How Long Does Gold Filled Jewelry Last? How to Care It?

Gold filled jewelry is novel to many jewelers and intimidating to those who are unsure. You may wonder how long does gold filled jewelry last?

The best option for those looking for affordable jewelry that is also long-lasting is gold filled. They can last up to 30 years if used with care.

Gold-filled jewelry typically resists tarnishing. If used properly, it can last you for a very long time and is definitely worth the money.

Keep reading to learn more about gold filled jewelry storage.

Table of Contents

What is Gold Filled Jewellery?

You might be curious as to what gold filled jewelry is and how it differs from solid gold or gold-plated jewelry.

Gold filled is made by mechanically bonding a layer of gold to a layer of base metal. It is also referred to as “rolled gold” or “gold bonded.” The core of gold-filled items typically has brass filling with a distinct layer of gold on top. The brass surface is next heated and pressurized to bond the gold to it. As a result of the bond’s permanence, the gold won’t flake, peel, or disintegrate.

A gold-filled item must legally contain 5% (or 1/20) of gold in its total weight. The term “gold filled” is not permissible if the amount of gold is less than 5%. For comparison, less than 0.05% of the total weight of a gold-plated item is typically made up of actual gold.

How Long Does Gold Filled Jewellery Last?

Are you looking for durable jewelry supplies? You’re in luck.

If you opt for gold filled jewellery as opposed to gold plated, it should last somewhere between 10 to 30 years. Additionally, it is much less expensive than jewelry made of high-carat gold. It’s a win-win!

Does Gold-filled Tarnish?

Gold-filled is a material made up of two to three layers and is usually used by jewelers for designing various types of golf jewelry.

It comes in sheets and wires. Gold filled is significantly more tarnish-resistant than gold plating. As it is constructed of two or three layers of solid gold, each layer of which contains at least 5% of the core metal, it is a dependable material for use in jewelry.

Depending on the type of manufacturing quality, this composition can change. It is resistant to tarnish and wear because of these thick layers. Unquestionably, it is a durable material whose lifespan depends on the usage and maintenance. Only extreme circumstances, such as exposure to chemical sulfides, fire, or potent pollutants, can cause gold-filled to tarnish.

How to Care for Gold Filled Jewelry?

All of us desire that our jewelry last for a very long time.

A big deal is when you own something for more than ten years because it shows how well-made and timeless it is.

Now let’s look at how to care your gold-filled jewelry. You can use these suggestions on your other pieces just as well.

Avoid wearing your jewelry to swimming pools or the ocean because the chlorine and saltwater will damage them
When cleaning avoid wearing your jewelry as the detergents and other cleaning products are harsh on the gold
When dealing with cosmetics and skincare products, wear the jewelry last and take them off when using a cosmetic remover
Warm water and mild detergent should be combined in a bowl for cleaning gold filled jewelry. Put the pieces in and leave them to soak for five minutes before taking them out
To get any dirt and debris out that might be present, take off the jewelry out of the soaking bowl, and using an incredibly soft brush, get into every nook and cranny to ensure everything gets out (use this step sparingly as excessive scrubbing can cause the gold to tarnish faster)
Follow up with rinsing your jewelry under warm running water
When finished, lay it down on a soft cloth and pat it dry. Don’t rub as that can cause discoloration
Use a jewelry cloth to polish your pieces from time to time to keep them shiny and remove any layer of dirt
Since humidity causes the metal to corrode, keep your jewelry in a cool environment. That means moving your jewelry box away from direct sunlight in your room
When storing your jewelry, put each piece in separate airtight bags as rubbing against each other causes them to lose their shine
No matter how beautiful the jewelry is, avoid touching it even when on the body, as it will cause it to discolor

Takeaway: How Long Does Gold Filled Jewelry Last

There is a lot to love about gold-filled jewelry.

You’re not promised a lifetime of wear if it’s something you wear frequently, but 10 to 30 years is quite a long time.

The majority of people assert that gold-filled jewelry is water-resistant. To make jewelry last longer, however, you should take extra care because it is fragile.