What is Rolled Gold? Antique Gold-Filled Jewellery and Objects Guide
What is Rolled Gold?
Rolled gold, also known as gold-filled, is a material made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal, usually brass. It was widely used in jewellery and small decorative objects from the 19th century through to the mid-20th century.
What does “1/20 10kt Rolled Gold” mean?
This marking indicates that 1/20 of the total weight of the item is 10 karat gold. The gold layer is mechanically bonded to the base metal, making it more durable than simple gold plating.
Rolled gold was commonly used for:
- Pens and pencils
- Jewellery such as lockets and chains
- Spectacle frames
- Small personal accessories
Is rolled gold valuable?
Rolled gold contains a real layer of gold, but the gold content is relatively low compared to solid gold. Value depends on condition, maker and collectability rather than scrap value.
How to identify rolled gold
Typical marks include:
- “Rolled Gold”
- “Gold Filled”
- “1/20 10KT” or similar
Items may also show wear where the gold layer has thinned, revealing the base metal beneath.
Rolled gold, also known as gold-filled, is a material made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal, usually brass. It was widely used in jewellery and small decorative objects from the 19th century through to the mid-20th century.
What does “1/20 10kt Rolled Gold” mean?
This marking indicates that 1/20 of the total weight of the item is 10 karat gold. The gold layer is mechanically bonded to the base metal, making it more durable than simple gold plating.
Rolled gold was commonly used for:
- Pens and pencils
- Jewellery such as lockets and chains
- Spectacle frames
- Small personal accessories
Is rolled gold valuable?
Rolled gold contains a real layer of gold, but the gold content is relatively low compared to solid gold. Value depends on condition, maker and collectability rather than scrap value.
How to identify rolled gold
Typical marks include:
- “Rolled Gold”
- “Gold Filled”
- “1/20 10KT” or similar
Items may also show wear where the gold layer has thinned, revealing the base metal beneath.
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