The main difference between 24 karat gold, gold-filled, and gold plated jewelry is the amount of gold in the jewelry.
24 karat gold is pure gold, meaning that it is 99.9% gold. It is the most expensive type of gold jewelry because it is the softest and most easily scratched. It is also the most durable type of gold jewelry and will last for a lifetime with proper care.
Gold-filled jewelry is made of a base metal, such as brass or copper, that is bonded to a layer of 14 karat gold. The layer of gold is typically 1/20th of the total weight of the jewelry, so it is less expensive than 24 karat gold. Gold-filled jewelry is also more durable than gold plated jewelry and will last for many years with proper care.
Gold plated jewelry is made of a base metal, such as brass or copper, that is coated with a layer of gold. The layer of gold is typically very thin, so it is the least expensive type of gold jewelry. Gold plated jewelry is also the least durable type of gold jewelry and will need to be replated periodically to maintain its appearance.
Here is a summary of the differences between 24 karat gold, gold-filled, and gold plated jewelry:
| Type of Gold Jewelry | Karat | Gold Content | Durability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 karat gold | 24 | 99.9% | Very durable | Most expensive |
| Gold-filled | 14 | 58.3% | Durable | Less expensive than 24 karat gold |
| Gold plated | Varies | Very thin layer of gold | Not very durable | Least expensive |