This necklace is gold plated rather than real gold. Gold-filled chains can likewise be passed off as solid gold pieces. These chains are formed of non-gold metals, similar to gold-plated objects, but instead of being plated with gold, they are wrapped in a thin film of it, which is adhered to the core metal under high temperatures. The chain may also contain other metals for structural purposes. The only true gold jewelry is solid gold. Gold plating does not hold up to wear and tear like solid gold. If you wear your necklace regularly, consider buying it as gold plated so that it will not lose its shine over time. Solid gold has the purest form of gold and is the most durable of all forms of jewelry making materials. Because it is the hardest material on the planet, solid gold is used to create everything from delicate jewelry pieces to heavy-duty machinery components. While silver is less expensive than gold, it is not considered solid gold because it will not withstand regular use without deteriorating. Silver plates may look nice, but they are usually made of copper or zinc instead. Copper is another common jewelry making material that is cheaper than gold but more durable than silver. Copper objects are known to retain their color and their luster after being exposed to chemicals such as acids or bleach. That's why acid-proof and bleach-proof findings are included in all our copper jewelry items.