Jewelry Glossary

Abbreviated in jewelry descriptions as g.f.=lower in gold content than 10 KT, usually 1/20 or 1/12 K. In this technique a sheet of gold is applied to the surface of the jewelry. Most gold-filled jewelry is marked with the fineness of the gold layer, and the part by weight of the gold. so a piece marked "1/10 12K G.F." is at least 1/10 12K based on the weight of the finished piece. In the U.S., gold filled pieces must be at least 1/20 by weight to be classified as gold-filled.