Gold-filled jewelry is a type of jewelry that consists of a base metal (such as brass or copper) covered with a thick layer of gold. It is different from gold-plated jewelry, where a thin layer of gold is applied to the surface of a base metal.
The process of making gold-filled jewelry involves mechanically bonding a layer of gold to the base metal using heat and pressure. The gold layer must be at least 5% of the total weight of the item. Typically, gold-filled jewelry has a thicker layer of gold compared to gold-plated jewelry, which results in a longer-lasting and more durable product, and therefore more expensive.
Here are some key features about gold-filled jewelry:
-
Quality and Durability: Gold-filled jewelry is more durable than gold-plated jewelry because of the thicker layer of gold. With proper care, gold-filled jewelry can last a lifetime without tarnishing or wearing off.
-
Value: Gold-filled jewelry offers a more affordable alternative to solid gold jewelry. It provides the look and feel of solid gold at a fraction of the cost.
-
Hypoallergenic: Gold-filled jewelry is generally considered hypoallergenic and suitable for people with sensitive skin. However, individuals with specific metal allergies should still exercise caution and consider their personal sensitivities. A great alternative is our tarnish free gold plated jewelry because the base metal is 316 stainless steel which is hypoallergenic! (READ OUR "How is your gold plated jewelry waterproof?" BLOG for more info).
-
Care and Maintenance: Gold-filled jewelry requires regular care to maintain its appearance. It should be cleaned gently using mild soap and water, and abrasive materials should be avoided to prevent scratching the gold layer.
-
Gold Content: Gold-filled jewelry is labeled with a karatage to indicate the gold content of the outer layer. For example, you may see "14/20" stamped on the jewelry, indicating that it contains 1/20th (or 5%) of 14-karat gold by weight.
Gold-filled jewelry is a popular choice for those seeking the beauty of gold jewelry at a more affordable price point. It offers durability, value, and we handcraft and create a wide range of designs and styles to choose from!