What is Gold Filled?

If you love jewelry as much as I do, you probably have seen the term gold filled. There are a lot of different materials used in jewelry and it can be a bit confusing! In fact, one of the most common question that we get asked at our shops, is “what is gold filled jewelry?” We are here to help set this straight!

One material that you may have seen pop up is gold filled. But what is gold filled, exactly? In this post, I’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about gold filled jewelry.

How Is Gold Filled Jewelry Made?

Gold filled is a type of jewelry that is made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal (usually brass) through heat and pressure. Unlike gold plated jewelry, which uses a very thin layer of gold that can wear away over time, gold filled jewelry is made with a significantly thicker layer of gold that will last much longer. Gold filled jewelry can last for decades with proper care. It can vary but typically there is a brass core.

The amount of gold used in gold filled jewelry is regulated by the government to ensure its quality. In the US, gold filled jewelry must contain at least 1/20th gold by weight (or 5% gold), making it a much higher quality option than gold plated jewelry, which contains an even thinner layer of gold.

One of the biggest benefits of gold filled jewelry it is affordable, while still being good quality. Solid gold jewelry can be incredibly expensive, gold filled jewelry offers a more affordable option that still looks and feels like pure gold. It’s a great way to get the look of gold without breaking the bank. If you need a simple new chain like this one, you may want to consider gold fill since it can be worn daily.

Gold filled jewelry also comes in a variety of different colors, depending on the type of gold used. Yellow gold filled jewelry is the most common, but you can also find rose gold filled and white gold filled options. This makes it easy to find jewelry that will fit your style.

You will need to polish and care for your jewelry so keep reading my tips about caring for your gold filled jewelry.

Caring For Gold Filled Jewelry

When it comes to caring for gold filled jewelry, it’s important to remember that it is still a delicate material. While it is more durable than gold plated jewelry, it can still scratch or tarnish over time.

To keep your gold filled jewelry looking its best, store it in a dry place and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Purchase a soft cloth or polishing cloth that you can use to lightly polish the jewelry.

You should also remove your gold filled jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising to avoid damage.

I often tell my customers to treat gold fill jewelry like that of sterling silver.

RECAP

Gold filled jewelry is a high quality alternative for jewelry lovers who want the look and feel of solid gold without spending lots of money. Or perhaps for someone with metal allergies. For example, simple gold fill studs like these are great for everyday for those with sensitive ears.

I can’t recommend gold filled jewelry enough! It is one of my very favorite jewelry materials because you can find a beautiful piece that will last a long time without being super expensive. Gold fill is perfect for everyday wear too. If you like to keep on a piece of jewelry for awhile like me, this is the jewelry material for you. Sterling silver, gold vermeil and gold filled jewelry are all great options as an alternative to pure gold.

So next time you’re shopping for jewelry, be sure to look for gold filled options. I hope that this article helped to clarify what gold filled jewelry actually is and how to take care of it! We compiled a list of our favorite gold filled necklaces here!

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