What is the difference between Gold-filled and Gold-Plated Jewelry

Gold Filled Jewelry differs significantly from Gold Plated Jewelry and the same applies to the related Jewelry Findings. The process for making both of them are completely different and it reflects in the price and attributes. 

Here are the differences:

Gold- Filled is a high-quality alternative to solid gold which is much less expensive because it is not solid gold all through. It is a case of a thick layer of gold being mechanically bonded to a base metal which is usually brass. For it to qualify as Gold -Filled, the gold content must be at least 5% of the total weight of the item. Imagine it as a straw with a solid center whereby the center is brass and the outer layer of the straw is gold totally encircling the brass.

Advantages of Gold-Filled Jewelry and Findings:

• It is hypoallergenic.

Many people with sensitive skin do not react to Gold-Filled jewelry. Understandably, the layer that comes into direct contact with the skin is gold and therefore safe for most people. 

•  It is durable. 

Because the layer of gold is relatively thick, it prevents fading over time, peeling or tarnishing. With proper care, Gold-Filled pieces can actually last for years or even decades. Avoiding using Gold-Filled items in the shower, not wearing them all day and all night and avoiding contact with perfume and cosmetics means they would last very long. 

• It is more affordable than Gold.

It is significantly cheaper than solid gold jewelry but looks and acts like gold with certain limitations. 

• It is easy to maintain. Gold- filled items do not need more special care than your gold jewelry. It can be cleaned with a soft, damp, cloth and when necessary it can be put it in a soapy solution and cleaned with a small soft brush. Rinse, pat dry and polish with gold polishing cloth. It can last up to 30 years.

• Gold-filled jewelery usually has a mark/  stamp on it which shows 1/ 20 14k GF. GF usually stands for Gold-Filled 

Gold-plated jewelry is a cheaper alternative to gold. It also looks like gold and is achieved by applying a very thin layer of gold to a base metal such as brass or stainless steel using an electroplating process. The layer of the gold for the coating is usually less than 0.5% of the total weight of the finished item. The gold element is much less than in the case of Gold-filled.

Advantages of Gold-Plated Jewelry and Findings

• It is cheaper than gold-filled; therefore it is more pocket friendly. It is used for a wider variety of stylish pieces because the metal used can be manipulated easier in different ways before the plating is done, unlike gold-filled. 

While it resembles solid gold at the beginning, over time the gold is more prone to losing colour. When worn frequently, scratching and fading should be expected. It tends to tarnish more quickly where the heat and humidity pose a challenge. 

 Gold-Plated items are usually not marked but when done, such a mark  will simply say GP.

Crafties is well known as a stockist of Gold-Filled Findings. We have been selling them for over 20 years. We are trusted suppliers for those who make beaded Jewelry and we stock a wide assortment of Gold-Filled findings and Gold-Filled filled wires alongside their sterling silver counterparts.