Education

1) Why does solid gold jewelry cost more & why is it worth it?

The question
Why can two pieces of jewelry look similar, yet be priced so differently?

The explanation
Much of the price difference comes down to materials, construction, and branding. Fast fashion jewelry is often plated or gold filled, meaning a thin layer of gold is applied over another metal. This keeps prices low, but the gold will eventually wear away. On the other end, traditional luxury houses price in solid gold and craftsmanship, along with significant brand and retail markups.

Fina’s approach
Fina sits intentionally in between. Our pieces are crafted in solid 10k and 14k gold, not plated or layered. The gold runs all the way through, allowing each piece to be worn daily without fading or peeling. By producing in small batches and selling directly, we focus on material value and craftsmanship rather than inflated luxury markups offering fine jewelry designed to last, at a more considered price.

2) Is solid gold meant for everyday wear or special occasions only?

The question
Have you ever owned a gold piece you loved but felt you had to take off constantly, worried about scratching it, damaging it, or wearing it out?

The explanation
Jewelry worn daily comes into contact with desks, bags, clothing, skin oils, and cleaning products. Over time, this regular exposure affects how the metal wears. Gold with a lower karat content, such as 10k, contains more alloy metals and is highly durable, while higher purity golds like 18k, 22k, or 24k are naturally softer and more prone to bending or deeper marks with constant wear. Plated or coated jewelry presents a different issue altogether, as the thin gold layer gradually wears away.

Fina’s approach
Fina works with both solid 10k and 14k gold, chosen for a reason: everyday wear. 10k gold, offers added strength through its alloy content, while 14k gold, provides a richer tone with a balanced level of durability. By using solid gold throughout, our pieces are designed to be worn often, age naturally, and fit seamlessly into daily life without sacrificing long term value. In our opinion solid gold jewelry is not meant to be saved for special occasions, but to be lived in every day.

3) 10k vs 14k gold - choosing what fits your life

10k gold
- 41.7% pure gold.
- Higher alloy content increases resistance to bending, denting, and daily impact.
- Surface marks appear more slowly, requiring less frequent maintenance.
- Holds its shape well during repairs and adjustments.
- Slightly lighter gold tone for a more subtle look.

Why choose 10k:
Choose 10k if you want solid gold jewelry at a more accessible price point, with added durability, lower maintenance, and resilience suited for everyday wear.

14k gold
- 58.5% pure gold.
- Higher gold content creates a richer, warmer gold tone.
- Easier to polish and restore to its original finish due to higher gold % = softer and more malleable.
- Offers greater flexibility for resizing and detailed repairs.
- Holds higher intrinsic gold value long term.

Why choose 14k:
Choose 14k if you value a richer gold tone, higher gold content by weight, stronger long term material value, and a piece that can be restored, refined, and evolve with you over time.