Have you ever been browsing for new jewelry and wondered if gold-filled pieces are worth the money? I know I have! I've always loved the look of gold jewelry, but solid gold can be so expensive. I was searching for an affordable alternative that wouldn’t tarnish easily. So, I decided to dive into the world of gold-filled jewelry and see what it was all about. Here’s what I found out.
I was in the market for a simple gold band ring and some small hoop earrings. I stumbled upon a website called Quince and almost made a purchase. But before I clicked “buy,” I paused. I realized I didn't know enough about gold-filled jewelry. I started asking around, trying to figure out if it was a good investment, or just another form of costume jewelry that would quickly lose its shine. I wanted something that would last, but also wouldn't break the bank. I was mainly concerned about rings, since I wear them daily and they get the most wear and tear.
After doing some research, I learned that gold-filled jewelry has a layer of gold on the outside, bonded to a base metal. The thickness of this gold layer varies, usually being 1/10th, 1/15th, or 1/20th of the total weight of the piece. This means the gold makes up anywhere from 5% to 10% of the overall weight. The higher the percentage, the longer the jewelry tends to last. I realized that a brooch, for example, might last practically forever because it doesn't experience as much friction as a ring.
I also discovered that gold-filled jewelry is significantly better than gold-plated jewelry. Gold plating is a very thin layer of gold that's quickly bonded to the base metal. Gold-filled has a much thicker layer of gold, making it more durable and resistant to tarnishing. For earrings and necklaces, which don't usually get as much rough handling, gold-filled can be a fantastic, budget-friendly option. I decided to try out some gold-filled necklaces.
Since necklaces don't experience as much wear and tear as rings, I felt more comfortable trying out gold-filled options. I started looking for dainty, stylish necklaces that would complement my everyday outfits. That's when I found SumsFashion Review. I was intrigued by their selection and decided to give it a shot.
I ended up purchasing a Tarnish Free Dainty Rectangle Christmas Cubic Zirconia Pendant Necklace from SumsFashion. I chose the green stone because it's my favorite color. I've been wearing it regularly for a few weeks now, and I'm really happy with it. It hasn't tarnished at all, and it looks much more expensive than it actually was. I was particularly drawn to the tarnish-free aspect, as I hate having to constantly clean my jewelry.
The necklace is dainty and lightweight, perfect for everyday wear. The cubic zirconia stone adds a touch of sparkle without being too flashy. I've received several compliments on it, and people are always surprised to learn that it's gold-filled. It’s become one of my go-to pieces. I'm also considering purchasing the pink stone version for a pop of color.
I also came across some lovely and unique vintage gold-filled pieces. I own a few vintage brooches and necklaces that I absolutely love. The designs are often intricate and one-of-a-kind. While the metal value is minimal, the sentimental and aesthetic value is priceless. I don’t wear these pieces daily, so I can’t speak to their long-term durability with heavy use.
It's important to remember that gold-filled jewelry is essentially costume jewelry. While it's more durable than gold-plated jewelry, it doesn't hold the same value as solid gold. If you're looking for an investment piece that you can sell later, gold-filled isn't the way to go. However, if you're on a budget and simply want affordable jewelry that looks good and lasts a reasonable amount of time, it's a great option. I was primarily concerned with having jewelry that wouldn't fade or tarnish quickly.
When comparing gold-filled to vermeil (which is sterling silver coated with gold), gold-filled is definitely the sturdier choice. Vermeil and gold-plated jewelry have very thin layers of gold that are flash-bonded to the base metal. Gold-filled, on the other hand, has a thicker sheet of gold that's mechanically bonded, making it more resistant to wear and tear. If resale value isn't a concern, gold-filled is a practical and budget-friendly alternative to carat gold.
To help you decide if gold-filled jewelry is right for you, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons: