Gold Filled Antique Jewelry - Made to Last

Gold-filled or gold-plated? The difference matters.

One made to last over the decades… Enjoyed by generations… Here's how to tell them apart:

Antique gold filled jewelry is an excellent choice for a vintage lover who appreciates the craftsmanship & quality of yesterday. 

Antique, pre-1929, gold filled items features thick sheets of gold applied to a base medal. That gold sheet is 50 to 100,000 times thicker than gold plating .

Gold filled sheets allow the jeweler to stamp, engrave, and emboss without the cost & weight of solid gold. Think of these bracelets & lockets as works of art with endless beauty.


A Little Background from the Expert:

In its purest form, gold is known as 24ct Gold which is too soft to be worn and thus must be also mixed with other metal alloys. So in that essence all gold is similar in that foundation.

The beauty of antique gold filled is in the workmanship & durability of pieces over time. A pocket watch chain of the 1920’s used daily and yet still functional with rich luster is perfect for a necklace. An antique gold filled bracelet is often stronger and is less prone to dent than a higher marked 14 karat bracelet. Antique gold filled is both beautiful and timeless. 

What About Gold-Plated Jewelry?

Antique gold filled is different than gold plating that is more common in modern jewelry of today. Gold plating is a thin layer of gold over a base metal that may wear unevenly over time, and rub off, especially when exposed to the elements found in everyday products. While it is often used in contemporary fashion jewelry of today, it does not always wear evenly over time. It’s lovely to mix with your antique pieces, but the sustainability will always be in antique pieces.

Gold in America

In America, gold was not required to be marked, and rarely was, until the depression. It was made by small jewelry makers, often by hand, and usually unmarked. 

By mid century, it became more common to mark gold and that is often marked 10k gf or 12k gf. In 1961, the National Stamping Act of 1906 was amended and only then was gold & silver required to be marked for quality and maker in America.

From the turn of the 20th century until now, these antique gold filled pieces are wonderful treasures that endure time with grace & beauty.  There is a place for all types of antique & vintage jewelery. Each beautiful in their own way & the personal style found in blending what appeals to the wearer is what makes a signature look as individual as the one who curates it.
 
The value is in the eye of the beholder and buying what you love is what makes collecting fun. My collection is built around antique gold filled. I collect it and have worn it over the years & love sharing it here.
Back to blog