THE DIFFERENCE IN GOLD-PLATED AND GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY
April 6, 2014
MID-SOUTH COIN JEWELRY
When shopping for Jewelry it is important to know the difference in Gold-plated Jewelry and 10K, 12K or 14K Gold-filled Jewelry. We hope this guide helps when you are considering the purchase of Gold-plated versus Gold-filled Chains, Pendants, Coin Bezels, or any other Jewelry item.
- What Is Gold-plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry is created using an electro-chemical process that places a layer of Gold on copper, brass, or some other base metal. The thickness of the Gold used in plating usually determines the price of the piece.
- How Long Will Gold-plated Jewelry Last?
How long the piece will last depends on how often the item is worn and how thick the plating is. Most of our Gold-Plated Chains are heavy Gold-plated. Gold-plated jewelry is much less expensive than Gold-filled; however, the Gold color will eventually wear off as it comes into contact with the wearer's skin salts or pollutants in the air. Of course, it can inexpensively be replaced with another piece of Gold-plated jewelry.
- What Is Gold-filled Jewelry?
Gold-filled is made from solid "Gold" and "filled" with other alloys. Gold-filled wears like solid Gold because its outer surface is solid Gold. Electroplating is NOT a part of this process. Gold-filled is created by using heat and pressure to fuse a layer of Karat Gold to copper, brass, or some other base metal. The bond produced is a permanent one.
- How Can I Tell If It Is Genuine Gold-filled?
You can tell Gold-filled by the quality mark along with the manufacturer's Trademark stamped on each piece. Gold-filled must have a quality mark that will identify its Karat. For example, our Gold-filled Coin Bezels are stamped 12/20 GF and our 14K Gold-Filled Chains are stamped 1/20 14K GF. This means that the pieces are 1/20th 12K Gold by weight or 1/20th 14K Gold by weight.
- How Long Will Gold-Filled Jewelry Last?
Gold-filled offers all the same physical characteristics as solid Gold such as beauty, durability, and strength, but at a fraction of the cost. With reasonable care, it will last a lifetime.
- How Do I Care For My Gold-plated And Gold-filled Jewelry?
Frequent cleaning is recommended to maintain its beauty. Wipe your jewelry carefully with a soft cloth to keep it clean and free of elements which oxidize. We recommend and use our Jewelry Polishing Cloths.
BUYER BEWARE: If a listing says "Gold-plate/Gold-filled" something is wrong! The jewelry in question can NOT be both. It is either one or the other! Ask the seller if the piece is stamped Gold-filled. If the jewelry is truly 12K or 14K Gold-filled, it will be stamped on the clasp.
We are proud to carry Gold-plated and Gold-filled jewelry. There is a demand for both. However, it is important that consumers be aware of the differences.
We hope this guide has been helpful for you in your selection of Gold-filled and Gold-plated Jewelry.
We Invite You To Visit Our eBay Store Anytime!
Note: Pictured above on the right is "Charlie" our Spotted Saddle Horse Trail Pleasure Champion Stallion. We raise Tennessee Walking Horses for trail pleasure. For more information, contact Bob at 662.534.3897.
