a deep connection with artisanal traditions.

Sterling Silver 925
Technical Properties:

·       Composition: 92.5% pure silver + 7.5% copper and zinc.

·       Characteristics: Hypoallergenic, durable, wear-resistant, but susceptible to oxidation.

Sterling silver 925 is particularly appreciated for its robustness, lasting brilliance, and timeless character. Composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, mainly copper and zinc, this alloy is strong while retaining superior aesthetic quality. Sterling silver is prized not only for its durability but also for its ability to react and evolve with time. Its unique shine does not easily degrade, making it an excellent choice for timeless pieces that maintain their beauty over the years. Historically, silver has been used as a protective metal, notably in talismans and amulets intended to ward off negative influences.

In many ancient cultures, silver was seen as a shield against invisible and harmful forces. Used in coins and ritual objects, silver symbolized clarity, purity, and regulation of exchanges. Its reflective power, capturing light and reflecting it, made it a metal associated with protection against the evil eye. In historical anthropology, it is often linked to the idea of purification and preservation of integrity, playing an essential role in societies that believed in the influence of metals on health and well-being.

Brass
Technical Properties:

·       Composition: 63% copper + 37% zinc.

·       Characteristics: Vintage aesthetic, resilient, but subject to oxidation.

Brass is a blend of 63% copper and 37% zinc, prized for its raw beauty and ability to age beautifully over time. This metal has a fascinating history, used since antiquity for the production of decorative objects, coins, ornamental pieces, and jewelry. Forged in the fires of ancestral craftsmanship, brass is a living testament to human ingenuity, resilience, and the passage of time. Through the ages and cultures, its robustness and versatility have captivated minds and creators around the world.

The patina of brass, a result of its natural oxidation over time, carries sentimental and symbolic value, representing resilience, maturity, and evolution. This metal, capable of transforming while staying true to its structure, thus becomes a symbol of wisdom. As an inseparable element of our cultural and artisanal heritage, brass links the past to the present, embodying continuity and inspiration for times to come.

22-Carat Gold Vermeil
Technical Properties:

·       Composition: Sterling silver 925 + 22-carat gold plating (3 microns).

·       Characteristics: Durable, but the plating may wear off over time.

Gold vermeil is a precious metal choice that strikes a balance between richness and accessibility. Noir KĀLA's vermeil is made of sterling silver 925, covered with a 22-carat gold layer of 3 microns thickness. This thickness, superior to the 0.5 micron standard, ensures greater durability compared to classic gold-plated jewelry. 22-carat gold is prized for its intense and vibrant tone, particularly in Asian artisan traditions where it is often used in jewelry. This metal is not only beautiful but also robust, although it requires more meticulous maintenance to preserve its shine over time.

Known as the metal of the sun, gold shines captivatingly, capturing the essence of life. Ancient myths tell how gold, considered a divine gift from the sun, symbolizes creation, fertility, and the benevolence of gods towards humanity. Essentially, gold, with its ability to defy degradation, symbolizes eternal life and divine presence. Beyond its shine, gold remains a powerful talisman, accessible to all those seeking its blessings, constantly reminding of the deep connection between humanity and the sacred.

22-Carat Gold-Plated Sterling Silver
Technical Properties:

·       Composition: Sterling silver 925 + 22-carat gold plating (1 micron).

·       Characteristics: Slightly less durable than vermeil but offers a high-quality golden finish.

22-carat gold-plated sterling silver jewelry combines the brilliance of gold with the strength of sterling silver. This metal choice allows for the benefits of the precious metal while remaining more accessible than solid gold. The 1-micron thick plating ensures a high-quality finish, although it is more sensitive to wear over time. 22-carat gold plating is an excellent choice for jewelry pieces that touch the skin less and are less exposed to water, soap, or chemicals (e.g., earrings).

Gold has always been perceived as a symbol of status, prestige, and divinity. Gold plating, while more accessible, allows this heritage to be democratized with refined but affordable pieces.

By working with solid, natural metals such as sterling silver 925, brass, 22-carat gold vermeil, and 22-carat gold-plated sterling silver, we ensure not only the durability of our creations but also their deep connection with history and artisanal traditions. Produced in small batches, our pieces combine exclusivity, quality, and thoughtful design, with technical additions like molding to meet functional needs while preserving the authenticity of our artisanal approach. We invite you to consult our Care Guide to discover the best practices to maintain the appearance and durability of your jewelry.