What is Gold-Filled? What are the differences between Gold-Filled with Gold-Plated?

1) Composition

Gold-filled jewellery consists of a thick layer of solid gold bonded to a base metal core (eg. Copper or Brass)through heat and pressure. The gold layer in gold-filled jewellery is typically much thicker than in gold-plated jewellery, usually constituting 5% or 1/20 of the total weight.

Gold-plated jewellery features a thin layer of gold that has gone through an electrocuted process onto a base metal such as brass, copper or silver. The gold layer in gold-plated jewellery is thinner than the gold-filled jewellery and is typically measured in microns.

2) Durability and Longevity

Because the gold layer in gold-filled jewellery is thicker than in gold-plated jewellery, gold-filled jewellery is more durable and longer lasting than gold-plated. It is less likely to tarnish, wear off, or discolour over time, making it suitable for everyday wear. On the other hand, gold-plated jewellery may require more care and maintenance to preserve its appearance.

3) Price

Gold-filled jewellery is typically more expensive than gold-plated jewellery due to its higher gold content and thicker layer of gold. However, Gold-filled and gold-plated jewellery is both a popular choice for fashion jewellery and occasional wear as an alternative to real gold due to them being not just affordable but will maintain their pristine and last longer with proper care and maintenance.

In summary, the main differences between gold-filled and gold-plated jewellery lie in their composition, durability and longevity and price. Gold-filled offers a higher quality and longer-lasting options which a thicker layer of gold, while gold-plated jewellery offers nominal price point and may require more maintenance.