If you are planning to buy gold jewelry, you have to know the difference between Gold-filled Vs Gold-plated. Here is the right place for you!
Gold-filled jewelry has 100x more gold alloy than gold plated and because that layer is so much thicker, it means gold-filled jewelry lasts longer and stands up to wear and tear better than gold plated.
We’re confident that after reading this blog post, you’ll know what to buy.
What is Gold-Filled Jewelry?
Solid gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal, frequently sterling silver or brass, to create gold-filled jewelry. You may also see this type of jewelry referred to as “gold bonded” or “rolled gold”.
Two big pros to this process:
- The gold layer is significant and is permanently bonded to the base metal with pressure and intense heat. Because of this permanence, you won’t get any flaking or peeling
- Gold-filled jewelry can last as long as solid gold if properly cared for. Additionally, it is a little less expensive than pure gold.
The drawback is that most jewelers today don’t offer gold-filled jewelry at all because they find it to be too expensive. This results in it occasionally being so pricey that it might be worth just waiting a little longer and saving money for a solid gold option.
What is Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry‘s main advantage is that it is typically less expensive than other gold options. But as with everything, you get what you pay for. The main drawback of gold plating is that it tarnishes quickly and doesn’t last very long.
If you’ve ever seen a “gold” necklace turn your neck green… that’s what happens when the base metal oxidizes, causing a chemical reaction and leaving a green (or even black) residue on your skin.
As a result, there are different levels of quality for gold-plated jewelry. Opt for a gold-plated piece where the gold layer is at least 0.5 microns thick. Your skin won’t turn green any time soon because the gold layer’s thickness determines how long the gold-plated chain will last.
What’s the Difference Between Gold-filled Vs Gold-plated?
Gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry are two alternatives people use for solid gold jewelry.
Definition
Gold filled jewelry is created by joining a base metal with outer layers of gold, as opposed to gold plated jewelry, which is created by depositing a thin gold layer on a base metal.
Gold Layer
Gold-filled jewelry has thicker outer layers of gold than gold plated jewelry.
Amount of Gold
Comparing gold plated and gold filled jewelry, the latter contains more gold.
Durability
The fact that gold filled jewelry does not easily peel, chip, tarnish, or discolor makes it more durable than gold plated jewelry.
Price
Additionally, gold filled jewelry costs more than gold plated jewelry.
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Conclusion on Gold-filled Vs Gold-plated
The main difference between gold-plated and gold-filled is that gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold, whereas gold filled jewelry has a thicker gold layer and is more durable.
When longevity and durability are essential, gold-filled jewelry works best. When a gift is made to last decades, it has much greater emotional impact for occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and other similar celebrations.
Jewelry that is gold-plated works well with current trends. In this manner, you can follow the fashion without having to question whether your purchase of a more pricey item was worthwhile.
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- How Long Does Gold-plated Jewelry Last?
FAQs about Gold-filled Vs Gold-plated
Why is Gold Filled Cheaper Than Gold Plated?
Gold-filled jewelry is generally more valuable than gold-plated, largely because it contains a higher concentration of high-quality gold.
How Long Does Gold Jewelry Last?
10k-18k gold jewelry can last forever with the proper maintenance. According to the other metals mixed in with the gold, gold-filled jewelry can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years or more with proper maintenance.
Can You Shower With Gold-filled Jewelry?
Gold-filled jewelry is safe to wear while showering. To remove your jewelry before taking a shower, even solid gold pieces, is what many jewelry experts advise. This is justified by the fact that showering while wearing jewelry can eventually cause it to tarnish.
Does Gold Filled Turn Black?
Yes, it is possible, but only under very specific conditions. Because the gold layer bonded to the brass core is so thick, gold-filled jewelry supplies are made to last a lifetime. However, in rare instances of extreme sulfide exposure, it can blacken.
