Understanding Gold Fill Jewelry

A great accessory can truly complete any look. They show off your style,  your unique personality, and easily highlight your features and wardrobe. But there are also a few considerations to think about when selecting your new jewelry. Whether bold or dainty jewelry pieces, the metal you select may play more of a role than you realize.

At Embellish Asheville, we’ve curated a unique collection of handcrafted jewelry made by talented independent designers. Each handmade piece highlights the artist’s individual character and style and there are a variety of metals used in our collection. We’d like to take this opportunity to share information about one of the most commonly used metals in our collection, gold fill jewelry.

Excuse Me, What is Gold Fill Jewelry?

It’s probably one of the most commonly asked questions we get, both online and in the shop. The short answer? 14k gold fill jewelry is an affordable alternative to solid gold jewelry.

In fact, with proper care, you’ll be able to enjoy your gold fill jewelry for years to come. Don’t worry; I’ll fill you in on all the proper care details to help you ensure your gold fill necklaces or dainty jewelry favorites are well taken care of!

How is Gold Fill Jewelry Made?

A gold fill jewelry piece is created by bonding or wrapping a layer of solid gold around a base layer, also referred to as a jeweler's brass core. The core is typically made up of 90% copper and 10% zinc and is bonded by heat. By law, the layer of gold must contain 5% solid gold. The strict rules surrounding the labeling of gold fill jewelry insure that gold fill jewelry is also nickel free.

Gold Plated vs. Gold Fill Jewelry

People often use these terms interchangeably, but it’s important to understand the difference. Gold-plated jewelry is created by using a specially prepared piece of metal and dipping it into a chemical solution. This process creates a chemical reaction, enabling a thin layer of gold to fuse to the surface of the prepared metal. The plating process creates the visual appearance of gold, but there are no guarantees that the gold plated, dainty jewelry piece you’re admiring is nickel free or that it will wear nicely over time.

Why Consider Gold Fill Jewelry?

I like to recommend gold fill jewelry to my customers for several reasons.

Gold fill jewelry is:

• Very Durable
• A great value
• Nickel free

Even Dainty Jewelry is Durable

Since the layer of gold on a gold fill jewelry piece is much thicker and the process used to fuse is different than gold plating, it can offer even your dainty jewelry greater durability. If properly cared for, your gold fill jewelry can be enjoyed for years to come, even when worn daily. The long-lasting benefits of gold fill make thoughtful  gifts or an addition to your personal collection.

Exposures to avoid includes:

• Water
• Oils
• Scratches

The Value of Gold Fill

14K gold fill jewelry  offers you the look you want and the longevity you expect at a fraction of the price of solid gold. And a well-cared-for gold fill piece can last for years, providing you endless opportunities for wear. 

Guaranteed Nickel Free

I enjoy gold fill jewelry because it’s nickel free. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who may have metal allergies or sensitive skin. If you happen to be one with metal allergies or sensitivities, I highly recommend browsing our beautiful assortment of indie-made gold fill jewelry to see if it’s a good fit.

How Do You Properly Care for Gold Fill Jewelry?

Properly caring for your gold fill jewelry is a must. This will extend its life and keep your favorite jewelry pieces fresh for years to come. With proper attention and care, you can avoid tarnishing, dullness, and breakdown.

Avoid Exposure to Harmful Elements

Exposure to the wrong elements can affect the overall appearance and longevity of your gold fill pieces. When exposed to harsh chemicals, your jewelry can be damaged and darken, sometimes irreparably. 

The NEVER expose your jewelry to list:

•  Pools and hot tubs
• Nail polish remover
• Hairspray
• Sunscreen
• Perfume
• Lotion
• Cleaning products especially those containing bleach

Clean Your Accessories Properly

To clean your gold fill jewelry properly, start by using a simple, mild dish soap and warm water solution. Grab a soft cotton cloth or invest in a jewelry polishing cloth to help restore some luster and shine to dull gold fill jewelry pieces. If your jewelry has gemstones, carefully wipe dirt, grime, and any other ick with a damp cloth.

Deep Cleaning Your Gold Fill Jewelry

If you know your rings or other dainty jewelry faves have been exposed to lotion, sunscreen, or other chemicals, be sure to give them a  deep-cleaning dip as soon as possible.

1. Add just a touch of gentle dish soap to a bowl of warm water.
2. Let your jewelry piece soak for 1-2 minutes.  
3. Using an ultrasoft toothbrush, give your jewelry a good scrub, getting in between links and stones to ensure you remove any buildup.  
4. Rinse your piece in lukewarm water thoroughly to ensure all the soap is removed.  
5. Dry well, especially if you’ll be returning it to its storage place after cleaning.

Store Your Jewelry Properly

Storing your gold fill jewelry properly is an excellent way to help it keep it clean and pretty. In fact, airtight storage is ultimately the best route for all your jewelry pieces, as exposure to air can lead to tarnish.

From gold fill earrings, necklaces, and bracelets to lovely rings, be sure to store your jewelry pieces in a dry environment. Even a little small plastic bag is better than nothing at all. (Pro tip: if you find yourself at the shop, ask for a few, we repurpose all the bags that we receive our jewelry in.) A low-humidity environment will prolong its beauty and have you showing off your gold fill dainty jewelry for years.

We invite you to browse through our collection of indie-made gold fill jewelry. Whether you’re looking for gold fill dangle earrings as a gift or adding a Sunshine Necklace to your own collection, we know you’ll find a handcrafted gold fill treasure that suits your style.