Gold-Plated vs. Gold-Filled: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for gold jewellery, you’ll often come across the terms “gold-plated” and “gold-filled.” They might look similar, but there’s a key difference in their durability and value that’s important to understand.

Gold-Plated Jewellery: This involves a thin layer of real gold electrically charged onto a base metal, usually brass or copper. Because the gold layer is very thin, it’s an affordable option for trendy pieces. However, it can wear off over time with frequent use, exposing the base metal underneath.

Gold-Filled Jewellery: This is the next best thing to solid gold. It’s created by pressure-bonding a thick layer of real gold to a base metal core. This process means the gold layer is up to 100 times thicker than in plated jewellery. The result is a durable, tarnish-resistant piece that won’t chip or fade, making it perfect for everyday wear and a fantastic value.

Which should you choose? If you’re looking for an affordable piece for a special occasion, gold-plated is a great choice. For timeless staples that you’ll wear daily, investing in gold-filled jewellery will give you the look and feel of solid gold for a fraction of the price.