Gold Filled

Overlaid with at least 5% total gold weight permanently applied by heat and pressure bonding to a metal alloy base. The thickness and higher content of gold on the surface layer, as well as the bonding method, makes it more durable and better suited for longer wear than standard Gold-Plating.
 

Gold Plated

A process whereby a thin molecule of gold layering is applied by electroplating to a metal alloy or other material base. Although the surface coating is not as durable or permanent as Gold-Filled, and has a tendency to wear off in time, it provides an economical alternative to genuine gold and gold-filled beads.
 

Gilt (Goldtone)

Base metal beads plated with artificial metallic gold coloring. Econimcal choice for your lesser expensive craft and jewelry projects.
 

Genuine Gold

24kt = 100% pure gold
18kt = 75% pure gold
14kt = 58% pure gold
10kt = 42% pure gold

 

Vermeil

Sterling silver base metal coated or plated on its surface with gold of at least 10K finess and at least 2.5 microns thick (100/1,000,000 inch). Produced either by fire-gilding or by electro-chemical plating.
 

Metallic & Galvanized (non-metal base)

Galvanized and metallic gold-colored finish over non-metal beads.