GOLD 101


What Type of Gold Is It?

Most of our jewelry is made with gold-filled materials, a high-quality, durable alternative to solid gold.

What Is Gold-Filled?

Gold-filled is often misunderstood as just a step above gold plating, but it’s much more durable and valuable. It contains 100 times more gold than gold-plated jewelry and is legally required to have 5% solid gold by weight, bonded to a core of jewelers brass using heat and pressure.

Unlike plated jewelry, gold-filled won’t flake, rub off, or turn colors. It’s also hypoallergenic — safe for most people who can wear solid gold. With proper care, gold-filled jewelry retains its shine for 20–30 years, even with daily wear.

How Is It Different From Gold Plating?

Gold plating is a very thin layer of gold (often just 0.05% or less of the total weight), applied to a base metal like brass. It wears off quickly, especially with water or friction, eventually exposing the base metal underneath.

What About Vermeil?

Vermeil (pronounced ver-MAY) is a thicker layer of gold (at least 2.5 microns) over sterling silver. While better than standard plating, it can still wear off over time. Gold-filled jewelry lasts longer and is generally more durable.

Gold-Filled vs Solid Gold

Solid gold is made entirely of a gold alloy and described by its karat  24kt being pure gold. However, pure gold is too soft for most jewelry, so it's typically alloyed with other metals. Gold-filled has a surface layer of karat gold (like 14kt), but it’s not solid all the way through. It's a more affordable way to enjoy the look and feel of gold.

Care & Cleaning Tips

Gold-filled jewelry is easy to care for and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Here's how to keep it looking great:

  • Cleaning: Use mild soap (we like Dawn) and warm water. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush to remove buildup.

  • Avoid: Direct contact with perfumes, lotions, sunscreens, and harsh cleaning products, these can oxidize or dull the shine.

  • Good to know: Heat, water, and even sweat won’t damage gold-filled jewelry, just rinse and clean occasionally if needed.