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TL;DR
- Gold-filled jewelry has a thick layer of real gold pressure-bonded to a base metal, usually brass. It isn’t solid gold, and it isn’t “filled” with gold.
- The gold must be at least 1/20 of the item’s weight. The stamp looks like 1/20 14K GF.
- It lasts for years, far longer than plating, but its resale value is low.
- LemonTrades follows the gold price for you and tells you what moved it, and why, within seconds.
“Gold-filled” is a confusing name. There’s no gold inside; the gold is on the outside, in a much thicker layer than plating.
What is gold-filled jewelry?
Gold-filled, or GF, means a layer of karat gold bonded to a core of brass or another base metal using heat and pressure. Under the FTC’s guides, the layer has to be at least 10K and make up at least 1/20 of the total weight. It’s far thicker than gold plating, and it doesn’t rub off easily.
What the stamps mean
| Stamp | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1/20 14K GF | Gold filled: 14K gold makes up 1/20 of the weight |
| 1/20 12K GF | The same, with 12K gold |
| GP, GEP, HGE | Gold plated: a very thin layer |
| 14K or 585 | Solid 14K gold |
| 925 with a gold finish | Often vermeil: gold over sterling silver |
Gold-filled vs plated, vermeil and solid
| Gold content | Lasts | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold-plated | Tiny | Months to a couple of years | Lowest |
| Vermeil | A thin layer over silver | Years with care | Low to medium |
| Gold-filled | At least 1/20 by weight | Many years | Low to medium |
| Solid 14K | 58.3% | A lifetime | Highest |
More: what is gold vermeil?.
What gold-filled is worth
So there’s real gold in it, but not much. Many buyers won’t bother with small amounts. See how much 14K gold is worth.
Will gold-filled tarnish?
It resists tarnish well, but it can dull over time from sweat, perfume and chlorine. Wash it in mild soap and water and dry it well. More: does gold tarnish?.
Sources
- FTC: Guides for the jewelry and precious metals industries (16 CFR 23)
- Wikipedia: Gold-filled jewelry
Education, not financial advice. See our disclaimer.
