In the world of jewellery, there are so many different types of gold jewellery, that it gets confusing very quickly. "Gold filled" stands out as an affordable yet stylish option that offers durability and quality but without the hefty price tag. But what exactly is gold filled jewellery, and how is this metal crafted?
The Essence of Gold Filled Jewellery
Gold filled jewellery is a popular choice for those seeking the aesthetic appeal of gold combined with durability and affordability. Contrary to popular belief, gold filled jewellery is not simply gold plated. Instead, it involves a unique process that results in a durable and long-lasting piece that retains the elegance of gold.
At its core, gold filled jewellery consists of a base metal, usually brass or copper, covered with a thick layer of gold. This gold layer is then bonded to the base metal through a process known as "mechanical bonding." This process ensures that the gold layer remains securely attached to the base metal, offering a much higher quality to traditional gold plating and gold vermeil.
To summarise, gold filled jewellery is the next best thing to solid gold as the amount of gold in the piece is at 5%, much higher than gold vermeil at 2.5% and gold plated at just 0.2%.
How is Gold Filled metal made?
The creation of gold filled metal is a process that combines craftsmanship with scientific precision. The journey begins with the selection of high-quality base metals, chosen for their strength and durability. Brass and copper are commonly used due to their excellent properties for jewellery making.
Once the base metal is selected, it undergoes rigorous preparation to ensure a flawless surface for bonding with the gold layer. This preparation typically involves cleaning and polishing the metal to remove any impurities or imperfections that could affect the bonding process.
Next comes the bonding of the gold layer to the base metal. Unlike traditional gold plating, which relies on electroplating techniques, gold filled jewellery utilizes mechanical bonding. In this process, the base metal is heated to a precise temperature, allowing the gold layer to be rolled or pressed onto the surface under high pressure. This creates a strong and durable bond between the two metals, ensuring that the gold layer remains intact even with daily wear and tear.
The Benefits of Gold Filled Jewellery
Gold filled jewellery offers a variety of benefits such as;
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Affordability: Compared to solid gold jewellery, gold filled pieces are more budget-friendly while still offering the luxurious look of gold.
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Durability: Thanks to the mechanical bonding process, gold filled jewellery is highly durable and resistant to tarnishing, scratching, and fading, making it ideal for everyday wear.
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Versatility: Gold filled jewellery comes in a wide range of styles and designs, from classic to contemporary, ensuring that there's something to suit every taste and occasion.
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Hypoallergenic: For individuals with sensitive skin, gold filled jewellery provides a hypoallergenic option that is less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions compared to other metals.