Gold-Filled
“Gold-filled jewelry is more tarnish/discolor resistant than gold-plated jewelry (vermeil and regular), and with good care they are great for daily wear and last for years. High quality, hypoallergenic, second best to solid gold and is more affordable.”
The Gold-Filled Wire we use is called “14/20" which means the piece is made with 14-karat gold and that gold layer constitutes 1/20th (or 5%) of the item's total weight. It's a way to indicate the quality and composition of gold-filled jewelry, which involves bonding a layer of gold to a base metal.
Gold-filled jewelry is more affordable than solid gold jewelry because it has a layer of gold bonded to a base metal (like brass), rather than being made entirely of gold. Gold-filled jewelry is more durable than gold-plated jewelry because the gold layer is much thicker. It offers a good balance between affordability and appearance, resembling solid gold at a lower price point.
For a further description of each category, check out this awesome article!
Wear and Storage
Remove before contact with water: Take off pieces before swimming (chlorine / salt) or heavy exercise.
Avoid cosmetic chemicals: Put jewelry on after applying perfumes, hairsprays, and lotions to prevent chemical residue.
Store properly: For longer periods of time, keep items in individual airtight bags (such as Ziploc bags) to prevent friction, scratches, and tarnish from air humidity.
Cleaning
Soak and brush: Soak jewelry in a mix of warm water and a mild dish soap (like blue Dawn) for a few minutes. Gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove accumulated grime.
Rinse and dry: Rinse with clean water and pat completely dry with a soft microfiber cloth.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Never use toothpaste, baking soda, or abrasive polishes, as these act as sandpaper and strip the gold layer.
