How to Care for Gold-filled Jewelry? Complete Guide

One of the questions I get most as a jewelry designer is about gold fill. Everyone is always curious about how to care for gold-filled jewelry. This is why we writing this guide here.

Jewelry made of gold fill requires only minimal maintenance. You must be aware of the potential tarnishing factors and clean it thoroughly as needed.

Keep in mind that caring for your jewelry is just as important as wearing it. Learn how to maintain your gold-filled jewelry in the following paragraphs.

Table of Contents

What is Yellow Gold Fill?

A good-quality, more cost-effective substitute for solid gold is yellow gold-filled jewelry. Also known as “rolled gold” or “gold overlay”, it’s easily confused with gold plating; however, the key difference is that it’s filled with solid gold, hence the name.

A layer of solid gold is bonded to a base metal (such as brass, rhodium, copper, or sterling silver) during the manufacturing process of Gold-filled jewelry using a specific combination of heat and pressure. The jewelry item must contain solid gold making up at least 5% of its total weight in order to be categorized as Gold-filled.

“Yellow gold” refers to the specific coloring of the jewelry which, in this case, is widely recognized as the traditional gold hue. You can also get “white gold” (silver) filled jewelry, as well as “rose gold”.

What Causes Gold-filled Jewellery to Tarnish?

Hot tubs and swimming pools: just don’t do it! Your gold-filled jewelry will be damaged by the harsh chemicals used. If you accidentally wear it, make sure to clean it thoroughly as soon as possible.
Working out: getting sweaty at the gym is not advised whilst wearing your jewellery; take it off!
Sunscreen lotion, cosmetics, and cosmetics remover: Last to put on and first to remove is jewelry. Give it a good scrub as soon as you can if you spend the day at the beach and your jewelry gets sprayed with sunscreen.

Also Read: Does Gold-filled Jewelry Turn Green?

How to Care for Gold-filled Jewelry?

The maintenance of gold-filled jewelry is not all that different from that of other kinds of jewelry. Here are our top tips:

Wearing gold-filled jewelry in the ocean or a swimming pool is not recommended because the salt and chlorine can damage it.
Away from bothersome humidity and as dry as possible, keep your gold-filled jewelry! Because rubbing it against other jewelry can cause it to lose its sheen, make sure to store it separately in an airtight plastic bag.
Wearing gold-filled jewelry while exercising is not advised. Your pieces may become dull from exposure to sweat-related salt.
Be aware that the harsh chemicals in hand lotions, perfumes, and hairspray may cause your gold-filled jewelry to tarnish.
To maintain shine, periodically gently wipe your gold-filled piece with a jewelry-polishing, non-scratch cloth.

What Are the Benefits of Gold-filled Jewelry?

Because of its strength, quality, and, let’s face it, the fact that it makes stunning jewelry, gold fill is your best alternative to solid gold.

Gold fill does not rust and won’t turn your skin green. Gold fill metal won’t tarnish if handled carefully.

Gold fill jewelry will last a long time with a little caution and maintenance. Additionally, it is hypoallergenic and hardly ever irritates skin that is sensitive.

Final Thoughts on Care for Gold-filled Jewelry

Gold-filled jewelry is much more durable than gold plated jewelry, but it will age at different rates depending on how you treat it.

The secret is to keep your gold-filled jewelry somewhere airtight; small Tupperware containers work great for this. And remember to keep your Gold-filled jewelry as dry as possible and away from pesky humidity!

Is Gold-filled Waterproof?

Gold-filled jewelry is waterproof and doesn’t oxidize or corrode.

Can Gold-filled Jewelry Be Worn All the Time?

The answer is a resounding yes! One of the most durable jewelry types on the market is gold-filled jewelry. The layer of gold that is bonded to the base metal is significantly thicker than what you would find in gold-plated jewelry because of the mechanical gilding process.