Solid Recycled Gold Jewelry
Our Metals: Solid and Recycled Gold Jewelry in Brooklyn
At Haejin Jewelry, every engagement ring and wedding band is made with solid 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K gold only. Our bracelets and fine jewelry are crafted in either solid or gold-filled materials, never gold plated or vermeil. All gold is 100 percent recycled, and every piece is designed and inspected in our Williamsburg, Brooklyn studio.
Our studio serves couples across Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and greater Brooklyn who value ethical craftsmanship and recycled solid gold jewelry.
Solid Gold
10K 14K 18K 22K
100 Percent Recycled
Verified purity and traceability
Designed and inspected
Williamsburg Studio in Brooklyn
What We Use
- Solid 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K gold in yellow, white, and rose
- Gold-filled materials only for select bracelets and fine jewelry
- 100 percent recycled precious metals
- Lab-grown diamonds that are conflict free
What We Never Use
- No gold plated
- No vermeil
- No hollow or low-quality alloys
Know What You Are Buying
Fine jewelry should always disclose its composition clearly and honestly. Karat numbers such as 14K or 18K describe gold purity, but they do not explain how a piece is made or how the gold is constructed. A ring may reference a karat number and still be gold filled or gold plated rather than solid gold.
To understand what you are truly purchasing, always ask how the gold is made and whether it is solid throughout the entire piece. Confirm the karat, but also ask about construction and composition, not only the number stamped inside. Solid gold should be consistent through and through, not layered over another metal.
At Haejin Jewelry, when we state 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K gold, we mean solid gold throughout, never plated or filled. Every piece is designed and inspected in our Williamsburg Brooklyn studio, with purity, safety, and transparency as non negotiable standards.
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.
| Karat | Gold Purity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% pure | Deep yellow and extremely soft, used mostly for collectors and limited designs |
| 22K | 91.7% pure | Rich yellow tone with high gold content, ideal for traditional jewelry |
| 18K | 75% pure | Luxury standard combining brilliance and strength |
| 14K | 58.3% pure | Everyday durability with warm golden color |
| 10K | 41.7% pure | Strong and practical choice with a lighter shade |
Haejin Jewelry offers 10K, 14K, 18K, and 22K solid gold so clients can choose their ideal balance of color, strength, and value.
Colors of Gold
Different alloy combinations create unique tones and performance characteristics.
| Color | Alloy Metals | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Gold | Gold, copper, silver, zinc | Classic warmth and timeless beauty |
| White Gold | Gold, nickel or palladium, silver, zinc | Bright modern finish that enhances diamond brilliance |
| Rose Gold | Gold and copper | Soft pink tone admired for its romantic charm |
| Green Gold | Gold and silver | Subtle green tint known for its rare and artistic look |
Gold Standards Defined by the FTC
Understanding the official definitions of gold plated, gold filled, and vermeil jewelry helps you recognize quality craftsmanship and ethical disclosure. These standards are outlined by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Jewelry Guides .
Defined by the FTC: a layer of at least 10K gold with minimum 0.175 micron thickness over base metal.
Contains a bonded 10K gold layer equal to one twentieth of total weight, mechanically attached under heat and pressure.
True vermeil is sterling silver coated with at least 10K gold of 2.5 microns minimum thickness.
These definitions protect consumers and uphold transparency in jewelry marketing. At Haejin Jewelry in Williamsburg Brooklyn, every engagement ring and wedding band follows these FTC standards and is crafted only with solid or recycled gold, never plated or misrepresented.
Not All 14K Gold Is the Same
While 14K gold always contains 58.3 percent pure gold, not all 14K jewelry is made to the same standard. Two rings can both be stamped 14K yet differ significantly in weight, durability, and long term value.
Many mass produced pieces are designed to minimize gold weight in order to reduce cost. This can result in thinner structures, lighter feel, and faster wear over time.
At Haejin Jewelry, we take a different approach. Our pieces are crafted with intentional weight, balanced proportions, and structural integrity to ensure they feel substantial, wear comfortably, and last for generations.
Gold purity defines what a piece is made of. Craftsmanship and weight define how it performs over time.
Why Solid Gold Matters
Solid gold keeps its color through and through, can be polished and resized, and is made to last for generations. Plated jewelry wears away over time and exposes the base metal beneath. Gold-filled jewelry offers durability but is still distinct from solid gold. We choose solid gold for all engagement rings and wedding bands to ensure lifetime quality.
Even when two pieces are both labeled 14K gold, differences in weight, construction, and craftsmanship can significantly impact how they feel, wear, and last over time:
| Mass Produced Jewelry | Haejin Jewelry | |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Purity | 14K (58.3%) | 14K (58.3%) |
| Gold Weight | Reduced to lower cost | Intentionally weighted for durability |
| Construction | Thinner, lightweight structures | Solid, balanced, and structurally designed |
| Longevity | More prone to bending and wear | Designed for long term daily wear |
Nickel and Sensitive Skin
We believe in telling you exactly what your ring is made of. Yellow gold and rose gold are alloyed with copper, silver, and zinc, so they are nickel-free.
Our standard white gold is a nickel-based alloy, prized for its bright white finish and durability, and worn comfortably by most people. For clients with a known nickel sensitivity, we offer nickel-free palladium white gold on request, as well as platinum. Both are naturally white and hypoallergenic.
If you have sensitive skin, just let us know when you design your ring and we will craft it in palladium white gold or platinum so it is comfortable for everyday wear.
For reference, the European guideline EN 1811 sets a nickel release limit of 0.5 µg/cm² per week for jewelry worn in prolonged skin contact. Choosing palladium white gold or platinum removes the concern entirely.
Certified 100% Recycled Precious Metals
Haejin Jewelry uses certified 100% recycled gold, platinum, silver, and palladium. Each material meets internationally recognized sustainability standards verified by independent environmental partners. Purity is certified by accredited refiners, and every piece is then inspected for quality and finish in our Williamsburg Brooklyn studio before it reaches you.
Metallurgy and Strength
Our solid gold pieces are strengthened through precise temperature cycles known as age hardening and annealing. These techniques increase hardness while preserving luster and workability, ensuring that each design keeps its shape and shine for generations.
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 that engagement rings and wedding bands are solid gold.
- Check that bracelets and fine jewelry are either solid or gold-filled, never plated.
- Ensure your jeweler discloses recycled sourcing and karat composition.
Below are the most asked questions from Brooklyn clients about solid and recycled gold.
Gold and Materials FAQ
Do you use gold plated or gold filled jewelry
No. Haejin Jewelry does not sell gold plated jewelry. All engagement rings and wedding bands are solid gold. Select bracelets and fine jewelry may be gold filled but are never plated or vermeil.
Which karat should I choose for everyday wear
Choose 14K for maximum durability with a warm tone. Choose 18K for a richer color and luxury feel. We also offer 10K and 22K for clients who prefer those specific properties and shades.
Is your gold recycled and responsibly sourced
Yes. Our gold is refined from 100 percent recycled sources and re-alloyed to fine jewelry standards. This reduces environmental impact while meeting strict quality benchmarks.
Is your jewelry safe for sensitive skin
Yellow gold and rose gold are nickel-free. Our standard white gold is a nickel-based alloy, so for clients with a nickel sensitivity we offer nickel-free palladium white gold or platinum on request. Just let us know when you design your ring and we will craft it in a hypoallergenic metal that is comfortable for everyday wear.
What is the difference between solid gold gold filled and gold plated
Solid gold is gold alloy through the entire piece and lasts for generations. Gold-filled bonds a thicker gold layer to a base metal for durability but is not the same as solid gold. Gold plated uses a thin electroplated layer that wears away and exposes the base metal.
Do you hallmark your jewelry and provide documentation
Yes. Our pieces include karat hallmarks (10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K) and we provide documentation of recycled sourcing on request. Engagement rings and wedding bands are verified as solid gold in our Williamsburg studio.