Gold That Lasts. Silver That Shines.
Sterling Silver, 14K, 18K Gold —
What's Actually in Your Jewelry
When it comes to fine jewelry, the metal matters as much as the design. Not all silver is the same. Not all gold is the same. Here's a plain-English guide to what goes into our pieces — and why we made the choices we did.
Types of Silver in Jewelry
Silver is one of the most misunderstood materials in jewelry. The word gets used loosely — but the differences between silver types are significant, and they directly affect how a piece looks, feels, and lasts.
At Hermin, every piece is built on a full-body 925 sterling silver core — not hollow, not plated, not brass underneath. It's the foundation that everything else depends on.
Gold Karats — What the Numbers Mean
Karat measures the proportion of pure gold in a piece. 24 karats = 100% gold. Everything below that is an alloy — gold mixed with other metals to add hardness, durability, and sometimes color. Here's how the main karats stack up:
Gold Karat Comparison at a Glance
| Karat | Gold Content | Durability | Color Richness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 100% | Very soft | Deepest | Bullion / investment |
| 18K ✦ | 75% | Good | Rich & warm | Special occasions |
| 14K ✦ | 58.3% | Excellent | Warm gold | Everyday wear |
| 10K | 41.7% | High | Duller tone | Budget pieces |
✦ Karats used by Hermin
What Is Gold Vermeil — And Why We Use It
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) isn't a marketing term — it's a regulated standard. For jewelry to legally qualify as vermeil in the U.S., it must meet two specific requirements: the base must be 925 sterling silver, and the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick. That's what separates it from ordinary gold-plated jewelry, which uses thinner plating over cheaper base metals.
At Hermin, every piece is made with full-body sterling silver coated in either 14K or 18K gold — both well above the minimum standard. The result is jewelry that looks and wears like solid gold, at a price point that makes sense for real life.
Gold Vermeil vs. Other Gold Techniques
| Type | Base Metal | Gold Layer | Durability | Hermin? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold-Plated | Brass / Copper | <0.5 microns | Low | ✕ No |
| Gold-Filled | Brass | 5% by weight | Moderate | ✕ No |
| Gold Vermeil | 925 Sterling Silver | 2.5+ microns | High | ✓ Yes |
| Solid Gold | Gold alloy | Entire piece | Highest | ✕ No |
Why It Matters to Us
We didn't choose gold vermeil over sterling silver by accident. It's the material that lets us make jewelry we'd actually want to wear ourselves — and stand behind completely.
- Hypoallergenic by design. No nickel, no brass, no base metals that irritate skin. Sterling silver and real gold are both gentle on even the most sensitive skin.
- Real precious metals throughout. Not plated, not filled — full-body sterling silver with genuine 14K or 18K gold on top. Every layer of your piece is the real thing.
- Built for everyday wear. Gold vermeil over 925 silver is durable enough to wear daily, not just for special occasions. That's always been the point.
- Accessible luxury — without compromise. You get the look, feel, and quality of fine gold jewelry at a fraction of solid gold pricing. That's not a trade-off — that's the whole idea.
Every piece at Hermin is thoughtfully made to be part of your everyday style — refined, timeless, and undeniably you.
See the Difference for Yourself
Browse Hermin's full collection — all crafted in gold vermeil over full-body 925 sterling silver.
Shop the Collection →