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Solid, Filled, Plated... What is the difference between gold filled and gold plated?

If you are confused about gold quality rankings, you're not alone. I have received many questions on the differences in the quality of gold. Here I explain simply the comparison between the levels of gold content in the markings plating, fill, vermeil, and solid gold. 

 gold fill, gold vermeil, gold plated, solid gold comparison diagram 

solid gold, gold fill, gold plated

SOLID GOLD: Pure Gold. The finest you can get. 24 karat is soft and is typically alloyed with other metals to hold up to daily wear. Ratings can be from 14k-24k.

GOLD-FILL: A thick layer of gold heat or pressure bonded to a core metal of copper, or brass. Gold Filled is not to be confused with Gold Vermeil or Gold Plated as there are 5-10 times more gold in a gold-filled product than in a gold plated counterpart. Gold filled products contain at least 5% gold by weight.

View our bestselling gold-filled chain here: SHOP GOLD FILL CHAIN

18kt Yellow Gold-Filled Necklace Chains
 16" 18" 20" 24"

GOLD VERMEIL: A base of sterling silver with plated gold on the surface. The gold layer on vermeil is thinner than that of gold-fill.

GOLD PLATED: A very thin layer of gold often electroplated to base metals such as copper, brass, or other alloy metals. Gold can rub off exposing the base metal. 

 

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