At GroveTop Studio, we believe that beauty and craftsmanship should go hand in hand with honesty and safety. Because our jewelry is worn close to the skin—sometimes every day—it’s important to us that you know exactly what metals we use and how we ensure their quality.
Our Core Materials
Celtic Crosses (Main Motifs)
Most of our centerpiece motifs—the Celtic Crosses—are made from 316L stainless steel, also known as surgical-grade stainless steel. This particular alloy contains about 10–14% nickel, but that nickel is bound within the metal’s crystal structure and does not freely release. That’s what makes 316L such a reliable choice for jewelry—it’s extremely resistant to corrosion, tarnish, and skin irritation.
Pinnacle Motifs (Overlay Pendants)
The smaller motif layered on top of each cross—what we call the pinnacle—is crafted from either 316L stainless steel or solid sterling silver (.925), depending on the design. Both are metals known for durability and long-term skin compatibility.
Charms and Accents
Any smaller accent charms (such as acorns, leaves, triquetras, or compasses) are always made from solid sterling silver, never mystery metals or base-metal alloys.
What We Avoid
We avoid zinc alloys and any metals of uncertain composition whenever possible. These can sometimes contain nickel or other reactive elements that don’t meet safety standards. We only source components whose metal composition we can verify through supplier documentation or testing.
Our Testing Process
Every new batch of metal components is tested by us before assembly. We simulate real-world conditions through a series of hands-on tests:
- Acid Test – Verifies metal type and checks for plating inconsistencies.
- Sweat (Vinegar) Test – Mimics long-term skin contact and perspiration exposure.
- Saltwater Test – Confirms corrosion resistance, especially for humid or coastal environments.
- Chlorine Test – Ensures durability around pools and treated water.
Only materials that pass all four tests are used in our pieces.
Nickel Safety and Standards
Even though 316L stainless steel does contain nickel, it’s one of the few materials that consistently meets international safety standards for low nickel release. The European Standard EN 1811:2023 sets the acceptable limits for nickel migration at 0.5 µg/cm²/week for jewelry and 0.2 µg/cm²/week for piercing items—thresholds that 316L stainless steel easily meets when properly finished and passivated.
Why It Matters
Nickel sensitivity is more common than most people realize—affecting roughly 10–20% of the population, with higher rates among women. That’s why we take extra steps to verify our materials, use only trusted alloys, and avoid any untested metals.
Our Promise
We want you to feel good about wearing your piece—not just because it looks meaningful, but because it’s safe, enduring, and honestly made. Each item is designed, assembled, and quality-tested here at our studio among the oaks—so you can wear your motif with confidence.
