What is Gold-Fill and Does it Last?

What is Gold-Fill and Does it Last?

Gold Fill: An Affordable and Long-Lasting Material

Are you searching for gold jewelry that's beautiful, affordable, and long-lasting?

In that case, 14K gold fill jewelry might be just what you’re looking for. This unique material offers the look of gold without that intimidating price tag. Given the astronomical rise of gold prices in the last year, it’s a welcome alternative to solid gold.

In fact, its durability and affordability is why I started working with it in the first place.

Inspired by Long Lost Family Hierlooms

Growing up, my mother's hierloom jewelry collection was promised to me when the time was right. In her culture, collecting gold jewelry was a way to invest your wealth - even if you're not traditionally wealthy. Some pieces were family hierlooms, others were pieces she collected on her own. Her jewelry box was filled with with the most beautiful gold and sparkling gems you can imagine, and I was obsessed. My earliest childhood memories are filled with playing dress up in her closet and piling it on.  

In a sad and fateful turn of events, the entire thing was stolen in my teens.

Losing such priceless items was heartbreaking for our entire family. The experience made my mom and I shy away from jewelry entirely for years, and shifted my perspective drastically. While I still loved the idea of personal expression through jewelry, I wasn't interested in a large collection of solid gold pieces set with faceted gems.

Even though those early pieces were gone, the childhood memories lingered, and I slowly dipped back in. Eventually, I became interested in making jewelry. I still adored the look of gold over silver, but found my options to be pretty limited when it came to quality and longevity in those days. 

And then I found it.

Enter Gold Fill

I discovered gold fill more than two decades ago, and it’s still my favorite material to work with. As much as I loved those long lost hierlooms, I realized that faceted gemstones and fine jewelry have never quite been my vibe. They just don't really fit my style. I have a few pieces here and there, but I have a deeper connection to the look and feel of beads along with the natural details found in gemstones and crystals.

An infographic comparing four types of gold jewelry: gold-plated, gold vermeil, gold-filled, and solid gold. The infographic provides a brief explanation of each type, along with its pros and cons. The pros and cons include information about durability, cost, and potential for skin sensitivities. The infographic is visually appealing, using a color-coded design and simple language to make the information easy to understand.

Gold fill isn’t quite as well known in Germany and Europe as it is in the States. Although it’s more affordable than solid gold, people are genuinely curious about durability and longevity.

People are always asking - is gold fill worth the price?

It got me thinking. Why not show you how it looks after a decade or two?

I’ve pulled some vintage favorites from my personal collection (ca. 2004-2014), and rated the gold condition so you can see for yourself. 

With proper care and storage, gold fill really can stand the test of time.

First Things First: What Exactly is Gold Fill?

Before we get into the details, I thought I’d give a quick lesson.

Gold fill is made by bonding a solid layer of gold to a base metal through pressure and heat. Not only does this process ensure that the gold layer is substantially thicker than traditional gold plated jewelry, the outcome is a far more durable piece of jewelry.

The solid layer of gold used in the process creates an intrinsic durability that directly contributes to its longevity. Combined with proper storage, cleaning and repairs when needed, your gold fill jewelry will retain its beautiful gold luster for years to come.

Now that you know the ins and outs, let’s get a peek at some vintage ZK!

Vintage Gold Fill Jewelry + Care

I’ve selected a few sentimental and special occasion pieces along with some of my favorites for everyday. Everything was made between 2004-2014, includes current retail prices, how I store and protect that beautiful golden shine, and a rating of the gold condition. 

Let’s get vintage!

A collage showcasing a vintage moonstone necklace and pearl earrings set by Zurina Ketola. The necklace features a delicate chain with moonstone beads and a pearl pendant. The earrings are similarly designed with moonstone and pearl accents. The image includes details about the materials used (moonstone, pearls, 14K gold-filled), the estimated year of creation (ca. 2004-2005), and the original price (€250).

The Moonstone and Pearl Wedding Set (ca. 2004-2005 | €250)

This was my wedding set. The necklace is mostly worn on special occasions, but I wear the earrings a little more often. All the gold details you see here are 14K gold fill, and still look just as good as new!

When I’m not wearing these sentimental pieces, they reside in a silk pouch in my jewelry collection.

Gold condition:     5 / 5     ★★★★★

A collage showcasing a pair of vintage labradorite hoop earrings and rose quartz drop earrings by Zurina Ketola. The image also includes a pair of vintage pearl drop earrings. The text overlay provides details about the materials used (rose quartz, labradorite, pearl, 14K gold-filled), the estimated year of creation (ca. 2004-2014), and the original price range (€62-€95).

Labradorite Hoops, Rose Quartz Drops + Pearl Drops (ca. 2004-2014 | €62-€95)

Hoops and drops have been my most popular styles - in fact, the Navy Pearl Link Drops are still a popular choice today. They’ve all maintained that beautiful gold color. In twenty years, I’ve found that earrings have virtually no issues losing their color if cared for properly.

These are stored in a jewelry box in separate compartments.

Gold condition:     5 / 5     ★

A collage showcasing a pair of vintage garnet and labradorite wrapped bangles by Zurina Ketola. The image provides details about the materials used (garnet, labradorite, 14K gold fill), the estimated year of creation (ca. 2006-2007), and the original price (€150 each).

Garnet and Labradorite Wrapped Bangles (ca. 2006-2007 | €150 ea.)

A popular design when I started. These handmade bracelets feature hand wrapped garnet and labradorite on 14K gold fill wire. Worn mostly on special occasions, and often stacked with other favorites. The gold continues to shine beautifully on these pieces!

These are stored in a soft silk pouch in my jewelry collection.

Gold condition:     5 / 5     ★

A collage showcasing a vintage mystic druzy necklace by Zurina Ketola. The image provides details about the materials used (quartz, 14K gold fill), the estimated year of creation (ca. 2014), and the original price (€185). The necklace features a unique druzy pendant and a delicate chain.

Mystic Quartz Druzy Necklace (ca. 2014 | €185)

Featuring sparkling druzy coated in an iridescent shimmer on delicate 14K gold fill ball chain. Similar styles are available in the shop. I usually wear this on its own for those days I want to feel edgy and elegant. The gold has stayed fairly well intact, but has scratched off a bit near the pendant.

Typically stored in a lined jewelry box in its own compartment - so it doesn’t get tangled with other necklaces.

Gold condition:     4 / 5     

A collage showcasing two vintage necklaces by Zurina Ketola. The first necklace features a delicate chain with an emerald-cut quartz pendant. The second necklace features an abalone petal pendant. Both necklaces are made with 14K gold fill. The image provides details about the materials used (quartz, abalone, 14K gold fill), the estimated year of creation (ca. 2014), and the original price (€62 each).

Emerald Cut Quartz Necklace + Abalone Petal Necklace (ca. 2014 | €62 ea.)

Gemstone pendant necklaces have always been popular because they’re so easy to wear everyday. These were both worn daily for a solid 2-3 years, and still get regular wear.

The gold layer on the Emerald Cut Quartz Necklace chain is more dull than the beaded chain. That’s likely due to the texture - it’s harder to clean and can look dull if dirt collects in the little nooks and crannies. I may replace the chain with a less textured chain, and recycle the original soon.

The Abalone Petal Necklace had a different pendant initially. I dropped it and broke the pendant in two pieces, and later upcycled into a pair of post earrings! The pendant was replaced about four years ago, but the chain has been the same since it was made in 2014. The beaded chain keeps its shine well, but the clasp is a little dull. 

These are kept along with many other necklaces of similar length and style in a lined jewelry box or pouch to keep them from tangling.

Gold Condition (Abalone Pendant Necklace):        4 / 5     

Gold Condition (Emerald Cut Quartz Necklace):     3 / 5     ★★★

Very Mindful. Very Long-Lasting. Very Durable. 

My mantra?

Anything worth having is worth taking care of.

Gold fill has been my tried and true gold metal of choice for over two decades, and I hope you can see why! I’ve found that it offers a perfect combination of beauty, durability, and affordability to compliment my life and style. 

I hope it can do the same for you, too!

A quote by Zurina Ketola about the longevity of gold-filled jewelry. The quote reads: "With proper care and maintenance, your gold-fill jewelry can last decades. After all, anything worth having is worth taking care of." The quote is displayed on a white background, surrounded by various gold-filled jewelry pieces, including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.

With the holidays around the corner and the prices of gold on a never-ending rise, gold fill jewelry is a thoughtful way to treat yourself and all the jewelry lovers in your life.

So what do you think - are you ready to add a few gold fill pieces to your holiday wishlist?

I got you. Take a look at New Arrivals and Best Selling Styles now.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.