What is Gold Filled and Gold Plated Jewelry?

Gold-filled Jewelry is constructed in two or three layers. The core metal is jewelers’ brass. Single clad gold-filled has all the gold content in a single layer on one side. Double clad gold-filled splits the gold content into surface layers on both sides of the material. The gold alloy is then bonded to one or both surfaces of the brass core with heat and pressure. The bonded raw material is then sold as sheet or wire to jewelry manufacturers for use in designs.


Gold-filled is legally required to contain 5% or 1/20 gold by weight. This 5% is then described by the karatage of the gold alloy. Most gold-filled is 12kt or 14kt gold-filled. It is most accurately labeled with the karatage, the “/” symbol, and then 20 to reflect this construction. Products are identified as 14/20 Gold-filled or 12/20 Gold-Filled; alternatively, 14kt Gold-Filled or 12kt Gold-Filled are also acceptable.

Gold Fill Jewelry is very durable, and to an untrained eye can look just like real gold.  It typically has a lifespan of about 5 to 30 years. Unlike Gold Plated Jewelry, Gold Fill Jewelry will not wear down and expose a base metal.  As far as having any value, Gold Fill Items have VERY LITTLE PRECIOUS METAL VALUE.   

​Gold plated jewelry has a much lower quality threshold compared to Gold Filled jewelry.  There is such a small amount of actual gold used in plated jewelry that it inevitably rubs away over time, leaving you with a dull metal piece.

To create a gold plated jewelry  a very thin layer of real gold is electrically charged onto a base metal, such as copper or nickel to make it look like solid gold. Gold plated jewelry is often used in costume jewelry to lower the cost as much as possible while still trying to make it look like you are getting a nice piece (at first). Beware, the base metals used in gold plated jewelry can turn your skin green and also cause allergic reactions, like rashes.  Gold Plated Jewelry typically has a lifespan of about a year, and has absolutely ZERO PRECIOUS METAL VALUE.  

At Texas Gold and Silver Buyers of San Antonio, we strive to be the #1 Gold and Silver Buyer in the area.  We offer Free Xray Assays (testing), and pledge to give our customers the best customer service experience possible.  We are Fast, Hassle Free, Friendly and most importantly HONEST.  We believe in giving our customers an upfront, private and TOP DOLLAR transaction.  The goal of our informative blog is to educate our customers potential customers, and anyone that is looking to sell their Gold and Silver Precious Metal items. We want you to know what to expect when ready to sell your Gold and Silver Jewelry, Coins, Scrap, Dental Gold,  and Bullion.  


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