what is the difference between gold plate and fill?

here so you know which earrings will turn your ears green in the shower!!

Gold plating and gold fill are two distinct methods of applying gold to a base metal.

1. Gold Plating

• Definition: A very thin layer of gold is applied to the surface of a base metal (like brass or stainless steel) using an electroplating process.

• Gold Content: The layer of gold is extremely thin, usually less than 0.5 microns.

• Durability: Gold plating is prone to wear and tarnishing over time, as the thin gold layer can easily rub off with regular use.

2. Gold Fill

• Definition: A thicker layer of gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal (often brass) through heat and pressure.

• Gold Content: By law, gold-filled items in the U.S. must contain at least 5% gold by weight. The gold layer is typically much thicker than in gold plating, usually around 100 times thicker.

• Durability: Much more durable and resistant to wear compared to gold plating. With proper care, gold-filled items can last decades without tarnishing or losing their gold layer.