What Is Gold-Filled Jewellery?
Here’s Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve ever wondered what makes gold-filled jewellery different from gold-plated or solid gold, you're not alone. At Miia & Me, one of the most common questions we get is: “What does gold-filled actually mean?”
Let’s break it down — and show you why gold-filled is the ultimate sweet spot between everyday luxury and long-lasting value.
💛 What is Gold-Filled Jewellery?
Gold-filled jewellery is made by bonding a thick layer of real gold (usually 14k or 18k) to a core of durable base metal, typically brass. The gold is mechanically bonded using heat and pressure not just dipped or coated like gold-plated pieces.
To legally be labelled "gold-filled," the outer layer must make up at least 5% of the piece’s total weight in gold. That’s up to 100x more gold than gold-plated jewellery which is why gold-filled lasts longer, wears better, and resists tarnishing.
🔬 How Is Gold-Filled Jewellery Made?
Gold-filled jewellery is made through a pressure bonding process:
- Thick sheets of solid gold are layered over a base metal core.
- These layers are heat- and pressure-bonded, creating a durable, tarnish-resistant surface.
- The bonded gold is then shaped into wire, sheet, or finished jewellery.
Unlike gold-plating (which can wear off quickly), gold filled jewellery is made to last often for years even with everyday wear.
✅ Why We Use Gold-Filled at Miia & Me
We believe in jewellery you can wear every day in the shower, at the gym, on holiday without worrying about it tarnishing or turning your skin green.
That’s why all our pieces are made using 14k or 18k gold-filled materials. The result?
- Waterproof & sweatproof
- Hypoallergenic — safe for sensitive skin
- Tarnish-resistant — no discolouration or fading
- Long-lasting — wear-tested for over 18 months (and counting!)
🔁 Gold-Filled vs. Gold-Plated vs. Solid Gold
| Type | % Real Gold | Durability | Water Resistance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold-Plated & Vermeil | < 0.05% | Low (fades fast) | Low | Cheapest |
| Gold-Filled | ≥ 5% | High (years) | Yes ✅ | Affordable luxury |
| Solid Gold | 100% | Lifetime | Yes ✅ | $$$ |
Gold-filled is the best value for those who want the look and feel of solid gold without the solid gold price tag.
💬 Still Wondering if Gold-Filled is Right for You?
If you want affordable, everyday jewellery that doesn’t compromise on quality, gold-filled is your go-to.
It’s luxury made accessible — and made to last.
At Miia & Me, every piece is designed to be worn, not stored away.
From delicate necklaces to durable bracelets, you can trust that your gold-filled jewellery will keep its glow — day in, day out.