More on the good gold tone, though you may have an issue with people trying to sell you fake jewelry, understand that not all cultures view the lies the same way. Sometimes the seller is lying, but it’s like a “little white lie”. Gold filled scams abound, and some are actually trying to charge you prices as if something was gold filled while fooling you. Others however, are trying to sell you gold tone or “gold finish” (a little more realistic gold tone) that will last as if it was gold filled, that is extremely inexpensive.
So if you see “gold filled stainless steel”, and the price is under $10, that is probably gold tone stainless steel with a good coating. Some fake “gold filled” is gold tone or gold plated brass with a coating. It will wear faster than the stainless steel, but the lifespan will be at least a year and a half in hot sweaty weather. It will be worth the money you pay for it, not in scrap value, but in durability.
Another good buy that is often sold as gold filled but isn’t, is anodized aluminum. Anodized aluminum is a bit soft, but the finish lasts like a champ. It’s also very unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. You can buy these by the dozen very inexpensively, so if one gets bent out of shape or broken, you can replace it right away. I use these chains when I make someone an amulet or talisman that needs to be worn at all times.
Real gold filled may be a good idea if you want to wear actual gold that will really last a lifetime, but you’re hard on your jewelry. Also, if it’s a choice between hollow gold or gold filled, choose the gold filled. Hollow gold is just stupid when there is gold filled that gives you the same look without being basically foil. Only get gold filled pieces from a reputable jeweler because there is the chance of mystery metals if you don’t.
Real gold filled jewelry that is brand new will not have the brownish tinge that most gold tone or plated does. It will have a slight yellow-greenish tinge if it is 14k or lower, and a sunnier orange tinge if it is 18k or higher. It will have a GF-Karat-Proportion stamp usually, and a brand stamp as well. There are some exceptions, and a stamp doesn’t necessarily mean that it is real. So as with buying vermeil or solid gold, you need to get these things from a jeweler you can trust.
Other Things to Look For
Whether it’s plated brass, vermeil, filled, or gold tone, a quality piece of jewelry is well made.
If it is a chain, its links will be welded closed. If the links are split, it can still look nice, but it shouldn’t cost you more than $10. It will snag on everything. The only advantage is that it’s probably easy to repair or adjust.
Any gems should be glass or stone, not plastic or resin. They should also be actually set, not just glued on.
If a karat number was given, the color should be comparable to other solid gold pieces. It probably won’t be exactly the same, but it should be somewhat close.
Where to Buy the Good Fake Gold
I made a board with products that have passed or are likely to pass my 1 year durability test. Bracelets, I wear for at least a year all the time, except when I’m in sulfurous hot springs. Most were still exposed to the steam somewhat. Chains I usually take off in direct sun because here, they heat up and burn your neck, but I do put them back on when I’m in air conditioning, or wear a scarf over and around them if I don’t want to fiddle with them too much. Rings, I take off at night, and when I need to do fine work, but they have been put through some things.
[cd_pinterest boardurl=”https://pinterest.com/kthulah/the-good-fake-gold/”]Recycle Your Old Jewelry
If you’ve got old pieces that you’re considering tossing in the garbage, don’t. Recycle it instead. Just send it to Friends of the Earth at:
Freepost RTKE-ELKH-GTJH
Friends of the Earth
Unit 14
Amber Business Village
Amber Close
Tamworth B77 4RP
You might have a local company who does this, so check around.
Update for 2020: if you have things made with aluminum or stainless steel wire, people who make masks can use them to make nose wires. Since they can be sterilized, they can be reused until they fall apart. Old clasps and chains may also be useful for mask holders and ear savers.
