You might have heard of gold-plated jewelry on your trips to the store and most likely have plenty in your wardrobe, but have you also heard of gold-filled jewelry? You would be surprised at how many of my customers have never heard of the term.
The term gold-filled may be misleading as the jewelry is not exactly "filled" with gold, but it is second best to solid gold and the best alternative to solid gold. Gold-filled jewelry is even regulated to ensure they must use a certain percentage of real gold. Therefore, gold-filled is the best middle ground between high luxury and fast fading jewelry, except without the cost.
What is gold-filled jewelry?
Gold-plated or gold-filled, the term refers to the jewelry making process on how gold is infused onto the base metal beneath. Gold-filled jewelry has a thick layer of gold that is mechanically bonded to either brass, copper, or sterling silver using extreme heat and pressure. The thick layer of gold must hold 1/20th of the total weight of the piece, which equates to a minimum of 5% that is 10k or higher. Because of these specific requirements, gold-filled jewelry is known for its durability and much longer lifespan than plated jewelry.
What is gold-plated jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold that is bounded to brass or copper by a process called electroplating. These pieces can contain either 14k, 18k or 24k gold but because the layer around the base metal is so thin, gold-plated jewelry contains no real gold value. The whole process that goes into the finishing for plated jewelry is simple and does not involve much gold, therefore it results in lower price points for the customer. The plating process also involves toxic chemicals, making it the least sustainable option.
Will gold-filled jewelry break my bank?
While it is certainly an upgrade from plated jewelry, gold-filled jewelry will not break your bank. If you're on a tight budget, gold-plated jewelry would probably make more sense for you financially in the short term, but it will not withstand the constant wear and tear of everyday life, and it is not designed to last long. Gold-filled jewelry is designed to last much longer, meaning the piece is able to withstand the wear and tear for much longer. For a slightly higher upfront price, gold-filled jewelry will save you from constantly replacing jewelry and potentially saving you more money in the long term.
Can I shower with gold-filled jewelry?
The short and simple answer is, yes! Gold-filled is able to withstand the exposure of water, though it is also recommended to limit prolonged exposure. Harsh chemicals in swimming pools may also damage gold-filled jewelry, therefore it is also recommended to limit the exposure.
Can I wear gold-filled jewelry daily?
The answer is also yes. Many have busy and fast-paced lives, and if want a piece of jewelry that can withstand from hitting the gym in the morning to be in the office during the day and out on the town at night, gold-filled is the best option for you.
Can I be allergic to gold-filled jewelry?
There are instances where a person might be allergic to gold-filled if they're also allergic to solid gold, but it's fairly uncommon. It is much more common for someone to be allergic to the base metal of the jewelry, such as brass, copper and nickel. Because of this, gold-plated jewelry tends to cause more allergic reactions in one's body when body chemicals react with the thin layer of gold. If you are someone who has sensitive skin, gold-filled jewelry is usually a safer option to go with.