THE SHORT ANSWER
Solid and hollow describe geometry; karat describes the alloy
A hollow 14-karat chain can have genuine 14-karat gold-alloy walls around an intentional void. A solid 14-karat chain is not hollow, but it is still an alloy rather than pure 24-karat gold. The practical differences are metal mass, dent resistance, repair options and the evidence required before estimating recoverable gold.
TRADEOFF TABLE
Same visual volume does not mean the same gold mass
FILLED IS NOT GOLD FILLED
Interior filler and a gold-filled surface are different concepts
A hollow article may contain resin, wax, cement or another substance for support. UK hallmark guidance requires eligible filled hollow articles to be marked “FILLED” before hallmarking and controls where filling is permitted. By contrast, “gold filled” in U.S. FTC terminology describes a mechanically applied gold-alloy layer over another metal.
Write the words in full in an inventory. Abbreviating both as “filled” can turn a geometry observation into the wrong material claim.
MEASUREMENT LIMITS
Weigh the item, then remove assumptions from the weight
Gross mass may include stones, clasps, steel springs, solder, enamel, filler and replaced components. A karat mark may apply to a principal metal part without making every component identical. Record scale resolution and all included material, then ask a qualified buyer or appraiser which mass is eligible.
The gold jewelry value calculator is appropriate only after you have a defensible eligible gold-alloy weight and fineness. It cannot discover hollow space or filler.
OFFICIAL SOURCES AND SCOPE
Construction words only work inside a defined jurisdiction
- The U.S. FTC consumer guide to platinum, gold and silver jewelry explains karat marks, solid and hollow construction, mechanical overlays, electroplate, vermeil, wash and the responsible company's mark. It was published in November 2024.
- The GOV.UK hallmark summary and practical guidance notes define the UK's complete hallmark, weight exemptions and special treatment of mixed, plated and filled articles.
Sources reviewed July 31, 2026. Rules, terminology, exemptions and recognized marks vary by country and date. Verify the law and official assay-office guidance for the market where an item is described or sold.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions that change the answer
Is hollow gold fake gold?
No. A hollow item can be made from a genuine gold alloy while containing an intentional interior void. Hollow describes geometry, not automatically plating or counterfeit construction.
Why can two same-size chains have different weights?
Wall thickness, link geometry, alloy, clasps, solder, internal voids and filler can all change mass. Visual size is not a gold-weight measurement.
Can hollow gold jewelry be repaired?
Sometimes, but thin walls, dents, heat, solder and access can make repair difficult or uneconomic. A qualified jeweler needs to inspect the exact item.
Does solid gold mean 24K?
No. In the U.S. FTC consumer explanation, solid refers to the item not being hollow. A separate karat or fineness mark describes the alloy's gold content.