Gold Filled Jewelry FAQs
Our gold filled pieces are made of high quality 14k or 18k gold that is bonded to a base metal. Gold filled jewelry is a wonderful alternative to solid gold without breaking the bank. With proper care, gold filled jewelry will stay bright and beautiful for years to come.
‘Gold filled’ jewelry is composed of a solid layer of gold (typically constituting at least 5% of the item's total weight) mechanically bonded to a base of either sterling silver or some other base metal. The term "gold filled" is a regulated industry standard that requires the metal to consist of at least 5% pure gold by weight. Most high quality gold filled pieces have the same appearance as high carat gold, and gold-filled items, even with daily wear, can last 10 to 30 years. The layer of gold on gold filled items is 5 to 10 times thicker than that produced by regular gold plating.
How is it made?
First, you take a piece of base metal, which can be anything from steel to brass to sterling silver. Then you quite literally roll a thick sheet of solid gold on top of it. The base metal and gold are fused together using heat. Then these sheets are used to make jewelry. This process results in high-quality and durable jewelry. It looks & feels just like solid gold.
Is it really made with pure gold?
Yes, it is! There's a thick layer of solid 14k gold covering the jewelry's metal core, which is the same exact 14k solid gold you'd get when buying solid gold jewelry. Luxe without breaking the bank.
How much solid gold do I get?
When you buy 14k gold filled jewelry, you get at least 5% real, solid 14k gold. And while 5% may sound very little, it's all on the outside and makes a very thick layer. 14k gold filled jewelry looks & feels just like solid gold and you won't be able to tell the difference.
What’s the difference between gold filled vs gold plated?
The most common method of gold plating is electroplating. For most gold plating, a microscopic layer of gold is adhered to a base metal using an electric current. This current carries positively charged gold ions and adheres them to a negatively charged base metal. Sometimes this layer is so thin that it can be very easily rubbed off. Gold filled jewelry is much thicker and therefore much more durable. Because of the difference in gold content, gold filled jewelry is significantly more expensive than gold plated jewelry.
Also, it is hard to know exactly what you're getting when you purchase gold plated jewelry, because thickness standards are not defined and therefore can't be closely regulated.
Is gold filled and gold vermeil the same?
No. Gold filled has a much thicker layer of gold over the base metal, which makes a big difference in the jewelry's ability to resist wear and tear. Vermeil pieces are usually created from electroplating and the minimum required gold is much lower than gold filled.
Is Gold Filled better than Gold Plated and/or Gold Vermeil?
Much better, absolutely. Gold filled is as close as you can get to solid gold and significantly more affordable.
Does it contain Nickel?
No, it does not.
I have sensitive skin - can I wear it?
Yes. 99.99% of people have no sensitivity to gold filled jewelry. If you don't have a sensitivity wearing solid gold, you should not have any issues wearing gold filled either. We're talking real gold here, remember?
Will it discolor my skin?
No. About 0.00001 of people experience discoloration when wearing gold, but it's typically because of medications present in their system that interact with the gold. If your solid gold jewelry doesn't discolor your skin, you are in the clear. And even if it does, soap and water will take it away.
Will it peel, rust, tarnish or fade?
No, it will not peel and can't possibly rust. Although gold filled is very durable it can fade over time. Usually it can be cleaned by using a soft toothbrush combined with mild dish soap and water. It is still recommended to avoid contact with perfumes, lotions and sunscreens. We also recommend removing your jewelry before swimming in pools and hot tubs.