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Real 14k gold bonded to a base metal, gold-filled has a thick layer of gold made for everyday wear; it won't flake or wear away the way plating can. Nearly every piece here is 14k gold-filled jewelry, handmade on the North Shore of Oʻahu.
Shell and pearl necklaces, rings, bracelets, cuffs, and earrings range from tiny huggies to statement pieces, each set with Hawaiian shells from my dives or real pearls.
A freshwater rinse after the ocean and a polishing cloth keep it bright. How it compares is explained in gold-filled vs. gold-plated vs. sterling silver.
14k gold-filled
Gold-filled has a thick layer of real karat gold bonded to a base metal; by US rules, the gold is at least one-twentieth of the total weight. It isn't a thin coating that wears off, which is why I work with 14k gold-filled and sterling silver, and never gold-plated.
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Questions
What's the difference between gold-filled and gold-plated?
Gold-filled jewelry has a thick layer of real gold bonded to a base metal with heat and pressure. Under FTC guidelines, the gold must make up at least 1/20 (5%) of the item's total weight, which is why you'll sometimes see it stamped 14/20. Gold-plated jewelry has a much thinner layer of gold, usually applied by electroplating, and it can wear through over time. Gold-filled isn't solid gold, but it lasts far longer than plating.
Will gold-filled tarnish or turn my skin green?
It won't turn your skin green, peel or crack. It can lose a little shine over time, especially with lotion, sweat or salt water. Soak it in warm soapy water and brush gently with a soft toothbrush, or use a polishing cloth, and the shine comes right back. I've worn my own pieces every day for years, and they still look great. A deep scratch through the gold layer can't be polished out.
Can I shower or swim in gold-filled jewelry?
I do, and my own pieces still look great. Rinse with fresh water after the ocean and workouts, and I'd take it off for chlorine pools and hot tubs. If your piece has shells or pearls, those need gentler care than the metal.