Gold-fill and gold plating are both methods of adding a layer of gold to a base metal, but they differ in the ways they are bonded as well as durability. Gold-fill, also known as gold-filled or rolled gold, is made by bonding a layer of solid gold to a base metal using heat and pressure. The gold layer must be at least 5% of the total weight of the item, and is typically 12k or 14k gold. Gold-fill jewelry can last for decades or even a lifetime with proper care. Gold plating, on the other hand, involves using an electrochemical process to coat a base metal with a thin layer of gold. Quality of gold plating is dependent on the thickness of the plating. Overall, gold-fill is a more durable and long-lasting option than gold plating, but it is also more expensive. Gold plating is a more affordable option and offers a far wider range of designs!