What is Gold Filled and why is it the next best thing to solid gold?

The answer is found simply in the word "Gold Filled". Gold Filled is made from solid "gold" and "filled" with other alloys. All of my jewelry that is not .925 silver  is 14k Gold Fill unless otherwise noted. It is appropriate for all types of jewelry. For most people, it will last their entire lifetime without showing signs of wear. Gold Filled wears like solid gold because its outer surface is solid gold. Electroplating is NOT a part of this process. 14/20 Rolled Gold wire creates high fashion jewelry at a fraction of the cost of solid gold Gold Fill is actually more expensive than Sterling Silver. Why? Because Gold Fill jewelry findings are made of 20% by weight of 14kt Gold. This is much nicer than Gold Plate, which is a very thin veneer of gold and rubs off easily. There is 100 times more gold in 14 kt. Rolled Gold (gold filled) than in gold plate. Gold filled wire is available in 10k, 12k, and 14k, being the best quality and most durable. In the symbol 14/20, the 14 stands for the karat of gold used, and the 20 means 1/20.

What are some of the advantages of Gold Filled?

Gold Filled has been referred to as the "Gold of the Future" because it offers all the same physical characteristics as solid gold such as beauty, durability, and strength, but at a fraction of the cost. Since the gold is on the outer surface area, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between solid gold and Gold Filled, except when it comes to the cost!

How is Gold Filled Made?

Gold Filled is made by fusing a layer of Karat Gold to a suitable supporting metal (or alloy) using equipment that carefully controls pressure, heat, and time. The bond produced is a permanent one.

How Long Will Gold Filled Jewelry Last?

The point to remember is that gold, along with its other unique qualities, is virtually indestructible. Since you are guaranteed a substantial layer of gold on your Gold Filled jewelry by law, with reasonable care it will last a lifetime.

 Is Gold Filled Jewelry Costume Jewelry?  It definitely is not! The layer of gold in Gold Filled is substantially thicker than the traditional electroplated jewelry. Gold Filled jewelry is fine jewelry that never goes out of style and can be worn beautifully with all tastes and preferences in fashion.

How Do I Care For My Gold Filled Jewelry?

Frequent cleaning is recommended to maintain its true beauty. Salt water, chlorine in swimming pools, soap and perspiration take their toll on all fine jewelry. Wipe your jewelry carefully with a soft cloth to keep it clean and free of these elements which oxidizes.  The best way to clean in places that a polishing cloth will not reach is very simple and you probably already have what you need in your kitchen.  Take a small bowl that will hold about a quart of water and line it with aluminum foil.  Add hot water and a tablespoon of Tide washing powder (not liquid or with bleach) and stir.  Place your jewelry in the solution for about 1 minute and rinse with clean water and air dry.  This works great on Sterling Silver too and it will not hurt any stones.  If you have a build-up of dirt in hard to reach places, just put a little dish washing liquid in a bowl of water and soak over night

Care of 14kt. Rolled Gold Jewelry

"How do I take care of it?"

It's easy. Just care for it as you would any other jewelry. It is quite durable. A simple inexpensive way to clean rolled gold jewelry (gold fill) is to soak it for a minute or two in a mild solution of ammonia and water or a commercial liquid jewelry cleaner. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with water afterwards and let dry.

Keep it in a cotton filled box for storing separately from other jewelry. This will cut down on tarnish and keep it from being scratched by other jewelry. Remember this is NOT gold plate and in many cases is handed down from generation to generation. It is not unusual to find an old gold filled pendant that is nearly 75 years old!