CINCO Jewellery Review: Silver, Plating and Returns

Minimalist jewellery is easy to find and hard to get right. Much of it is plated brass that looks tired within a season, while solid gold puts a simple hoop out of reach. CINCO sits in the middle. The Portuguese label, based in Coimbra and founded in 2017, makes CINCO jewellery in 925 sterling silver finished in rhodium or 24k gold, plus a smaller line in solid 18k gold. The designs are clean and sculptural, and the prices are fair for silver. The aftercare small print is worth reading before you buy, though.

What does CINCO jewellery cost?

Earrings make up most of the range. The Tilly Huggies are small, chunky hoops in sterling silver plated in rhodium or 24k gold, and cost $94 on the US store (€75 in Portugal). They come in three sizes, with the Tilly Maxi at $241 and the Tilly Super at $275. You can also buy them in solid 18k gold for $1,252.

Necklaces start low. The Pixel Heart Tiny Necklace is $74. The Knot T-Bar Necklace, a rolo chain with a bar inspired by old pocket-watch chains, is $124. The Longoria Long Chain Necklace costs $620. New-in pieces include the Cannelé Mini Two-Tone Earrings at $232, which combine silver and gold-tone finishes. The fine jewellery line includes the Celine Diamond Ring, set with 27 natural diamonds in 18k gold, at $2,443.

Will the gold plating wear off?

Yes, eventually. Its materials page says plating “is a surface finish” and that friction, skin chemistry and wear will change it. It does not state a plating thickness, because this varies by piece. The FAQ is blunter: gold plating will not last forever, and fading from normal wear “is not a defect”. The brand’s own line is “with wear comes patina”.

The important point is what lies underneath. Because the base is sterling silver rather than brass, a worn piece still has its precious-metal value and can be replated. CINCO’s precious metal is hallmarked through Portugal’s official assay offices (INCM) where the law requires it. Very light silver pieces under 2g are exempt from the assay hallmark, so a tiny stud may not carry one.

For longer wear, put jewellery on after perfume and skincare and take it off before swimming, showering or exercise. Clean gold-plated pieces with a soft dry cloth only, because polishing cloths strip plating. CINCO also says no jewellery can be guaranteed hypoallergenic. If you have a nickel allergy, ask about the specific piece before buying.

What does the CINCO 3-year warranty cover?

The “3-year warranty” badge on the homepage needs reading carefully. The warranty page describes the legal three-year period that Portuguese consumer law gives for goods that are faulty or not as described. It is not an extra promise that the finish will last. Faulty clasps or soldering should be covered. Normal fading of the plating is not.

That is where Refresh & Reborn comes in. Refresh is a paid service: CINCO cleans, polishes and replates the piece for €10 to €60 depending on weight. Collection and return costs another €10 in Portugal, €40 in Europe or €60 elsewhere, and it usually takes four to six weeks. Reborn lets you send back an old piece in exchange for store credit, which is valid for one year. Both services only accept CINCO pieces bought more than two years ago, and every request is assessed individually. A piece that fades before it is two years old will not qualify for either.

How do shipping and returns work?

Most in-stock orders are dispatched in one to two business days by tracked courier. US shipping costs $15 and is free over $150. UK delivery costs €15 and is free over €150. Pre-order and made-to-order pieces take longer, and you pay when you order. CINCO does not ship to Switzerland or India.

US shoppers will see a banner promising “All Duties Included”, but the customs FAQ says duties outside the EU are the buyer’s responsibility unless the checkout says otherwise. Check the checkout total before you pay.

You have 14 days from delivery to return a piece if you change your mind. It must be unworn and returned with all its packaging, tags and any free gifts. You pay return postage: CINCO’s prepaid label costs €5 to €30 and is deducted from your refund. Engraved and personalised pieces cannot be returned. If you take store credit instead of a refund, you get 10% extra. Orders can only be cancelled within one hour, and not at all during sales such as Black Friday.

Who should buy from CINCO?

CINCO suits people who want design-led, everyday silver that is properly made and hallmarked. Buy it knowing that plated finishes will change over time. Tilly Huggies or a simple chain are a sensible first purchase. Only solid 18k gold avoids replating altogether, so save it for the pieces you will wear every day. Order carefully, as the returns window is short and the postage is yours. With that understood, CINCO offers well-made silver at a fair price.

This article contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission if you buy through them. Prices are as listed on us.cinco-store.com in US dollars (euro prices from the Portuguese store) on 29 October 2026 and may change.