How is Gold-Filled different from Gold-Plated or Gold-Dipped?

Gold-Filled jewelry has a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal using heat and pressure. This process creates a durable, long-lasting finish where the gold layer must make up at least 5% of the total weight.

Gold-Plated jewelry, on the other hand, has a very thin layer of gold applied through electroplating, where a base metal is coated with gold. The gold layer in gold-plated items is much thinner and can wear off more quickly.

Gold-Dipped jewelry, often used interchangeably with gold-plated, generally refers to the process where items are dipped into a gold solution to achieve a thin layer of gold. However, the term "gold-dipped" can sometimes imply an even thinner layer than gold-plated.

Both Gold-Plated and Gold-Dipped type can wear off relatively quickly with frequent use, making them less durable compared to Gold-Filled or Solid-Gold jewelry.