Ask the Experts Gold-filled Chain Q&A

I recently bought gold-filled chains that I will resell to my customers. How do I explain gold-filled?

- Rochelle

Here is our definition of gold-filled:

A gold alloy plate made by soldering, brazing, welding or other means that is not less than 10Kt fineness, where the plating constitutes at least 1/20th of the weight of the metal in the entire article. The term must be preceded by the karat fineness of the plating, such as 14Kt gold-filled. When using the term gold overlay, manufacturers are permitted to use a layer of gold that is less than 1/20th the weight of the entire piece, although they must stamp the proportion of the gold layer on the jewelry.

Our gold-filled items are mostly 14Kt gold over a base alloy, typically brass. 14/20 would indicate that your chain does in fact contain 14Kt gold.