The Difference Between Gold Plated Jewelry and Gold Filled Jewelry
When it comes to buying jewelry, it's important to know the difference between the various types of materials that are used to make it. Two of the most common types of jewelry you may come across are gold plated jewelry and gold filled jewelry. Understanding the difference between the two can help you make a more informed decision when purchasing jewelry.
This guide talks about the differences between plating and gold fil, for more info on the gold plating process check out our blog of the process of gold plating, found here!
Gold Plated Jewelry
Gold plated jewelry is a type of jewelry that has a thin layer of gold applied to its surface. At Lirys the base material is always genuine gold, however stainless steel, copper, and sterling silver are all options that can be plated as well. The layer of gold is applied to the surface using a process called electroplating. The thickness of the gold layer can vary, and it is measured in microns. The thicker the gold layer, the more durable the plating will be. However, gold plated jewelry that is not genuine gold has a limited lifespan because the gold layer can eventually wear away over time. The gold plating on genuine gold jewelry does fade over time as well, HOWEVER because there is genuine gol underneath you do not notice the fading as the natural gold below shows through. Because it is a fairly even and gradual process, it blends in with the real gold.
Genuine gold jewelry can also be gold plated, and often is. This is a way for jewelry manufacturers to give their customers the a universal tone and color even from different batches of gold, or different manufacturers. The process of gold plating genuine gold jewelry can also help protect the underlying gold from scratches and damage.
Fake jewelry that is made from copper or stainless steel can also be plated to pass off as real. It's important to be cautious when buying gold plated jewelry, as it may not be what it seems. Always check the labeling or ask the seller for more information about the jewelry's materials and construction. Also consider the seller themselves; are they reputable, have they been in business for long, do they offer a karat guarantee.
Gold Filled Jewelry
Gold filled jewelry, on the other hand, is a type of jewelry that is made by bonding a layer of gold to another metal. The process is similar to gold plating, but the gold layer is much thicker and more durable. The gold layer in gold filled jewelry is typically at least 5% of the jewelry's total weight.
Gold filled jewelry is always fake, but it can last longer than fake jewelry that is only gold plated. This is because the gold layer in gold filled jewelry is thicker and more resistant to wear and tear. However, the base metal in gold filled jewelry is still not gold, and it may still wear away over time, causing the gold layer to become scratched or discolored. Be very careful when purchasing from store that sell gold fill. Generally a store that sells gold fill does not sell genuine gold jewelry, if they do, you want to be very sure they are honest and up front about which is which. Without an x-ray analyzer it can be very tough to spot gold fill from genuine gold.
At Lirys Jewelry, we do not sell anything gold filled. All of our jewelry is genuine solid gold, ensuring that our customers receive the highest quality jewelry possible. When you purchase from us, you can be confident that you're getting real gold jewelry that will stand the test of time.
In conclusion, understanding the difference between gold plated jewelry and gold filled jewelry is important when shopping for jewelry. Always be sure to check the labeling or ask the seller for more information about the jewelry's materials and construction to ensure that you're getting the real thing. At Lirys Jewelry, we only sell genuine solid gold jewelry, ensuring that our customers receive the highest quality jewelry possible.