14k Rolled Gold / Gold Filled
Rolled gold, or gold-filled, is a thick layer of 14k or 18k gold applied through a heat-and-pressure technique to a base metal, usually brass. This metal was used extensively in the 1800's and is very strong and durable. This is NOT gold plated.

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1. Gold filled wire is created with heat and pressure just like a diamond.
2. Gold filled wire has 100 times more gold in gold filled than gold plated (made simply by dipping in gold).
3. Reduced cost for jewelry items without limiting the beauty, durability and long-term wear of the piece.
4. Thickness of gold, karat purity and color can be controlled within this process.
5. The wire can be created for strength, softness or hardness or formability by changing out the base metal without changing the beauty of the product.
6. The gold layer must be at least 1/20th by weight of the total combined weight of the wire to be considered gold filled.
7. If gold filled is marked, the mark says "14 Karat Gold Filled".
8. Gold filled wire is made in the USA.

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It is nearly impossible to distinguish top quality 14K gold-filled wire from 14K gold wire.  Gold Filled jewelry is NOT costume jewelry, but rather fine jewelry that can be worn beautifully for a lifetime.  It wears like 14K gold because its outer layer is 14K gold. Your 14K gold-filled jewelry will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

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Caring for gold-filled jewelry is the same as solid gold. Minimize exposure to salt water, chlorine, soap and perspiration by wiping carefully with a soft cloth frequently to clean and remove those elements that can cause oxidation.  A polishing cloth will keep your jewelry piece bright in between cleanings. I have also found using a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush under very warm water, with a light touch brings the luster back. You will love the long-lasting wearability of gold-filled jewelry. 

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*Allergies:  People who have allergies to anything other than 14K solid gold, usually have no problem with 14K gold-filled jewelry.  Only 2 people out of thousands have complained about allergic reactions, so the ratio is pretty low.

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Sterling Silver
I also use genuine Sterling Silver wire, which is 92.5% pure silver, and 7.5% copper. Your sterling silver jewelry item can be kept bright with a polishing cloth.

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Here's another great quick cleaning method that I love to use before displaying or wearing my own sterling silver pieces.

1. Line a container with aluminum foil . . . shiny side up.
2. Sprinkle a little common baking soda on the bottom.
3. Add hot water and stir just a little.
4. Place your jewelry piece in the container for about 20 minutes.
5. Use a clean soft toothbrush while rinsing the salts off the piece, wipe it dry with a soft cloth and admire.

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The tarnish will transfer off of your Sterling Silver jewelry and onto the aluminum foil.  Simple, Easy and Effective. *This technique shouldn't be used with you gold-filled pieces. Use toothbrush method as above.

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