Gold filled jewelry is made by bonding a thick layer of solid gold to a base metal (usually brass). By law, gold filled jewelry must contain at least 5% real gold by weight, making it a high-quality and long-lasting alternative to solid gold.

Because the gold layer is much thicker than gold plating, gold filled jewelry looks and feels most similar to solid gold and can last 10–30 years with proper care.

A thick sheet of solid gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal using heat and pressure. This creates a strong, durable bond that won’t flake or peel. The resulting material is then crafted into jewelry that closely resembles solid gold in both appearance and wear.

Yes! Gold filled jewelry uses real, solid 14k gold on the outside—the same gold used in solid gold jewelry. You get the look and feel of solid gold without the solid gold price.

14k gold filled jewelry contains at least 5% solid 14k gold by total weight. While 5% may sound small, all of that gold is on the surface, creating a thick outer layer that gives it the look, feel, and durability of solid gold.

Gold plated jewelry is made using electroplating, which applies a very thin, microscopic layer of gold to a base metal. This layer can wear off quickly.

Gold filled jewelry has a gold layer that is 5–10 times thicker, making it far more durable and longer lasting. Gold filled jewelry is also more regulated, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

No. Gold vermeil is typically sterling silver coated with a thin layer of gold through electroplating. While vermeil uses real gold, the layer is much thinner than gold filled and will wear off faster.

Yes. 99.99% of people experience no skin sensitivity with gold filled jewelry. If you can wear solid gold without issues, you can safely wear gold filled jewelry too.

Skin discoloration is extremely rare and usually caused by certain medications interacting with gold. If solid gold doesn’t discolor your skin, gold filled won’t either—and if it ever does, it washes off easily with soap and water.

• Peeling: No
• Rusting: No

Gold filled jewelry is very durable, but it may gradually fade over many years. To keep it looking its best:

• Clean gently with mild soap, water, and a soft toothbrush
• Avoid perfumes, lotions, and sunscreen
• Remove before swimming, hot tubs, or prolonged water exposure