Materials & Care

At Fado Jewels, every material tells a story of authenticity, heritage, and quality.

Our artisans work exclusively with precious metals, hallmarked by the Contrastaria Portuguesa, ensuring purity and trust.

925 Sterling Silver

Durable, elegant, and timeless.

Every sterling silver jewel is stamped with the official Portuguese hallmark, guaranteeing its purity and origin.

Silver naturally develops a patina over
time, which many consider part of its charm.

It can easily be polished back to shine.

Certified by Contrastaria Portuguesa, Portugal’s official assay office. All silver jewels carry the “925” hallmark guaranteeing purity.

Gold-Plated Silver

A base of 925 sterling silver, carefully plated with gold.

This combination unites the strength of silver with the luxurious glow of gold.

We offer a 12-month free replating guarantee to ensure your jewel always looks radiant.

All gold-plated jewels are also hallmarked.

19.2Kt. Portuguese Gold

A unique gold alloy exclusive to Portugal, richer in tone than standard 18Kt gold.

It is prized for its warmth, rarity, and cultural heritage.

Every 19.2Kt. jewel is hallmarked by the Contrastaria Portuguesa, certifying its
authenticity.

Enamel

Enamel is a centuries-old decorative art, where powdered glass is fused to metal under high heat.

Our enamel pieces reflect vibrant Portuguese tradition, applied with care by master artisans to achieve brilliant, lasting color.

Stones & Pearls

Certain designs feature hand-set zirconia, pearls, or semi-precious stones.

Each stone is selected for its clarity, luster, and harmony with the filigree pattern, ensuring elegance without overshadowing the craftsmanship of the metalwork.

Important Information

We follow strict Portuguese and EU regulations to guarantee transparency and authenticity:

  • All Fado Jewels pieces are allmarked by Contrastaria Portuguesa in compliance with Portuguese law (Decree-Law nº 120/2017).
  • The hallmark certifies the purity of the metal and confirms it has been inspected by the official Assay Office.
  • Typical marks include: 925 for sterling silver and 19.2K for Portuguese gold
  • Every jewel, above the weight og 2grams, must, by law, carry these marks — your assurance of authenticity and quality.
  • For full details on Portuguese hallmarking, you may consult the official Contrastaria Portuguesa website.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of Fado Jewels.

Our jewels are not just beautiful — they are also created with respect for the planet and the artisans who craft them.

Recycled Metals:

Whenever possible, we use recycled sterling silver and gold to minimize the environmental footprint of mining.

Slow, Handmade Production:

Each jewel is individually handmade, requiring minimal machinery and energy use. This artisanal process respects traditional methods and reduces waste.

Limited Production:

We avoid mass production. Our small-batch approach ensures exclusivity, avoids unnecessary stock, and allows each piece to be crafted with care.

Durability as Sustainability:

Unlike fast-fashion jewelry, Fado Jewels are designed to last a lifetime and beyond, reducing waste through heirloom quality.

Care Instructions

Silver Jewelry (925):

  • Store in a dry, closed jewelry box or pouch to prevent oxidation.
  • Avoid humidity, as silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to moisture and air.
  • If tarnishing occurs, polish gently with a silver cloth or use a silver-cleaning solution.
  • Avoid direct contact with cleaning products, perfume, lotion, or chlorine.

Gold-Plated Silver Jewelry:

  • Gold plating is delicate and may naturally fade over time, especially on rings and bracelets.
  • To preserve plating: avoid wearing during showers, swimming, sports, or while sleeping.
  • Always remove jewelry before applying perfumes or creams.
  • Clean only with a soft, dry cloth — never with abrasive materials or chemicals.

19.2K Gold Jewelry:

  • Extremely durable but still requires care.
  • Clean with warm water and mild soap; use a soft brush to reach intricate filigree details.
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before storing.
  • Store separately to avoid scratching against other metals.

Enamel & Stones:

  • Enamel and stones may chip if exposed to strong impact. Handle with care.
  • Avoid dropping or exposing to sudden temperature changes.
  • Clean gently with a damp cloth — avoid chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.

Country of Origin

Every Fado Jewel is proudly handmade in Portugal, in the historic centers of filigree craftsmanship such as Gondomar and Guimarães.

By wearing Fado Jewels, you support local artisans and preserve a craft that has been passed down through generations.