Real talk for anyone who wants something real, without the sting of fine-jewellery prices.
When you’re shopping for gold jewellery, it can feel like you need a chemistry degree just to understand what you’re buying. Plated, vermeil, gold filled, 9K, 14K… and now, 6K Gold.
So let’s cut through the noise and break it down simply — because you deserve clarity, not confusion.
Today we’re comparing two very different categories: 6K Gold and Gold Filled.
What Is Gold Filled?
Gold filled jewellery isn’t actually filled with gold.
It’s a base metal core (usually brass), wrapped in a thick layer of gold that’s bonded to the outside.
It’s more durable than regular gold plating, and it’s a great budget-friendly option — but the truth is:
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The gold is only on the outside
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It can wear down over time
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Once the gold layer thins, you’ll eventually see the base metal beneath
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It can’t be polished like solid gold, because polishing removes the already-thin gold layer
Gold filled is perfect if you’re after something affordable but don’t expect it to last forever. It’s still considered non-solid gold jewellery.
What Is 6K Gold?
6K Gold is real solid gold, just made more accessible.
Quarter Carat’s proprietary 6K Gold alloy is:
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25% genuine gold
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Blended with high-quality strengthening metals
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Created as a modern alternative to 9K gold
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Never plated, never filled, and never pretends to be something it’s not
Because it’s solid, the colour runs all the way through.
It won’t flake.
It won’t fade.
And you can wear it every day without worrying about the gold layer wearing off — because there is no layer.
It's real gold jewellery, simply reimagined for real budgets.
Durability: Which Lasts Longer?
If you want a piece that goes the distance:
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6K Gold:
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Lasts a lifetime
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Can be polished, resized, repaired
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Stays gold through and through
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Gold Filled:
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Lasts longer than plated, but still temporary
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Gold layer eventually thins
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Not suitable for heavy polishing or long-term wear
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Winner: 6K Gold.
Water, Sweat + Daily Wear
Life happens. Showers, workouts, sunscreen… you name it.
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6K Gold: handles all of it.
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Gold Filled: better than plated, but still vulnerable to wear and tarnish over time.
Price: Where Do They Sit?
6K Gold sits between fashion jewellery and fine jewellery.
Gold filled sits firmly in fashion jewellery.
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6K Gold:
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More affordable than 9K
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More durable than any plated or filled option
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A long-term piece
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Gold Filled:
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Lowest cost
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Shortest lifespan
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Best for trend pieces, not timeless ones
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The Real Question: What Do You Want?
If you want something that’s real but still within reach, 6K Gold is the sweet spot.
It’s jewellery you can wear every day, without the “will this tarnish?” anxiety.
It’s an investment, just not an intimidating one.
If you just want something cute for a season and price is your main priority, gold filled can still be a great choice.
But if you’re choosing based on what will give you the best value, longevity and wearability, buy Quarter Carat 6K Gold.
Why We Created Quarter Carat
Because traditional gold purity options were leaving people with just two choices:
Spend big or settle for plated.
We wanted something in the middle.
Real gold. Real durability. Real accessibility.
That’s 6K Gold.
Solid. Strong. Beautiful.
And made for how people actually live.
If you want jewellery that feels like fine jewellery without the fine-jewellery price tag, explore our 6K Gold range at Quarter Carat — the modern middle ground between “fake” and “too expensive.”