Gold Filled

Description

Gold-filled consisted of a layer of karat gold bonded to a base metal using heat and pressure. (the same process as our Bi-metal). 14/20 GF is the designation for 14 Karat Gold-Filled. The 14 refers to the karat of the layer of precious metal bonded to the base metal. The 1/20th indicates the ratio of karat gold to base metal by weight (5%). The base metal is CDA 220. A commercial brass alloy consisting of 90% copper and 10% zinc. Gold-Filled product is significantly advantageous from a cost stand point. It allows you to provide the look and durability of solid karat products at a fraction of the cost. While care must be taken in working, soldering, and annealing, Gold-Filled items will have the same appearance and can last years. It should not be compared to gold-plated materials Plated products have a many times smaller layer of gold and do not wear nearly as well.

Sheet

Available in single and double clad. In both cases the gold content is 5% by weight of the total weight of the item. For single clad sheet the gold layer is only adhered to one side. The other (or bottom) is exposed base metal. For double clad sheet the gold layer is roughly equal to half that of single clad but it covers both sides. The total karat gold on double clad is 5% by weight just the same as single clad. In both cases the edges are not gold clad.

Wire

Round, half-round and square are available in gauges as indicated on the tables provided in soft, 1/2 hard and full hard tempers. The gold content is 5% by weight. Particular care should be given to edges of 1/2 round and square wire as working these products may cause the exposure of the base metal. In any case the ends are not gold clad. They are exposed base metal. This should be addressed in the final product, as these areas may tarnish or react with exposed skin.

Annealing

  1. 950 - 1100 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes
  2. Coat with boric acid and alcohol solution or use a commercially available flux to prevent oxidation
  3. Polish darkened areas with metal polish and soft cloth

Soldering