Gold Plated & Filled Chain

Gold Plated vs. Gold Filled

Gold Plated consists of a thin layer of real gold plate over a base metal or alloy – the thickness is around 0.17 microns. This helps to keep the price of the gold plated items in this category low but it does mean that they are not intended for prolonged wear as the gold plate is thin and will wear off relatively quickly, especially if it comes into contact with skin or cosmetics.

Oxidisation can also mean that the base metal will begin to move into the gold layer over time and show on the surface of the piece. This can be avoided if the base metal is first plated with Nickel, however the EU Nickel Directive prohibits the use of nickel in pieces that are likely to come into prolonged contact with skin.

You can reduce the likelyhood of your electroplated gold jewellery discolouring by several methods: Keep your gold jewellery away from cosmetics and oils, wash your hands before handling your gold plated jewellery, do not expose gold plated jewellery to salty or chlorinated water, use a mild liquid soap to clean your gold plated jewellery, avoid rubbing your gold plated jewellery, store your gold plated jewellery with non tarnish strips or silica gel to remove all moisture from the atmosphere (this will help prevent oxidisation)

Gold Filled and 18k or 14k Gold Plated items have a far longer lifespan as the layer of gold is significantly thicker.

Gold Filled: is a layer of 10Kt or better gold mechanically bonded under heat & pressure to one or more surfaces of supporting base metal, then rolled or drawn to a given thickness.

The finished product has a surface layer of gold of the appropriate karatage, which is very thick compared to rolled gold plate or the heaviest electroplate (gold plated) material.
Gold-Filled items are generally considered life-time products, and the gold layer will not quickly wear off, as it will in electroplated products.

Please note: Our gold filled chain is sold per CENTIMETER and our gold plated chain is sold per METER…

Showing all 13 results

Showing all 13 results