Full Transparency on Our Materials

The next time a client asks "Is this real gold?" — here's your answer.

Every Tegan's gold charm ships with a third-party batch certificate disclosing the exact alloy composition for that production run: palladium percentage, nickel-free verification, and batch number. Not a general quality statement. A document tied to the specific charms in your order.

Your certificate is waiting in your order confirmation email — ready to photograph, forward to a client, or share with a dentist who asks.

Below is everything that's in your gold — and who verified it.

Why Palladium?

The oral cavity’s acidity rapidly degrades plated metals like gold-coated brass. Once this thin layer wears away, porous base metals can leach toxins into your system. We use only solid 18k noble alloys that remain bio-safe forever.

By alloying 18k Gold with Palladium—30x rarer than gold—we achieve a brilliant finish that is:

  • Naturally White: Solid color throughout; no plating to wear off.
  • 100% Nickel-Free: Eliminates common allergens.
  • Biocompatible: Engineered for long-term oral wear.
  • Oxidation Resistant: Will not tarnish or react to oral acidity.

The Purity of 18k Yellow Gold

We use 18k solid gold as the most stable alloy for oral wear. At 75% purity, it stays chemically inert against acidity while remaining structurally durable. 18k is the professional benchmark for biocompatibility and permanent luster.

  • Enamel-Safe: Naturally "tooth-friendly" and durable without causing abrasive wear to your enamel.
  • Zero-Tarnish: Unlike gold-filled or silver, our 18k alloy cannot tarnish, ensuring a permanent glow.

The Standard of Purity: Why We Choose Lead-Free Crystal

At Tegan’s Tooth Gems, we believe that any adornment placed in the mouth should be held to the highest medical-grade standards. Oral health is our main priority, which is why we only utilize materials engineered for biocompatibility and long-term safety. We exclusively source Swarovksi (Advanced Crystal) and Preciosa (MAX-FREE) lead-free glass.

The Non-Porous Advantage

Unlike budget alternatives, professional-grade crystal glass features a non-porous architecture. This means the surface is completely sealed at a molecular level.

  • Hygienic Integrity: It cannot absorb saliva, sugars, or oral fluids.
  • Bacterial Resistance: Because it is non-porous, it does not harbor biofilm or Streptococcus mutans (the bacteria responsible for tooth decay).
  • Chemical Stability: Our crystals are certified Lead-Free (<90ppm) and chemically inert. They will not leach toxins or degrade when exposed to the high-acidity environment of the oral cavity.

Swarovski Advanced Crystal Safety Declaration (PDF)
Preciosa Lead-Free Certificate

Why We Explicitly Ban Acrylics and Synthetic Opals

Many suppliers offer acrylic (plastic) gems or resin-impregnated "synthetic opals." While these materials are inexpensive, they pose significant risks to long-term oral health.

The "Bio-Sponge" Effect

Acrylics and synthetic opals are porous polymers. In the mouth, these materials act as a microscopic sponge.

  • Bacterial Sequestration: These materials absorb oral fluids and trap bacteria against your enamel. This creates a "stagnation zone" where plaque accumulates, significantly increasing the risk of localized decay and enamel decalcification (white spots).
  • Toxic Leaching: Most synthetic opals are held together by plastic resins. When exposed to the warmth and acidity of the mouth, these resins can undergo hydrolytic degradation, potentially leaching unreacted chemical monomers and phthalates into your system.
  • Physical Degradation: Acrylic is a soft material. It develops micro-scratches from brushing and eating, creating even more surface area for harmful biofilm to colonize.

Synthetic Opal MSDS

If You Have Any Questions About Our Materials Please Feel Free To Reach Out

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about any of our products.