Is Gold Filled Jewellery Filled With Gold?

How many of you think that gold filled jewellery is (literally as its name) filled with gold? Here’s what it isn’t: It ain’t filled with gold. 

What it really is though, is gold that is filled. 

Am I confusing you? Let me take you through the manufacturing process to gain a better understanding. 

To make gold filled components, two layers of gold act as a sandwich bun which holds a core metal (e.g. brass) in place. This explains why gold filled is actually gold that is filled. The layers then go through a pressure and heat-bonding process and pass through a roller machine to be flattened into a large sheet. During the process, the metals are fused together, with the brass remaining at the core and the thick gold layer on the outer layer. The sheet is then processed into strips to make gold filled wire and other jewellery components.  

So, How Much Gold Is There In Gold Filled?

A thick layer of gold (about 5% of the total weight) is bonded to the base metal such as brass or Sterling Silver. As the gold is fused to the brass core with a very thick outer gold layer, Gold Filled is generally more durable than gold plated pieces. In my jewellery pieces, I try to use gold filled components where possible for 2 main reasons. Firstly, gold filled is mostly hypoallergenic. Secondly, it is durable. 

Does Gold Filled Tarnish?

Gold filled is tarnish resistant, and with proper care and maintenance, will retain its outer gold luster. It will take a rare set of environmental circumstances for gold filled to tarnish. Exposure to chemical sulfides or heavy toxins in the air can tarnish gold filled. Rough usage and abrasive cleaning such as using a treated cloth to rub vigorously on a gold filled piece will compromise their shine. I strongly discourage this, as you are rubbing gold off from your jewellery! To learn about how to care for your gold filled jewellery, have a quick read here.

Can One Be Allergic To Gold Filled?

Most people are highly tolerant of gold filled and it is hypoallergenic for most people. Unless you have uber skin sensitivity and react even to 14K gold, then it is possible for you to react to the gold layer on the surface of gold filled jewellery. 

The allergy that most people have is a reaction to nickel. This is the most common earring sensitivity (where your earlobes turn pink or red and itches). I know, because I am allergic to nickel! So far, I have been good with my gold filled hand-wired pieces. Phew!

At J. Lawrence, I use 14K gold filled or 16K and 18K gold plated components. Here are some of my gold filled hand-wired pieces if you are concerned about skin sensitivities.