At Nickel & Suede all of our gold ear wires and many of our other gold jewelry are gold-filled. Gold-filled jewelry is a type of jewelry that has become more popular in recent years. It has a reputation of being better than other metals or hardware choices, but why? In this post we'll be answering these questions and sharing how we use gold-filled jewelry at Nickel & Suede.
Gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal core. The process involves heat and pressure to create a thick layer of gold that is permanently bonded to the base metal core. The layer of gold in gold filled jewelry must be at least 5% of the total weight of the item. This makes gold filled jewelry more valuable and durable than gold plated jewelry, which has a thinner layer of gold.
Gold filled jewelry is often marked with "1/20 14K GF" or a similar notation, which indicates that 1/20th of the total weight is 14 karat gold. The gold layer on gold filled jewelry is thick enough that it will not wear off over time, and it is resistant to tarnishing and fading. This makes it a popular choice for high-quality and long-lasting jewelry.
Gold filled jewelry is a more affordable alternative to solid gold jewelry, while still offering the look and durability of gold. It is also a good option for people with sensitive skin who may experience an allergic reaction to other types of metal jewelry. With proper care, gold filled jewelry can last a lifetime and become a treasured piece in your collection.
At Nickel & Suede we work with gold-filled jewelry and hardware everyday. All of of our gold earring hooks on our leather earrings and other styles are gold filled and are extremely long lasting. We also offer several styles of classic, heirloom quality lockets that are gold filled and will be that treasured peice in your collection. Our donut hoops and many of our other classic delicate peices are also gold-filled.
To learn more about gold jewelry- including vermeil and gold-plated jewelry, check out this post.