Jewellery Materials Guide: Crafted for Every Story
At Love Hesed, we believe that choosing jewellery is such a personal experience—it’s not just about the piece itself, but the story behind it and how it fits into your life. Whether you're buying something to celebrate a special occasion, creating an heirloom for generations to come, or just treating yourself (you totally deserve it!), we’re here to help you find the perfect piece.
We use a variety of high-quality materials, each with its own special benefits, so you can find exactly what suits your style, budget, and needs. Let’s walk through the options together to find your perfect match.
1. Solid Gold: For Those Who Love Timeless Luxury
If you’re someone who loves the idea of a piece that can be worn every single day, through all of life’s adventures, and still look as stunning as the day you got it—solid gold is your forever friend. It’s the real deal: pure, precious, and designed to last for generations.
Solid gold is also hypoallergenic, which makes it perfect for those with sensitive skin, and it’s resistant to tarnishing and fading. Available in both 18k and 14k, it’s an investment that pays off not only in beauty but in durability.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Durable & Timeless: Solid gold is like the love that lasts—a lifelong piece.
- Hypoallergenic: Perfect if your skin tends to react to other metals.
- Retains Value: Solid gold is a precious metal, so it’s an investment that holds its worth.
What You Should Know:
- Premium Investment: Solid gold is more of a luxury choice, which means it’s a little pricier. But for something you’ll wear daily (or pass down through the family), it’s totally worth it.
- Softer at Higher Karats: The higher the karat, the softer the gold, which means it might pick up some character from everyday wear. Think of those little scratches as memories.
Best For:
If you’re looking for something timeless that can stand the test of time—and maybe become a family heirloom—solid gold is your perfect match.
2. Gold-Filled: Everyday Elegance Without the Splurge
Love the look of gold but want something more budget-friendly? Gold-filled jewelry is your new go-to. It’s made by bonding a thick layer of real gold to a base metal, usually brass, which gives you the beauty and durability of gold without the hefty price tag. And the best part? It’s super durable, making it a fantastic option for everyday wear.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Durable & Affordable: You get the gold look you love, and it’s strong enough for daily use.
- Long-lasting: The thick gold layer ensures your piece stays beautiful, even with frequent wear.
- Sensitive Skin-Friendly: Safe for most people with sensitive skin.
What You Should Know:
- Not Solid Gold: While gold-filled gives you that gorgeous golden glow, it’s not solid gold. Over time, it may develop a lovely patina, but a quick polish will bring it back to life.
- Approachable Luxury: It doesn’t have the same prestige as solid gold, but it’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for something durable and elegant without a big investment.
Best For:
Everyday wearers who want that golden glow without the splurge. It’s also a wonderful option for gifts—beautiful, thoughtful, and affordable.
3. Gold Vermeil: A Little Luxury for Special Occasions
Gold vermeil is like the sweet spot between solid gold and gold-filled—it gives you the luxury look of gold with a sterling silver base. The best part? It’s much more affordable than solid gold but still has that thick layer of gold (at least 2.5 microns!) that makes it durable. If you’re looking for a piece to wear on special occasions or rotate with your other favourite pieces, gold vermeil is a fantastic option.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Luxury Look: You get that beautiful, rich golden finish at a fraction of the cost of solid gold.
- Durable: The thick gold layer makes it last longer than standard gold plating.
- Hypoallergenic: With a sterling silver base, it’s great for sensitive skin.
What You Should Know:
- Gold with a Silver Heart: Since it’s plated, over time (especially with daily wear), the gold may gradually reveal the silver underneath.
- Requires Care: Gold vermeil likes a little extra love—be sure to store it carefully and avoid chemicals to keep it looking its best.
Best For:
If you’re looking for a statement piece for special occasions or rotating with your everyday favourites, gold vermeil gives you that luxe look without the luxe price tag.
4. 925 Sterling Silver: Bright, Shiny, and Always in Style
There’s something timeless about sterling silver, don’t you think? It’s bright, shiny, and pairs beautifully with just about anything. Made with 92.5% pure silver, sterling silver is durable and has that cool, modern vibe. Plus, it’s super affordable, making it a great option if you love collecting fine jewelry that doesn’t break the bank.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Bright & Versatile: Sterling silver has a classic shine that goes with everything, from casual jeans to a little black dress.
- Hypoallergenic: Perfect for those with sensitive skin.
- Affordable Luxury: You can build a beautiful jewelry collection without the high price of gold.
What You Should Know:
- Natural Aging: Sterling silver tends to tarnish over time, but it’s nothing a little polishing can’t fix!
- Needs Care: It shines its brightest with occasional cleaning and polishing, so give it a little love to keep it glowing.
Best For:
Those who love the cool, classic look of silver and don’t mind giving it a bit of care. Sterling silver is perfect for everyday pieces and meaningful gifts that won’t go out of style.
5. 925 Sterling Silver Plated with 18K Gold: The Best of Both Worlds
Want the best of both worlds? Our sterling silver pieces plated with 18k gold give you the warmth of gold with the durability and affordability of sterling silver. These pieces are perfect if you love the look of gold but want something a bit more budget-friendly.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Affordable Gold Look: Get the rich, golden look of 18k gold without the higher price.
- Hypoallergenic: Sterling silver as the base makes it safe for sensitive skin.
- Versatile: Dress it up or down—this style works for both casual and formal occasions.
What You Should Know:
- Lighter Gold Layer: The gold layer is thinner compared to gold vermeil, so over time, it may wear off with frequent use. But if you rotate it with other pieces and give it some care, it can last a long time.
- Requires Extra Care: Like other plated pieces, keeping it away from chemicals will help preserve its shine.
Best For:
If you love the golden look but prefer a more accessible option, sterling silver plated with 18k gold is a wonderful choice. It’s perfect for those who love to mix and match their jewelry for different looks.
Which Material is Right for You?
Jewellery is personal, and so is the material you choose. Whether you're all about timeless luxury with solid gold, looking for something durable and affordable with gold-filled, or seeking the best of both worlds with gold vermeil or 925 sterling silver, we’ve got something for everyone.
Take a moment to think about your lifestyle and what kind of care you’re comfortable with, and choose the material that feels right for you. After all, it’s not just about the jewellery—it’s about the story it tells.
Explore our collections and find the perfect piece that’s as unique as you are.