What is Gold Filled?
Tired of cheap jewelry turning your skin green? Introducing Gold-Filled, the best and affordable alternative to solid gold. Never look back!
solid GOLD Made entirely of gold. It's fine jewelry and expensive
Durable layer of 14k solid gold, bonded to jeweler's brass
Very thin layer of brushed on gold over a base metal.
What is gold
filled?
Gold filled is your best alternative to solid gold. It's a fabulous product constructed of multiple layers of solid gold (Olaeda uses 14k), heat bonded over jewelers brass. Gold-filled comes in only sheet or wire form. It is highly suitable for everyday wear, and with the proper care, gold-filled jewelry can last for a long time. We only use the best quality gold filled, made in the USA. Beware of products marked 18k gold filled as they are not made this way and yield more of a plated product.
How is gold
filled made?
Gold filled a layered product constructed in either two or three layers of solid gold with a core made from jewelers brass. The gold alloy is bonded to both surfaces of the brass core with heat and pressure. This process makes the product extremely durable compared to its gold plated counterparts. The bonded raw material is sold as a sheet or wire to jewelry manufacturers for use in designs. Because of this process, gold filled cannot be cast (a process where a mould is made and then molten metal is poured into the mould). This makes the product unique but also with limitations.
Is there real
gold in gold filled and
how much?
Yes, gold-filled jewelry supplies are legally required to be 5% or 1/20 gold by weight. This 5% is described by the karatage of the gold alloy on the surface. Most material is 12k or 14k gold-filled. (Olaeda only works with 14k).
How can I tell if
an item is gold
filled, are they
marked?
It is most accurately labeled with the karatage, the "/" symbol, and then 20 to reflect this construction. Products are identified as 14/20 or 12/20 Gold-Filled; alternatively, l4k or12k Gold-Filled are also acceptable as long as you use the entire phrase. Quality stamps are abbreviated to 14/20 GF or 12/20 GE. Some smaller hand-made pieces may not be marked if they are made using sheets or wire. (such as findings, some rings and bails)
Do you use silver filled or rose gold filled?
We only use .925 sterling silver; we do not use silver filled. Although silver filled is less expensive, we prefer the quality of sterling silver as there are many more possibilities with design. Rose gold is a beautiful metal; believe it or not it is more expensive than solid gold! For this reason, we offer a very small selection of 14k rose gold filled pieces. The manufacturing process is the same as gold filled and this provides an affordable alternative so solid rose gold.
What about gold vermeil?
Gold Vermeil (Ver-may) is a completely different product. It is sterling silver, plated with a layer of gold. In the USA there are strict criteria around the production of gold vermeil. The gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick and a minimum of 10k gold.
What is the difference between gold filled and gold plated?
There is quite a big difference actually. Due to the special construction of gold filled, the product is much more durable and long lasting than anything plated. Unfortunately, plated items are made by casting and then flash dipping resulting in a minuscule layer of gold. Therefore, over a short period of time (with regular wear and tear) the gold will diminish. The base metal underneath will appear, and you will no longer be able to enjoy your once gold looking piece.
I'M ALLERGIC OR SENSITIVE, IS GOLD FILLED OKAY FOR ME?
Yes, for the most part; 99.9%. Since the outer layer is solid gold, individuals who don't have any sensitivities to solid gold should be able to enjoy gold filled. However, we are all unique with different body chemistry.
** The National Stamping Act of 1906 (USA), amended in 1961, requires that articles made of gold or silver marked for quality must also be trademarked or be stamped with the full name of the maker. Shortening the name from gold filled to just gold (to describe a gold filled item) is not only inaccurate, but illegal. Be careful what you buy!