Gold Filled Vs Gold Plated Jewellery
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Here is an article I wrote to explain the metals used in jewellery making
Gold filled findings and jewellery components are a fantastic way to introduce gold into your jewellery designs without breaking the bank, allowing you to make high quality items that will last for years.
- What is gold filled?
Gold filled (also known as rolled gold) comprises a solid brass (copper and zinc) core over which gold is mechanically bonded using heat and pressure. Gold filled items must contain, by law, 5% or 1/20 of gold by weight. The gold used is generally 12K or 14K, although I have seen some 10K gold filled items too. All our gold filled findings are 14K.
- What is the difference between gold filled and gold plate?
The difference between gold filled and gold plated items is the amount of gold used over the brass core. Gold filled items must contain, by law, 5% or 1/20 of gold by weight. In contrast gold plated items usually contain a microscopic amount of gold. This means the gold layer on gold plated items can peel or flake very easily exposing the brass core underneath. Because the gold layer on gold filled items is so much thicker it will not peel or flake and lasts for years.
- What stamps are used on gold filled items?
It is a legal requirement in the United States (where much gold filled is manufactured) to stamp, where possible, items which are gold filled. You will see 'GF 14/20' or '1/20 14K GF' indicating the item is 14K gold filled and 1/20 of gold by weight. However, not all items are big enough to stamp (you will find this with sterling silver items too). However, please be aware that countries other than the US manufacture gold filled items and can basically stamp anything onto any metal. Buy your items from a reputable supplier (like The Curious Gem!) to ensure you are getting what you are paying for.
Hope this has been of interest - you can find our range of gold filled findings on our website.
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