At Harlin Jones Jewellery, our philosophy is rooted in a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, durability, and the integrity of the materials we choose. In a world saturated with fleeting trends and fast fashion jewellery, we stand apart by offering pieces that are timeless, meaningful, and built to last a lifetime.
The Significance of Solid Gold and Natural Gems
When selecting jewellery, the materials truly matter. We work with solid gold, typically 14k or higher, because it’s the most enduring and luxurious form of the metal.
Why 14k Gold?
While in Australia, 14k gold is less commonly used in fine jewellery, after our time in New York City, we became convinced of its value. In the US market, 14k gold, offers the same rich colour and durability as higher karats like 18k but at a more accessible price point. It’s a practical, high-quality option that ensures enduring beauty without compromising on the luxe feel perfect for everyday wear and investing in genuine craftsmanship.
Our experience in NYC, a global hub of jewellery innovation and craftsmanship, inspires our approach to quality. We’ve seen firsthand how 14k gold strikes the perfect balance between affordability and luxury, which we now bring to our collections in Australia.
Understanding the Different Types of Gold Jewellery
To make informed choices, it’s important to understand the nuances between various gold finishes and jewellery levels:
Solid Gold
The purest and most enduring choice. At Harlin Jones, we use high-quality 14k and above gold, which offers beautiful colour, durability, and longevity. We don’t recommend 9k because it’s softer, contains more alloy metals, and is less durable, meaning it scratches, tarnishes, and loses its colour faster. Solid gold is the ideal investment, free of base metals or coatings that can be worn daily and passed down through generations.
Fine Jewellery
Usually crafted from precious metals like solid gold, platinum, or high-quality sterling silver. Fine jewellery is made with meticulous attention to detail, designed to be timeless heirlooms. It emphasises durability, high-quality materials, and lasting value.
Demi-Fine Jewellery
Falls between fine jewellery and fashion jewellery in terms of quality and pricing. Often made with gold vermeil, gold-filled metals, or high-quality lab-grown or natural stones, demi-fine pieces are crafted with care but may feature thinner layers or less investment in raw materials. They are designed to be versatile and accessible, perfect for everyday or trend-focused wear.
Pro Tip: When shopping for demi-fine jewellery, such as vermeil or plated pieces, always ask about the microns used in the gold layer. The thicker the layer, the longer your jewellery will last. Look for vermeil with a minimum of 2.5 microns, the higher the micron count, the better the durability and lifespan of your piece.
Understanding the Different Types of Gold Finishes:
Gold Vermeil
Made with at least 2.5 microns of high-quality gold over ay base metal. The thicker layer provides a more lasting finish, with a rich look that rivals solid gold, especially crafted for durability.
Gold-Filled
Contains a layer of gold that makes up at least 5% of the total weight bonded to a base metal. It offers excellent durability and longevity with proper care, often lasting several years.
Gold Plated
Involves a thin layer of gold around 0.5 microns applied over a base metal. While more affordable, traditional plating can wear more quickly; however, recent advances in high-quality plating techniques have increased its durability when crafted with care.
While our core focus remains on solid gold, we recognise the beauty, versatility, and affordability of high-quality vermeil and plated pieces that can beautifully complement your style and lifestyle. Choosing wisely by asking about layer thicknesses ensures your jewellery will stand the test of time.
Craftsmanship Over Convenience
Fast fashion jewellery prioritises quick production over quality, often resulting in pieces that lose their brilliance after a short while. At Harlin Jones, each piece is thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted by expert artisans. As Sumer Sayan, renowned jeweller and award-winning designer, says:
“Jewellery is more than just adornment. It’s a testament to artistry, history, and craftsmanship. It’s about creating something that endures and resonates through time.”
Every piece we develop reflects this philosophy—created to be as enduring as it is beautiful.
The Value of Authenticity and Investment
While lower-quality options might be tempting, they often require frequent repairs or replacements. Solid gold and natural stones hold their value and timeless appeal, making them wise investments not only emotionally but financially, too.
Conclusion
Investing in jewellery is about more than just appearance. It’s about quality, craftsmanship, and intention. At Harlin Jones, we are dedicated to sourcing and crafting pieces from premium materials. Our commitment to enduring quality means that every piece you wear isn’t just beautiful today but remains just as stunning tomorrow and for generations to come.
When you choose Harlin Jones, you’re choosing jewellery that’s built to last, crafted with passion, and designed to become an heirloom. Because true luxury doesn’t fade; it only deepens with time.