What Is Gold-Filled Jewelry?

Let’s discuss fast fashion vs. shopping for affordable investment purchases.

When's the last time you purchased a new pair of shoes? When looking around at loafers, combat boots, and sneakers, you likely have style on your mind. Still, you'd be shocked if a sales clerk informed you that the shoes you were about to buy would probably only last you a month. 

You're probably used to thinking about clothes and shoes this way. You want the pieces you invest in to last throughout multiple seasons, events, and adventures. When it comes to the jewelry you wear, the same thing should be true.

In short, you deserve jewelry that lasts a long time. Purchasing the right jewelry starts with knowing more about your options so that you can select the right pieces for your collection. 

An Inside Look at Gold-Filled Jewelry

Let's start by looking at one jewelry option available to you: gold-filled. This type of jewelry isn't filled with gold on the inside, as you might assume from the name. It's not an alloy of mixed metals, either. Instead, this refers to a process of mechanical adhesion where jewelers bond gold on top of a base layer of metal. 

The way the gold bonds to the brass base metal is pretty impressive. In single-clad gold-filled jewelry, manufacturers bond gold to one side of the base metal in a single layer. Sometimes, manufacturers may choose to make double-clad gold-filled metal, splitting the gold content to adhere to two sides of a base brass metal. 

This style of gold adhesion contains the most considerable gold content besides pure gold. Because of this, it's an excellent option for those who have sensitivities or allergies to copper, nickel, brass, and zinc. 

This type of jewelry material rarely tarnishes because the layer of gold is so thick. However, it may be less affordable than other jewelry metals available to you.

Other Gold Jewelry Types

You're the boss of your life and your style. As such, you deserve to have all the information when planning your jewelry collection. Since we've briefly explored gold-filled jewelry, let's take a moment to look at the other gold jewelry options you might evaluate. Later, we'll show you our top picks for gold jewelry that looks stunning and lasts for years. 

What Is Gold Vermeil Jewelry?

This type of gold jewelry uses similar methods to gold-filled jewelry but with less gold content. In order for a piece of jewelry to be considered gold vermeil, the gold content must be at least 1/20 of its total weight. 

This kind of jewelry will be slightly stronger than gold-filled jewelry because it has a more significant percentage of the base metal, usually sterling silver. The sterling silver base metal is why some call gold vermeil "silver gilt."

What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry?

Gold-plated jewelry is another type of gold you might consider when shopping for gold jewelry. This type features a layer of gold that is plated onto a base metal of brass or copper. The base metal gives a piece of jewelry its durability, while the top layer of gold gives it a valuable look.

What Is Solid Gold Jewelry?

Some people may prefer solid gold when shopping for jewelry. When comparing the types of material, you'll want to note that solid gold is only as valuable as its karat number. 

For example, pure gold jewelry (24k) will contain only gold, which can tend to be soft and easily scratchable. Though it's the most expensive, it might not be your best bet for daily wear.

The next level you'll notice is 18-karat gold, containing 75% pure gold and 25% alloy. This is the best quality of gold for value and durability.

Next, you'll find 14-karat gold. This gold alloy includes 14/24 parts real gold and 10/24 parts alloy metal. It's a sturdy option, but it contains less gold, making it less valuable.

Finally, 10-karat gold is gold that contains ten parts of pure gold to 14 parts alloy metal. It's the most sturdy but least valuable option for gold. 

What are the Pros and Cons of Gold-Filled?

If you're thinking about adding new chains, earrings, bracelets, or rings to your collection, you'll probably want a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of gold-filled.

Here's a glance at the pros and cons of this material type:

• Pros: Gold-filled jewelry has the highest gold content without being all gold. This gold-bonding method allows you to appreciate the gold on the outer surface, and it can be beneficial for those with allergies to alloys.
• Cons: This material contains a higher amount of gold, making it more expensive. You may be able to achieve the same quality for less. 

What's the Best Option for Durable Gold Jewelry?

Your jewelry collection needs an upgrade once in a while. Whether you want to invest in more quality pieces or embark on a new style era, it's good to have an idea of what will last the longest. 

When you want your gold jewelry to withstand workouts, showers, and daily life, you don't have to purchase pure gold. Our CRAFTD 18-karat plated gold is the best material for the job. Our material makes it affordable to buy new chains and other pieces, allowing you to wear your favorite jewelry without worrying.

We coat each piece of jewelry to make it extra resistant to sweating, heat, and water. Essentially, your CRAFTD gold jewelry can do it all and live to tell the tale. 

Options for Long-Lasting Silver Jewelry

Now that you know what options exist for gold jewelry, you may wonder about the best silver material to go for when buying new silver chains and pendants.

Let's go over a few of the most popular materials used for silver jewelry:

What Is Sterling Silver Jewelry?

This type of jewelry is the most high-quality option for silver jewelry. As such, it tends to be the most pricey of your silver options. One thing that's unique about this material is how jewelers authenticate it. On any sterling silver piece of jewelry, you'll be able to find a hallmark that reads "925," representing sterling silver's composition of 92.5% pure silver. 

Unfortunately, sterling silver will tarnish when exposed to the elements, so you'll have to give this kind of jewelry a little extra care now and then. 

What Is Silver-Filled Jewelry?

Like gold-filled jewelry, silver-filled pieces contain a brass base with sterling silver bonded on top. The amount of sterling silver in a silver-filled piece of jewelry ranges from 5%-10%.

What Is Silver-Plated Jewelry?

This silver material contains a thin layer of plated sterling silver on top of the base metal. Because sterling silver is already prone to tarnishing, this kind of jewelry isn't the best pick for long-lasting silver pieces. Don't be tempted by its low prices; it won't last very long. 

What Is White Gold Jewelry?

If you're in the market for a wedding band, you've probably noticed this option for silver-colored jewelry. White gold is an alloy that contains 75% pure gold with 25% nickel and zinc. This option is very durable, but you may find that it is pricey.

What Is Stainless Steel Jewelry?

When you want gold jewelry to look good without tarnishing, there's one option we love the best –– premium 316L stainless steel.

At CRAFTD, we're obsessed with crafting jewelry that looks top-tier without chipping, fading, or tarnishing. Every silver piece of CRAFTD jewelry uses premium stainless steel so that you can wear it to dressed-up events or outdoors at the beach without worrying about how it looks. 

When is it Time to Replace Jewelry?

With all this talk about gold and silver jewelry, you might be thinking about your own collection. You might have a classic heirloom piece of high-quality jewelry that has stood the test of time. However, perhaps you've held on too long to low-quality chains that were never worth much. 

If you're still holding onto bracelets, rings, and chains with persistent tarnish, rust, and breakage, consider upgrading to new jewelry that reflects your personal value.

High-Quality Everyday Gold Jewelry

Are you ready to find gold jewelry that can withstand your favorite activities while elevating your style?

We've got a few suggestions for essential gold jewelry pieces to add to your collection:

• Band Ring:This piece is ideal for when you need a solid, simple go-to piece of jewelry. It's a perfect piece for layering with other statement rings.
• Vuto Pendant:Some people prefer extraordinary details displayed on their pendant jewelry. Others prefer simplicity. This pendant is great for minimalists.
• Figaro Bracelet:This bracelet is classy and works with any fit. Dress it up or wear it with your favorite tee shirt. 
• Cuban Chain:Everyone needs a reliable gold chain in their lives. 
• Compass Pendant: You can express your self-assurance, style, and story with this versatile gold pendant.

CRAFTD Jewelry Stands the Test of Time

Our necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings don't wear out the way some do. Our quality is in our name: CRAFTD. Simply put, each piece we design is crafted to last.

Wear your gold CRAFTD jewelry wherever life takes you. It can handle suave and rugged occasions just the same.

You Deserve Long-Lasting Gold Jewelry

Whether you're expanding your current jewelry collection or searching for gift ideas, our 18-karat plated gold collection is the best place to start. Fall in love now with the designs that represent your style, and later, you'll be thrilled by how long you get to wear them. 

Sources:

The Secret Life of Gold | American Chemical Society

What Are Metal Alloys? | MATSE 81: Materials In Today's World | Penn State University

Feel More Valuable: 3 Ways to Raise Your Self-Worth | Entrepreneur