Sorting Out What’s Gold Filled vs Solid Gold
Sep 26, 2023
{
"Title": "How to Tell Gold-Filled Jewelry from Solid Gold: A Step-by-Step Guide",
"Date": "09/26/23",
"Content": "
Sorting Gold-Filled vs Solid Gold Made Simple
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Many people inherit or uncover bits of jewelry, broken chains, or old watches and wonder: is this gold, or just gold-colored metal? Understanding the difference between solid gold and gold-filled items is critical before selling or sending pieces for evaluation. Knowing what to look for, how to sort, and how to communicate details in a quote request saves time and often leads to a faster and more accurate offer.
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Why It Matters
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Solid gold jewelry has significantly higher intrinsic metal value than gold-filled jewelry. Gold-filled pieces are composed of a base metal (often brass) covered with a layer of gold, while solid gold (10K, 14K, 18K, etc.) is gold alloyed throughout the item. Misidentifying one for the other can lead to unrealistic expectations or wasted effort when shipping items for sale.
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Identification Basics
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Hallmarks and Stamps
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Start with the marks on your jewelry. Common solid gold stamps include:
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10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K — indicating the karat purity of solid gold
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417, 585, 750, etc. — European numeric systems for karat value
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Gold-filled marks will usually feature letters such as:
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GF — Gold Filled
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1/20 14K GF — meaning 1/20th of the item’s weight is 14-karat gold, bonded to base metal
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RGP — Rolled Gold Plate
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HGE — Heavy Gold Electroplate
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If you see GF, RGP, or HGE, the item is not solid gold, even though the karat number may appear nearby.
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Magnet Test
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Solid gold is not magnetic. If your item is strongly attracted to a magnet, it likely contains base metals. However, lack of attraction doesn’t guarantee authenticity, since non-magnetic metals can also be plated.
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Visual Clues
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Inspect edges, clasps, and worn spots. Solid gold tends to keep its color through wear, while gold-filled or plated items often show a different underlying metal where the gold layer has thinned.
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Acid and Electronic Testing
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If hallmarks aren’t clear, professional buyers test metal using acid solutions or electronic testers. Acid tests dissolve a touch of the metal to reveal karat purity, while electronic testers use conductivity. Sellers can expect to see results documented clearly when items are evaluated.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Sorting
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Gather tools: Magnifying glass, bright light, small magnet, soft cloth, and resealable bags.
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Check markings: Look closely at stamps inside rings, clasps on chains, or backs of lockets. Record details like “14K GF” or “10K.”
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Separate items: Place obvious solid gold in one group, gold-filled/plated in another.
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Label lots: Bag and label pieces by type to make evaluation faster.
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Weigh separately: Use a pocket scale that measures in grams. Solid gold weight is the key factor in determining melt value.
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Dental Gold and Other Odd Items
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Dental gold crowns and bridges are often 16K or 18K, but may be attached to ceramic or steel. Remove only what is safe (do not try to break porcelain with force). Keep small fragments together in a bag labeled clearly. These details matter in the final evaluation.
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Melt Value vs Resale Value
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The melt value is what the gold itself is worth based on live market prices and the item’s purity and weight. The offer value may differ depending on processing costs, non-gold parts, or resale potential for intact jewelry. Sorting out GF vs solid gold gives the buyer a more accurate understanding of your lot and can improve turnaround.
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Packing and Shipping Gold Items
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Safely pack: Wrap items in soft padding and place in strong outer packaging.
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Keep things separate: Label gold-filled vs solid gold to avoid confusion.
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Insure and track: For valuables, use USPS Registered Mail insured services, or other tracked, insured carriers such as FedEx. Always save your tracking receipt.
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Use a mail-in appraisal kit: Companies may provide free tracking, insured kits, and chain-of-custody documentation so you are informed every step of the way.
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Testing and Payment Explained
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After arrival, items are sorted, weighed, and tested. Testing includes verification of stamps with acid or electronic tools, and separation of non-precious components. Most buyers send clear results to you for approval before payment is issued.
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Payment Methods
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Method | Pros | Cons |
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PayPal | Fast, widely used | May have fees for receiving money |
Venmo | Quick, app-based | Transaction limits for some users |
Zelle | Direct bank-to-bank, no fees | User must have Zelle set up |
Cash App | Instant for users | Transfer limits apply |
ACH Transfer | Direct to bank account | May take 1–2 business days |
Paper Check | Traditional and trackable | Slower delivery and deposit time |
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Safety and Record-Keeping
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Take clear photos of what you send, including stamps and group shots.
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Weigh lots at home and write down totals.
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Use simple tracking sheets, or a tool like GavelBase for digital notes.
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Quick Checklist Before Mailing
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Identify hallmarks: 10K, 14K, 18K vs GF, RGP, HGE
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Sort gold-filled vs solid gold
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Weigh in grams and label bags
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Photograph and record all items
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Pack safely with padding and labels
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Ship insured with tracking
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FAQs
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How can I quickly tell if something is gold-filled?
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Look for stamps like GF, RGP, HGE, or wording such as “1/20 14K GF.” These items have value but are not solid gold.
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What if my jewelry has no stamp?
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It may require acid or electronic testing. Some old or worn pieces lost their marking over time.
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Is gold-filled worthless?
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No, it contains some gold and can be refined, but the payout is usually much smaller than for solid gold jewelry of the same size.
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What about sterling silver?
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Sterling is usually stamped 925, Sterling, or .925. Silver-plated items often say “EPNS” or “Plate.” Like gold-filled, plated silver has little melt value compared to sterling.
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Conclusion
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Sorting gold-filled from solid gold is the first step in preparing unwanted jewelry, coins, or dental remnants for sale or recycling.