What is Gold-Filled Jewelry?

With gold jewelry being so popular right now I often get asked the question: what is gold-filled jewelry? The first part of answering this question is explaining what gold-filled jewelry is (and it can be confusing!). To be considered gold-filled, the gold-filled material must make up 5% of the total weight of the piece. This often means a piece has:

1. A gold top layer
2. A middle layer or core, it can be sterling silver or brass (never nickel)
3. A bottom gold layer

This is a great way to have the look of gold, but without the price tag. Another added perk is that the gold-filled jewelry is perfect for those who suffer from metal allergies. 

The second question I often get asked: what is the difference between gold-filled and gold plated? This is a great question. Gold plated is gold that's layered over a base metal and it only has to make up .25 total weight of the piece. This means the gold coloring will wear off over time.

The last and final question my customers ask me: which one do I prefer? While this is a personal preference, I always say 14kt gold-filled. With proper care, gold-filled jewelry can stand the test of time and look flawless for years down the road. Knowing this, I like to use gold-filled materials in my jewelry designs. 

I hope you found this blog post helpful when purchasing your jewelry pieces. 

XO,

Margie