The difference between gold filled and gold plated

1. The difference between gold filled and gold plated What is the difference between gold filled and gold plated jewelry? Gold Filled (GF) or American Double (LK) is a high-quality alloy (mixture) of 14, 18 or 22 Karats Gold with another metal to make the gold stronger. Silver, Copper, Palladium and Platinum mixed in percentages. The added alloy materials (precious metals) in % determine the color and value of the jewelry. (yellow gold, rose gold, white gold). How do I recognize the Gold Content and Hallmarks of gold? The Gold is mechanically bonded/mixed with the base metal by heat and pressure. An alloy (mixing) is, therefore, not a layer of paint (as with gold-plated/gold-plated jewelry) that can wear off with time. When used correctly, a Gold filled piece of jewelry will last (a lifetime), just like Gold. Gold filled retains its color and provides a beautiful and affordable quality that is well tolerated by people who are allergic to metals other than gold. The value of jewelry that is "Filled" is greater than "Gold plated jewelry" because gold filled jewelry is a true mix with 14, 18 or 22k. Karat gold, not just a microscopic film/top coat. In Italy 18k Gold-filled is also sold as 65% gold. Gold-filled jewelry is always Nickel Free! If you have ever bought a piece of jewelry online or in a store, you may have come across the term 'gold plated or gilded'. But what does this term actually mean? The term gold plated is used for jewelry with a minimal real gold coating. This jewelry has a base of metal, so a thin layer of gold is poured/sprayed over the metal. An advantage of this is that gold plated jewelry is very strong because of the metal. A disadvantage is that the gold layer can fade very quickly if you do not handle it sparingly (eg by spraying perfume on it, taking a shower or swimming with chlorine or salt - caustic agents). Why not only gold used in the making of jewelry? Gold in itself is a very soft material. Because the gold is a soft material, the jewelry will bend or dent quickly. Gold is, therefore, a material that is not suitable for jewelry. That is why a different metal is used for each piece of jewelry (this is called an alloy) Even the most expensive jewelry uses other metals (including bronze, copper). How can you tell if the jewelry is gold plated or gold filled? You would think it would be very easy to tell the difference between gold plated, and gold filled jewelry. However, this is not as easy as it seems. Usually, there is a stamp on jewelry, how much gold the jewelry contains (and with Gold filled usually the letters GF or double LK). Types of Gold Jewelry (advantages and Disadvantages): Gold-filled Benefits: (1) Gold filled jewelry contains a much higher amount of gold and is very valuable. These jewelries do not wear out and are very suitable for people with a nickel or lead allergy. (2) Gold filled jewelry is a lot more expensive than gold plated jewelry. Gold filled jewelry will last at least 10 to 30 years. Cons: (1) May not be sold in some countries like the Netherlands under the name Real gold, either 14 Karat, 18 Karats or 22 Karats despite the fact that it contains at least 65% gold). This is not recognized in NL, but in many southern European countries it is, among others. Italy/Spain/Portugal

2. Gold-plated: Benefits: (1) Gold plated jewelry is affordable and still looks like real gold jewelry. The jewelry is very strong when a good basic quality metal is used. Cons: (1) The amount of gold is very minimal with gold plated jewelry. This will make it wear out faster. That is why these jewelry are also of a much less value. CONCLUSION Now you know that you can buy cheaper gold jewelry that looks like real gold. However, these jewelries will wear out much faster and have a shorter life. This is because a much less amount of gold is used. Gold filled jewelry is more costly than gold plated jewelry. However, you do have a beautiful piece of jewelry with a high amount of gold. These jewelries also last a very long time, namely 10 to 30 years. Gold filled jewelry is very suitable for people with a nickel allergy. These jewelry are nickel free and hypo-allergenic.