Gold filled metal is made by permanently heat-bonding a layer of 10 karat Gold to an alloy/base metal core. The only thing that comes in contact with your skin is 10 karat Gold. Gold filled has 100 times the amount of 10 karat Gold as plating. It is strong, durable, and resistant to tarnish. It will not flake off. In order to carry the label "Gold Filled", it must be at least 1/20th (by weight) 10 karat gold. The result is a metal that looks and wears like 10 karat gold but is much more affordable.
