If you’re looking to invest in a piece of gold jewelry, you may be wondering if it’s better to go with gold-filled or gold-plated jewelry. Gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry are both great choices for people who want to buy quality, affordable jewelry. Gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry are both made of real gold, but they are different processes. While they look similar, there are some key differences between the two types of items that can help you decide which is best for your needs.
What Is Gold-Filled Jewelry
Gold-filled jewelry is not to be confused with gold-plated jewelry. Gold filled has a much thicker layer of gold than gold plating, which prevents the item from flaking off over time.
What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry
Gold plated is a thin layer of gold over some other metal, usually brass. It can be distinguished by its brass or silver tint when scratched. The thickness of the plating varies from brand to brand and from piece to piece, but most gold-plated jewelry has a thickness between 0.001 inch (0.025 mm) and 0.0005 inch (0.013 mm).
Here’s a Quick Comparison of the Two:
- You can’t see the difference between the two when they’re worn—both types of jewelry look exactly like solid gold.
- Gold-filled jewelry is more durable than gold-plated jewelry because its layers are held together by pressure rather than glue (which can wear away over time). Gold filled also has more weight than gold-plated jewelry (about 10% heavier).
- The price is usually higher for a piece that’s been “filled.”
Gold-Filled Jewelry On Skin
Gold-filled jewelry is a more durable alternative to gold-plated jewelry. It’s made from a sheet of 14k or 18k gold that’s been rolled, pressed, and heat-treated under high pressure. This process causes the surface of the metal to become like microscopic mirrors, so it reflects light and appears to be more sparkly than regular plated metals. The thickness of the piece determines its durability—the higher the karat value, the thicker the piece can be before it becomes too thin for durability purposes. (A piece with 5% or less of its weight in gold should not be worn every day.)
Gold-Plated Jewelry On Skin
With gold-plated jewelry, the base metal is nickel. Nickel is a common irritant that can cause allergic reactions such as rashes or blisters on the skin. It’s also been known to discolor and tarnish in some cases. Gold-plated jewelry should be taken off before showering or swimming because water can easily wear away at the thin layer of gold.
When To Buy Gold-Filled and Gold-Plated Jewelry
Gold-filled is often considered a safe choice for jewelry, as it looks like gold and can be worn regularly without the risk of tarnishing. Gold-plated pieces may seem like a good option because they are cheaper, but they will not last nearly as long. If you want to wear your jewelry every day without any concerns about wear and tear, go with gold-filled instead of gold-plated. For more information on gold jewelry, contact us today!