It’s simple: we’re confident we offer the absolute top quality 14k gold-filled jewelry available. We also know that gold-filled is second only to solid solid gold in terms of quality (making it your best, most affordable option for gold jewelry). But you’re probably wondering: does gold-filled jewelry tarnish? How long will gold-filled jewelry last? We're not afraid to be totally honest about its longevity and performance—because we want what’s best for you!
First of all, what is gold filled jewelry?
Unlike solid gold jewelry, gold-filled jewelry isn’t an alloy, and isn’t one solid metal all the way through—it’s actually a layered material (like a sparkly cake!). The middle layer is a jeweler’s brass core, and the outer layer is gold (typically 14k). The gold on the outside is mechanically bonded to the brass core with heat and pressure so it’s more resistant to fading or tarnishing than gold-plated jewelry. To legally be considered “gold-filled,” a piece of jewelry has to be 5% (or 1/20th) gold by weight.
What are the benefits of buying gold filled jewelry?
Gold-filled jewelry is a great compromise between cost and quality. Not to speak for everyone, but we all love solid gold jewelry—it’s a great investment, it never tarnishes and can be passed down to future generations. But it’s expensive.
Gold-filled jewelry, on the other hand, is much more affordable and offers many of the same benefits as solid gold! It looks the same, it can be worn pretty much 24/7 (as long as you keep it away from harsh chemicals and beauty products) and it’s typically great for those with sensitive skin. Plus, when compared to gold-plated jewelry, gold-filled jewelry contains much more gold and won’t turn your skin green!
Now you’re probably wondering: does gold-filled tarnish? Let’s discuss.
Does Gold-filled Jewelry tarnish?
Other people might tell you that gold-filled will never tarnish and lasts forever. That’s definitely feasible in theory, but it’s rather optimistic. Our 14k gold-filled jewelry can absolutely last you a lifetime (after all, we only use the best quality 14k gold!) but can and will are different things. The fact is, there are a variety of things that can affect your jewelry—your lifestyle, how often you wear it and how often you clean it have massive effects on the longevity of 14k gold-filled pieces. So, does 14k gold-filled tarnish? It can—but there are small steps you can take to prevent it. Our goal is to offer advice based on the realities of daily life, so you can learn how to make your gold-filled jewelry last a lifetime!
How long can gold filled jewelry last?
How long 14k gold-filled jewelry can last depends on three things:
- What touches it: water, chlorine, chemicals from beauty products, etc.
- How often you clean it
- How you store it: more airflow = more chance for oxidization
Read on as we dive into these 3 factors and share reliable knowledge and care tips to help your gold-filled jewelry last as long as possible. If you're a master caretaker, your 14k gold-filled jewelry might even last you a lifetime
Caring for 14k gold-filled jewelry, PART 1:
Know what causes tarnish:
Does 14k gold-filled tarnish? It can—but you can also prevent it from happening (and make it last beautifully for many years). But we’ve found that the wrong chemicals, when left on the surface of your pieces, can cause the gold to darken more quickly than it should. There are chemicals in a lot of things (even your own body chemistry!), and it’s important to be aware of the factors that could potentially tarnish your 14k gold-filled pieces. We’ve included a list below of some of the worst and most common factors that cause tarnish. You’ll notice a rating beside each—the more bold Xs, the harder it is on your jewelry. XXXXX is the worst!
Pools & Hot Tubs:
Just don’t do it. Pools and hot tubs are a nasty chemical bath that’ll ruin your gold jewelry. The chemicals used to kill bacteria in pools create a harsh environment for jewelry, and they’re even more concentrated in hot tubs!
Tarnish Rating: XXXXX
The Sea:
Saltwater + gold-filled jewelry = not great. Salty water can trigger a corrosion process that’ll eventually wear down and weaken your gold-filled pieces, creating tarnish and possibly even breaking thin chains! If your gold-filled pieces accidentally come in contact with salt water, don’t sweat it—just gently rinse your piece(s) with clean, non-chlorinated water and pat to dry.
Tarnish Rating: XXXX
Body Chemistry:
The dreaded body chemistry is a bit of a wild card—and makes answering “does 14k gold filled tarnish?” a lot trickier. The simple fact that people’s hormones are different and a variety of things may come out of their pores makes this a difficult factor to nail down. But it’s a real thing that can cause gold to tarnish more quickly for some people.
Unfortunately, unless you have experience with 14k gold-filled and know how it works with your skin, the only way to know is to try it. For 90% of people, it’s a love match. For the other 10%, pieces might not be quite as sparkly after a few months.
Tarnish Rating: X to XXXXX (it’s very individual)
Sweat:
Science time: sweating is how our body rids itself of excess fats, fatty acids and amino acids (the more you know)! This means there are a lot of chemicals in your sweat, and depending on your personal body chemistry (or medications you may be taking), it could be hard on your pieces. We recommend removing your gold-filled jewelry before a workout just to be safe.
Tarnish Rating: XX to XXXXX (depending on body chemistry)
Beauty & Cleaning Products:
Does gold-filled jewelry last? It does…but certain beauty products can affect its longevity. Perfumes, hairspray, lotions—and worst of all, sunscreen (!)—can tarnish your gold-filled jewelry like no other. We always recommend putting on your jewelry after any of these beauty products, and take it off for certain activities that warrant heavy sunscreen use.
Here are a list of some common products and their tarnish ratings:
- Sunscreen: XXXXX
- Perfume: XXXX
- Unscented Lotion: XX
- Perfumed Lotion: XXXX
- Cleaning Products with Bleach: XXXXX
- Mild Dish Soap (if rinsed off): all good!
- Nail Polish Remover: XXXXX
- Hairspray: XXXX
Personal Experience:
I have been wearing some of my 14k gold-filled necklaces for over two years now and they're still gold and lovely. A few chains aren't as sparkly as they were brand new, but it's not as noticeable against my skin (vs. on white paper, for example).
Truthfully, I’m not the best at taking care of things like this, although I'm pretty good at taking my pieces off to sleep (most of the time) and am careful to not get products on them like perfume, sunscreen and hairspray. I do shower with them on because I think it helps clean them, but I know my shampoo and soaps are mild enough (so be careful about that detail)!
Overall, to give an idea of how well the necklaces have lasted after a year (with reasonable care), I'd say they're at about 80% awesomeness vs. 100% when they were new.
Notes: I wore one of my bar necklaces for a week straight in Maui without taking it off to swim, and it doesn’t look great now—thanks to a cocktail of sunscreen, sweat and saltwater. The bar still looks nice, but the dainty chain has darkened substantially. (Just imagine if I’d worn it in the hot tub, too!)
Caring for 14k gold-filled jewelry, PART 2:
Day-to-Day Maintenence
To keep your gold-filled jewelry sparkly and shiny, gently remove makeup and oils from your pieces with a soft cloth (like a flannel or lens cloth) after each wear. If your pieces contacted sunscreen, saltwater or sweat, we recommend giving them a quick rinse in clean, lukewarm water and immediately drying them with a soft cloth. Removing your jewelry before sleep will do wonders in helping it last longer, too!
Deep Cleaning
Does gold-filled jewelry tarnish? It can, but it’s way less likely with a deep cleaning every month or two! If you know your gold-filled jewelry contacts sunscreen, sweat or any other chemical-heavy product, it's best to give it a nice, deep clean ASAP.
- Grab a bowl of warm water with a drop of gentle soap (I use Dove) or mild dish soap.
- Let the piece soak for about a minute.
- Give it a scrub with an ultrasoft toothbrush, really getting into the chain where dirt and products like to build up.
- Rinse it in lukewarm water a few times to make sure all the soap is removed.
- Gently dry it afterward with a soft cloth; make sure it’s 100% dry before storing it!
Caring for Gold-Filled Jewelry With Gemstones
Nothing can dull a gemstone’s shine like beauty and cleaning products! To keep your gemstone jewelry sparkling like new (and help prevent damaging precious stones), we recommend these easy tips.
- Avoid wearing your gemstones in water.
- Remove your jewelry when doing strenuous activities or exercising.
- Avoid contact with beauty products, perfumes, or other chemicals.
- To clean them, wipe with a soft cotton cloth.
Caring for Gold-Filled Jewelry With Pearls
The lustrous gems of the sea, pearls are the only gemstone that originates from a living thing—and every pearl is one-of-a-kind! It’s especially important to clean and protect your pearls from damage since they are a bit more finicky than other gemstones. Here’s what we recommend to keep your pearls glowing for years.
- Don’t wear your pearls in water! Though they come from the sea, pearls hate being submerged in water.
- Remove them when you swim, shower, sleep, or exercise.
- Avoid contact with detergents, skincare products, and soaps—these can seriously dull the shine of your pearls.
- Clean your pearls with a soft cotton cloth.
- Do not store in airtight containers; this could cause the pearls to crack!
Caring for 14k gold-filled jewelry, PART 3:
Proper Storage
The number one way to store your gold-filled jewelry so it lasts is in something airtight. (Less airflow = less chance for any chemical reactions that cause tarnish!)
- Store it clean after your day-to-day maintenance (see above).
- Ideally, use a little ziplock bag—they're compact, airtight and don't contain any chemicals that cause tarnish. If you’re traveling (and want more protection for your piece), place the bag in a small, hard container. We know ziplocks aren’t as aesthetic as some other options, but they’re simple, inexpensive and effective!
- Store in a low humidity environment.
Can you wear gold-filled jewelry everyday?
The answer = a resounding yes. Made by mechanically bonding a thick layer of 14k gold to a base metal, 14k gold-filled jewelry looks and wears just like solid gold without the price tag. The layer of gold in gold-filled jewelry is much thicker than you’d find in gold-plated or gold vermeil jewelry, making it less likely to fade over time.
So, will gold-filled tarnish? It can if it constantly comes into contact with sweat, chemicals and chlorine, but by following the care instructions above, you can wear your beloved jewelry every day (and keep it looking shiny and new). ✨
We hope this was helpful! Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have! For more information, you may find one of these other posts helpful: What is 14k Gold Fill or Gold-Filled vs. Gold-Plated Jewelry.
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What is gold-filled jewelry?
Gold-filled jewelry isn't solid gold. It's like a layered cake! The inside is brass, and the outside is a layer of gold, usually 14k. The gold layer is bonded to the brass with heat and pressure, making it more resistant to fading or tarnishing than gold-plated jewelry. For jewelry to be called "gold-filled," it must be 5% gold by weight.
What are the benefits of buying gold-filled jewelry?
Gold-filled jewelry is a great balance between cost and quality. We all love solid gold jewelry because it doesn't tarnish and can be passed down, but it's expensive. Gold-filled jewelry looks the same, costs less, and can be worn almost all the time (just keep it away from harsh chemicals and beauty products). It's also good for sensitive skin and has more gold than gold-plated jewelry, so it won't turn your skin green.
Does gold-filled jewelry tarnish?
Some people say gold-filled jewelry never tarnishes and lasts forever, but that's a bit too optimistic. Our 14k gold-filled jewelry can last a lifetime with proper care, but it depends on your lifestyle, how often you wear it, and how often you clean it. Yes, 14k gold-filled jewelry can tarnish, but with a few simple steps, you can keep it looking great for years to come!
How long can gold-filled jewelry last?
How long 14k gold-filled jewelry lasts depends on a few things:
- What touches it: Water, chlorine, and chemicals from beauty products can affect it.
- How often you clean it: Regular cleaning helps keep it shiny and new.
- How you store it: More airflow means more chance for oxidization, so store it in a dry, airtight container.
Take care of your gold-filled jewelry, and it can last a long time!
Personal Experience:
I've been wearing some of my 14k gold-filled necklaces for over two years, and they still look lovely. Some chains aren't as sparkly as when they were brand new, but it's not very noticeable against my skin.
I’m not the best at taking care of things, but I usually take my jewelry off before bed and avoid getting products like perfume, sunscreen, and hairspray on them. I do shower with them on because I think it helps clean them, but my shampoo and soaps are mild (so be careful with that detail!).
Overall, after a year with reasonable care, I'd say my necklaces are about 80% as awesome as they were when new.
One of my bar necklaces took a hit when I wore it for a week straight in on a cruise. Sunscreen, sweat, and saltwater darkened the chain, though the bar still looks nice. Imagine if I’d worn it in the pool, too!
How to Care for Gold-Filled Jewelry with Gemstones
Nothing dulls a gemstone’s shine like beauty and cleaning products! Keep your gemstone jewelry sparkling and undamaged with these easy tips:
- Avoid wearing your gemstones in water.
- Remove your jewelry during strenuous activities or exercise.
- Avoid contact with beauty products, perfumes, or other chemicals.
- Clean them by wiping with a soft cotton cloth.
How to Care for Gold-Filled Jewelry with Pearls
Pearls are unique gems from the sea, each one-of-a-kind. They need special care to stay beautiful. Here’s how to keep your pearls glowing:
- Don’t wear your pearls in water. Even though they come from the sea, they don’t like being submerged.
- Remove them when you swim, shower, sleep, or exercise.
- Avoid contact with detergents, skincare products, and soaps, as these can dull their shine.
- Clean your pearls with a soft cotton cloth.
- Don’t store them in airtight containers; this could cause the pearls to crack.
Taking these simple steps will help keep your gold-filled jewelry with gemstones and pearls looking great for years!
Day-to-Day Maintenance
To keep your gold-filled jewelry sparkly and shiny, gently remove makeup and oils with a soft cloth (like a flannel or lens cloth) after each wear. If your jewelry contacts sunscreen, saltwater, or sweat, give it a quick rinse in clean, lukewarm water and dry it immediately with a soft cloth. Removing your jewelry before sleep will also help it last longer.
Deep Cleaning
Does gold-filled jewelry tarnish? It can, but it’s much less likely with regular deep cleaning every month or two. If your jewelry contacts sunscreen, sweat, or other chemical-heavy products, it’s best to clean it thoroughly.
- Grab a bowl of warm water with a drop of gentle soap (like Dove) or mild dish soap.
- Let the piece soak for about a minute.
- Scrub it with an ultrasoft toothbrush, especially in the chain where dirt and products build up.
- Rinse it in lukewarm water a few times to make sure all the soap is gone.
- Gently dry it with a soft cloth and ensure it’s completely dry before storing it.
Following these steps will help keep your gold-filled jewelry looking great for a long time!
How to Care for Gold-Filled Jewelry with Gemstones
Nothing dulls a gemstone’s shine like beauty and cleaning products! Keep your gemstone jewelry sparkling and undamaged with these easy tips:
- Avoid wearing your gemstones in water.
- Remove your jewelry during strenuous activities or exercise.
- Avoid contact with beauty products, perfumes, or other chemicals.
- Clean them by wiping with a soft cotton cloth.
How to Care for Gold-Filled Jewelry with Pearls
Pearls are unique gems from the sea, each one-of-a-kind. They need special care to stay beautiful. Here’s how to keep your pearls glowing:
- Don’t wear your pearls in water. Even though they come from the sea, they don’t like being submerged.
- Remove them when you swim, shower, sleep, or exercise.
- Avoid contact with detergents, skincare products, and soaps, as these can dull their shine.
- Clean your pearls with a soft cotton cloth.
- Don’t store them in airtight containers; this could cause the pearls to crack.
Taking these simple steps will help keep your gold-filled jewelry with gemstones and pearls looking great for years!
- What causes tarnish?
Tarnish occurs when metals like silver and gold react with sulfur or oxygen in the air.
This reaction forms a dull, dark coating on the jewelry's surface. Humidity, pollution, and chemicals like perfumes or lotions can speed up tarnishing. To prevent tarnish, store your jewelry in a dry, airtight container and clean it regularly.
- Can I wear them in swimming pools and hot tubs?
Avoid wearing your jewelry in pools and hot tubs.
Chlorine and other chemicals in the water can damage the metal and cause discoloration. They can also weaken the metal, making it more prone to scratches and breaks. Always take your jewelry off before swimming or soaking in a hot tub.
- Can I wear my jewelry to the beach?
It's best not to wear jewelry to the beach.
Sand can scratch the surface of your jewelry, and saltwater can cause corrosion and tarnishing. If you want to wear jewelry, opt for pieces made from more resilient materials like stainless steel or titanium, and clean them thoroughly afterward.
- Can I get sunscreen and other body products on my jewelry?
Try to avoid getting sunscreen, lotions, or other body products on your jewelry.
These products can leave a residue that dulls the shine and can be difficult to clean off. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry and make sure they are fully absorbed into your skin.
- Can I play sports in my jewelry?
No, it's better to remove jewelry before playing sports.
Sweat can accelerate tarnishing, and physical activity increases the risk of damage or loss. For safety reasons, avoid wearing jewelry during sports to prevent injuries to yourself or others.
- Can I shower in my jewelry?
It's better not to shower with your jewelry on.
Soap, shampoo, and conditioner can build up on the jewelry, making it look dull and dirty. Over time, this buildup can be difficult to remove. Take your jewelry off before showering to keep it sparkling.
- Can I sleep in my jewelry?
It's best to remove your jewelry before bed.
Sleeping in jewelry can cause wear and tear, leading to scratches, bends, or even breakage. It can also get tangled in your hair or sheets, causing discomfort and potential damage.
- How should I travel with my jewelry?
When traveling, store your jewelry in a soft pouch or a jewelry box to prevent scratches and tangles.
For added security, keep your jewelry in your carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage. Consider using a pill case or small ziplock bags to keep pieces separate and organized.
- What about body chemistry?
Your body's natural oils, sweat, and even diet can affect your jewelry.
Some people have more acidic sweat, which can speed up tarnishing. To minimize this effect, clean your jewelry regularly and wipe it down with a soft cloth after wearing it to remove oils and residues.
