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There are two main types of gold filled jewellery on the market. Both options are a much better investment than gold plated, but they're not as similar as you might think.
TLDR
Gold plated = 👎
Gold vermeil = 😬
18k gold filled = 👍
14k gold filled = 🤩
Solid gold = 😍💸
14k gold filled metal is made by permanently bonding a layer of 14k gold 100x thicker than gold plate onto a strong brass core. This gold layer does not chip or wear, which means the brass core is never exposed. By law, the total weight of a 14k gold filled item must contain 5% (or 1/20) of gold. In comparison, the total amount of gold a gold plated item usually has is under 0.05% of the overall weight of the product.
14k gold filled is predominantly made in the USA, making it harder to get hold of here in the UK, but all our gold jewellery fixings are made of this magical stuff.
Allergy information: If you're fine with gold, you'll be fine wearing 14k gold filled jewellery.
Even more affordable than 14k gold filled and much more long-lasting than gold plated, 18k gold filled jewellery will last a long time with proper care. 18k gold filled metal is predominantly made in Brazil and is less regulated than 14k gold filled, meaning the exact amount of gold on the piece can differ.
18k gold filled metal is around 1/30th (or 3%) of 18k gold over a base metal which can vary. This is about 40% less gold than 14k gold filled, but around 60x the amount of gold on gold plated jewellery.
Allergy information: If you're sensitive to any metals, it may be best to avoid 18k gold filled.
Perfection. But expensive.
Gold vermeil is just gold plated with a better core metal — sterling silver. If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to solid gold, go gold filled.