How Is Gold Filled Jewelry Made?
Gold is a popular precious metal that comes in a variety of colors, including yellow, white, green, and rose. It is used to fashion all types of jewelry. Because of the relatively high value and desirability of this precious metal, however, solid gold jewelry can be costly. Gold-filled jewelry is a more affordable alternative to solid gold jewelry; and when new, it can possess the same luxurious glow as solid gold. Does this Spark an idea?
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Contents of Gold-Filled Jewelry
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Gold-filled jewelry consists of genuine karat gold along with a base metal, such as brass. The gold in gold-filled jewelry may be any karat, from 10 to 14. A karat is a measurement of the pureness of gold; for example, 14 karat gold is about 58 percent pure gold, while 24 karat gold is 100 percent pure gold. Gold that is not 24 karat, or 100 percent pure, may contain other metals such as copper, silver, zinc, nickel, and palladium. The gold used in gold-filled jewelry may be yellow, white, rose, or green.
Construction of Gold-Filled Jewelry
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Gold-filled jewelry is made by permanently bonding a layer of solid gold around a base metal core using heat and pressure. It is sometimes referred to as "rolled gold" jewelry because the thick layer of solid gold forms a substantial roll around the base metal.
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Differences Between Gold-Filled and Gold Plated Jewelry
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The gold layer on gold-filled jewelry is approximately 100 times thicker than that on gold plated jewelry. Like solid gold items, gold-filled items are regulated by the government; they are required to be at least 5 percent gold by weight. Gold plated items, in contrast, are not regulated by the government, and can contain a very thin layer of gold. Gold plated jewelry may be mistakenly termed gold filled; it is also termed "gold overlay" or "gold washed."
Advantages of Gold Filled Jewelry over Gold Plated
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Gold-filled jewelry is superior to gold plated jewelry for several reasons. Gold filled jewelry is more tarnish resistant and durable than gold plated jewelry. With time and wear, the gold on gold plated jewelry may wear down, chip, and flake off, gradually revealing the base metal underneath and causing the jewelry to lose its color and luster.
Caring for Gold-Filled Jewelry
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You can care for gold-filled jewelry the same way you would solid gold jewelry. Avoid allowing gold-filled jewelry to come in contact with chemicals. Note that saltwater, chlorine and perspiration will dull its surface. Clean gold-filled jewelry with a solution of warm water and mild soap, making sure to rinse it well and pat it dry with a non-abrasive cloth. Polish gold filled jewelry with a jewelry polishing cloth.
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References
- Photo Credit gold chain image by leafy from Fotolia.com
