Gold Jewelry Blog

Welcome to the Gold Jewelry Blog from John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry. This is where we write about gold and gold-toned jewelry made by hand in our San Francisco studio. You will find articles on 14K gold, gold vermeil and gold-filled pieces. We also cover Nu Gold brass, our affordable gold-toned alternative. Each post explains how the piece is made, how to wear it, and how to care for it.

Key Takeaways

This blog covers solid 14K gold, gold vermeil, gold-filled and Nu Gold brass jewelry.
Articles explain the real differences in gold content, durability and price.
Styling posts show how to wear gold-toned jewelry every day and for special events.
Guides help you choose handmade gold jewelry and spot quality craftsmanship.
Care tips help you keep each piece bright for years.

Who Is This Gold Jewelry Blog For?

This blog is for anyone who loves the warm glow of gold. It helps first-time buyers understand what "14K", "vermeil" and "gold-filled" really mean. It also helps budget-minded shoppers compare solid gold with brass and vermeil. Read it when you are choosing a gift, building a jewelry collection, or deciding which gold option fits your budget.

What Do the Gold Jewelry Terms Mean?

According to the FTC Jewelry Guides (16 CFR Part 23), 24K gold is pure gold. 14K gold contains 14 parts gold out of 24, which is about 58.3% gold.

The same FTC guides state that jewelry must be at least 10K, or about 41.7% gold, to be sold as "gold" in the United States.

FTC rules also define vermeil. It is sterling silver coated with gold of at least 10K fineness. The gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick.

Gold-filled jewelry, under the same FTC guides, has a layer of karat gold bonded to a base metal. A "1/20 14K gold-filled" mark means 14K gold makes up at least 1/20 of the item's total weight.

Research data from the Copper Development Association shows that red brass, such as Nu Gold, is about 85% copper and 15% zinc. It contains no gold, but it gives a rich gold tone at a much lower price.

Data from Encyclopaedia Britannica shows that pure gold weighs about 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter. That makes it more than twice as heavy as brass, which is why solid gold pieces feel so substantial.