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 or copper. The gold coating in these pieces is far thicker than in gold-plated jewelry, making them more expensive than electroplated pieces.
The gold layer must make at least 5% of the entire weight of the jewelry per U.S. regulations. 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 genuine gold pieces for anyone who wants an amazing wearable accessory without breaking the budget. Its thicker gold coating than gold-plated jewelry increases its durability and reduces flaking or tarnishing susceptibility.
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?
Given its significant coating of gold bound to a base metal, gold filled jewelry is regarded as genuine gold. Though the gold coating usually amounts to 5% or more of the item’s total weight, it is not pure gold. Genuine and typically expressed in karats, such as 14k or 18k, this gold coating indicates purity. However, gold filled jewelry is still considered real due to its golden core.
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.
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!
