(14K) Gold-Fill

Gold-fill is a very popular alternative to solid gold because of its quality, durability, affordability and versatility. The metal is easy to care for and will usually maintain its golden shine for a lifetime. 14K gold-filled consists of a substantial, solid layer of 14K gold which has been pressure bonded with a high amount of heat onto a core of quality jeweler’s brass or sterling silver. This process of pressure bonding makes gold-filled jewelry tarnish and chip resistant. When properly maintained & cleaned, a gold-filled finish is durable and will not rub or flake off. If gold-filled jewelry ever does develop a tarnish, it is usually superficial and can be cleaned or polished. Gold-filled jewelry is legally required to contain at least 5% or 1/20 gold by weight, which is significantly more - easily 100x more - than gold plated items. This 5% is then described by the karat of the gold alloy - as in 14K gold filled. Gold-filled items have a higher market value compared to gold plated items. The layer of gold on gold plated or - dipped items is miniscule and applied over a base metal using the electro plating process. It is far less durable and more likely to rub, flake and fade away rather quick, thus exposing the brass base. It does not stand up to heat, water or wear over time.

If silver is plated in gold, it is often referred to as “Vermeil”. It can only be given this name when the metal consists of a sterling silver base with a gold coating purity of at least 10K and a minimum thickness of 2.5 microns. It's a much thicker level of gold plating, which however can still fade away eventually.