Gold-Plated vs. Gold-Filled – What’s the Difference?
When shopping for gold jewellery, you may come across the terms gold-plated and gold-filled. While both options give you the luxury of gold at a lower price, they have key differences in durability, gold content, and cost.
So, which one should you choose? Let’s break it down.
What Is Gold-Plated Jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery has a thin layer of gold electroplated onto a base metal, typically stainless steel, brass, or copper. This layer is usually less than 0.5 microns thick, making it the most affordable type of gold jewellery.
🔹 Key Features of Gold-Plated Jewellery:
- 💰 Affordable – The most budget-friendly gold option.
- 💎 Fashion Jewellery – Great for trendy, occasional wear.
- ⚠️ Can Fade Over Time – The thin gold layer can wear off with frequent use.
- 🚫 Not Waterproof – Should be kept away from water, sweat, and chemicals.
Best for: Those looking for affordable, stylish jewellery for special occasions or short-term wear.
📌 Pro Tip: At MXW Jewellery, our gold-plated stainless steel pieces use PVD coating for extra durability and tarnish resistance.
What Is Gold-Filled Jewellery?
Gold-filled jewellery contains a thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal (usually brass) using heat and pressure. Unlike gold-plated jewellery, the gold in gold-filled jewellery makes up 5% of the total weight, making it much more durable.
🔹 Key Features of Gold-Filled Jewellery:
- 🌟 Higher Gold Content – Contains more real gold than gold-plated jewellery.
- 🔒 More Durable – The thick gold layer makes it resistant to tarnishing.
- 💦 Water-Resistant – Can withstand daily wear, sweat, and light moisture.
- 💰 More Expensive – Costs more due to the higher gold content.
Best for: Those looking for high-quality, long-lasting gold jewellery without the high cost of solid gold.
📌 Pro Tip: Gold-filled jewellery can last for many years with proper care, making it a great investment.
Gold-Plated vs. Gold-Filled: Key Differences
| Feature | Gold-Plated Jewellery | Gold-Filled Jewellery |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Content | Thin layer (less than 0.5 microns) | 5% of total weight is real gold |
| Base Metal | Stainless steel, brass, or copper | Brass (most common) |
| Durability | Can wear off over time | Lasts for years with proper care |
| Water Resistance | Not recommended for water exposure | Can withstand daily wear |
| Hypoallergenic | Not always | Usually safe for sensitive skin |
| Price | 💰 Most affordable | 💰💰 More expensive but long-lasting |
Which One Should You Choose?
💛 Gold-Plated Jewellery is Best If:
- You want affordable jewellery that looks like gold.
- You're shopping for fashion jewellery for occasional wear.
- You're okay with taking extra care to prevent fading.
✨ Gold-Filled Jewellery is Best If:
- You want jewellery that lasts years, not months.
- You plan to wear it daily (including in water or while sweating).
- You're willing to invest a little more for higher quality.
📌 At MXW Jewellery, we offer both gold-plated stainless steel (with PVD coating) and gold-filled jewellery to give you the best of both worlds!
Final Thoughts: Gold-Plated or Gold-Filled?
Both gold-plated and gold-filled jewellery offer beautiful, affordable alternatives to solid gold, but the right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how long you want your jewellery to last.
🔗 Explore our gold-plated and gold-filled jewellery collection to find your perfect piece today!
📜 This article is an original publication by MXW Jewellery. All rights reserved. ✨