Gold Fill Jewellery Care and Info
WHAT IS GOLD FILL?
Gold Filled is a jewellery material in which a layer of real gold has been pressure bonded onto a base metal. Unlike other non-solid gold options there’s regulations around gold fill which specify that at least 5% of the item must be solid gold.
Quite simply, Gold Fill is the best alternative to pure gold as the finished product won’t chip or discolour and if properly cared for, should last many years.
GOLD FILL VS GOLD PLATING VS GOLD VERMEIL
Gold Fill, Gold Vermeil & Gold Plated Jewellery are all created by adding a layer of gold onto a base metal.
The Gold Fill used here at KBN has a minimum of 5%, 14k gold which is pressure bonded using heat to a base metal, (usually brass - an alloy created by mixing copper and zinc). It has at least 100x more gold than gold plated.
Gold Vermeil Jewellery has a thin layer of gold over a base metal, usually sterling silver. The gold is added once a piece is finished by running an electric current through the finished piece which electroplates a layer of gold onto it. This layer is typically less than 1% of the total weight, meaning it is more prone to tarnishing with time and wear.
Gold plated Jewellery has a very very thin layer of gold over a base metal, usually copper or brass. Similarly to gold vermeil the gold is added using the electroplating technique however the layer is much thinner than gold vermeil.
Whilst gold vermeil and gold plated are both cheaper than Gold Fill, the method used to add the gold layer means the gold can rub off over time whereas gold fill will not.
WHAT ARE THE PROS OF GOLD FILL?
Good question! There’s so many.
- It’s much more affordable than solid gold, yet can be worn the same
- You can wear your Gold Fill jewellery 24/7, even in the shower! The gold will not rub/wash off. The only way that the gold can come off is if you file it – like scuff it!
- Gold Fill (produced in the US) has regulations stipulating it must be 5% minimum gold.
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Super easy to clean/care for
WHAT ARE THE CONS OF GOLD FILL?
Another good question! The biggest con of Gold Fill is the limited forms it’s available in - sheets, tubes and wires.
While this isn’t an issue in itself it does mean that the soldering parts of our jewellery (for example clasps, ring joins) have to be done after the gold has already been bonded to the base metal, meaning soldering joint will be visible.
DOES GOLD FILL CONTAIN NICKEL?
No, our Gold Fill does not contain nickel which is a common skin irritant. Gold Fill is hypoallergenic and will not cause contact dermatitis .
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY GOLD FILLED JEWELLERY?
Our Gold Fill jewellery won’t chip/fade/flake, however to maintain its shine it’s best to avoid wearing while swimming in the ocean or chlorinated pools.
Sometimes your gold fill jewellery can look dull if not worn for a while, this is usually due to a mixture of humidity and a build-up of moisture. They can easily be shined up again with a firm wipe of your polish pad. These marks won’t appear again unless your piece is left to sit unworn for a lengthy period of time. If you aren’t wearing your piece, keeping it in an airtight box or container (protected from humidity) is the best way to keep moisture build-up at bay.
CAN I WEAR GOLD FILL IN THE SHOWER
Yes! You sure can. We all do, we wear our rings, necklaces, everything in the shower. The gold will not fade or rub off.
As with anything if you want to keep your piece looking its absolute best you can remove before showering, but as for the gold- it’s not going anywhere.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY GOLD FILLED JEWELLERY?
Our polish pad (included in your order, as pictured below) is the perfect way for a quick clean. Simply rub off any build-up forming on your piece by firmly wiping over your pendant. Regular polishing with your polish pad will help your gold jewellery keep the shine much longer.
Pro tip – we find the biggest build up can be on the edges of pendants, just give the edges a firm wipe along the polish pad to make shine again.
If you don’t have the polish pad anymore you can purchase more here or clean with a mild dish detergent and warm water. A soft bristle toothbrush could also be used. When finished, ensure all the detergent has been washed clean and thoroughly dry the jewellery.
