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.
|
|
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
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. |
||||||||
