“Rolled Gold” is the term given to jewelry that is gold-filled or composed of a solid layer of gold bonded with heat and pressure to a base metal, usually brass. Rolled gold jewelry is usually made by rolling out sheets from which the jewelry is molded or “formed.”
This way of making jewelry was patented in England in 1817 and quickly became a prime source for better-made and higher-quality costume jewelry in the Victorian era. In the 1920s and 30s, it saw a resurgence in popularity and was used mainly in watches and fountain pens.
Although gold-filled jewelry items may have the same appearance as 14-karat gold jewelry, they are not quite as sturdy or well-made. They can last for up to thirty years but usually last for much less time and eventually wear through. Rolled gold jewelry is ideal for those who wish to spend less and still look great or are worried about losing or misplacing very expensive jewelry.
Some rolled gold products are made with silver as a base, which causes them to be more expensive. For cost-effectiveness, silver is usually avoided. A “double clad” gold filled sheet is produced with half as much thickness of gold on each side. The Federal Trade Commission, responsible for the proper labeling of gold and silver items, labels rolled gold items with “Rolled Gold Plate” or “RGP” insignia. Jewelry items with these labels contain lower thicknesses of gold than are required for “gold-filled” labels.
Rolled Gold and Gold Plates: What’s the Difference?
Rolled gold contains 100 times more gold than average gold plates; therefore, it is of higher quality than a jewelry item labeled as being “gold plated.” Gold plates are either sprayed or dipped in gold, which is why they are of lesser quality than rolled gold. One of the best things about rolled gold is that rolled gold enables women to have fun with their jewelry.
Rolled gold is less costly to make, and thus, less costly to wear. Women can sport beautiful jewelry that looks like 14-karat gold, without having to worry about losing or misplacing their jewels. They can do this by opting for 14-karat gold filled pieces. But what does 14-karat gold filled mean? Simply put, it means coating a jewelry piece with a layer of 14-karat gold.
Items made from this process are usually classified into two categories: gold-filled and rolled gold plated. Gold-filled is a later designation, meaning the amount of gold is 1/20th of the total weight, as mandated by law. Rolled gold plated applies to any gold-plated item which contains less than five percent of gold.
How Durable is Rolled Gold?
The two main characteristics that define the durability of this gold are purity and thickness. 1/20 10K or 1/20 14k rolled gold are less susceptible to damage and more durable than jewelry with higher karats. 1/20 10k means that it includes 10-karat and 1/20 rolled gold, while 1/20 14K indicates 14-karat with 1/20 rolled gold. Since gold is a soft metal, high levels of purity indicates low durability compared to gold with lower purity.
How to Identify Rolled Gold Jewelry?
You’ll find a stamp with the word “Gilt” on 19th-century American and English rolled gold products. Also, jewelry with a “1/20 12K RG” or “1/20 12K G.F” stamp indicates that it’s a 20th-century accessory. If you spot these stamps on your jewelry, it means that your accessory is made from 12-karat gold and 1/20 rolled gold.
Contemporary rolled gold jewelry will always have a stamp that shows its level of purity and how much gold is used. Usually, “RG” on the piece indicates that the metal is made from rolled gold. You might also notice “RGP” on the pieces, which means “rolled gold plate.”
Is Gold-Filled Jewelry Worth Anything?
Generally, manufacturers use this gold for mid-range jewelry pieces that you may not wear daily, such as bridal rings. The worth of items made with rolled gold depends on the quality. Also, the price tag depends on the base metal and gold content used. Another factor that will influence its price is the brand you choose. It’s important to opt for a credible and reputable brand that offers quality products at the right price.
Note that rolled gold jewelry has a higher gold content than gold-plated pieces. Therefore, the latter will have a lower price than rolled gold jewelry. But since gold is the king of investments, rolled gold allows you to sell your jewelry at a higher price in the future if you ever have the desire to.
If you find yourself with unwanted, broken, or tarnished rolled gold items, send them to Cash for Gold USA. We accept all types of gold items, including rolled gold jewelry.
About Cash For Gold USA
Cash for Gold USA is a prominent online buyer of gold, silver, diamonds, platinum, and palladium in the United States. Since 2005, we have paid millions to thousands of customers for their unwanted or broken precious metal jewelry. We offer a quick and straightforward selling process, ensuring customers receive prompt and competitive offers for their items. Learn more about us and what our customers say about Cash for Gold USA, or request your free Appraisal Kit now:
