FAQ
What is the difference between Gold-Filled and Gold-Plated?
Gold-plated and gold-filled are both jewelry terms referring to methods of layering a base metal with a coating of gold. However, there are significant differences between the two:
1. **Gold Plated:**
- **Composition:** In gold-plated jewelry, a thin layer of gold is electroplated or mechanically bonded to the surface of a base metal (such as brass or nickel).
- **Gold Thickness:** The gold layer is thinner compared to gold-filled items.
- **Durability:** Prone to wear and tarnish over time, as the thin gold layer may eventually wear off with regular use.
- **Cost:** Generally more affordable than gold-filled jewelry.
2. **Gold Filled:**
- **Composition:** Gold-filled jewelry has a thicker layer of gold (at least 5% of the total weight) mechanically bonded to a base metal core.
- **Gold Thickness:** The gold layer is thicker and more durable than gold-plated, providing a longer-lasting and tarnish-resistant product.
- **Durability:** Resistant to tarnishing and suitable for everyday wear, offering a balance between quality and cost.
- **Cost:** Usually more expensive than gold-plated items due to the higher gold content.
In summary, while both gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry provide an affordable alternative to solid gold, gold-filled items generally offer better durability and a longer lifespan due to the thicker gold layer. The choice between them often depends on personal style preferences, budget considerations, and the desired longevity of the jewelry. We only used 14K Gold-Filled or Solid Gold to extend the life of your pieces and make them suitable for everyday wear.
What is your processing and shipping time?
Because all of our pieces are carefully hand stamped and crafted, we ask that you patiently give us 5-7 business days (Monday - Friday, excluding holidays) after you've ordered to make your piece perfect for you! However, this isn't the case for always, sometimes they'll ship faster! (YAY!)
How do I care for my products?
We have a whole page on this for you! Visit the Jewelry Care page to learn more about our metals and keep your pieces looking nice and fresh.
What is your return policy?
Please email ofgreatvaluejewelry@gmail.com with your order number and the item(s) you would like to return for store credit or exchange only within 7 days of receiving your order. Please allow up to 48 business hours for a response as we're a small team.
Returns must be in new and unworn condition and in original packaging. We reserve the right to deny the return or exchange for items received after this time or to send the items back to you if not in the condition they were initially sent out in.
Unfortunately, personalized items cannot be exchanged or returned unless we have made a mistake in what you requested.
***All Garage Sale pieces are final sale***
What is your order cancellation policy?
We do not offer order cancellations.
What is a cultured opal?
Do you do repairs?
I offer repairs only on things that I have made at the cost of the customer. Email me at ofgreatvaluejewelry@gmail.com for more details.