What Is Gold Plated Jewelry – And Why Gold Filled Is the Better Choice
When shopping for gold jewelry online, you’ve probably noticed a wide range of price points—and product labels. Terms like gold plated and gold filled might sound similar, but there’s a big difference in quality, durability, and value.
Let’s break down exactly what gold plated jewelry is, and see why gold filled jewelry is the smarter, longer-lasting option.
What is Gold Plated?
Gold plated jewelry is made by applying a very thin layer of real gold to the surface of a base metal—usually brass, copper, or nickel. This is done using a process called electroplating.
While the piece looks like gold at first glance, the gold layer is often less than 0.5 microns thick—that’s 100 times thinner than what you’ll find in gold filled jewelry.
Benefits of Gold Plated Jewelry:
- Very affordable
- Gives the look of gold at a low cost
- Great for short-term use or trendy pieces
Drawbacks of Gold Plated Jewelry:
- Wears off quickly—especially with frequent wear
- Prone to tarnishing and fading
- May cause skin irritation for sensitive skin types
- Cannot be cleaned or polished like solid or gold filled jewelry
What Is Gold Filled Jewelry?
Gold filled jewelry offers a much more durable and higher-quality alternative to gold plating. Instead of a thin coating, a thick layer of real gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal—usually brass—under heat and pressure.
Gold filled pieces must contain at least 5% real gold by weight, which is 100 times more gold than gold plated items.
Benefits of Gold Filled Jewelry:
- Long-lasting and durable – won’t flake or wear off easily
- Hypoallergenic – safe for most skin types
- Resists tarnish, rust, and fading
- Offers the look and feel of solid gold at a fraction of the price
- Great for everyday wear
Gold Plated vs. Gold Filled: What’s the Difference?
|
Feature |
Gold Plated |
Gold Filled |
|
Gold Content |
Very thin (0.5 microns or less) |
Thick (5% of total weight) |
|
Durability |
Low – gold wears off quickly |
High – lasts for years |
|
Skin Safety |
May cause irritation |
Hypoallergenic |
|
Tarnish Resistance |
Poor |
Excellent |
|
Price |
Cheapest option |
Mid-range price point |
|
Lifespan |
Months (with light wear) |
Decades (with proper care) |
Why Gold Filled Jewelry Is the Better Investment
While gold plated jewelry is a budget-friendly choice for trendy styles, it isn’t built to last. The ultra-thin gold layer wears away easily, revealing the base metal underneath—and often leading to discoloration or irritation. On the other hand, gold filled jewelry offers a perfect balance of luxury, durability, and value. You get the rich, golden appearance of fine jewelry, without the high cost of solid gold—and it’s made to withstand daily wear.
At Harper Phinn Jewelry, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between style and quality. That’s why we offer high-quality gold filled jewelry that’s made to be worn and loved every day.