Description
This gold fill necklace features 45 sizeable uniform round beads. It is estimated to be from the 1950’s or 1960’s. The clasp is hallmarked. It measures 17.5″ in length, and is in excellent condition. Each bead is about .35″ in diameter. Gold fill jewelry on necklaces and earrings will last a very long time, since they do not get the same kind of wear and tear as gold filled rings.
Note: This item is placed in the sterling silver category because it is a precious metal, not because it is sterling silver.
About gold filled jewelry from Wikipedia. In addition to the information below, often newer GP jewelry is dipped in gold, and the gold can wear off very quickly, whereas 1/20 gold fill is bonded onto another metal and will last much longer.
“Most high quality gold-filled pieces have the same appearance as high carat gold, and gold-filled items, even with daily wear, can last 10 to 30 years though the layer of gold will eventually wear off exposing the metal underneath. The layer of gold on gold-filled items is 5 to 10 times thicker than that produced by regular gold plating, and 15 to 25 times thicker than that produced by gold electroplate (sometimes stamped HGE for “high grade electroplate” or HGP for “heavy gold plate”, which have neither of them any legal meaning and indicate only that the item is gold plated).”
