Gold Filled vs Gold Plated
Gold filled is a better option than gold plated in almost every situation. So, if you can afford to buy gold filled, go for it. In this article we’ll do a full comparison of gold filled vs gold plated and find out what suits you.
What is Gold Filled
Gold filled is a type of metal that has a thick layer of gold mechanically bonded over a base metal like sterling silver. This metal can be brass or bronze as well. This layer is of significant thickness compared to gold plated or gold vermeil.
As per U.S law, gold layer’s weight has to be a minimum of 5% of the total weight to be called as gold filled.
What is Gold Plated
Gold plated is just gold plated over a base metal like sterling silver or any other cheap metal. Thickness of this plating is less than micron which means that it will easily be damaged on scratching etc.
How is Gold Filled Different from Gold Plated
A major difference between the two is the thickness of gold. Gold filled has a much thicker layer of gold than a gold plated jewelry item.
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 fragile and easy to wear off in nature. 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 big problem with gold plated jewelries. As, they only have gold plated over a base metal, they can tarnish. Tarnishing turns base metal i.e. silver black. It can also turn copper green. This will not happen unless gold plating wears off or base metal is not made of silver or copper. Base metals such as stainless steel do not tarnish.
This is not a very big problem and can be removed via commercially available tarnishing removing chemicals. But will add up the cost.
Gold filled will not tarnish unless it is made with a lower purity gold like 10k. Any gold purity above this will not tarnish.
3. Appearance
Whenever both i.e. gold filled and gold plated are new, appearance for both will be more or less same. But as gold plating will start to wear off, it will expose the base metal. This looks bad. You can see it here:
That’s why in appearance, gold plated is big No if you don’t want to spend for re-plating. This can add the total cost you spend on your jewelry regularly.
Gold filled will remain just like what it is. However it can also lost its shine due to not taking care of the jewelry but will never wear off.
4. Cost
Gold filled jewelry can be a bit expensive compared to gold plated. However, ultimate price depends on the base metal used. Cheaper the metal used like brass, lower the cost will be.
A normal gold plated ring with a base metal can cost around $30 to $40 where a gold filled can cost around $50. And same goes for other jewelry items as weight increases.
5. Hypoallergenic
Gold filled is completely hypoallergenic given that it is made in 14k purity level or above. Any 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.
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. And cheaper base metals can be non-hypoallergenic specifically if it is brass or copper.
Main reason why gold filled is mostly hypoallergenic is that gold does not wear off easily from it, which never exposes the base metal for skin reactions.
6. Customization
Customization can be very difficult to be done in low priced jewelry. Most of the times, only you can find is pre-made designs. That’s why customization is almost impossible to be found in both of these as it is not worth it for sellers to offer this feature.
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.
Deciding What to Buy?
List down your personal preferences like on what characteristics you can compromise in your jewelry and on what features you cant. Then look at your daily life routine whether it includes a lot of working with hand or not? 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 not have a bigger price difference from gold plated. 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 the preferred one compared to gold filled.