Gold Filled & Gold Plated Jewellery: The Complete Guide

September 21, 2026

A common question we hear at MoMuse is "What does gold filled and gold plated mean, and what's the difference?". While these two finishes are commonly confused, there is a clear difference between them and important factors to consider when you're picking your piece of jewellery. Read on to find out more!

What is 'Gold Filled' Jewellery?

'Gold Filled' is a durable, high quality alternative to traditional fine gold hallmarked items, like 9kt or 18kt Gold. At MoMuse, our gold filled jewellery contains either 5% 14kt or 18kt pure gold bonded to an inner base metal core. The process involves pressure bonding multiple layers of the pure gold with extreme heat onto the inner core; the result of this complex process is the high quality gold filled item that has the look and feel of traditional fine gold.

What is 'Gold Plated' Jewellery?

'Gold Plated' jewellery has a lighter, flash coating of gold onto a base metal like brass, silver or copper. Generally speaking, Gold Plated has a very similar look and feel as Gold Filled jewellery, but contains a thinner layer of gold on the surface. For this reason it is usually not as durable and long lasting as Gold Filled. It is a great option for and commonly used in occasion-wear and cocktail-style jewellery.

What makes Gold Filled different to 9kt & 18kt Gold?

Our 9kt and 18kt collections are pure gold hallmarked by the Dublin Assay Office. Their price point is higher due to the purity percentage of gold in them. 9kt gold contains a minimum of 37.5% of pure gold which makes it a more durable product. 18kt gold contains a minimum of 75% pure gold which gives a different texture and colour.

Is Gold Filled suitable for sensitive skin?

Our 'Gold Filled' jewellery contains no nickel and unless you have sensitivities to solid gold, then it should give you no trouble. It doesn't rust or discolour the skin either.

How do you care for Gold Filled jewellery?

Like all jewellery, paying special attention and care to your pieces will help protect its lustre and prolong its longevity. For our Gold Filled pieces, we recommend keeping them dry as much as possible, and not exposing them to moisture (sweat, cosmetics, water etc) as well as keeping fine chains organised to avoid tangling and breaking.

A Helpful Hint – Our MoMuse motto is that jewellery should be the last thing you put on in the morning, and the first thing you take off at night! This helps avoid your pieces coming into contact with things like perfume, sunscreen, sanitiser and the likes, as well as being less likely to get caught in your clothes when you are getting dressed or undressed.

What about 'Gold Plated Sterling Silver' and 'Gold Plated Brass'

Gold plated sterling silver is jewellery made from a core of sterling silver that is covered with a thin layer of gold. This combination gives you the look and warmth of gold while using sterling silver as the strong underlying metal. Gold plated brass jewellery is made from a core of brass covered with a thin layer of gold.