GOLD FILLED VS GOLD PLATED VS GOLD OVERLAY


When it comes to jewelry, there are a lot of terms that get thrown around. And if you're not familiar with the lingo, it can be tough to know what you're actually buying. In this post, we're breaking down the three most common types of "gold" jewelry: gold-filled, gold plated, and gold overlay. Read on to learn the difference between each and get tips on choosing the best option for you.


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.


FAQ:


CAN GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY TARNISH?


Yes, gold-filled jewelry can tarnish over time. However, it is not as susceptible to tarnishing as other types of jewelry. Gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal, typically brass. This creates a durable and long-lasting piece of jewelry that still has the beautiful shine of gold. When cared for properly, gold-filled jewelry can last a lifetime.


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 a mild soap and warm water to wash the piece. Then, rinse it well 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.


IS GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY WATERPROOF?


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.


IS GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY WORTH BUYING?


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 quick as silver. So, if you're looking for affordable and stylish gold jewelry, gold-filled is definitely worth considering!


PROS:


1. Gold-filled jewelry has a higher gold content than most real 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. Gold-filled jewelry can 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. These two metals are mechanically bonded together 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 quality. A gold-plated layer can last for up to two years without requiring a replating with proper care.


Gold-plated items are less expensive than solid gold pieces but are more costly than gold-tone jewelry. Gold plating items are also a good option for those who want the shine of gold but don't want the price of solid gold or just want something not as heavy.


FAQ:


IS GOLD PLATED FAKE?


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.


WILL GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY FADE?


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. 


WILL GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY TURN GREEN?


Gold-plated jewelry is often worn for its aesthetic value - the shiny, metallic look can be quite eye-catching. However, some people worry that gold-plated jewelry will turn their skin green.


So, will gold-plated jewelry turn your skin green? The short answer is: it depends.
Gold-plated jewelry consists of a base metal covered with a thin 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.


So, if you're worried about your gold-plated jewelry turning your skin green, it's best to choose pieces with a thicker gold layer. This will help to reduce the risk of any reactions occurring.



PROS:


1) Gold-plated jewelry is less expensive than solid gold jewelry.


2) It is not as heavy as solid gold jewelry.


3) Gold-plated jewelry looks like real gold.


4) Gold-plated jewelry is strong and durable.


5) It is inexpensive to replate.



WHAT IS GOLD OVERLAY JEWELRY?


Gold overlay jewelry is an extremely popular type of jewelry made by layering 10k gold over a base metal. The most common base metals used for gold overlay 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 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 gold overlay. You'll likely find them for a fraction of the price! Add, they are so affordable you can swap them out for a different pair of large gold-tone hoop earrings as soon as trends change.


PROS:


1) Gold-tone jewelry is very affordable.


2) Gold-tone jewelry looks like real gold.



WRAPPING UP


Gold-filled, gold plated, and gold overlay jewelry are great options for those looking to add some gold into their lives. Gold-filled jewelry is the most expensive but also has the highest gold content. Gold-plated jewelry is less expensive than solid gold pieces but more costly than gold-tone jewelry. Gold overlay jewelry is the most affordable of the three and has a thinner layer of gold on top. All three types of gold jewelry are good options depending on your budget and needs. 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!