Gold Filled vs Gold Plated: What’s the Difference?
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The difference between 18K gold filled and gold plated jewellery is significant — in longevity, skin safety, and long-term value. Here’s what each term actually means.
Gold Plated: What It Is
Gold plating is a process of electrodepositing a microscopically thin layer of gold onto a base metal (usually brass or copper). The gold layer is measured in microns — typically 0.5 to 2.5 microns thick for fashion jewellery. That’s 0.0005 to 0.0025mm. This layer wears off with regular contact, exposure to sweat, lotion, and friction. Most gold plated jewellery shows base metal within 6–18 months of daily wear. Vermeil is a specific type of gold plating over sterling silver, which is more durable than plating over brass but still thin.
Gold Filled: What It Is
Gold filled is a fundamentally different construction. A thick layer of gold alloy is mechanically bonded to a base metal core under heat and pressure. US law requires gold filled jewellery to contain at least 1/20 (5%) of the item’s total weight in gold. This is not a thin coating — it’s a solid layer. The resulting material looks identical to solid gold and wears the same way. Gold filled jewellery is tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic, and lasts 10–30 years with basic care. The “14K gold filled” or “18K gold filled” designation refers to the purity of the gold layer — 14K is 58.5% pure gold, 18K is 75% pure gold.
Side-by-Side
| Gold Plated | Gold Filled | |
|---|---|---|
| Gold thickness | 0.5–2.5 microns | Minimum 5% of total weight |
| Base metal | Brass, copper, or silver (vermeil) | Brass or copper |
| Durability | 6 months to 2 years | 10–30 years |
| Skin safety | May cause reactions as base metal shows | Safe for sensitive skin throughout life |
| Price | Lower ($10–$40 typical) | Higher ($30–$120 typical) |
| Resale value | None | Low but nonzero |
Which to Buy
For pieces you’ll wear regularly — especially earrings, which are in contact with sensitive skin — gold filled is the only long-term option short of solid gold. Gold plated is acceptable for occasional-wear pieces or trend-driven items you don’t expect to keep. For everyday hoops, huggies, or chains: buy gold filled. The price premium is real but so is the difference in lifespan.
See our best gold hoop earrings comparison for top-rated 18K and 14K gold filled options.
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