What is Gold Filled Jewelry and what makes it special?

As a jewelry maker, I get a lot of questions about the different metal types used in jewelry making. One metal that often causes confusion is gold filled. What exactly is gold filled? How is it different than regular gold plating? Is it worth the higher price tag? Let's dive into the details!

What is Gold Filled?

Gold filled is a specific type of composite metal made by taking a thick layer of solid gold and pressure bonding it over a core of cheaper base metal like brass or jeweler's metal. This bonding process results in a sturdy, solid construction where the gold layer becomes one with the base metal core.

How is Gold Filled Made?

Gold filled starts as a thick sheet of solid gold, at least 1/20th of the total weight. This gold sheet is mechanically bonded over the core base metal using extreme heat and pressure. The gold becomes inseparable from the base metal through molecular diffusion.

Gold Filled vs. Gold Plating

The key difference between gold filled and standard gold plating is thickness and permanence. Gold plating is when an extremely thin surface layer of gold is electroplated over a base metal - usually just a few millionths of an inch thick. Gold filled requires a much thicker layer of solid gold pressure bonded to the metal core.

Gold filled pieces can withstand much more everyday wear and tear. The gold layer is thick enough that it won't easily wear away or flake off like gold plating can over time with regular use.

Lifespan of Gold Filled

Because of this thick, bonded gold layer, gold filled jewelry has an incredibly long lifespan - around 30 years with proper care and wear! Over decades of use, the gold may eventually start wearing down in high friction areas, but you'll get longevity far beyond regular gold plating.

Why Pay More for Gold Filled?

The upfront cost for gold filled jewelry is higher than gold plated, but the value shows in the quality and lifespan. Gold filled gives you the luxury look and tarnish-resistance of solid gold without the solid gold price tag. It's an affordable way to invest in beautiful, long-lasting jewelry.

In my jewelry making, I opt for quality gold filled chains and findings over gold plating whenever possible. The extra cost is worth it to create pieces that will truly go the distance. A gold filled piece develops its own beautiful vintage patina over years of wear.

So if you want gorgeous, quality jewelry that looks brand new for decades, I'd highly recommend considering the value and beauty of gold filled pieces!

Learn more about gold filled jewelry here and as always let me know if you have any other questions.