Explaining the Difference Between Gold and Gold-Filled

{

"Title": "Explaining the Difference Between Solid Gold and Gold-Filled Jewelry for Resale",

"Date": "01/02/23",

"Content": "

Understanding Gold vs. Gold-Filled Items

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When sorting through old jewelry, coins, or even dental gold, one of the first questions is whether an item is solid gold, gold-filled, or gold-plated. These differences matter because they directly affect value, durability, and long-term resale potential.

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What Does Solid Gold Mean?

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Solid gold jewelry or coins are made mostly of gold mixed with small amounts of alloy metals for strength. Purity is measured in karats:

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• 24K: Pure gold (soft, not common in wearable jewelry).

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• 22K: 91.6% gold, often found in international coins and jewelry.

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• 18K: 75% gold, highly valuable and durable enough for rings and necklaces.

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• 14K: 58.5% gold, very common in U.S. jewelry.

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• 10K: 41.7% gold, minimum legal karat in the U.S. to be considered gold.

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These karat stamps are usually tiny marks on clasps, inner bands, or the backs of pieces. Solid gold holds resale value because it can be melted down for its metal content.

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What Does Gold-Filled Mean?

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Gold-filled jewelry is not solid gold. Instead, it has a thick bonded layer of karat gold (usually 10K or 14K) mechanically fused to a base metal like brass. Unlike thin plating, the gold layer is heavier and can last years, but the core metal is not gold.

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Over time, wear around edges, clasps, or contact points may expose the base metal beneath. This is why gold-filled items are not priced anywhere near solid gold for resale. A buyer cannot melt them for full metal value because much of the weight is non-precious metal.

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Gold-Plated Jewelry: Even Less Value

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Gold-plated jewelry contains only an extremely thin surface layer of gold—measured in microns—applied over a base metal. It can be visually attractive when new but wears down quickly. Once the plating rubs off, the underlying copper, brass, or steel is visible. Plated items rarely carry resale value.

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Why Does It Matter When Selling?

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If you mail in jewelry, coins, or dental gold for evaluation, solid gold items will bring offers based on their gold weight and karat purity. Gold-filled or gold-plated pieces typically do not generate meaningful offers, although some buyers may recycle them in bulk.

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Dental gold follows similar rules: almost all crowns or bridges contain solid gold alloys, often 10K–18K. Sorting real gold from stainless steel or porcelain saves time.

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How to Tell the Difference

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• Karat Stamps: Look for clear markings like 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K. Gold-filled items are marked GF, 1/20 14K GF, or similar. Plated items often read GP, HGE, or RGP.

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• Magnet Test: Gold itself is not magnetic. If a piece sticks to a magnet, the base is likely non-gold. Caution: clasps or fillings sometimes contain metal springs that react to magnets.

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• Visual Wear: Solid gold does not wear through. If edges show a different colored metal underneath, it is filled or plated.

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• Acid Test: A basic acid test kit can help differentiate gold purity. Follow all safety instructions when using chemicals.

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• Electronic Testers: Professional buyers often use small meters to confirm karat accuracy.

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Weighing and Valuing Your Gold

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Solid gold value depends on weight (in grams) and purity. A pocket digital scale can give you accurate gram readings. Compare against current market melt values, but expect to receive slightly less since buyers deduct refining and handling costs.

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Gold-filled and plated items, while sometimes heavy, are mostly base metal. Their melt value is negligible, and most buyers will not make offers unless shipped in large quantities.

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Preparing Items for Appraisal or Sale

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2. Sort items: Place solid gold, silver, and non-precious items separately.

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4. Remove stones if safe: Non-precious stones typically add no extra value.

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6. Keep small bits together: Fragments, broken clasps, or dental scraps should be bagged so they are not lost.

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8. Label types: Note which are stamped 10K, 14K, sterling, or GF.

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Mail-In Kit and Shipping Tips

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When using a tracked and insured mailer kit—for example, the process provided by International Gold & Silver—you’ll receive a secure pouch and prepaid label. Always pack carefully:

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• Use small zip bags to keep items from tangling.

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• Place everything inside a padded envelope or small box.

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• Keep a personal list or photo record before shipping.

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• Use USPS insured or registered mail for high-value shipments.

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Testing and Results

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Once received, items are tested by visual inspection, magnet test, acid or electronic analysis, and weighing. Your payout is based on solid gold or sterling weight. If gold-filled or plated, you may be notified that the material has little melt value.

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Payment Options

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Modern gold buyers often offer multiple electronic payment methods for speed and convenience:

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Documenting Your Shipment

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Before sending, protect yourself with basic records:

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• Take photos of each item or group of items.

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• Write down weights, stamps, or notes in a small log. Tools like GavelBase can assist in keeping records.

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• Store digital copies of receipts, shipping numbers, and communications.

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Quick Checklists

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Before Shipping:

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• ✓ Sort by karat or type

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• ✓ Weigh each group in grams

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• ✓ Photograph items clearly

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• ✓ Pack securely in zip bags and padded envelope

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• ✓ Use insured & tracked shipping

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Common Questions

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Is gold-filled