What Is Gold Filled Wire?

Wire-wrapped jewelry often includes gold-filled wire.

Gold-filled wire is often used by hobbyists making wire-wrapped jewelry. It lets them use real gold in their pieces without the cost being as great as when using other forms of gold. Gold-filled wire is easy to work with and looks great. Also known as rolled-gold wire, it is more durable than gold-plated wire.

History

Gold-filled jewelry became popular in the early 20th century and increased in use throughout the 1930s and 1940s.

Contents

Gold-filled wire is made by bonding a layer of 10-karat, 12-karat or 14-karat gold to a base of jeweler's brass. The wire is then drawn to the desired thickness.

Quality Assurance

Gold-filled wire includes considerably more gold than gold plate. Gold-filled products must be a minimum of 1/20th, by weight, of the total piece. It is labeled as 10/20, 12/20 or 14/20, according to the karat used.

Uses

Gold-filled wire can be used to wrap crystals, cabochons and other stones. It also can be fashioned in beautiful name jewelry.

Longevity

Many pieces of gold-filled wire jewelry from the early 20th century are still beautiful today. Gold-filled wire requires no special care to retain its beauty, other than the occasional dip into some jewelry cleaning solution.

References

• Cryztalvisions: About Gold-Filled Wire
• Just For You Unique Gifts & MJB's Wire Framed Jewelry: FAQ
• Wire Name Jewelry: Gold-Filled Wire Information