If you have just come across the wondrous creations of famous Israeli jewelry designers, you might have surely heard the phrase “Gold-Filled.” Now, the market is packed with fashion jewelry that is gold-plated. However, the term “Gold-Filled” is relatively new to the market. In this blog, we will rundown the subtle differences between these two different Israeli jewelry creation processes.
But first, let us understand what exactly a gold-filled jewelry is.
What is Gold-filled jewelry?
A major section of the famous Israeli jewelry designers today prefer gold-filled pieces as opposed to selling complete gold pieces. Here, the reason being the affordability and better customer base for such products. Just like the gold-plated jewelry, the gold-filled Israeli jewelry is not completely made of gold. They also come cheaper as compared to the solid gold options.
In essence, the phrase “gold filled” can be used for describing a piece of jewelry which is actually created from non-gold metals that are eventually covered close with a substantial layer comprised of gold. There are various other names for gold-filled jewelry which include rolled gold, rolled-gold plate, or “gold overlay.”
This variant of Israeli jewelry is comparatively cheaper as opposed to its solid gold form, even with the same carat number.
Making Process for Gold-Filled Jewelry
The making process opted by famous Israeli jewelry designers for gold-filled pieces is mostly the same all around. In general, the core for these jewelry designs is created from base materials such as nickel or brass. Post the solidification of the inner filling; a gold-based sheet is wrapped at the base of the core. With use of heat, the core and the layer of gold are fused together.
Carat & Gold-Filled Israeli Jewelry
Carat or Karat is the purity quotient for the gold that has been wrapped around the core metal. So, for example, if the gold-filled piece designed by famous Israeli jewelry designers is of 10 Carats, it simply suggests that this item consists of an outer gold layer which is 41.7 percent of the total metal content. The rest of the combination is comprised of another alloy or metal.
Most of the Israeli gold-filled jewelry pieces are comprised of 10 to 20 Carat gold.
Gold-Filled Jewelry Thickness
Another crucial characteristic of the gold-filled pieces crafted by famous Israeli jewelry designers is the thickness of the metal. The thicker its layering is, the longer the piece will last. Mostly, the gold-filled Israeli jewelryis wrapped with gold sheet of thickness between 0.03 & 0.1mm.
Gold-filled jewelry markings
Gold-filled Israeli jewelry is generally stamped with letters “GF” followed by the Carat number & weight of the gold in the item. Say, for example, if you happen to note the stamp “1/15 14K GF”, this suggests that the gold is of 14 Carat purity while the content of gold in the jewelry piece accounts for around 1/15 of the overall weight of your jewelry.
Gold-Filled Construction
When it comes to the construction pattern for gold-filled jewelry by famous Israeli jewelry designers, there are three precise variants for the same.
- Single-Clad gold-filled jewelry
- Double-Clad gold-filled jewelry
- Wire-Clad gold-filled jewelry
The durability of gold-filled Jewelry
The overall durability for the gold-filled jewelry completely depends upon its thickness and the Carat. The ones with lower Carat numbers are generally more durable. This is because gold with lower Carat is comprised of less gold. The metal gold on its own is very soft and tends to break down easily. This is why it is often paired with other metals to cater to sturdiness.
Depending upon how often the piece designed by famous Israeli jewelry designers is used, the item can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. However, upon frequent use and exposure to weather elements, these pieces of jewelry can start wearing down within a term of 3 to 8 years.
Gold-Plated Jewelry vs. Gold-Filled Jewelry
| Comparison Criteria | Gold-Filled Jewelry | Gold-Plated Jewelry |
| Amount of Gold | Thicker Layer | Miniscule (around 0.05 percent) |
| Manufacturing Process | Heating and Rolling (on-Core Bonding Process) | Electric Current Used for Ionization in Gold Plating |
| Durability | More Durable Due to Thicker Gold-Alloy Layer | Isn’t as durable as gold-filled jewelry due to thinner layering |
| Tarnishing Effect | Vulnerable to tarnishing but less as compared to gold-plated versions | Highly-vulnerable to tarnishing especially once core metal has been exposed |
| Gifting Options | Ideal for gifting options | Trendy fashion items and costume/cosplayjewelry |
Can one be allergic to Gold-Filled Jewelry?
While gold is known to be one among the safest and allergy-free metals available, there are certain alloys that can lead to an allergic reaction for the wearer. The body chemistry of some people will lead to skin-blackening or development of rashes. If you are one such individual with alloy allergies, make sure you ask your seller for the alloy metal used in the gold-filled jewelry to confirm that you do not suffer its consequences.
Conclusion
Jewelry is an essential element when it comes to creating an iconic fashion statement. With authenticity and warranty coming from famous Israeli jewelry designers, gold-filled designs are a must for your collection. So, grab your first piece today and rock that shiny piece with grace!
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