GOLD FILLED VS. GOLD PLATED VS. GOLD OVERLAY:

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?


GOLD FILLED VS. GOLD PLATED VS. GOLD OVERLAY
GOLD FILLED VS. GOLD PLATED VS. GOLD OVERLAY


If you've ever shopped for gold jewelry, you know there are a lot of options out there. But what's the difference between gold-filled, gold-plated, and gold overlay? Here, we'll break down all three types of gold to help you decide which one is right for you.



WHAT IS GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY?


While creating gold-filled jewelry, a base layer (usually brass ) is covered with a thick layer of gold using a high-temperature, high-pressure bonding method. To be sold as gold-filled jewelry, pieces must be at least 10k gold-filled and have a plating that is 2.5 microns thick. According to U.S. regulations, the amount of pure gold in gold-filled jewelry must also weigh at least 1/20th of the total weight of the jewelry to be classified as gold-filled.


Gold-filled is sometimes called "rolled gold plate" and is often confused with gold plating. Gold-filled jewelry is sometimes called "rolled gold" because of its manufacturing process, which involves a layer of gold rolled onto the surface of a base metal using high pressure and heat. This results in gold-filled jewelry that can be up to 100 times thicker than regular gold plating, which is made through an electroplating or a flash plating process.


Gold-filled jewelry is an excellent option 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 or fade as easily as other plated jewelry and can last up to 30 years (depending on the amount of jewelry wear and the kind of care it is subject to).



RELATED QUESTIONS+ANSWERS:



Q: CAN GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY TARNISH?


A: Gold-filled jewelry is composed of a base metal covered in a thick layer of gold, so it's not pure gold (which never tarnishes, corrodes, or rusts). This layer contains 2.5 microns of gold, which is considered a hefty amount for a gold plate. Despite this thickness, gold-filled pieces are still prone to tarnishing, but the rate of tarnishing will be much slower than other plated options (which have a thinner coating).


The heat & pressure manufacturing process used to create gold-filled jewelry also helps make the layer of gold more resistant to tarnishing. Despite this, it's important to take good care of your gold-filled pieces and avoid exposing your gold-filled jewelry to chemicals or harsh elements (such as extreme temperatures, heat, humidity, moisture, pollution, etc.), which all speed up the tarnishing process.



WHAT IS GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY?


Gold plating is created by placing a thin layer of gold (any karat amount) over a base metal (most commonly made from brass or silver, but it can be anything). The thickness of the gold plating can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the plating is typically around seven millionths of an inch thick. This equates to a thin layer of gold that is bonded to a base metal through either a flash-plating or electroplating process.


Flash plating is a relatively simple plating process compared to electroplating. Flash plating entails masking off the area that shouldn't be plated with gold and applying a solution containing gold ions. The gold will then adhere to the base metal, creating a very thin layer of gold plating.


Electroplating is a more complex process but produces results that hold up better over time. The process involves immersing the base metal in a solution containing gold ions, attaching electrodes to the item, and then running an electric current through it. This causes the gold ions to be deposited onto the base metal, creating a thin layer of gold plating. The coating is pretty long-lasting as it is common for this type of gold layer (made through electroplating) to last up to two years without requiring a replating.


Gold-plated items are less expensive than solid gold pieces but are more costly than gold-tone jewelry. Gold-plated items are a good option for those who want the look of gold but don't want to pay the hefty price associated with fine jewelry or desire pieces not as heavy or as soft as solid gold (which scratches, dents, and warps easily because of its softness).



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 real gold on top of another metal, while solid gold is made entirely from gold. Because solid gold is a pure metal that is naturally too soft, it is deemed unsuitable for jewelry use. This is why most pure gold is combined with other alloy metals (such as copper, brass, etc.) to make it more durable for everyday jewelry wear. However, this does not mean gold-plating jewelry is fake. It may not be solid gold through and through; however, gold-plated jewelry still contains real gold.



Q: WILL GOLD PLATED JEWELRY FADE?


A: Yes, it can. Gold-plated jewelry will eventually fade due to the nature of plating, as the gold layer can wear off over time. This is due to the gold plate's exposure to harsh elements such as moisture, humidity, UV rays, pollution, direct sunlight, harsh chemicals, etc., that corrode its surface. However, this process is gradual, so you shouldn't see any signs of gold fading until over a year of regular wear.


That said, you can prevent your gold plating from fading by taking simple precautions. First, make sure to store your gold-plated jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Be careful when applying perfumes, lotions, oils, or any other products that contain chemicals around your jewelry, as these can cause the gold plating to wear away faster. Finally, always remove your gold-plated jewelry before showering or swimming to prevent water stains and oxidization from occurring.



Q: WILL GOLD PLATED JEWELRY TURN GREEN?


A: Yes, gold-plated jewelry can sometimes turn green. A variety of factors cause the green tint that can appear on gold-plated jewelry. The most common cause is the combination of sweat, body oils, and air pollutants. These substances all contain different metals and acids that can corrode the gold plating, leading to discoloration. Additionally, if the jewelry is exposed to chlorine, it can also cause a green tint.

It's important to take special care when wearing gold-plated jewelry to keep this from happening. Make sure to clean your gold-plated pieces regularly with a soft cloth and avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals or other elements that could damage the plating. Keeping your jewelry dry is also key in preventing discoloration.


Fortunately, if your gold-plated jewelry does turn green, all is not lost! So many cleaning solutions exist that can help restore your jewelry's original shine and make it look as good as new.



THE PROS OF GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY:


Gold-plated jewelry has several advantages that make it a great choice for any occasion. Let's take a look at a few of them below.


1. GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY IS AFFORDABLE

For starters, gold-plated jewelry is much more affordable than solid gold jewelry. It also offers the same shine and sparkle that comes with solid gold pieces without breaking the bank.

 

2. IT'S DURABLE
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 exposure to harsh elements (such as moisture, humidity, heat, direct sunlight, pollution, etc.), which can cause plated jewelry to tarnish over time.


3. IT'S A LOW-MAINTENANCE METAL
Not only does it have a timeless appeal, but it also requires little maintenance compared to other metals. With gold-plated jewelry, you don't have to worry about constantly polishing or treating the metal to keep it looking its best. All you need to do is periodically wipe it down with a soft cloth, clean it occasionally with soap and water, and you're good to go!

 

4. GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY IS LIGHTWEIGHT
If you think gold plating is a heavy burden to bear, then you're in for a pleasant surprise. Gold plating won't weigh you down - in fact, quite the opposite! The luxurious plating process adds only an extra fraction of an ounce to your jewelry, so you can rest assured that it won't drag you down (like hefty solid gold, which can get uncomfortable to wear).


5. IT'S EASY & INEXPENSIVE TO REPLATE 
One of the greatest benefits of gold plating is that it can be replated quite easily and inexpensively. Gold plating can last for several years, but if it begins to fade or tarnish, you can easily and affordably have it replated. It's a great way to give your favorite jewelry pieces new life! 



WHAT IS GOLD OVERLAY JEWELRY?


Gold overlay jewelry is made by layering 10k gold over a base metal. Brass or nickel are two of the most common base metals used for gold overlay jewelry, but the base may be any metal. In gold overlay jewelry, a very minute layer of gold is applied over the base via a flash-plating process to create a look similar to real gold.


One of the benefits of wearing gold overlay jewelry is that it is less expensive than solid gold jewelry. So, it is easier to keep up with fast-fashion trends by wearing gold overlay jewelry, as it is less of a financial investment, so that you can invest in more fashion-forward pieces for your collection.


Also, gold overlay jewelry is often lightweight because it is frequently made from hollow materials, which keeps costs down for the manufacturer. This means that gold overlay jewelry is lighter than heavy solid gold jewelry, making it more comfortable to wear for prolonged periods.



RELATED QUESTIONS+ANSWERS:



Q: HOW LONG DOES GOLD-TONE JEWELRY LAST?


A: Unfortunately, gold-tone jewelry isn't a forever kind of thing. It usually lasts only a few months, depending on how well it's taken care of. This is because gold-tone jewelry is "costume jewelry" with only a minute, an almost non-existent layer of real gold, so it's prone to fading and tarnishing quickly. If you're looking for something more durable, then it's best to invest in a few gold-plated pieces that will last years.


With that said, if you are willing to take good care of your gold-tone jewelry, it can last longer than usual. Make sure to store your gold-tone jewelry away from moisture and direct sunlight when not in use. And, although gold-tone jewelry is not real gold, you can still polish it with a soft cloth or jewelry cleaner to keep it looking fresh and new.



WRAPPING UP


We hope you enjoyed our blog post, "gold filled vs. gold plated vs. gold overlay." All three types of gold jewelry have pros and cons, so it's important to know what you are looking for before investing in any kind of gold jewelry. First, do your research, consider your budget, lifestyle, and any possible jewelry allergies. Lastly, make sure to ask questions before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting the best quality jewelry for your money. Good luck!