07/29/2026
I’m going to share something that’s been on my mind lately…
The cost of 14kt gold-filled materials has been climbing, and every time I place an order, I hold my breath a little.
One thing I’ve realized is that many jewelry chains can look almost identical online, but the materials behind them are very different.
Gold-plated and gold vermeil use a much thinner layer of gold over a base metal (micron size), which is one reason they can be sold at much lower prices. 14kt gold-filled, on the other hand, contains a much thicker layer of real gold (legally 5%) that’s permanently bonded to the base metal, making it much more durable for everyday wear.
From the outside, they can look the same. But they aren’t made the same.
The same thing goes for pearls: there are different types of pearls, grades, shapes, sizes, lusters, colors that all play a role in pricing.
I know everyone loves a good deal—I do too. But when I create jewelry, my goal has never been to make the cheapest piece. My goal is to make something beautiful that you can wear and enjoy for years. That’s why, even though the cost of my materials keeps increasing, I continue choosing quality over cutting corners.
Thank you for supporting handmade and for appreciating the difference. It truly means more than you know. 💋 If you have ANY question, please drop them below and I’ll try to answer them as best as I can. I really want to open up this conversation and be transparent with things happening in the jewelry industry right now.
xx tash
