10 Facts About Gold Filled Jewelry
10 Facts About Gold Filled Jewelry
When you’re shopping for beautiful gold jewelry, gold filled designs are a wonderful option. Many customers love gold filled pieces because they offer the look of high-karat gold with added durability and a more approachable price.
As a jewelry artist, I appreciate gold filled metal for its affordability, strength, and hypoallergenic properties. In this article, I’m sharing ten helpful facts about gold filled metals so you can better understand what you’re wearing and why this material is so special.
What Is Gold Filled Jewelry?
Gold filled metal is created by bonding a thick layer of real gold to a base metal, usually brass. This is done using a combination of heat and pressure to permanently join the metals. You may also hear it called “gold bonded” or “rolled gold.”
By law, gold filled jewelry must contain at least 5% gold by weight (or 1/20th gold). That is significantly more gold than plated jewelry, which only has a very thin surface layer of gold.
The result is a beautiful, durable metal that looks like high-karat gold and is designed to be worn and enjoyed for many years.
10 Facts About Gold Filled Jewelry
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Who discovered gold filled metals?
In 1817, Englishman John Turner patented his discovery of the gold filled wire and sheet metal technique. -
How is gold filled metal made?
Gold filled metal is a bonded layer of real gold over a base metal, usually brass. The mechanical bonding process uses heat and pressure to permanently fuse the metals. -
How much gold is in gold filled jewelry?
By law, gold filled jewelry must contain at least 5% gold or 1/20th gold by weight. -
Does gold filled jewelry tarnish?
Gold filled metals are generally tarnish resistant and will not change color under normal wear. Tarnish is most likely if the metal is exposed to extreme sulfides or harsh environmental conditions. -
Does gold filled jewelry look like higher graded gold?
Yes. Quality gold filled jewelry has the same rich appearance as high-karat gold, making it a beautiful alternative for everyday pieces. -
How long can gold filled jewelry last?
With proper care, gold filled jewelry can last a very long time—often 10–30 years or more, even with regular wear and occasional exposure to water. -
What damages gold filled metal jewelry?
Gold filled jewelry should not be exposed to harsh chemicals such as bleach, chlorine, or strong cleaners. These can damage the surface and shorten the life of the piece. -
Is all gold filled jewelry stamped?
No. Not all gold filled jewelry is stamped. When it is, you may see markings with the karat number and the letters “GF” (for example, 14/20 GF). -
Where are gold filled metals produced?
Most gold filled metals are produced in the USA. Other countries that manufacture gold filled materials include Italy and China. -
How much better are gold filled metals vs plated metals?
Gold filled metals contain hundreds of times more gold than typical plated pieces. That extra gold makes them more durable, longer lasting, and a much better value than standard gold plated jewelry.
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This blog is written by California Handbag & Jewelry Designer Lisa Ramos, a member of the International Gem Society (IGS), Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG), and the Argentium Silver Guild.
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