Plated and filled are different
- Gold plated is a thin layer of gold over another metal — often brass, sometimes sterling silver. The layer is measured in microns.
- Gold filled has a much thicker bonded layer, usually a fixed proportion of the total weight. It wears far longer and it takes more work.
- Vermeil is gold plated over sterling silver specifically, which makes it one of the better cases to work on.
- What is underneath decides everything. Silver under the plating opens options that brass does not.
What we can usually do
- Repair the break and then replate the area so the join blends in.
- Replate a whole piece that has worn through, in gold or in rhodium depending on what it is.
- Clasps and jump rings replaced with matching plated findings.
- Reshape a bent bangle or a dented link.
- Clean and brighten, gently, because the layer is thin.
Why we want to see it first
The honest answer is that it depends on the piece. A gold filled chain over a decent core is a straightforward job. A very thin plating over base metal is a more careful one. Either way we would rather look at it with you than guess, and we will tell you at the counter what we think we can get out of it.
Sentimental pieces
A lot of plated jewelry is worth more to the person holding it than to anyone else, and that is a perfectly good reason to fix it. Bring it in.
Bring it in and we will look at it
Every piece is different and plated and filled work especially so. Put it on the counter, tell us what has happened, and we will tell you what we see and what we would do about it. You decide from there, before anything is agreed.
Questions we get asked
Can gold plated jewelry be repaired?
Often, yes, and we can replate the area afterwards so the join blends. Bring it in and we will tell you what we see.
What is the difference between plated and gold filled?
Filled has a much thicker bonded layer. Plated is a thin coating. Filled gives us more to work with.
Can you replate a piece that has worn through?
Usually, yes, in gold or rhodium depending on what is underneath.
How do I know which mine is?
Bring it in. We will look at the stamp and the piece and tell you.
Will you tell me what you find before doing any work?
Always. We look at it with you at the counter, tell you what we see, and you decide.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.