## 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.