Monday, July 14, 2014

Gold-Plated vs Gold-Filled jewelry: Do you know the difference?

Recently, we read Nashelle's blog about the different manufacturing processes of Gold-Plated and Gold-Filled jewelry. Although many assume Gold-Plated and Gold-Filled (what Nashelle uses) are the same, they are very different. Nashelle explains:
Gold-PlatedA base metal goes through a series of processes and is eventually dipped into a bath of electroplating solution which contains gold. . . This layer is much thinner than the coating of gold that covers gold-fill jewelry.
Gold-Fill: Gold is bonded to the base metal with heat and pressure. The base metal is also gold in color. . . The exterior will never tarnish, chip, or wear off
Gold-Plated jewelry items are more prone to tarnishing as well as having the thin layer of gold eventually rubbing off.

image courtesy of Nashelle blog
Founded over 13 years ago by Heather Straw, Nashelle is an Oregon-based jewelry designer with a mission to help those in need. For every piece of jewelry sold, one plate of food is donated to local charity NeighborImpact and national charity Feeding America. Donations are also made to StandUp2CancerFamily Access Network, and Central Oregon's KIDS Center.

Nashelle uses recycled 14kt Gold-Fill, Sterling Silver, and hand-chosen semi-precious stones. What we love most is that none of the jewelry is mass-produced or outsourced, so we know every piece is made to order, as Heather says, "with love and intention".

At Scarlett Alley, we're in love with Zodiac Identity Necklaces (see image above). These unique bar necklaces come in both 14kt Gold-Fill and Sterling Silver. Find more beautiful Nashelle jewelry here or in store. ~Tabata