Gold Filled VS Gold Plated
Gold pieces of jewelry will always be in fashion, people have adorned themselves with gold for centuries. Some ancient tribes and cultures considered gold as a status symbol.
However, let’s face it golds are expensive and it’s not practical to wear them daily. Thankfully, there are gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry that we can buy and use. What’s the difference between ‘gold-filled’ and ‘gold-plated’? Read on, to find out.
Gold-Filled
Gold-filled pieces of jewelry are more economical but still gorgeous. These are made in two or three layers and created by pressure bonding a real layer of gold to another metal and the gold content is in a single layer on one side. Legally speaking, it is required to weigh 5% or 1/20 gold and mostly these jewelry pieces are 12kt or 14kt gold-filled. It is thicker than regular gold plating
Gold-filled pieces have the same desirable properties and look so much like gold. Moreover, it is non-tarnish, will not rub off and anybody can use gold-filled pieces of jewelry unless one has a skin reaction with gold alloys. It can be worn daily since it will not fade easily
Caring for your gold filled jewelry
- Use mild soapy water, usually a mild detergent to remove residue. Use this with a soft toothbrush. A child's soft toothbrush is highly recommended to avoid scratching your pieces of jewelry.
- You can also polish your gold-filled jewelry by using a soft cloth since it will not scratch the surface. There are treated jewelry polishing cloths available in stores or online, but some chemicals are not recommended for gold-filled jewelry, so ask the seller first!
Gold-Plated
Gold plated jewelry comes in different levels of quality, which will depend on the thickness and purity of the gold coating. The process of this is when a thin layer of gold is bonded onto a base metal. This can be done on most metals, but silver and copper are commonly used for gold plating.
Gold plated jewelry is mostly costume pieces of jewelry that were made to copy a more expensive piece. Though it doesn't hold the same value as gold since only a little gold was used, it can be considered as real gold.
Over time it can tarnish and fade, that is why, you should only use this for special occasions, or once a week on a date night, or any special day or night if you love the piece!
Caring for your gold plated jewelry
- Before putting on your jewelry, this can be applied to all types of metals, be sure to apply make-up, perfume and hairspray first.
- Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, sunscreen, or any other chemicals.
- Remove your jewelry before you do laundry or wash dishes.
- Clean skin is good for your gold-plated jewelry, so wash those hands first before putting on your favorite gold-plated ring.
- Take off your pieces of jewelry before swimming. Don't expose jewelry to water, remove it before showering or swimming.
- In cleaning, use a mild liquid soap or a professional jewelry cleaning solution. Use warm water, and avoid brushing or rubbing.
- After wearing, gently wipe with the soft cloth provided and store in a cool, dry place.
- The cloth turns black as it polishes...that means it's working!
- Take your jewelry off before bed.
