What is the difference between gold-plated and solid gold?

Gold-plated and solid gold are two distinct types of jewelry. Solid gold refers to jewelry that is made entirely from gold and contains no other metals. It is considered more valuable and is usually marked with a karat weight, such as 14K or 18K, indicating the amount of gold present. Solid gold is durable, does not tarnish, and retains its value over time. On the other hand, gold-plated jewelry is made from a base metal (such as brass or sterling silver) and coated with a layer of gold through a process called electroplating. The gold layer may be thin, typically between 0.5 to 2.5 microns. Gold-plated jewelry is more affordable and offers the look of real gold at a fraction of the cost. However, the gold plating may wear off over time, revealing the base metal underneath. In summary, while solid gold is made entirely of gold and has a higher value and durability, gold-plated jewelry has a base metal core with a thin layer of gold coating and is a more affordable option.