Gold jewelry has been around for centuries and has a timeless style that has made it a go-to choice for many. While solid gold jewelry can be expensive, there are luckily some more affordable options available that give the same luxurious look without breaking the bank!

Two of the most popular options for synthetic gold jewelry are gold plated and gold filled jewelry. While both types may look similar to the untrained eye, there are significant differences  to each of them. Here’s everything that we’ll cover in this article, so you can choose which option is the right one for you: 

• What is gold plated jewelry? 
• What is gold filled jewelry? 
• What are the main differences between gold plated and gold filled jewelry?
• What are the pros and cons of gold plated jewelry?
• What are the pros and cons of gold filled jewelry?
• Which type of gold jewelry is right for me?

What is gold plated jewelry?

Gold plated jewelry is made by coating a base metal, such as copper or brass, with a layer of gold. The gold is usually deposited onto the base metal using a process called electroplating. In electroplating, the base metal is submerged in a solution containing gold ions, and an electrical current is passed through the solution. This causes the gold ions to bond with the base metal, creating a layer of gold on its surface.

The thickness of the gold layer on gold plated jewelry can vary, but it is generally quite thin – usually around 0.5 microns. This means that over time, the layer of gold can wear away, exposing the base metal underneath and causing the jewelry to lose its luster and appear dull.

Okay, that’s a lot of scientific information! Here’s a simple breakdown of what gold plated jewelry means: Gold plated jewelry is a relatively inexpensive dupe for solid gold jewelry because it involves a thin layer of gold coating on top of another (less expensive and less durable) type of metal like copper or brass. Read on to find out the pros and cons to investing in gold plated jewelry. 

What is gold filled jewelry?

Gold filled jewelry is made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal, usually brass. The gold layer in gold filled jewelry is much thicker than in gold plated jewelry – usually around 5% to 10% of the total weight of the piece. This means that the layer of gold is much more durable and long-lasting than in gold plated jewelry.

To make gold filled jewelry, a sheet of gold is bonded to the base metal using heat and pressure. The resulting material is then shaped into the desired piece of jewelry. Gold filled jewelry is marked with a number that indicates the amount of gold used in the piece. For example, a piece of gold filled jewelry marked 14/20 GF means that it contains 1/20th (or 5%) of 14-karat gold.

So, to recap what this means for jewelry-wearers: Gold filled jewelry is a more high-end dupe for solid gold jewelry. When compared to gold plated jewelry, it has a much thicker layer of gold on the outside of another metal, making it more durable. Read on to find out all the pros and cons to buying gold filled jewelry. 

What are the main differences between gold plated and gold filled jewelry?

The main difference between gold plated and gold filled jewelry is the thickness of the gold layer. Gold plated jewelry has a very thin layer of gold, usually around 0.5 microns, while gold filled jewelry has a much thicker layer of gold, usually around 5% to 10% of the total weight of the piece.

Another important difference is the price tag. Gold filled jewelry often costs more than gold plated, given the gold layer is much thicker. However, both gold jewelry dupes can be considered much more affordable than their muse, solid gold jewelry, which can cost in the hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the piece. . 

We must also consider the difference between their durability. Gold plated jewelry is not very durable and can easily be damaged, while gold filled jewelry is much more durable and long-lasting. The thick layer of gold in gold filled jewelry means that it will not wear away as quickly as in gold plated jewelry.

Here’s a visual breakdown of the differences between solid gold, gold filled, and gold plated jewelry:

What are the pros and cons of gold plated jewelry?

Gold plated jewelry is a popular option for those who want to enjoy the look of gold without the high price tag. While gold plated jewelry has its advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. 

Pros of Gold Plated Jewelry:

• Affordability:  One of the biggest advantages of gold plated jewelry is that it is more affordable than solid gold jewelry. This makes it accessible to people who want to enjoy the look of gold without spending a lot of money.
• Variety: Gold plated jewelry is available in a wide variety of styles and designs. This means that you can find a piece that suits your personal taste and style.

Cons of Gold Plated Jewelry:

• Durability: The layer of gold on gold plated jewelry is very thin, meaning it can easily wear off over time, especially with daily wear.
• Allergies: Gold plated jewelry is not suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies. The base metal can actually cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people, so beware! 
• Low quality: Gold plated jewelry is not valuable in the same way that solid gold jewelry is and has little to no resale value, so it is not worth investing in if you’re looking to boost the value of your jewelry collection. 

In conclusion, gold plated jewelry can be a good option for those who want to enjoy the look of gold without spending a lot of money. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations, including its limited lifespan, lack of resale value, and potential for skin irritation. If you are looking for a more durable option, you may want to consider gold filled jewelry or solid gold jewelry.

What are the pros and cons of gold filled jewelry?

Gold filled jewelry is another popular option for those who want the look of gold at a more affordable price point than solid gold. It has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which we will explore in this section.

Pros of Gold Filled Jewelry:

• Durability: Gold filled jewelry is more durable than gold plated jewelry, as it has a thicker layer of gold that is bonded to a base metal core. This makes it less likely to wear off over time.
• Quality: Gold filled jewelry is made from high-quality materials, which makes it look and feel more like solid gold jewelry.
• Affordability: While not as affordable as gold plated jewelry, gold filled jewelry is still more affordable than solid gold jewelry.
• Hypoallergenic: Gold filled jewelry is generally hypoallergenic and is a good option for those with sensitive skin.
• Value: Gold filled jewelry has some resale value, as it contains a significant amount of gold.

Cons of Gold Filled Jewelry:

• Limited lifespan: While more durable than gold plated jewelry, gold filled jewelry still has a limited lifespan. Over a long time with lots of wear, the gold layer can tarnish, revealing the base metal underneath. Proper jewelry care is suggested if you want to keep your pieces shining for years to come.
• Care: Gold filled jewelry requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. It should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth or with mild soap and water. Learn tips for caring for your gold filled jewelry here. 

In conclusion, gold filled jewelry offers a good balance between affordability and quality. It is more durable and has more value than gold plated jewelry, but it is still more affordable than solid gold jewelry. While it has some limitations, such as a limited lifespan and the need for proper care, it is a good option for those who want the look of gold without the high price tag.

So, which type of gold jewelry is right for me? 

When it comes to choosing which type of jewelry to stock your collection with, you’ll want to first identify which type of jewelry wearer you are. Here are some categories that you may see yourself falling into and our recommendation for the type of jewelry you should consider for your next purchase:

‘The Timeless Collector’:

I love collecting timeless, high-quality, high-value pieces that I can add to my treasure trove.

Geolovers’ recommendation for ‘The Timeless Collector’:

Sounds like solid gold jewelry may be just what you’re looking for! And for some variety, also keep an eye out for unique gold filled pieces!

With more money to spend on timeless pieces that you love, you’re going to enjoy the everlasting, high value perks that come with investing in high-quality jewelry.

‘The Jewelry Stan’:

I love jewelry and adorning myself in beautiful, unique pieces, but I’m not always down to spend an arm and a leg.

Geolovers’ recommendation for ‘The Jewelry Stan’: 

We love that for you and would totally recommend that you check out gold filled jewelry for your next piece!

With many of the benefits of solid gold, gold filled jewelry gives you the option to try out luxury jewelry without the high price tag.

‘The Serial Jewelry Dater’: 

I buy jewelry when I need to accessorize, but it’s not a passion of mine. I tend to buy trendy, affordable pieces that I can cycle through when I get tired of them.

Geolovers’ recommendation for ‘The Serial Jewelry Dater’: 

For flexibility and affordability, gold plated jewelry sounds right up your alley! While the pieces won’t guarantee long lasting wear, they will still give you that sparkle that you crave when you want to accessorize.

With that being said, we also suggest checking out some timeless gold filled jewelry styles to keep sustainability in mind. With less tarnishing and longer wear, you won’t need to repurchase your staple pieces over again, and can actually save money in the long run!

Looking for affordable and high-quality gold jewelry? Geolovers offers the best of both worlds.

Look no further than the GEO collection. This one-of-a-kind jewelry collection is fully made up of 14 Karat gold filled jewelry pieces and freshwater pearls to give you the glow that you need this summer - or all year round! 

Geolovers is a sustainable, woman-of-colour-owned, jewelry business from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Our handmade pieces are uniquely crafted one by one with natural genuine pearls and stones. 

Check out our online store or Instagram to fall in love with your next favourite piece to add to your jewelry collection!