Unless you’re a jewelry aficionado, you probably don’t know the difference between gold-filled vs gold-plated jewelry. As you browse through Amazon or other online retailers, you might just assume that gold is gold right? Not exactly… There are actually pretty major distinctions that separate the two. “Gold-filled jewelry has a higher gold content by weight compared to gold-plated jewelry, making it more valuable,” says Neeta Patal, owner and founder of Estella Collection. “Gold-plated jewelry is generally cheaper than gold-filled jewelry due to its lower gold content and manufacturing process.”
Although I’ve become pretty good at navigating the jewelry space as a beauty and fashion writer, I’ve tapped jewelry experts and gemologists to give you the inside scoop on gold filled vs gold plated jewelry and some professional-grade tips on how to shop for new pieces to add to your collection or to give as a gift to a sister-in-law.
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What does gold-filled mean?
When reading a description of a piece of jewelry, whether it’s a pair of earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet, it’s important to know what the terms actually mean. “Gold filled is a term used for a type of jewelry that consists of a thick layer of gold that is heat and pressure bonded to the center core of a base metal, usually high-quality jewelers brass,” says Jess Gardner, founder and owner of Hello Adorn. “The gold layer is usually five percent or 1/20 of the total weight of the item and it is often referred to as “1/20 gold-filled.” You can find gold-filled in 10k, 14k, 18k, and 24k — the higher the karat, the purer the gold on the outer layer.
“The plating process can involve toxic chemicals and is by far the least sustainable option for jewelry.” —Sacha Jarmon, gemologist and co-founder of Love Saro
Additionally, with gold-filled jewelry, the inner material is protected from tarnishing from daily wear, but this metal is not considered hypoallergenic, cannot be reused or resized, and is not safe from reaction to harsh chemicals including chlorine, according to Sacha Jarmon, gemologist and co-founder of Love Saro.
Nashelle 14k-Gold Fill Initial Disc Necklace – $65
NOKMIT 1mm 14K Gold Filled Rings – $10
LOYATA Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings 14K Gold Filled – $13
ZEZEF 14K Gold Filled Earrings – $17
What is gold-plated?
When you come across gold-plated jewelry, that means the jewelry has a thin layer of gold applied to a base metal (such as brass or copper) through electroplating. “The gold layer in gold-plated jewelry is significantly thinner than in gold-filled jewelry,” says Patal. “Gold-plated jewelry can be plated with 14k, 18k, and 24k gold, but because the layer is so thin, gold-plated jewelry has no gold value,” says Gardner. In terms of price, the gold plating or finishing process involves the least amount of gold and usually results in a lower price point for the customer. “The plating process can involve toxic chemicals and is by far the least sustainable option for jewelry,” adds Jarmon. “A low-price tag for ‘gold’ jewelry typically indicates that the product is plated.”
UltraFine 950 Silver Magnetic Bracelet 18K Gold-Plated – $84
Sophie Blake Adriana Ring, 14K Gold Plated – $239
PAVOI 14K Gold Plated 3mm Cubic Zirconia Classic Tennis Bracelet – $18
Cate & Chloe Ariel 18k White Gold Plated Silver Halo Stud Earrings – $16
Ettika Initial Pendant Necklace – $40
Shymi Pavé Heart Pendant Necklace – $90
Which is better gold-plated, or gold-filled?
This depends on what you’re hoping to get out of the jewelry, but in general, gold-filled is better. According to Gardner, the layer of gold on gold-filled items is five to 10 times thicker than that produced by regular gold plating which makes gold-fill more valuable and last much longer than gold-plated. Gold-fill is more suited for everyday wear whether that’s to work, on date night, or while running errands. “Gold-plated jewelry is more susceptible to wear and tear over time, including scratching, fading, and dulling of the gold layer,” says Patal. If you’re on a budget, then Jarmon says that gold-plated might be better for you price-wise, however, it isn’t designed to last for a long time meaning it’s quicker to tarnish and lose its gold luster.
Can you wear gold-filled jewelry every day?
Yes, you can wear gold-filled jewelry every day. According to Gardner, the manufacturing process and the gold weight in gold-fill jewelry make it more durable and equipped for everyday wear.
Can I shower with gold-filled jewelry?
Yes, you can shower with gold-filled jewelry. “Gold-filled can withstand exposure to water (such as showering), though prolonged exposure to water and harsh chemicals should be avoided to maintain its appearance,” says Patal.
Can I shower with gold-plated jewelry?
You might be asking yourself, “Can gold-plated jewelry get wet?” No, it’s not recommended to get gold-plated jewelry wet — this means no showering or swimming while wearing it. “Gold-plated jewelry should not get wet as water will damage the plating and expose the base layer,” says Gardner.
Can you be allergic to gold-filled or gold-plated jewelry?
Yes, it’s possible to be allergic to gold-filled or gold-plated jewelry if you’re allergic to solid gold, but it’s uncommon. “More commonly, people are allergic to brass or other base metals, and that makes allergies to gold-plating quite common because it’s only a matter of time before the gold layer wears off and exposure to the base metal happens,” says Gardner. You’ll want to pay particular attention to the jewelry you purchase especially if you have sensitive skin.
Does gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry tarnish?
Yes, gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry can tarnish if proper care isn’t given to the pieces during and after wear. “How quickly it tarnishes depends on the body chemistry of the person wearing it and its exposure to harsh chemicals or water (swimming pools, showering, etc.),” says Jarmon. “If removed prior to water or chemical exposure and well cared for, these materials can maintain their brilliance for years.” For example, if you decide to bring your jewelry with you on a trip, then you’ll want to make sure to have a travel case to hold it in for safekeeping.
How to clean gold-filled jewelry
Understanding how to clean gold-filled jewelry is important in maintaining its quality for years to come. The best way to clean gold-filled jewelry is with warm water and dish soap. Mix the two in a bowl and let your piece soak for five to 20 minutes. If you have more caked-on residue, then opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub at the surface until it comes off.
How to clean gold-plated jewelry
Similar to the above, you’ll want to follow the same steps to clean gold-plated jewelry. Since gold-plated jewelry is thinner, you’ll want to try cleaning it with a dry cloth first to see if that does the trick.
Why is there a color variance between gold-filled items?
The color variance between gold-filled items occurs as a result of the purity of the gold used. “Gold with a higher karatage, like 24K, has a richer yellow color than lower karatage golds, like 10K,” says Gardner. “The type of base metal used with the gold can also affect the color. For example, mixing copper with gold creates a darker yellow color, while silver and copper can result in a yellower tone.”
Tips for shopping for gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry
Look for a karat amount that suits your budget
There’s no doubt that the best gold-plated jewelry and gold-filled jewelry can be expensive, especially those birthdate pendants and That said, the price will vary significantly based on the karats. “10K and 14K gold-filled jewelry are popular choices for their affordability and durability,” says Gardner. “18K and 24K gold-filled jewelry are [usually] chosen for their rich colors and high gold content.”
Look for reputable sellers
There are many brands and companies out there that tout have the best jewelry in the business, however, you’ll want to be sure to shop at reputable retailers. Quince, Blue Nile, Baublebar, and Mejuri are a few examples of reputable retailers you’ll want to browse through when looking for jewelry.
Final thoughts on gold-filled vs. gold-plated jewelry
The main differences between gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry come from their manufacturing process and how they hold up over time. As with most items, you can make the most out of your purchase with the proper care and maintenance, but it’s important to be educated on how to do that first. At the end of the day, both gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry have their pros and cons which you’ll want to consider during the process.
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