What is 14k Gold Filled?

by Sara Patino

I choose to create 14k gold filled jewelry because it looks beautiful, is highly durable and recyclable. A lot of people ask me what it is and what makes it different from solid gold or plated jewelry. 

I thought I'd share some basic fun facts so you can understand the difference.

What is 14k gold filled jewelry
QUICK FACTS

  • Gold filled is also called gold overlay, or gold fill

  • Gold filled is always 5% of the items weight. 

  • Gold filled is about 10xs thicker than gold plating.

HOW IS IT MADE?

  • Gold filled is a layer of solid gold pressure bonded to jeweler's brass

  • Gold plating is made by placing a base metal in a solution, and charging it to attract a layer of gold ions

WHICH CAN BE RECYCLED?

  • Solid gold and gold filled jewelry can be recycled, again and again.
  • Gold plated jewelry, is not recyclable because there is not enough gold to extract and the base metal is often unknown
WHICH IS SAFER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?

  • 14k Gold filled is safe, if you don't have reactions to 14k solid gold. Since gold filled jewelry is a thick layer of actual gold, it acts the same way a 14k solid gold piece would against your skin.
  • Gold plating wears off easily, so this might not be a good choice for sensitive ears.

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