A Practical Guide to Materials, Value, and Longevity

From trend-driven pieces to timeless heirlooms, jewelry means different things to different people. But when it comes to deciding what’s truly worth keeping—whether emotionally, financially, or practically—it helps to understand what lies beneath the surface: the materials, craftsmanship, and purpose behind each piece.

At Hermin, we believe in helping customers make informed choices—whether you’re building a lasting collection or enjoying the fun of seasonal style. Here’s a breakdown of the most common jewelry materials, how they affect value and longevity, and what’s smart to keep, rotate, or invest in.

1. Karat Gold: A High-Value Classic

Karat gold is one of the most durable and luxurious materials used in fine jewelry. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, resists tarnishing, and holds intrinsic value. The higher the karat, the richer the color and the greater the gold content (24K being pure gold, 14K being ~58.3%).

Because its cost is directly tied to the global gold market, karat gold pieces carry significant base value. For example:

💰 Gold price (mid-2025): ~$80/gram

💛 14K gold (58.3% pure): ~$46.64 per gram

🧷 A basic 2g pair of 14K  gold studs: ~$93 in raw gold, before labor, design, and markup

🎯 Final price at retail: $200–$400+, more for designer style

Some pieces are more than jewelry — they’re milestones, memories, and markers of who you are. Karat gold is worth keeping when it’s crafted with intention and carries a story. Yes, the price can be high, especially with legacy brands. But in those moments, you’re not just buying gold — you’re holding onto something timeless, personal, and uniquely yours.

Do a quick gold price check — if something seems unusually cheap, there’s likely a reason. It may be extremely lightweight, or it may be cutting corners in material quality or craftsmanship. When it comes to karat gold, price usually reflects substance — both in gold content and in how the piece is made.

2. Sterling Silver: Quality Without the Premium Price Tag

Sterling silver (marked 925) is one of the most trusted metals in jewelry. It’s made of 92.5% pure silver, making it naturally hypoallergenic (when used throughout the whole piece), and it’s known for its strength, subtle shine, and timeless appeal.

While silver is much more affordable than gold, the real value of sterling silver jewelry lies in how it’s crafted.

🔍 Pure silver market price (mid-2025): around $1 per gram

✨ A pair of simple silver earrings might use ~3g = only $3 in raw metal

That might sound low—but raw material is just one part of the equation. What you’re really paying for is:

• Skilled craftsmanship

• Original design

• Metal finishing techniques

• Polishing, soldering, and stone setting

• Hypoallergenic construction (e.g. no mixing cheaper metals for earring posts)

Well-made sterling silver can last for years, especially when combined with modern anti-tarnish treatments or layered with thick gold plating.

This is where gold vermeil comes in…

3. Gold Vermeil: The Smart Middle Ground

Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is the ideal choice when you want the look and feel of solid gold without the steep price tag. To be considered true vermeil, a piece must:

• Be made with solid sterling silver as the base

• Have a minimum of 2.5 microns of gold plating (usually 14K or 18K)

Unlike standard gold-plated jewelry, vermeil is longer-lasting, hypoallergenic, and more luxurious in finish. It’s perfect for everyday staples that still feel premium.

💛 Material cost (vermeil earrings): ~$5–$15

🎯 Typical retail: $80–$200+, depending on craftsmanship and gold thickness

💡 Note: Some brands market thick-plated brass jewelry as “vermeil-style,” but if the base is not sterling silver, it is not legally vermeil. Brass-based plated jewelry may look similar at first but tends to tarnish faster and may cause irritation.

4. Plated Brass Jewelry: Affordable & Trend-Forward

Brass is widely used in fashion jewelry for its strength and ability to hold bold shapes. It’s often coated with a thin layer of gold (<1 micron), which keeps costs low but limits durability.

🧷 Material cost: often under $1
🎯 Retail price: $20–$80, or much higher for designer brands

In some cases, brand value outweighs material—a gold-plated brass piece from a brand like Chanel can cost hundreds or more, driven by design and prestige, not long-term wear.

These pieces are great for trends and occasional wear, but they can tarnish quickly, may cause irritation, and aren't made to last.

5. Glass, Resin, and Non-Metal Jewelry: Fun but Fleeting

Non-metal materials like glass, resin, acrylic, and plastic allow for fun shapes, textures, and colors. They’re lightweight, often inexpensive, and ideal for creative or artistic styles.

However, they are more likely to scratch, crack, or fade, and the quality control can vary widely.

💡 Best for: Trendy looks, playful accents, or one-season statements

❗ Not ideal for long-term use or sensitive skin

📦 So… What Jewelry Should You Keep?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but here’s a simple breakdown to guide you:

🛠 It’s Not Just the Metal — It’s How It’s Made

Two identical pieces can look the same but wear very differently. That’s because material is only part of the equation—thickness of plating, base metal quality, earring post materials, and craftsmanship all influence how long a piece lasts and how it feels on your skin.

If you’re looking for jewelry that:

• Uses solid sterling silver

• Features thick 18K or 14K gold vermeil

• Is hypoallergenic and wear-tested

• Offers timeless design at an accessible price…

✨ Then Hermin is a thoughtful choice. Our jewelry is designed to give you the glow of fine materials, without the markup of solid gold—ideal for those building a wardrobe of pieces they’ll love for seasons to come.

Bottom line:

Build a jewelry collection like you would a wardrobe—mix long-term classics with playful accents. Choose pieces that match your lifestyle, your skin, and your story. And when in doubt, choose quality over quantity.

💫 Ready to elevate your essentials? Shop low-key, lasting styles now →