Gold Filled Jewelry: Things you May not Know About
June 11, 2021
Did you know that most of the jewelry marketed as "pure gold" is, in truth, gold filled jewelry? This article will break down and help you understand what gold-filled jewelry is and why it is cheaper than solid gold jewelry. We will also address some of the most commonly asked FAQs related to jewelry, like How long does a gold-filled jewelry last. Which is better, gold plated, or gold filled? Can you wear gold-filled every day? And is gold filled jewelry worth anything?
What Is Gold Filled Jewelry?
We use the term 'Gold-filled' to describe any jewelry primarily made of non-gold metals (called the base metal), which is then covered with a thick layer of gold.
You may hear of 'rolled gold jewelry,' 'jewelry with gold overlays,' or even 'rolled gold plating' in many places. All of these phrases refer to the same kind of jewelry - i.e., gold filled jewelry.
Since the primary metal in this jewelry is something other than actual gold, and gold is just used to coat the jewelry, it is cheaper. So, it costs less than solid gold jewelry made of gold with the same karat value.
How much gold is used in gold plated jewelry?
Generally, gold plated or gold filled jewelry features a thick, solid layer of gold on top of the base metal. Most often, this base metal is either sterling silver. The gold coating bonds mechanically to this base metal to give the jewelry its final appearance. Since gold filled jewelry uses a thick and uniform coating of real gold, it constitutes close to 5% of the jewelry's total weight.
You may also notice that jewelry items that are gold filled have more gold than jewelry that has a gold overlay or rolled gold plate. Yes, we had already discussed that all these terms carry the same meaning legally, but this slight variation does occur. We understand that the gold in jewelry items with gold overlay is usually less than 5% of the total weight.
How long does a piece of jewelry last?
It depends primarily upon how much gold has been used in the process. For jewelry that has a substantially thick gold layer, it may last anywhere between 10 to 25 years. Moreover, some of these jewelry items appear to be so well made that you may think they are better quality than actual gold pieces. One of the main objectives why people use gold filled jewelry is because of its durability. So if the gold plated is of high quality, it can last for a good number of years.
Karats and Gold-Filled Jewelry
The karat number of a gold-filled jewelry piece refers to the purity of the gold sheet wrapped around the base metal. Thus, if a gold-filled pendant is ten karats, for example, the item has an outer layer made of 41.7% gold. Below that top layer, there is another metal or alloy. Most gold-filled jewelry sold is between 10 and 20 karats.
Markings of Gold-Filled Jewelry
Gold-Filled Jewelry and Durability
The durability of a gold-filled item depends on the thickness of its gold layer and its karat value. It means that lower karats tend to be more durable as they contain less gold, which is soft.
Some pieces can last as long as 20-30 years. However, most gold-filled jewelry lasts between 3 and 8 years before the gold layer begins to wear through, depending on how often you put the piece on.
How is it made?
By now, you have understood the fundamental aspect of this jewelry - it is not made of pure or solid gold entirely. The gold is coated on the base metal, either sterling silver, brass, or any other metal. Now, the question remains: How is gold fused with these base metals?
Gold is fused to the base metal through the mechanical process of bonding. The gold sits on the surface of the jewelry after the heat has been applied to fuse it with the base metal. The fusion process is generally done using 10K, 12K, or even 14K gold. Depending on the quantity of gold used, it may constitute around 5% of the jewelry's total weight.
Is Gold-filled real gold?
Yes, the gold used in the plating process is pure or real gold. Generally, you will find that gold having a karat value higher than 10K is preferred for this purpose. The most common is the 14K jewelry. This genuine gold is just present on the surface layer of the jewelry. The rest of the jewelry is made of any base metal that forms the main bulk of the jewelry item.
So even though the gold used is real, this does not mean that this jewelry is solid gold. Instead, it merely has a pure gold coating on baser metals that form the solid core.
Is it of good quality?
When we talk of good quality jewelry, then this jewelry is undoubtedly a popular choice. It owes its popularity to its durable, resistant, and highly dependable nature. Many people prefer gold filled jewelry because it lasts for quite a long time. In addition, the base metal provides a strong core that external forces cannot damage easily. On top of this, if the gold plating is done well, then it has the appearance of high-quality gold. As a result, gold filled jewelry with thick coatings hold considerable value.
The most straightforward reason why a thicker layer ensures a better quality of this jewelry is that it will last longer. Keep in mind that this gold layer will slowly start to wear out. If your jewelry is sparsely gold filled, it will lose its gold-like appearance very quickly. On the other hand, gold-filled jewelry items with a substantially generous gold filling wear out slower and last longer.
Will gold filled pass the acid test?
You can understand gold filled jewelry's quality by its GF stamp, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC),. Overall, this is a reliable method to ascertain the value of gold filled. But there is another way to test your gold filled jewelry's authenticity reliably. It is done using the acid test.
We can understand the results of the acid test quite easily. If the gold filled has a thick layer, it will pass the nitric acid test comfortably. So, it passes the acid test. But be careful while performing this test, and do not make a deep cut into the jewelry because it may cause extensive damage to it.
Difference Between Gold-Filled and Gold-Plated Jewelry
Gold-plated jewelry is created through a technology that is different from the one used to make its pieces. The elemental difference between the two is that plated items are covered with a much thinner layer of gold. For this reason, gold-plated pieces tend to be less durable, and their gold coating wears down faster than that of gold-filled jewelry. Understandably, gold-plated items are also cheaper.
FAQs
How long does gold filled jewelry last?
High-quality jewelry can last anywhere between 10-30 years, and sometimes even longer with good care.
Which is better gold plated or gold filled?
The real gold in filled jewelry constitutes about 5% of its total weight. On the other hand, gold plated jewelry uses a lesser quantity of gold, and so it contains less than 5% gold of its total weight. Therefore, It is better because it has a thicker gold layer and lasts longer than gold plated jewelry.
Can you wear gold filled jewelry everyday?
Yes, many people wear gold-filled jewelry regularly because it is highly durable and great for everyday use.
Is gold filled jewelry worth anything?
Your gold-filled jewelry can be quite valuable depending on the thickness and karat value of gold used.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we can say that this jewelry has strong popularity owing to its durability and appearance. It is also of higher quality and price than regular gold plated jewelry due to the larger quantity of gold used in gold filled jewelry. Moreover, the base metal provides a solid and dependable core, and such jewelry lasts for a long time.
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Selling gold bracelets can be tricky. We are here to help you navigate the gold market and avoid tricksters and frauds. Our suggestions have been tried and tested for those who wish to sell gold bracelets and get the best deals out of it.
Selling a Bracelet to Gold Dealers
Perhaps the easiest and most secure way for you to sell a gold bracelet is to offer it to gold dealers. They buy gold from different sellers in order to resell it to gold refineries. Here the gold bracelet that you sold is then melted and reused.
Many gold dealers encourage people to sell gold bracelets and offer a good sum of money. They may purchase your gold to recycle or keep it to themselves.
When you sell a gold bracelet to a dealer, the price of gold they offer depends upon the gold content of the bracelet.
If your gold bracelet is simple and not something rare, you would find gold dealers to be a good option to sell your gold bracelet.
But if your gold bracelet features some unique design or is an antique piece, the gold dealer will not keep that in mind and will treat it in the same manner as an ordinary gold bracelet. So, bear in mind this point while approaching gold dealers to sell gold bracelets.
How Much Money Can You Get for Your Gold Bracelet?
To find the value of your gold bracelet, you can go for a jewelry appraisal.
You could go for either one of these three credible institutions that appraise your jewelry and tell you it’s exact worth:
The American Society of Appraisers, the International Society of Appraisers, and the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
These three institutions hold the highest levels of professionalism and expertise. They charge a consultation fee based on an hourly basis. Once the appraisal of your gold bracelet is done, you can get a concrete idea of what your gold bracelet is worth.
Don’t disregard your gold bracelet just because you think it is old or ordinary. There are many instances where old gold bracelets brought in to sell turn out to be rare and fine gold jewelry.
When you sell a gold bracelet, keep in mind that jewelry from exclusive and famous designers or from big luxury brands have a high resale value. During the appraisal, the experts will guide you on this.
Gold Content
To find out the realistic price you can get by selling gold bracelets, ask for the melt price of your jewelry. most experts consider it to be a great deal if you managed to get between 70 to 80% of the melt value.
Or, if you know the karat value of your gold bracelet, simply divide the karat number by 24 and then multiply the result by 100. This gives you the gold percentage of your bracelet.
Weighing Gold
The weighing process of your jewelry is very important when you go to sell a gold bracelet. Gold prices are calculated per unit of weight. So, you need to find the accurate weight of your gold bracelet in grams.
Once you’ve weighed your bracelet, use the aforementioned formula to calculate the gold percentage. Then, multiply the gold content value with the weight in grams. This will give you the total value of pure gold in your bracelet.
For example, if you have an 18K gold bracelet weighing 20 grams, and 60.2% of it is pure gold, then your final value of pure gold will be 20 g x 60.2% = 12.04 grams.
What About the Stones in Your Bracelet?
This depends entirely on the types of stones embedded in your gold bracelet. But the bottom line remains the same – do not expect to get retail prices for the stones when you sell gold bracelets.
If the gold bracelets contain precious stones such as diamonds or even other gemstones, they will be assessed individually to determine their value.
They will primarily be checked for the 4Cs – color, clarity, carat weight and cut of diamonds. These play a significant role in determining the value of diamonds.
You can check out our in-depth guide on factors that affect diamond prices to get a clearer picture of what to expect.
Gold dealers may not offer a good price for the stones because they have no use of it. This is why you should only approach gold dealers for bracelets that do not have diamonds or gemstones.
Or get the stones removed before selling it to the gold dealer.
You can even sell the stones separately or with the bracelet to retail jewelers.
Can You Sell Your Gold Bracelet to a Jewelry Store?
If you want to sell gold bracelets immediately, you could visit your local jewelry store, preferably the one where you originally bought it from. Jewelry stores buy back old gold bracelets in order to either melt them or simply resell them.
In case you want to buy new jewelry by exchanging pre owned gold bracelets, jewelry stores have an option for that too.
Most jewelry stores provide buy-back offers or in-store cash points. You can avail these while shopping for your next piece of jewelry upon exchanging your bracelet.
Jewelry Auctions
Jewelry auctions are easy to set up. You can find tons of online auctions taking place where you can sign up to sell diamond bracelets or fine gold bracelets.
Jewelry auctions are particularly advantageous for you if your gold bracelet has a unique design or is a rare piece.
In such cases, you could find buyers who will pay you more than the price of the metal. Such deals are very profitable.
Do you want to sell a gold bracelet without any hassle?
We’ve got you covered. At Sell Your Jewelry we purchase old, pre owned gold bracelets and offer the best prices in the city.
Book a free appointment and bring in your gold bracelet for assessment by our experts.
DIY Tips To Maintain Your Gold Jewelry
March 19, 2021
Is your gold jewelry lying around at home gathering dust? Our busy lifestyles and hectic work schedules may not give us enough time to maintain our gold jewelry properly.
Well-maintained gold jewelry also fetches a high resale value in case you ever plan to sell gold jewelry. This article compiled everything you need to know to keep your gold jewelry looking forever new and make it last a lifetime.
Cleaning Tips for Regularly Worn Gold Jewelry
It is very easy to identify gold jewelry that hasn’t been taken care of. Dirt, grime, and sweat can easily build up on jewelry that has worn regularly. Moreover, if you keep neglecting your gold jewelry, it can get so dirty that its entire appearance will be negatively affected.
The most common home remedy for taking care of gold jewelry is to clean it with warm water and mild liquid soap. It is a simple and effective way to remove the oil and dirt that your gold jewelry may have collected. Depending on how dirty your gold jewelry is, you might have to soak it in a soapy solution. Just leave it in the water for a couple of hours and scrub gently with a soft brush. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap and lather.
You can either dry your gold jewelry the regular way by blotting it with a soft cloth or you could do something extra. Many people prefer using a polishing cloth to give their valuables an extra shine. Note that you should never use any rough or coarse cloth or paper towels while drying your gold jewelry. These can cause scratches and marks.
One mistake many people make is to overdo this cleaning process. Remember to clean any gold jewelry only when you find the need for it. Don’t go cleaning it every month if it hasn’t been worn and isn’t dirty. A common mistake made by most on how to take care of gold jewelry is that they end up buying so many types of products to clean their gold. Whatever you do, stay away from bleach, no matter how mild it is advertised to be, because it will harm your gold jewelry.
Prevention first
If you wear gold jewelry daily, there are certain things you can do for its maintenance. Proper jewelry care is the key to long-lasting and well-maintained pieces. The first step in appropriate jewelry care is to identify things that may harm them.
Swimming and Showering: Wearing gold jewelry while showering at home or swimming in a pool, lake, or the ocean is a big No-No! Our bathing products have so many different chemical substances mixed in the composition. While they may be good for your skin, they have not recommended for gold jewelry.
The chlorine added to swimming pools is downright terrible for gold. It takes away the shine, weakens the metal, and eventually, your gold jewelry will snap. So, we advise taking off your gold jewelry before you step into the shower or a pool.
Cooking: Your time with your gold jewelry should also be limited when you are in the kitchen if you are looking into the dos and don’ts of how to take care of gold jewelry. Food particles that stick to the edges and corners of your jewelry are very difficult to remove. Also, it will do your gold jewelry no good to be close to the fire or other heating sources in the kitchen. Cleaning: Chemicals in soaps and cleaning products can sometimes react with gold. For better jewelry care, remove and keep aside all jewelry that may come in direct contact with harsh cleaning products like acids or abrasives. Aside from the damage through chemicals, you can easily scratch the gold while handling your cleaning chores. Gold is a soft metal, so any bump can easily cause it to lose shape.Personal grooming: Use of beauty products and cosmetics while wearing jewelry may cause the product to build up in layers on your gold. We advise you to put on your gold jewelry after you have finished getting ready.
Types of Gold Alloys
Up until now, we have simply been referring to “gold jewelry”. But our tips on how to take care of gold jewelry cover not only the most popular yellow gold, but also other common variants.
Let us list and discuss some of the most common and popular forms of gold found in jewelry.
Yellow gold: This is the traditional form of gold and also the most widely used. It owes its popularity to the fact that it requires the least amount of maintenance. It is also the most hypo-allergenic form of gold, meaning that people are least likely to be allergic to yellow gold. White gold: White gold is fast gaining in popularity. The reason is the current trend of white metal-based jewelry. It is also more durable and scratch-resistant than yellow gold because of its alloy composition of gold with nickel or palladium, zinc, and copper. Moreover, white gold is highly affordable and comes at pocket-friendly prices. Rose gold: Perhaps the trendiest of all gold colors, rose gold is everywhere today. Because of its unique, classy color, it has commanded a great demand in the jewelry business. It is also more durable than both yellow and white gold because of its high copper composition.
Store your gold jewelry well
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Do you shove your gold jewelry in drawers and cabinets only to forget about them? Remember, proper storage of jewelry is part of how to take care of gold jewelry.
While it may seem tedious, you will realize the benefits of putting away your jewelry after you have worn them. Make a habit out of it, and soon you will not even realize it!
Use a fabric-lined jewelry box to keep your gold jewelry. Make sure to untangle gold chains and bracelets before you store them. Avoid storing too many jewelry pieces in a single container.
You can also opt for annual cleaning of your gold jewelry so that a professional can have a look at it. This will help in the detection of any damage and loosening of clamps, prongs, or stones.
Are you planning to sell your gold jewelry?
We’ve got you covered. At Sell Your Jewelry, we purchase old, pre-owned gold jewelry and offer the best prices in the city and it is best place to sell gold. Book a free appointment and bring in your gold jewelry for assessment by our experts. We take into consideration all gold price factors and offer you deals you cannot refuse. Visit our website to avail a free consultation today.[greeting]
