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Gold filled, or laminated gold, offers a layer of gold 5% of the total weight, thicker than that of gold plating, guaranteeing good durability. Available in 12 and 14 carat, it also comes in gold and rose versions, perfect for jewelry that looks like solid gold without the price tag. Ideal for long-lasting, affordable creations.
You're bound to have come across the term "gold filled" when looking for gold components for your creations. But what does it actually mean? Is it really different from gold plating? Does it last? We tell you all about it!
Gold filled, also known as laminated gold, is a metal obtained through a mechanical process: a layer of gold alloy is firmly bonded to a brass core using heat and pressure. This is not a simple surface deposit; the gold is actually soldered to the base metal.
This layer of gold represents 1/20th of the component's total weight, or 5%, unlike gold plating, where the layer is thinner. It's this thickness that makes all the difference in terms of durability and rendering.
It is mainly available in two titrations:
And as with solid gold, gold filled is also available in a rosé version , for fans of warm, trendy hues.
This is undoubtedly its most attractive feature. Laminated gold jewelry offers a warm, luminous finish very similar to 14-carat gold, without the price tag of solid gold. For creations intended to be worn or given as gifts, this is a powerful argument.
Gold filled and gold plated are not in the same league. Gold plating deposits a thin film of gold, at least 3 microns thick, by chemical or electrical means. Laminated gold, on the other hand, has a much thicker layer of gold physically anchored in the metal. As a result, it is much more resistant to everyday wear and tear, and can be kept for a long time with proper care.
Want to compare all the criteria in detail? Our technical data sheet explains it all: gold filled vs. gold plated.
Solid gold is beautiful, but it's out of reach for most designers. Gold filled offers excellent value for money for long-lasting gold jewelry. You invest in solid components, without breaking the bank.
This is an often overlooked, yet essential criterion. The gold-filled components sold by Perles & Co comply with European standards on the release of nickel, the main allergenic metal in jewelry.
Gold filled can be used for almost any purpose. Only a few techniques are incompatible: it cannot be cast in molds or diamond-cut, as this would expose the brass base. Apart from that, you can create :
Discover our full selection of gold filled components and primers to find exactly what you need.
Gold filled is robust, but a little care goes a long way. Three simple reflexes:
Its thick gold coating makes it easy to clean without risk of damage. All the methods are detailed in our guide: how to clean gold filled.
In a nutshell
| Features | Gold filled (rolled gold) |
| Other name | Rolled gold |
| Manufacturing process | Mechanical bonding by heat and pressure |
| Composition | Brass core + gold layer |
| Gold layer thickness | 5% of total weight (1/20th) |
| Titrations available | 12 carats or 14 carats |
| Versions available | Yellow and pink |
| Durability | Several years with proper care |
| Contact with water | Occasional OK / seawater and chlorinated water to be avoided |
No, it's not solid gold. It contains a layer of 14 or 12-carat gold firmly bonded to a brass core. This layer represents 5% of the total weight, which is more than that of conventional gold plating.
With proper care, laminated gold jewelry retains its brilliance for many years. The thick layer of gold mechanically bonded to the base metal is far more resistant to daily wear and tear than gold plating.
Yes, these are two names for the same material. "Gold filled" is the English term, "or laminé" is the French equivalent.
Occasionally, yes. But seawater and chlorinated water should be avoided, as they accelerate oxidation.
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