Why We Choose Gold Filled

When you're shopping for gold jewellery, you might feel a little overwhelmed by all the different options. Terms like gold plated, gold vermeil, and gold filled can be confusing, but understanding the difference between them is important, especially if you're looking for pieces that are not only beautiful but also built to last.

While all three offer the beautiful look of gold without the high cost of solid gold, they vary significantly in their composition, durability, and value. Let’s break down what makes each one unique.

Gold Plated

This is the most common and often the most affordable option. Gold plated jewellery consists of a very thin layer of gold (typically less than 0.05% of the total weight) electrochemically bonded to a base metal, usually brass or copper. Due to the minimal gold content, the plating can wear off relatively quickly with time, moisture, and daily wear, exposing the base metal underneath. This can lead to discolouration, tarnishing, and irritation for those with metal sensitivities.

Gold Vermeil

A step up from gold plated, gold vermeil uses sterling silver as its base metal. A thicker layer of gold (at least 2.5 microns, or 0.0025 millimetres) is then electroplated onto the silver. Because of the silver base, it’s often considered a more premium option than gold plated – but while the thicker gold layer offers better durability, it will still wear off over time, especially with frequent use or if not cared for properly. The sterling silver base makes it a good option for those with sensitivities to other base metals, but it's still not as robust as gold filled.

Gold Filled

This is where things get truly special. Gold filled jewellery is created by mechanically bonding a thick layer of solid gold (typically 5% of the item's total weight, or 1/20th) to a base metal, usually brass or sterling silver, using heat and pressure. This creates a highly durable, long-lasting bond that is significantly more resistant to tarnishing, chipping, and flaking than gold plated or gold vermeil options. The result is a high-quality finish that looks and wears like solid gold, but without the hefty price tag of solid gold.

The Golden Standard

• Superior Durability: Thanks to the substantial layer of genuine gold and the mechanical bonding process, gold filled jewellery is incredibly durable. It can withstand daily wear and tear much better than gold plated or gold vermeil items, meaning your jewellery will maintain its golden lustre for many years with proper care.

• Affordable Luxury: While not solid gold, gold filled offers the rich look and feel of solid gold at a fraction of the price. This makes it an excellent choice for those who desire the beauty of gold without the significant investment.

• Hypoallergenic Properties: Because the outer layer is a thick sheet of solid gold, gold filled jewellery is generally much more hypoallergenic than gold plated items, which can expose skin to nickel or other irritants in the base metal.

• Longevity and Value: The higher gold content and robust construction mean gold filled jewellery retains its appearance and value over time, unlike gold plated pieces that quickly degrade. You're getting a much more enduring product for your money.

In short? If you’re after long-lasting, high-quality gold jewellery without the scary price tag, gold filled is the way to go. This is exactly why all of our golden jewellery is made exclusively with gold filled materials.

After all, our ethos is to honour the gifts Earth has given us – our heirlooms from Gaia – by providing excellent value, timeless beauty, and dependable durability: perfect for pieces you want to wear again and again.