I get a lot of questions asking what gold-filled means – Let me start by explaining how it is different from “gold PLATED”.
Gold plating is a method of depositing a thin layer of gold onto the surface of another metal (like copper or silver). This “plating” tends to rub off, leaving the base metal showing. This usually ends up causing your finger to turn a dark color quickly and nobody likes that!
Gold-Filled is fine Gold, .999 or better, mechanically bonded to sterling silver or a base metal to make the alloy stronger and more suitable for jewelry making. Gold-filled items, even with daily wear, can last 1 to 5 years before thinning. Gold-filled items are 5 to 10 times thicker than regular gold plating, and 15 to 25 times thicker than gold electroplating.
Why are our products gold filled instead of pure gold?
It’s simple really, the higher the content of gold the “softer” the metal is (which is why there is no “24K” jewelry on the market). Ring size adjusters need to be strong and pliable to shape to your ring – and be able to bend upwards to tighten the fit of your ring. The base metals add strength to the gold for a surer fit.
Of course there is also the cost – why would you spend more on a pure gold ring sizer, when it won’t last as long, be as strong, or be economical like gold-filled.
Ring Sizers are the best solution to a vexing problem – the biggest being finger swelling/shrinkage and weight loss. They can also be used on engraved rings, when you don’t want to cut off any part of a special inscription.
Of course, you could always try the rubber or plastic ring size adjusters – they do tend to feel bulky or look like odd elastic bands, but they definitely beat tape (or some gel/paste that may “sweat” off ).
I wear my 14K gold filled ring adjuster on my great grandmother’s ring – it is from 1920 – full of filigree and I LOVE it- I dare not leave it to a jeweler to size.