Gold filled jewelry is a good value for gold lovers with a limited budget. Learning about gold filled jewelry and how it varies from gold-plated jewelry can be integral to your business. In this post, we analyze gold filled jewelry’s value to customers and how to check its authenticity. 

What Does Gold Filled Jewelry Mean?

Gold filled jewelry is formed by attaching a coating of gold to a base metal, usually brass, copper or silver. The gold coating in these pieces is far thicker than in gold-plated jewelry (usually average 0.05 microns). According to U.S. regulations, the gold layer in gold-filled jewelry must comprise at least 5% of the item’s total weight. The formation of these pieces ensures gold filled jewelry lasts up to 3-5 years.

Is Gold Filled Jewelry Good? 

Gold filled jewelry is a dependable and reasonably priced substitute for solid gold jewelry for anyone who wants an amazing wearable accessory without breaking the budget. Thanks to its thicker gold layer compared to gold-plated pieces, it’s more durable, resistant to tarnish, and less likely to flake or fade. It’s also sweatproof, waterproof, and ocean-safe, making it ideal for everyday wear.

Another benefit is that most individuals enjoy gold filled pieces’ hypoallergenic quality since the coating prevents your skin from coming into contact with its base metal. For those with sensitive skin, this qualifies them as a good choice. 

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Is Gold Filled Jewelry Real?

Gold-filled jewelry is considered real gold in appearance and composition, thanks to its thick layer of genuine gold (usually 5% or more of the item’s total weight) bonded to a base metal.

While it’s not solid gold, the outer layer is made of real solid gold and measured in karats (e.g., 10K, 14K, or 18K), indicating its purity. Despite the base metal core, the substantial gold layer gives it the look and durability of real gold.

How to Tell If Jewelry Is Gold Filled?

Lining your selection with gold filled jewelry can help you attract a wide range of customers. Although gold filled items usually appear to be real gold, several traits and tests can expose their legitimacy. Here are some simple methods for finding out whether your jewelry is really gold filled.

Hallmarks or Stamps

Looking for stamps or hallmarks is one of the easiest approaches to confirming gold filled jewelry. Gold filled jewelry manufacturer will often include a signature on their pieces. Search for gold filled hallmark with “GF,” “1/20 14K GF,” or comparable markings. While “14K,” or “18K,” denotes the purity of the gold, the “1/20” denotes at least 5% of the total weight of the jewelry is comprised of gold. 

Keep in mind that not all genuine gold filled pieces have hallmarks. If no stamp is present, other ways exist to test its authenticity. 

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Thickness Test of the Gold Layer

One main difference between gold filled jewelry and gold-plated items is the thickness of the gold coating. Wear and scratch tests let one evaluate the substantially thicker gold coating of gold filled jewelry. For an accurate thickness layer of gold, ask for a lab test report from a jewelry manufacturer to tell it is gold filled.

How to Test Gold Filled Jewelry At Home?

You can test gold filled jewelry at home to verify its authenticity without professional equipment. While these methods aren’t as precise as lab tests, below are ways to identify high-quality gold filled jewelry on your own.

• Visual Inspection: Look closely at your jewelry in good lighting. Gold filled pieces usually retain color and shine, while gold-plated items may show base metal in worn areas like edges or clasps.
• Magnet Test: Use a strong magnet to check for magnetic properties. Gold itself is non-magnetic, so if the jewelry reacts to the magnet, it likely contains a base metal. However, the gold filled layer won’t be magnetic.

How To Test Gold Filled Jewelry At Lab?

The most common and non-destructive method is Fischerscope XRF testing, which provides detailed insights into:

• Gold purity (e.g., 12K, 14K, 18K, etc.)
• Layer composition and thickness
• Base metal identity (typically brass or copper)

During the test:

• Several points on the jewelry are scanned.
• The machine measures how thick the gold layer is and verifies that it matches the specifications of gold-filled standards (usually 5% of the total weight must be gold by law in the U.S.).

Is Gold Filled Hypoallergenic?

Yes, gold-filled jewelry is generally hypoallergenic and safe for most people with sensitive skin. It has a thick layer of real gold permanently bonded to a base metal like brass or silver, which prevents direct skin contact with the underlying metal. Unlike gold-plated jewelry, the gold layer in gold-filled pieces doesn’t wear off easily, reducing the risk of irritation. Most quality gold-filled items are also nickel-free, making them a great everyday option for those with metal allergies.

Key Takeaway

With a significant coating of actual gold that will last years, gold filled jewelry is a reasonably priced and durable substitute for solid gold. Knowing its hallmarks, gold layer thickness, and easy at-home testing will let one confirm its validity. To ensure you are buying real gold filled jewelry, visit Zearrow to find pieces your customers will love!