About Gold-filled
All our gold jewelry is made with a layer of gold that is 100x thicker than the gold layer of gold-plated jewelry.
This material is also known as 14k gold filled.
All our gold filled metal comes from suppliers who are members of the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC). It is the world’s leading sustainability standard setting organisation for the jewellery industry.
Why Gold filled is better for you.
Gold-filled jewelry is still relatively unknown in Europe. Yet it is the perfect alternative to unattainable solid gold and low-quality, environmentally hazardous gold-plated jewelry.
If you're looking for long-lasting, beautiful pieces that don't turn your skin green or flake off, gold-filled is the way to go.
The layer of 14-karat gold used in gold-filled jewelry is 100 times thicker than that of gold-plated pieces, giving it the same radiant glow as solid gold. This means you can enjoy the elegance of solid gold jewelry at a much more accessible price point.
Plus, if you have sensitive skin or ears, you’ll love gold-filled jewelry! Its thick layer of gold is hypoallergenic, making it safe and comfortable to wear without irritation. No need to worry about allergies or reactions—the thick layer of gold ensures it is gentle on even the most sensitive skin.
With gold-filled, you're getting luxury and durability, all at an affordable price.
Why Gold Filled Jewelry is Better for the Planet
Gold-filled jewelry is not just good for you; it's also better for the planet.
The process of creating gold-filled pieces is much more sustainable compared to gold-plating.
Instead of using harmful chemicals, gold-filled jewelry is made using a mechanical process that bonds the gold to the base metal (brass) using heat and pressure.
This method eliminates the need for toxic chemicals that are used in gold plating, making gold-filled jewelry a greener, more eco-friendly choice.
By choosing gold-filled jewelry, you’re breaking free from the wasteful cycle of fast fashion and supporting a more sustainable future. Investing in Rays & Riches jewelry means reducing waste and lessening the environmental impact that comes with disposable trends, all while contributing to a circular economy.
You can feel good knowing your purchase supports fair and ethically sourced gold, and is crafted with care for both people and the planet.
Gold Filled Jewelry Explained
Gold-filled jewelry is unique, and it's important to understand how it differs from other types of gold jewelry like gold-plated or vermeil.
By law, the gold must make up at least 5% of the total weight of the piece.
In contrast, gold-plated jewelry typically has a very thin layer of gold—sometimes as thin as 0.25 microns—applied to the surface. Imagine splitting one millimeter into thousand slices, that is how thin one micron is (split that again into 4 parts and you get 0.25microns). This thin layer often fades or chips away quickly, revealing the base metal beneath.
With gold-filled jewelry, you get over 100 times more gold than gold-plated pieces, which means it lasts much longer. It is made by bonding a thick layer of 14-karat gold to a brass core through intense heat and pressure -not chemicals. This process ensures that the gold is securely fused to the base metal, so it won’t peel, flake, or wear off easily.
The thicker gold layer also ensures that the color of the base metal won’t shine through, giving you a rich, consistent gold glow.
Gold-filled jewelry is a great choice for those who want the beauty of gold without the high cost or the environmental harm of less durable options.
Whether for everyday wear or special occasions, gold-filled pieces are built to last and made with both you and the planet in mind.
Learn about how to take care of your jewelry here.