Gold Filled:
Gold-filled is an actual layer of gold. Gold-filled is not to be confused with gold-plating, in which only a microscopic layer of gold is electroplated on the base metal - 7 millions of an inch to be exact!
14 kt gold-filled wire is made by forming a tube of solid 14kt gold that is "filled" with a base metal. The gold is bonded to the base metal with heat and pressure. The base metal is also gold in color and is made up of almost the same mixture of metals (usually a brass alloy) used to bring 24kt gold down to 14kt, 10kt, etc. The same process is used to create beads, findings, etc.
Gold-filled is much more valuable and tarnish resistant. It does not flake off, rub off or turn colors. As a matter of fact, anyone who can wear gold can wear gold-filled without worries of any allergic reaction to the jewelry. Gold-filled jewelry is an economical alternative to solid gold!
Government Regulation:
Unlike gold-plated items, gold-filled items are regulated by the government. In the jewelry industry, the quantity of 14k gold must be at least 1/20th that of the entire piece, by weight of the total product.
Gold-filled jewelry is made from solid gold and filled with other alloys such as rhodium (a member of the platinum family), brass, and sterling silver.
Gold-filled wears, looks and lasts like solid gold because its outer surface is solid gold. Everything you can see and touch is pure gold. Gold-filled items will remain gold for a lifetime if cared for properly. Unless you are using harsh chemicals or abrasives, the gold layer will stay gold for years to come!
