The Difference Between Gold Filled and Gold Plated Jewelry

If you have ever wondered about the difference between gold filled and gold plated jewelry, you are not alone. Many times, customers do not know about the difference between these two processes, so let us cover some basics about both.

So What Is The Difference Between Gold Filled and Gold Plated Jewelry

Gold Filled Jewelry

What does gold filled mean? Gold filled is a layered gold product from the United States that is increasing in popularity throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Gold filled is a quality material, usually maintaining its golden shine for a lifetime. The material is also low maintenance and common in all types of jewelry.

If you are looking for an inexpensive alternative to solid 14k gold jewelry, gold filled jewelry is the way to go. Gold filled jewelry normally lasts much longer than most electroplated jewelry.

The main difference between gold filled and gold plated jewelry is the number of layers. Gold filled is constructed with two or three layers, with the core metal as jewelers’ brass. A gold alloy is bonded to the surface of the brass core with pressure and heat. Unlike gold plated, or electroplated, metals, gold filled is required to contain 5% gold. This 5% gold is usually described by the gold alloy karats. 14k gold filled jewelry is described as 14/20 gold filled, or simply 14k gold filled.

Gold Plated Jewelry

What does gold plated mean? Gold plate is a minuscule layer of solid gold applied to a brass core. The plating is estimated to be 0.05% or less of the metal product, and is not normally described by weight. Gold plating will generally wear off more quickly than gold filled, exposing the brass base. Gold plated jewelry does not stand up to heat or water, and does not wear well over time.

On a side note, gold plate is not to be confused with Vermeil, which is a thicker level of gold plating over sterling silver instead of a base metal. To legally qualify as Vermeil, the plating needs to be a minimum of 2.5 microns thick.

Gold Filled Vs. Solid Gold

Solid gold is an alloy that is described with pure gold karatage. Pure gold is 24kt, making it too soft to hold its shape or wear well. For this reason, it is mixed with other metals to make it harder and easier to work with. Karatage refers to the alloy’s purity. For example, 8 karat gold is 8/24 pure gold or 33.3% pure. Gold-filled is different from solid gold. It is a layered alternative material. The gold filled karatage only refers to the gold layers that compose 5% of the product on the surface.

Care and Cleaning

Another main difference between gold filled and gold plated jewelry is that gold filled does not de-laminate or peel like gold plated or “dipped” jewelry. Gold filled also does not tarnish as easily as silver. Many owners find that they never have to clean gold filled jewelry at all. The best way to clean gold filled jewelry is to use mild soap and water. Hot weather and water will not damage gold filled jewelry.