Gold Filled vs Gold Plated
Gold filled is a better option than gold plated in almost every situation. It can provide better resistance towards scratches and tarnishing. And is also hypoallergenic than gold plated jewelry. If you can afford to buy gold filled jewelry, which is not that expensive, then you should buy gold filled.
What is Gold Filled
Gold filled is a type of gold jewelry in which a thick gold coating is applied over a base metal of sterling silver. This coating is about 20 to 35 micrometer thick compared to the gold plating of only 1 micrometer thick. As per the U.S jewelry law, a jewelry can only be termed as “gold filled” if gold coating is at least 5 percent of the total weight.
For example, any gold filled jewelry weighing 20 grams will contain at least 1 gram of gold (5 percent of 20 grams).
What is Gold Plated
Gold plated contains a very thin layer of gold plated over a base metal. This base metal can be any metal from sterling silver, stainless steel, brass or copper. Main purpose of gold plating is to give buyers the luxury of getting gold alike looks at a fraction of what solid gold jewelry will cost.
This gold plating is very thin and will wear off in some time. This time can be around 1 to 3 months of regular use depending on the factor that how well a person take cares of it. This time can be made shorter if regular contact with harsh chemicals or water happens. Scratching can also scratch off gold platting exposing the base metal.
How is Gold Filled Different from Gold Plated
A major difference between the two is the thickness of gold layer. Gold filled has a much thicker layer of gold, often called as coating than gold plating.
Another big difference is the way gold is put over the base metal. For example, gold plating has a microscopic gold layer attached over base metal by electrochemical process. This layer is very delicate and can easily be removed even on minor damages. So, you can’t expect much from it.
On the other hand, you have gold filled which has mechanically bonded gold over a base metal which will stay there for a very long period of time.
Gold Filled vs Gold Plated – A comparison
Here is a detailed comparison of gold filled vs gold plated.
1. Durability
Gold filled is much more durable than gold plated jewelry. It can withstand minor scratches to even incidents like falling on rough surfaces. It can get scratch marks but will never wear off. It can easily last 5 to 10 years.
Gold plated jewelry can not withstand such incidents. It is expected to immediately wear off on scratching. Gold plating can last a maximum of 6 to 8 months of regular usage no matter how much you care for it. After that, you will have to re-plate it which will raise cost.
2. Tarnishing
Tarnishing is a chemical process in which a metal reacts with atmospheric chemicals to form a duller layer over its surface. Gold plated jewelry can tarnish. Whether a gold plated jewelry will tarnish or not depends on the fact that what is the base metal used in it. If it is silver, copper or brass, it will tarnish. Silver turns black while copper turns green on tarnishing. If base metal is stainless steel, then it will not tarnish.
Tarnish can be removed in 5 minutes using tarnish removing chemicals adding up the maintenance cost.
Gold filled will not tarnish unless it is made with a lower purity gold like 10k or 9k. Gold filled made in 14k or 18k will never tarnish. It is better to ask your jeweler first about what purity level gold is used in their gold filled jewelry.
3. Appearance
Whenever both i.e. gold filled and gold plated are new, appearance for both will be similar. As gold plating starts to wear off, it will expose the base metal. This will look bad and impact the overall appearance of the jewelry. For example, a gold plated ring can look like this.
These spots indicate the areas from which gold plating has gone away ultimately making this ring look worst. In this scenario, the only option you will have to re-plate it. And continue doing it once it starts to wear off adding up cost.
That’s why in appearance, gold plated is a big No.
Gold filled will remain just like what it is. However it can also appear somewhat duller with regular usage. All you will have to do is to polish it regularly for best looks.
4. Cost
Gold filled jewelry can be a bit expensive compared to gold plated. This is obvious as gold filled contains more gold content than gold plating.
A normal gold plated ring can cost around $30 to $40 whereas a gold filled can cost around $90 to $100. And as weight of the jewelry increases, price gap increases.
5. Hypoallergenic
Gold filled is completely hypoallergenic given that it is made in 14k purity level or above. However, if gold filled made in 10k can be non-hypoallergenic due to high copper content. That’s why it’s better to check with your jeweler first before buying.
Gold plated jewelry is highly likely to be non-hypoallergenic. As gold does not stay for a longer time, it exposes the base metal with wearing off of gold plating. Mostly, these cheap base metals are non-hypoallergenic like copper, brass etc. If the base metal is stainless steel, then it will be hypoallergenic. Otherwise not.
6. Customization
Customization is very difficult in both of these types as low priced jewelry does not offer such options often. Not many jewelers offer customization options. Mostly you find pre-made designs and styles in both of these.
If you want to get customized jewelry, you will have to ask the jeweler first. And in most cases, might end up paying more than the normal price.
7. Variety of Designs
Both of these come with a variety of designs. However, gold filled might not have as many designs available compared to gold plated. This can be a big con for ones who like to wear unique designs and have a a wide range of collection.
Gold plated can be available in a variety of designs in rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. As it is an essential part of fashion jewelry, you can expect to have almost every design in it.
8. Maintenance and Care
For gold filled jewelry owners, maintenance is far less than ones who have gold plated jewelry. Gold filled jewelry only demands regular cleaning with a regular jewelry cleaning soap in a bowl of warm water.
Gold plated jewelry requires much more maintenance and care from its owners. It has to be kept away from scratches, water and any type of harsh chemicals.
Deciding What to Buy?
So, how should you decide what type of jewelry should you buy. First list down your personal preferences like on what characteristics you can compromise in your jewelry and on what features you cannot. Then look at your daily life routine whether it includes tasks that require a lot of working with hand or not? If yes, then you should buy a jewelry that is durable. Question your choice by asking whether a certain type of jewelry can fit into your routine or not.
In this way, you will be able to do a better choice between the two.
What Should You Buy?
If you can find your liked designs in gold filled, go for it as it does provide a number of benefits and features at a relatively low price gap. It can provide more durability, resistance towards scratches and hypoallergenic properties. But if you cant find your liked designs in gold filled, then gold plated is the option left. But it is not a preferred option compared to gold filled.