Frequently asked questions
Gold Filled Education
Q: What is gold filled jewelry?
Gold filled means a real layer of gold, mechanically bonded to a base metal core under heat and pressure. Not a dip, not a coating. Bonded.
Under U.S. manufacturing standards, gold filled uses at least 10kt gold with the gold layer making up at least 1/20 of the piece's total metal weight. Anything less isn't gold filled, it's marketing.
Standing O works primarily in 12kt and 14kt gold filled, real gold at the surface without the price tag of solid gold. A few pieces use solid gold in stone settings, and those are called out on the individual product page.
What's the difference between 12kt, 14kt and 18kt gold filled?
The karat number tells you the purity of the gold alloy in the outer layer. Higher karat gold generally has a richer, more yellow tone.
Standing O sticks primarily to 12kt and 14kt. Karat isn't the whole story, though. Construction and how much gold is actually used matter just as much, which is why we source from established suppliers and list exact materials on every product page.
Does gold filled jewelry need to be stamped or marked?
No. A stamp can be helpful, but its absence doesn't mean a piece isn't genuine gold filled.
We don't stamp every Standing O piece. Many designs mix gold filled with pearls, beads, gemstones or other materials, and adding a blanket “14K GF” tag could be misleading rather than helpful. Check the materials listed on the individual product page instead.
Does gold filled jewelry tarnish?
Far less readily than standard plated jewelry, but nothing is completely immune. Sweat, chlorine, salt water, perfume and lotions can all take a toll eventually.
A little care goes a long way. Gold filled is built to hold up much better than standard plating.
Can I shower, swim or work out in gold filled jewelry?
You can, but we wouldn't make a habit of it.
Chlorine, salt water and sweat add up over time. Take it off before the pool, shower or gym and you'll give it the best chance of looking good for years.
Does gold filled jewelry last?
Yes, when it's cared for properly.
How long depends on how often you wear it, your skin chemistry and what it's exposed to, so we won't promise a fixed number of years. What we can say is that it's made to hold up far past a passing trend.
Can gold filled jewelry be worn every day?
That's what it's made for.
Wear it often. Just give it a break before the pool, shower or gym if you want to get the longest life out of it.
Is gold filled jewelry worth it?
If you want real gold at the surface without a solid gold price tag, yes.
Not all “gold filled” is made the same way, so it's worth checking construction and materials rather than relying on the label alone. Ours is 12kt and 14kt, sourced for the long haul.
Is gold filled jewelry good for sensitive skin? Is it hypoallergenic?
Usually, yes. Gold filled is often well tolerated because your skin is primarily in contact with real gold rather than the base metal underneath.
That said, skin sensitivities vary, and we won't call anything universally hypoallergenic. Known allergy or particularly sensitive skin? Check the materials on the individual product page or ask us first.
How do I care for gold filled jewelry?
Mild soap, warm water, a gentle rinse, then dry it fully before storing.
Skip harsh cleaners and unnecessary scrubbing. And when in doubt, take it off before the pool, shower or gym.
Gold plated vs. heavy gold plated vs. vermeil vs. gold filled vs. solid gold: what's the difference?
Gold plated vs. heavy gold plated vs. vermeil vs. gold filled vs. solid gold: what's the difference?
| Gold Plated | Heavy Gold Plated | Gold Vermeil | Gold Filled | Solid Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold layer | Under 0.5 microns | At least 2.5 microns | At least 2.5 microns | At least 5 microns | Solid all the way through |
| Base metal | Brass or base metal | Brass or base metal | Sterling silver | Brass or base metal | None |
| Typical lifespan | Months | 1 to 3 years | 1 to 2 years | Years, with basic care | Lifetime |
| Price point | Lowest | Low to mid | Mid | Mid | Highest |
Materials & Craftsmanship
What materials does Standing O use?
Standing O works with 12kt and 14kt gold filled, freshwater and baroque pearls, genuine gemstones, African trade beads, ceramic and glass beads, brass, leather, paracord and the occasional heavy gold plated piece.
Every design lists exactly what it's made from on the individual product page.
Are Standing O pieces handmade?
Every single one, by founder Sofija Obradovic, in a small studio in Toronto's Ossington neighbourhood.
No factory, no assembly line.
What pearls does Standing O use?
Freshwater and baroque pearls, the kind with real shape and character, not the perfectly round, perfectly uniform kind.
They show up in classic pieces and get paired unexpectedly with colour, gemstones and beads in the more playful ones. Pearls are one of the materials that connect both sides of the Standing O collection.
What are African trade beads?
African trade beads have centuries of history tied to trade across the continent and are loved for their colour, texture and character.
Some of the beads used by Standing O come from Ghana and are hand-formed from recycled glass using techniques passed down through generations. Their differences are part of what makes them interesting, no two beads look exactly alike.
Does Standing O make colourful or beaded jewelry?
Yes, and it's not a side project.
Standing O's beaded and gemstone pieces get the same handmade attention as the gold filled collection, using genuine gemstones, freshwater and baroque pearls, African trade beads and other materials, often mixed with 12kt or 14kt gold filled findings.
Colour isn't a lower tier here. It's just another way to wear quality.
What gemstones does Standing O use?
It depends on the design. Standing O works with gemstones and stones including garnet, topaz, carnelian, smoky quartz, jade, chalcedony, amethyst, citrine and lapis lazuli.
Natural stone means natural variation, so no two pieces are perfectly identical. Exact materials are listed on each product page.
Orders, Sizing & Shipping
Can I get a custom size?
Often, yes.
Most necklaces, chains and bracelets can be custom sized. A few designs, including certain hoops, can't be resized. Reach out before ordering if you need something specific.
How long does it take for my order to ship?
Every piece is made to order in Toronto, so production normally takes about 3 to 5 business days before it ships.
Need it faster? Email standingodesigns@gmail.com and we'll do what we can.
Will I be charged customs or duties?
For U.S. orders, all fees are included at checkout, so there shouldn't be anything extra waiting for you on arrival.
For other international orders, duties, taxes and customs fees may apply and are the customer's responsibility.
What is Standing O's return policy?
Eligible items can be returned within 21 days of delivery, minus the applicable production fee. Reach out within 3 days of delivery to start a return.
Pieces must be unworn and returned in their original condition and packaging. Earrings, custom pieces, sale items and applicable sized pieces are final sale.
About Standing O
What is Standing O?
Standing O is an independent handmade jewelry brand from Toronto, founded by designer Sofija Obradovic.
Gold filled, pearls, genuine gemstones, colourful mixed-material pieces, from quiet everyday designs to full statement jewelry. It's built on one idea: you don't have to pick a lane.
Is Standing O a Canadian jewelry brand?
Yes, through and through.
Standing O was founded in Toronto, and every piece is designed and handmade in a private studio in the city's Ossington neighbourhood before being shipped to customers across Canada and internationally.
What makes Standing O different?
We don't believe in one version of yourself.
The same collection can hold a quiet gold chain, baroque pearls and a loud gemstone necklace because they're all for the same woman, just on different days. Polished one day, colourful the next. Minimal sometimes, maximal when the mood calls for it.
What ties it together is quality. Pieces made to be worn again and again, not treated like disposable fashion. Everything is made to order, never mass-produced.
Why is it called Standing O?
Partly Sofija's initials, S.O., and partly a family thing.
The women in her family have names beginning with S, a tradition her mother started because she believed it brought good luck. When Sofija started the brand, her mother told her to keep the S.
Standing O also describes what the jewelry was created for: not something worn once and forgotten, but pieces you keep reaching for again and again.
Is Standing O available in stores?
Not anymore.
Standing O was previously carried by several Toronto retailers and at one point in Papyrus locations. We eventually moved to a direct-to-consumer model so we could keep more control over pricing, assortment and the customer experience.
These days, it's shopstandingo.com and our Etsy shop.
Has Standing O been featured in the press?
Yes. Standing O has been featured in ELLE Canada, ELLE Russia, The Kit, CTV's The Social, The Marilyn Denis Show, Canadian Living and Avantages, part of the Marie Claire Group in France.
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