Gold Filled vs Gold Plated vs Gold Gilt

Many of you have asked us what the difference is between Gold Filled, Gold Plated and Fine Gold Plated (Gilt). In this article, we will explain it all to you.

Two notable differences for these different finishes are their treatment, and their gold content.

What is Gold Filled?

The Gold Filled is a treatment originating from the United States. This treatment consists of mechanically pressing a solid layer of gold against a base, often brass. The findings in Gold-filled can be 10K, 12K, 14K or 18K. That is, the layer of gold pressed against the base is 10K, 12K, 14K or 18K respectively. The layer of gold should weigh at least 1/20th of the total weight of the object (5% of the total object weight)

Note that as with gold, there is a hallmark for Gold Filled which is "GF".

Why choose Gold Filled?

You should know that findings in Gold-filled have a gold content 50 to 100 times higher than those plated with gold. This means that the coating will be more durable and resistant than a classic gold plating. Gold-filled unlike gold-plated or gold-plated will resist minor scratches better (i.e. the brass base will not show as easily).

Gold Filled is hypoallergenic if you are not allergic to gold, and this is due to its very thick gold layer, which makes it an ideal choice for people allergic to metal or gold plated.

Gold-filled is also more resistant to oxidation than gold-plated or fine gold.

Because of its gold content, Gold Filled is waterproof, and will not flake off over time. This makes Gold Filled an ideal choice for creating quality, long-lasting jewelry

If you take good care of your Gold Filled jewelry, it can last up to 30 years.

At France Perles, we offer findings in 14K Gold Filled. Please note that due to the structure of Gold-Filled, we do not recommend soldering.

What is Gold Plating?

Gold plating is achieved by electrolysis. That is to say that the base of the object (metal) is immersed in an electrolytic solution composed of the gold that we want to coat the object, often 14K or 18K and sometimes 24K.

In France, the term "gold plated" is often used incorrectly, as it is very often used for any metal covered with a layer of gold, while this term is subject to French legislation. In order for a piece of jewelry to be recognized as gold plated, the thickness of the gold plating must be at least 3 microns.

At France Perles, we do not offer yet findings or gold plated accessories.

What is gold gilt?

Process of obtaining  fine gold plating or gold gilt is identical to that of gold-plated, i.e.  electrolysis.

But the main differences are:

- the thickness of the gold layer which is much thinner than gold plating, so less than 3 microns

- And the gold used, which is necessarily 24K gold. In fact, in order to benefit from the appellation Gold gilt, it is necessary that the plating is made with 24K gold.

Unlike gold plating, gold gilt is not subject to any regulations regarding plating thickness.

At France Perles, we offer findings fine gold plating with a thickness of gold plating between 0.03 and 0.5 micron (except stones set in silver, with a plating of 1 micron). We can also find the name "Flash" for gold gilt goods.

All our fine gold-plated findings are guaranteed to be nickel free, lead free and cadmium free.

Gold gilt jewelry is therefore more fragile than Gold Filled, because of its thin layer of gold. Therefore, its price is much more affordable than Gold Filled or Gold Plated.

Because of its very thin gold layer, it is necessary to take great care of your gold-plated jewelry: avoid contact with water, humidity or any chemical products (such as gel, soap, perfume etc...), limit rubbing as much as possible, and avoid wearing it during physical activity.

What are golden accessories?

Golden accessories are made of metal with a golden aspect that does not contain gold. This aspect is obtained with a mixture of metals to give its goldish color (often a mix of brass with copper).

Golden jewelry can quickly lose its color, and can be object of allergies.