GOLD FILLED VS GOLD PLATED VS GOLD OVERLAY



What's the difference between gold-filled, gold-plated, and gold overlay jewelry? And which is the best option for you?

If you're like most people, you probably don't know the answer to that question. But don't worry - we're here to help!


In this article, we'll explain the differences between these three types of gold and give you some tips on choosing the right option.




WHAT IS GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY?



Gold-filled jewelry consists of a thick layer of at least 10k gold on top of base metal, such as silver, brass, etc. Gold-filled metal contains a top layer that weighs at least 1/20th of the total weight and is mechanically bonded together through intense heat and pressure.


Gold-filled pieces are great for those who want the beauty of gold without paying the higher price associated with solid gold. As the gold layer is thick, gold-filled pieces won't tarnish, fade or flake and could last 30 years. People with sensitive skin should have no problems wearing this.



Related Questions+Answers:


Q: CAN GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY TARNISH?


A: Gold-filled jewelry consists of a thick layer of at least 10k gold on top of base metal, such as silver, brass, etc. This thick layer of 10k gold always weighs at least 1/20th of the total weight of the piece and is mechanically bonded to the base metal through intense heat and pressure. As the gold layer is thick, gold-filled pieces won't tarnish, fade or flake easily and could last up to 30 years.


If you notice your gold-filled jewelry starting to tarnish, there are a few things you can do to clean it and restore its shine. First, try using a soft cloth to buff the piece gently. If that doesn't work, you can use mild soap and warm water to wash the piece. Then, rinse it well with clean water and dry it off completely before storing it.


You can also use a jewelry cleaning solution made specifically for gold-filled jewelry. With proper care, your gold-filled jewelry will continue to look beautiful for many years to come.



Q: IS GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY WATERPROOF?


A: No, gold-filled jewelry is not waterproof. If you want to keep your gold-filled jewelry looking its best, you should avoid getting it wet. Water can cause the alloyed gold to tarnish and may even damage the finish. If you must get your gold-filled jewelry wet, be sure to dry it thoroughly afterward to prevent any water damage.



Q: IS GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY WORTH BUYING?


A: Gold-filled jewelry is a great option for those who want the look of gold without the high price tag. While it's not as durable as solid gold, it's a good choice for everyday wear. Plus, it won't tarnish as quickly as silver. So, if you're looking for affordable and stylish gold jewelry, gold-filled is definitely worth considering!



THE PROS OF GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY:


1. Gold-filled jewelry has a higher gold content than most gold alternatives.


2. Gold-filled jewelry with a sterling silver base is hypoallergenic.


3. Gold-filled jewelry is very durable. Pieces won't tarnish, fade or flake easily. Gold-filled jewelry can even last up to 30 years with proper care.


4. Gold-filled jewelry is a great way to get the look of solid gold without paying the high price tag.




WHAT IS GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY?


Gold plating is the process of placing a skinny layer of gold over another metal, usually silver or base metals like copper and brass. The skinny layer of gold and the base metal is mechanically bonded through a flash plating process. The thickness of the gold plating can vary between manufacturers but is typically around seven-millionths of an inch thick, depending on the quality.


Gold-plated items are less expensive than solid gold pieces but are more costly than gold-tone jewelry. Gold-plated items are also a good option for those who want the luster of gold but don't want the price of solid gold or just want something not as heavy as solid gold. Plus, a gold-plated layer can last up to two years without requiring a replating with proper care.



Related Questions+Answers:


Q: IS GOLD PLATED FAKE?


A: No, gold-plated jewelry is not fake. The difference between gold-plated and solid gold is that gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold on top of another metal, while solid gold is made entirely out of gold. Because solid gold is so pure and very soft, it is often combined with other metals to make it more durable. However, this does not make it fake. Gold-plated jewelry still contains real gold.



Q: WILL GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY FADE?


A: Gold-plated jewelry is a great way to add a touch of luxury to your look without breaking the bank. However, it is important to note that gold plating can fade over time, especially when exposed to water or chemicals. If you want your gold-plated jewelry to retain its lustrous finish, be sure to take care of it properly.


This jewelry care includes avoiding harsh chemicals, direct sunlight, and moisture, which can all tarnish gold-plated pieces.



Q: WILL GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY TURN GREEN?


A: The short answer is: it depends. Gold-plated jewelry consists of a base metal covered with a layer of gold. The thickness of the gold layer can vary, and it's this thickness that will determine whether or not your skin will turn green.


If the gold layer is very thin, it's more likely that your skin will come into contact with the base metal underneath. This can cause a chemical reaction that may turn your skin green.


However, if the gold layer is thick enough, it's less likely that your skin will come into contact with the base metal. This means there's less chance that your skin will turn green.



THE PROS OF GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY:


Gold-plated jewelry has a lot of benefits that you may not be aware of. Here are just a few of the pros of donning this type of bling:


1. It's More Durable than Other Jewelry
One of the main advantages of gold-plated jewelry is that it's more durable than other types of jewelry. This is because the gold plating protects the base metal from being exposed to the elements, which can cause it to tarnish or corrode over time.


2. It's More Affordable than Solid Gold Jewelry
Another great benefit of gold-plated jewelry is that it's more affordable than solid gold jewelry. This means you can still get the look of luxury without having to spend a fortune on it.


3. It Has a Unique Look
Gold-plated jewelry also has a unique look that other types of jewelry don't have. This is because the gold plating gives the metal a different color and sheen than it would have if it were left in its natural state.


4. It's Low Maintenance
Unlike solid gold jewelry, gold-plated jewelry is low maintenance. This means you don't have to worry about polishing or cleaning it as often, which can save you time and money in the long run.


5. It's Not Heavy
Another great advantage of gold-plated jewelry is that it's not as heavy as solid gold jewelry. This means you can wear it for longer periods of time without feeling weighed down.


6. It's Inexpensive to Replate
When the gold plating on your jewelry starts to wear off, it's relatively inexpensive to have it replated. This means you can keep your jewelry looking like new for a long time.




WHAT IS GOLD OVERLAY JEWELRY?


Gold overlay jewelry is a trendy type of jewelry made by layering 10k gold over a base metal. The most common base metals used for gold overlay jewelry are brass or nickel. A thin gold layer is applied to the base metal (usually brass or nickel) via a flash plating process to create a look similar to real gold. This thin gold layer typically weighs less than 1/20th of the total weight of the jewelry.


One of the benefits of wearing gold overlay jewelry is that it is less expensive than solid gold jewelry. Gold overlay jewelry also tends to be more lightweight than solid gold jewelry, making it more comfortable to wear.


Plus, if you spot a pair of large gold-tone hoop earrings that you really like but feel are too expensive in solid gold, check to see if they're available in a gold overlay. You'll likely find them for a fraction of the price! Also, they are so affordable you can quickly swap them out for a different pair of hoops as soon as trends change.



GOLD-TONE JEWELRY PROS:


1) Gold-tone jewelry is very affordable and is a great way to get the look of expensive solid gold jewelry without the high price tag.


2) Gold-overlay jewelry is also very versatile and can be easily accessorized with other pieces in your closet. It's the perfect way to add a splash of color without having to invest in expensive solid gold jewelry.


3) Gold overlay jewelry is typically quite lightweight, making it comfortable to wear, meaning you can wear your favorite pieces all day long without feeling weighed down.


4) You can find a wide variety of gold-tone jewelry styles to suit your taste. Whether you prefer dainty pieces or larger, bolder statement pieces, there's sure to be a style of gold-tone jewelry perfect for you.



GOLD-TONE JEWELRY CONS:


1. Not great for everyday wear: Gold-tone jewelry is a step up from costume jewelry, but it still can’t compete with the durability of genuine gold and silver pieces. So if you’re looking for something to wear every day, remember that gold-tone jewelry may not stand the test of time.


2. Limited design options: Gold-tone jewelry can come in a variety of different styles and designs, but it’s still not as varied as if you were to choose genuine gold or silver pieces. That means that if you’re looking for something really unique, you might have to look elsewhere.


3. May look “cheap”: Although gold-overlay jewelry is an affordable alternative to real gold or silver, it can often have a “cheap” look. This isn’t necessarily true for all pieces of gold-tone jewelry, but it can be hard to find something with a more high-end look.


4. The gold overlay may fade: One of the biggest cons of gold-overlay jewelry is that the plating can start to fade over time, depending on how often the jewelry is worn. This is especially true when exposed to water and other elements from the environment. As such, it is important to always keep gold-overlay jewelry stored away in a soft cloth or box in order to help prevent this type of fading. Additionally, it is important to make sure that you clean any gold-overlay jewelry properly and regularly in order to help keep the plating looking its best. Suppose you do find that your gold-overlay jewelry has started to fade. In that case, there are a few options available for restoring it back to its original luster, such as professional re-plating services. 


5. Can contain hazardous chemicals: Some cheaper pieces of gold-overlay jewelry can actually contain hazardous chemicals such as lead or nickel. It is important to do your research and only purchase pieces of gold-overlay jewelry from reputable retailers that are tested for these types of contaminants. Always look for items that are labeled “nickel free” or “lead-free” to be sure you are buying jewelry that is safe and non-toxic. 



WRAPPING UP


We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between gold-filled, gold-plated, and gold overlay jewelry.


It's really quite simple. The most expensive jewelry with the highest gold content is gold-filled jewelry. Next, gold-plated jewelry is more expensive than gold-tone jewelry but less expensive than solid gold. Lastly, gold overlay jewelry has the thinnest coating of gold on top and is the most affordable of the three.


Depending on your goals and budget, all three styles of gold jewelry are excellent choices. So, whether you're looking for something high quality with a lot of gold or something affordable that still looks great, there's a type of gold jewelry out there for you!