The value of a rolled gold piece depends on the gold content as well as the base metal used. Rolled gold is generally used for mid-range jewelry items and for pieces that you don’t expect to wear on a daily basis, like bridal rings. It is durable enough for daily use and can last many decades but over time the gold layer will wear off. Unlike gold plated items, rolled gold jewelry doesn’t easily flake or wear off. In general, however, rolled gold is a durable option and doesn’t tarnish or discolor with time. Needless to say, the thicker the layer, the longer the piece will last. In relation to the thickness of the gold, we mentioned that there is no specific standard regarding the thickness of the gold layer in rolled gold jewelry. This is because gold is a very soft metal so the higher the purity the lower the durability. Rolled gold made of 10K or 14K gold is more durable and less susceptible to wear than pieces with higher karats. The two main factors affecting the durability of rolled gold is the thickness and purity of the gold. Rolled gold, on the other hand, does not wear off in this manner as it has a thicker layer of gold.
Over time, the gold plating wears or flakes off, revealing the metal beneath. As a result, it is less durable and also cheaper than rolled gold. Gold plate uses very little solid gold in its composition. Generally speaking, rolled gold has about 100 times more gold than gold plate jewelry. This can be done through chemical or electroplating processes. Gold plate is made by applying a very thin layer of gold onto the base metal, which is usually silver or copper. Gold plated jewelry is more commonly known than rolled gold. Gold Plated Raw gemstones in gold plated setting. If your piece of gold jewelry has a mark such as 1/20 18K RG this indicates that the item is of 1/20 rolled gold and is made of 18K gold. You will also come across RGP for Rolled Gold Plate. The letters RG is used to specify that the metal is rolled gold. Gold jewelry should always come with a stamp that indicates its level of purity and how much gold has been used. Unlike many other metals used in jewelry making, rolled gold jewelry is hypoallergenic, and generally doesn’t cause issues for those with metal allergies. In other words, the gold should be 1/20th of the total weight of the piece. While there is no specific thickness for the layer of gold, the general rule is that the overall amount of gold used must be at least 5% of the total weight of the metal. In the United States, government regulation is quite strict with regards to the minimum amount of gold used in rolled gold jewelry. The metals are then bonded together using heat and rolled into flat sheets for use in jewelry. Rolled gold is made by fusing a base metal, usually silver, brass or copper, between thin sheets of gold. The quality was also much better than gold plating and the pieces lasted longer.ĭuring the 1920s and 1930s, following the difficult economic conditions of the First World War and the Great Depression, the use of precious metals for jewelry declined, and alternatives like rolled gold rose in popularity. It allowed designers to create statement pieces that looked exactly like gold, but came at a fraction of the price. Rolled gold was first created in the 19 th century in England where it became an affordable way to make costume jewelry. Origins of Rolled Gold Antique rolled gold bracelet. But is it real gold and how much is it worth? Let’s take a look.
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