Goldfill found in jewellery is a global practice that is held to the highest standard of quality with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission upholding standards across America and Australia.
Goldfill is the term used to define a combination of pure gold with another base metal, which is usually brass. The pure gold component in Magnolia's goldfilled jewellery ranges between nine (9) and 14 karats in quality. The base metal is soldered to the gold veneer under high pressure and 900°C temperatures.
This process preserves the exterior qualities of the gold while shedding the heavy and cumbersome weight of a piece of 100% pure gold jewellery. Making the piece both easier to wear and more affordable.
Pure gold is made out of 24 karats but what you may not know is that each ‘karat of gold' is actually comprised of an amalgam of both gold and platinum. Each karat's purity increases with the amount of gold found in this amalgam.
A bracelet that is labeled 18 karat gold has the amalgam of 75% pure gold and 25% platinum; and a 12 karat gold piece is made from 50% pure gold. Magnolia's selection of goldfilled jewellery has 9-14 karats.
Throughout the fashion industry, many outlets mix metals when producing jewellery rather than using one metal at a time to create a look that is stronger and bolder for the consumer.
Combining gold with other metals such as brass, platinum and copper will make gold stronger, more durable and less expensive for consumers. Gold is also a ‘softer' metal than most others, making pure gold pieces more delicate and susceptible to tearing and breaking.
However, gold doesn't oxidize (blacken) easily, making it stronger in that sense than other metals that do oxidize quickly. This makes it an ideal partner for combining metals and creating the goldfill cross-breed that is stronger, safer, lighter, more durable and less expensive.
Coating another metal with gold simply means that the gold leaf "wraps" around the outside layer of the second metal. This system is relatively cheap, but since there is no chemical bonding in the process, the gold leaf can easily scratch off the outer layer of the second metal.
Goldfill is a chemical process that can only occur at extremely high pressures and very high temperatures of 900°C. The result is an intensely strong welding of the two metals together - something that can not be easily peeled or scratched away. Goldfill is anywhere from five (5) to 1,000 times thicker than gold leaf depending on a variety of factors including environment, treatment, care and usage.
Magnolia store locations have various goldfilled jewellery options available in every category - rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches and anklets. Magnolia prides itself on stocking top quality goldfilled jewellery that will last for years. In some instances, a certain amount of tarnish or blackening may occur, but should this happen, please bring your piece to a store near you and our Magnolia manager will address the situation.
