Our Metals: Solid Recycled Gold

At Haejin Jewelry, every piece is made with solid 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K gold only. We never use gold plated, gold filled, or vermeil. Our gold is 100 percent recycled and every piece is finished by hand in our Williamsburg, Brooklyn studio.

What we use

• Solid 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K gold in yellow, white, and rose
• 100 percent recycled precious metals
• Lab grown diamonds that are conflict free

What we never use

• No gold plated
• No gold filled
• No vermeil

Know What You Are Buying

Fine jewelry should always disclose composition. Many retailers advertise real gold but use gold filled or plated metals that do not meet solid gold standards. Check for the hallmark stamp inside each piece and confirm karat, nickel safety compliance, and recycled origin before purchasing.

Check Before You Buy

Protect yourself by asking these questions and reading product pages carefully. If the answers are not crystal clear, consider that a red flag.

• Is the item solid gold and which karat is it, for example 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K
• Is any part of the piece gold plated, gold filled, or vermeil
• What base metal is used in any non gold components, for example clasps or posts
• Can the piece be resized, polished, and refinished over time like true solid gold
• Is the gold recycled and are diamonds conflict free

Why solid gold matters

Solid gold retains color through and through, polishes beautifully, and can be resized, repaired, and worn daily for years. Plated and filled items rely on a thin surface layer that can wear off and reveal a base metal beneath. We choose solid gold for lasting quality.

Nickel Safety and European Standards

Every Haejin alloy meets international nickel release standards to protect sensitive skin. The European Nickel Directive EN 1811 limits nickel release to less than 0.5 micrograms per square centimeter per week. Our alloys are well below this threshold, making them safe for daily wear even for customers prone to metal allergies.

Understanding Karat Gold

Gold purity is measured in karats, which describe how much of the metal is pure gold. The higher the number, the greater the gold content.

Haejin Jewelry offers 10K, 14K, 18K, and 22K solid gold, giving you options that balance color, strength, and personal preference.

Colors of Gold

Different alloy combinations produce unique tones and performance characteristics.

Each alloy is engineered for color stability, strength, and resistance to wear. Every Haejin design is made to last for generations.

Solid Gold vs. Plated or Filled

Metallurgy and Strength

Our solid gold pieces are engineered through controlled temperature cycles known as age hardening and annealing. These techniques, recognized in professional metallurgy, increase hardness by up to fifty percent while preserving luster and workability. This ensures each design maintains its shape, shine, and comfort for generations.

Behind the Science of Our Gold

Gold alloys gain strength and stability when fine precipitates form within the metal structure during precise heating and cooling. This scientific approach, paired with hand finishing in Brooklyn, delivers durability without sacrificing beauty.

How to Verify Authentic Gold

• Look for hallmarks such as 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K stamped inside the piece.
• Ask if the jewelry complies with European nickel release standards EN 1811.
• Confirm the piece is solid gold, not plated or filled.
• Ensure your jeweler discloses recycled sourcing and karat composition.

Gold and Materials FAQ