What is 14K Gold - Gold Filled - Gold Plate?

What Is "14 Karat" Gold?
Like fine silver, fine gold is alloyed with other metals to improve strength and durability. The amount of fine gold used is traditionally measured in karats. "Pure gold" is represented as 24 karat. In its pure state, however, gold is quite soft and is rarely used for jewelry. The most common gold alloys used in the United States are 14 karat and 18 karat. 14 karat gold consists of 58.3 percent fine gold. 18 karat gold consists of 75 percent fine gold.

What Is Gold Filled Jewelry?
Gold filled jewelry is made up of gold tubing, which is then filled with brass. This gives the item the look and feel of gold jewelry, at a much more affordable price. Gold filled jewelry has about 100 times more gold than gold-plated jewelry, so the gold surface will never flake, peel, or wear off. 14/20 gold fill means that the gold tubing consists of 14 karat gold, and that the tubing makes up 5 percent (1/20) of the total metal weight.

What Is Gold Plated Jewelry
Unless otherwise noted, gold plated items consist of sterling silver with 14 karat gold plating. "Fashion jewelry" does not contain precious metal, except for the plating. Gold plated fashion jewelry consists of base metal plated with 14 karat gold.