The question of superiority between gold filled and gold plated jewelry centers on their construction and longevity. Gold plated items possess a thin layer of gold deposited onto a base metal, often brass or nickel. The process of electroplating achieves this coating. Gold filled items, conversely, involve bonding a substantial layer of gold alloy to a base metal core, using heat and pressure. This results in a much thicker layer of gold compared to plating.
The significance of this difference lies in durability and value. Gold filled items, due to their thicker gold layer, exhibit greater resistance to tarnish and wear. This increased resilience translates to a longer lifespan for the jewelry. Historically, gold filled jewelry offered a more accessible option than solid gold, retaining a significant portion of its aesthetic and material value over time, unlike gold plated counterparts, which are prone to faster degradation.