Why Australian Gold-Filled Jewellery is the Perfect Gift for Any Occasion
Gold is known for its timeless appeal, thanks to its rarity and durability without losing its lustre. For this reason, many consider gold a valuable investment because its value increases over time. If you’ve ever considered buying jewellery for personal use or as an investment, chances are you’ve considered buying gold. And as you search for jewellery options online and locally, one thing must have caught your attention: gold-filled jewellery. What makes it a good choice for anyone who wants to buy gold? Is it a better or equal option?
Gold-Filled Jewellery: An Overview
Gold-filled jewellery is any jewellery item made of a solid layer of gold attached to a base made of another metal. The most common metals for this are copper and silver. Since it is not made of solid gold, it is less expensive than gold jewellery. Aside from being more affordable, gold-filled jewellery is more durable and may appear shiny even after many decades after you have bought it.
In Australia, gold-filled jewellery is becoming popular since it offers the benefits of gold, such as resisting tarnish and excellent workability. Gold can last indefinitely when properly cared for. Although durable, gold has one property that can make it vulnerable: softness. Many jewellery makers and designers prefer mixing it with other metals to make it stronger and more durable. This combination makes gold better suited for jewellery making. While solid gold jewellery remains in high demand, solid-gold jewellery is ideal for everyday use.
Gold-Filled vs. Solid Gold vs. Gold-Plated Jewellery
Shopping for gold jewellery can be overwhelming, given the many differences between various types of gold. Let’s compare the different types to help you decide based on your needs and budget.
Solid gold is the real deal. If it’s within your budget, it is the best choice of the three types of gold compared here because it is made entirely of gold. Pure gold is also known as 24-karat gold. Look for these terms when shopping, especially if you are specifically looking for pure gold jewellery. However, as mentioned above, solid gold is soft and mixed with other metals like silver or copper to improve its durability and make it sturdy enough for everyday wear.
As a refresher, 24K gold refers to 100% gold. Pure gold is soft and less durable. Meanwhile, 18K gold is made of 75% gold, which offers a deep and rich golden colour. On the other hand, 14K gold is made of nearly 60% gold, creating the ideal balance of beauty and durability. The cheapest option is 10K gold, composed of over 40% gold, less rich in color than the other types of solid gold jewellery.
Solid gold jewellery offers the main benefits of durability and gentleness on the skin. With proper care, it can last a lifetime as it does not easily tarnish, unlike other metals.
Gold-plated jewellery is another option available when buying gold. It is the most budget-friendly option because it consists of a thin layer of gold to a base metal (copper or brass). While it is affordable, it is also the least durable of the three types of gold compared here. It is not recommended to wear gold-plated jewellery regularly as the thin layer of gold could wear over time.
The main reason to choose gold-plated jewellery is its affordability. It is ideal for anyone who wants to achieve the look of gold jewellery without the expense. However, you must be wary about exposing the jewellery to water, lotion, or other substances, as these can contribute to the tarnishing of the pieces. Gold-plated jewellery requires more maintenance to keep it looking shiny and durable.
And finally, there is gold-filled jewellery. It is the best option if you want durability and affordability. Gold-filled jewellery is a great gift idea for special occasions because it contains a significant amount of gold. Whereas gold-plated jewellery consists of a thin layer of gold, gold-filled ones comprise a thick layer of gold. In comparison, gold-filled jewellery pieces contain 5% more gold in weight than gold-plated ones. It means you can get better value for money in the long run.
Gold-filled jewellery is the best option if you want a long-lasting piece for personal use or as a gift. It is a more affordable alternative to solid or pure gold without compromising quality and appearance. And if you are hypoallergenic (or planning to buy it for someone who is hypoallergenic), you won’t have to worry about causing any allergic reactions with gold-filled jewellery.
Is Filled Gold Good for Jewellery?
Gold-filled is an excellent choice for jewellery making. It has distinct advantages over solid gold, such as increased durability when combined with other metals as a base. If you were to use pure gold, it lacks the durability of gold-filled pieces because of the softness of gold. Combining it with other metals make it more long-lasting and durable, especially if you’re looking for jewellery for daily use.
Gold-filled is recommended for jewellery-making because it can sustain light metalwork, stamping, riveting, and other processes.
What is the Lifespan of Filled Gold?
Pure or solid gold can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Gold-filled jewellery can last for 10 to 30 years, depending on the use and the level of care and durable pieces will not chip or tarnish. You can make them last forever if you clean them regularly and avoid exposure to other substances that can cause them to tarnish or wear.
Is Gold-Filled Jewellery Worth Buying?
Gold-filled jewellery makes a good investment if you want the benefits of buying solid gold without the high price tag. Whether you want to buy it as a gift for someone or yourself for a special occasion, gold-filled jewellery is better than gold-plated for its longevity and durability.
An important tip is to buy gold-filled jewellery in Australia from reputable shops only. Many shops claim to have gold-filled or pure gold jewellery, only to find out it is only gold-plated. There is a significant difference in quality, durability, and lustre among the different types of gold jewellery. Buying from trusted sellers is essential to ensure you can get the best quality for your investment.
