Gold-Filled Construction

Gold-filled is a layered composite metal consisting of mostly jeweler's brass and 5% gold alloy by weight. Pressure and heat bond the layers together. Since the material must maintain distinct layers, it cannot be cast. It is very difficult to solder properly and maintain the 5% gold alloy. We only recommend soldering if you have been specifically trained on the material. Instead of polishing soldered gold-filled pieces they need to be plated with gold. Do not use abrasive polishers that would decrease the integrity of the gold layer on the surface and reduce the ratio of gold to brass. Similarly, we discourage engraving because it will penetrate the gold layer and may expose the brass underneath. Stamping only compresses the metal layers and does not affect the 5% ratio by weight, so it is acceptable. 

Gold-filled is required to be called by its complete name. Never called "gold" for short. Disclosing the karatage of the gold layer on the gold-filled is required. Therefore, it is most correct to describe the material as either 12k gold-filled or 14k gold-filled in all product descriptions. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) establishes disclosure regulations for jewelry retail.

Wholesale supplies for the trade are priced each day based on commodity markets. It works much like the price of gasoline at the pump. The exact price each day changes based on supply and demand for the commodity on global exchanges. Gold and silver metals markets work the same way. Read more about how we establish market-based pricing each day.