About 14K GF

The Story Behind the Metal: What is 14K Gold Filled?

Studio Notes – Daniela Bordeanu
For over two decades, in the Ichiban atelier, I have chosen to work with materials that respect both my craft and my clients' investment. One of the most fascinating and, paradoxically, misunderstood materials is 14K Gold Filled.

More than a plating, a fusion.
Unlike standard gold plating, where a microscopic layer of gold is "flashed" onto a base metal, Gold Filled is the result of a high-temperature mechanical fusion. Imagine a solid layer of 14K gold that encapsulates a noble brass core. This layer is up to 100 times thicker than any plating, providing the jewelry with the brilliance and durability of solid gold, but at a price that allows for spectacular and voluminous designs.

Why is our approach to weight different?
It is a matter of ethics and technical rigor. In the Ichiban atelier, our raw material—even Solid Gold in the form of fine wire—is purchased by linear dimension (inches), not by weight, reflecting its nature as a structural material for art.
However, for pieces crafted entirely from Solid Gold, we have chosen to display an approximate weight on our website, calculated by weighing the piece after its completion. This value is offered as a benchmark of transparency for your investment in precious metal. In contrast, for the Gold Filled collection, we choose not to display the weight, as it would include the base metal core, potentially misleading the customer regarding the actual amount of gold. At Ichiban, you value jewelry "built" wire by wire, where the value lies in the certified purity of the materials and the mastery of 20 years of experience.

Authenticity under 1 mm.
Many of my creations are made from extremely fine wires, under 1 mm in thickness. Consumer protection legislation (ANPC) allows these delicate pieces to remain without a physical hallmark, as a hammer strike would destroy their structure. Nonetheless, their warranty is complete: they circulate based on official reports and analysis acts from authorized suppliers, and I certify their quality through the Certificate of Authenticity that accompanies every Ichiban box.

Jewelry that communicates with your body.
14K Gold is, by nature, hypoallergenic. However, jewelry is a living object that reacts with your skin's PH. I have encountered situations where internal changes in the body (stress, medication, or liver conditions) caused the metal to take on a dull tint. This is not a defect of the gold, but a natural chemical reaction. A simple cleaning with water and neutral soap restores the piece's brilliance, just as it does with wedding bands worn daily.

Smart Luxury.
Choosing Gold Filled means wearing genuine gold that won't "fade" after the first wear. It is a material created to last for years, offering that warm elegance of 14K gold to those who value designer craftsmanship and durability, without compromising on quality.

Daniela Bordeanu
Designer & Jewelry Artisan