If you are looking for some costume jewelry, are you better off with gold-filled jewelry or gold plated jewelry?

Well, here are some things to consider. Gold-plate is created using  an electro-chemical processes. Gold filled jewelry is created by a bonding process using heat and pressure. It will bond a thin layer of gold to a core made of brass. Gold plate wears off fairly quickly, whereas gold filled is the way to go if you plan on wearing the jewelry often.

And what about vermeil? This is a specific thickness of gold plated over any sterling silver jewelry or any other silver item. Would you like my opinion? Save your pennies and get yourself an actual 14K or 18K gold pendant, brooch or charm. As time goes by, you will be glad you have the real thing!