The popularity of our Gold Shine Collection has brought up the question - “What is gold-filled?

Is it the same as gold plated? We thought we would explain the difference so you can feel confident purchasing our high quality gold designs.

Because there is a very big difference between gold-plated and gold-filled. 

Gold plated is a very fine layer of solid gold applied to a brass base. The plating is not made up of any measurable portion of the product’s total weight.  It is estimated to be 0.05% or less of the metal product. Gold plating can wear off quickly leaving just the brass base product. It can look like it is tarnishing, but really the gold is wearing off. Gold plated does not stand up well to heat, water or wear over time and even a small scratch can expose the jeweler’s brass underneath.

By comparison, gold-filled is 5% gold by weight (that’s why it is referred to as 14kt gold-filled).  A much thicker layer of gold alloy is used which offers your jewelry protection that stands up to wear and tear better than gold plated and much like gold. It will not tarnish unless under extreme chemical conditions, such as exposure to sulfide. With gold-filled, you have a better quality piece that will last longer and be more sustainable.

We are often asked if you need to clean your gold-filled jewelry and while gold does not tarnish, your jewelry can get dirty from your body’s natural sweat and oils. But not to worry, it’s easy to get your jewelry shining again.

A child’s very soft toothbrush and mild soap are perfect for cleaning gold-filled jewelry. Be gentle with the toothbrush so as not to scratch your jewelry, and let the soap remove residue or fingerprints from your item. Remember to rinse really well then dry with a soft cloth and buff to a shine.

Remember to never use chemical cleaners on your gold-filled jewelry.

As long as your piece is well cared for, your gold-filled jewelry can last a lifetime.