18K Gold filled

What is Gold Filled Jewellery. Gold filled jewellery contains an actual layer of gold that's "pressure bonded" to a core metal using pressure and heat. Unlike electroplated (dipped or plated) metals, gold filled pieces legally need to feature 1/20 or 5% of gold by weight. In terms of karat, the gold layer on the jewellery is 10k or higher. Gold filled pieces are much thicker than gold plated ones, but still can't beat solid gold. The base metal for this type of jewellery can be silver, copper or brass. Because gold filling is much more intense and consumes gold in a higher quantity, the price tag of gold filled jewellery is often higher than that of gold plated pieces. How to make a purchase decision? When debating over whether to buy gold plated or gold filled jewellery, take the following factors into account. Tarnishing Because of the thin layer of gold that wears off after a while, gold plated jewellery will begin to tarnish once the base metal is exposed. Gold filled jewellery, on the other hand, will only tarnish under unique circumstances. Pure gold pieces barely tarnish, and even though they're an alloy, the heavy layer on gold filled jewellery protects against tarnishing. We recommend that wearers clean gold filled pieces with mild soapy water or untreated cloth. For gold plated jewellery, clean only if it's an absolute necessity. Use a cotton ball for the purpose, and avoid scrubbing your gold items. Skin sensitivity It's also important to have an idea about the sensitivity of your skin before you invest in a gold filled or gold plated piece. Are you allergic to metals like copper, rhodium, silver or brass? If that's the case, you might want to buy a gold filled jewellery piece as you won't need to worry about any allergic response. We say this because gold plating may comprise cheaper raw materials that can trigger an allergic reaction in your skin, causing oxidation and irritation down the road. You won't have this problem with gold filled alternatives. Durability As we stated earlier, gold filled jewellery is more resistant to wear and tear than gold plated items due to the thicker layer of the alloy. However, the overall longevity of both is dependent on the environment, quality of the jewellery, and exposure to wear. As long as gold filled pieces are well cared for, they can last a lifetime. Gold plated pieces, on the other hand, can last up to a year if kept away from water, wear, and heat. It's also worth mentioning that gold filled pieces with lower karat weight (9-14k-18k) may be more durable than pieces with greater gold content. Budget When it comes time to make a buying decision, make sure your bank or PayPal account has enough balance to back up your purchase. Gold filled pieces tend to be on the higher end of the cost spectrum while gold plated jewellery is more affordable as it only has a thin layer of gold to deliver the "appearance of gold." That's the reason why most fashion jewellery pieces are gold plated—they can be priced lower and appeal to a broader customer base. How to know if a jewellery piece is gold plated or filled? There are two methods to determine if an item is plated or filled, but both require the assistance of a professional. The conventional approach is to perform an acid test where a small bit of acid will be put on the jewellery to indicate if it's gold plated or gold filled. If it is plated, the acid will dissolve the plating right away, telling the consumer that they own a gold plated piece. The other approach is to get the jewellery "electronically tested" with a device that can reveal the thickness of the gold alloy. Most professional jewellery makers have this machine available. With that said, some people will still look at markers, stamps, and other identifiers to determine whether a piece of jewellery is gold plated or gold filled. Gold plated pieces, for example, are a better option for "in the moment" occasions. Because they don't cost a lot, you can buy them without having to waste sweat and tears second-guessing whether your purchase was worth it. Gold plated jewellery is great for trendy pieces, blingy party pieces, and simple accessories for work or play. Gold filled jewelry, on the other hand, is best used where durability and return on investment are top priorities. It makes for great gifts for graduations, anniversaries, and other similar events. Gold filled jewelry is also an excellent choice for classic pieces that you wear daily or novelty pieces that you can worn for the rest of your life.