What are 925, gold plating, and stainless steel?

When looking at jewelry, you often come across different designations such as 925, 18k (or 14k/24k) and stainless steel. These designations say something important about the material, durability, and price – but are not always easy to understand.

In this article, we will only consider the materials used in HerMine's collections.
This is a conscious choice – based on sustainability, quality, and longevity.

However, at the end of the article, you will also find a brief overview of other materials often used in jewelry, along with their pros and cons.

👉 Understanding the materials makes it easier to choose jewelry that suits your style, your needs, and how you want the jewelry to function in your daily life.

♥ Here's a simple guide ♥

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925 – what does it mean?

925 stands for sterling silver.

This means the jewelry consists of:

• 92.5% pure silver
• 7.5% other metals (usually copper)

Things to consider:

• Silver can oxidize and darken over time
• It can be polished back to its original shine
• It is a precious metal with high material value

👉 Today, silver prices are still high compared to previous levels, which affects both the purchase price and the final price of jewelry.

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18k gold-plated – not solid gold

When a piece of jewelry is 18k gold-plated, it means:

• The base is another metal
• The surface is covered with a thin layer of gold
• The gold used is 14, 18, or 24 carat

👉 It gives the same warm tone as gold – but without being solid all the way through.

Things to consider:

• The plating can wear off over time
• How long it lasts depends on use and care - please read more under Customer Service → Jewelry Guide
• Avoid water, perfume, and chemicals for longer durability

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Stainless steel – why is it so popular?

Stainless steel has become a natural choice for modern jewelry.

The material is:

• Very durable
• Resistant to water and discoloration
• Gentle on the skin for many people

👉 It makes it a practical option for jewelry that is used often and in everyday life.

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Ion plating (IP) – what is it?

Ion plating, often called IP plating, is a more advanced surface treatment.

Instead of applying a layer on top of the surface, the metal is bonded through a vacuum process.

The result is:

• A harder and more durable surface
• Better adhesion than traditional plating
• Longer color durability

👉 It is often used in combination with stainless steel.

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Regular plating vs. ion plating

Brief difference:

👉 Plating
→ thinner layer, can wear off faster

👉 (IP)
→ more durable, retains color longer

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Why do prices differ so much?

The price of a piece of jewelry is affected by several factors:

• Material (silver, steel, plating, or other non-precious metals)
• Manufacturing method
• Design and details
• Workmanship behind the product
• Origin and production
• Quality of material and surface treatment
• Plating thickness, method, and durability over time

As well as:

👉 Jewelry produced locally on a smaller scale, with carefully selected materials and more durable surface treatments, often comes at a higher price than mass-produced alternatives from larger foreign production.

👉 Silver is a precious metal whose purchase price has increased over time. This means that sterling silver jewelry often has a higher price than many other materials.

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Other materials – pros and cons

Here is a brief overview of some common materials used in jewelry and how they differ:

Brass

• Affordable
• Easy to shape and use in design
• Can discolor over time
• Can affect sensitive skin

Copper

• Warm tone and vibrant surface
• Often used in crafts
• Oxidizes quickly
• Can stain the skin

Zinc alloy

• Inexpensive material
• Common in mass-produced jewelry
• Lower durability
• May contain undesirable substances

Aluminum

• Very lightweight
• Does not rust
• Less durable than steel
• May feel cheaper
• Not recommended for sensitive skin

Solid gold

• Very durable
• Retains color and value over time
• Generally hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin*
• Significantly higher price
  

👉 *BUT:

• Lower karat gold (e.g., 14k) contains more alloy and can, in rare cases, affect very sensitive skin
• Higher karat gold (e.g., 18k) is usually more skin-friendly
• Pure gold (24k) is virtually inert and very rarely causes reactions – but it is also the most expensive and relatively soft, which means it is used less often in jewelry