As an affordable alternative to gold, I most often select gold-filled findings and chains for jewelry I make. I am often asked the difference between the various options. Hopefully this helps to answer those questions.
Gold vermeil and gold-filled jewelry offer affordable alternatives to solid gold. Gold vermeil consists of a thick layer of gold (at least 2.5 microns) over sterling silver, providing a luxurious look at a lower price. It’s hypoallergenic and long-lasting, but the gold layer may wear off over time. Gold-filled jewelry, on the other hand, features a thicker layer of gold (at least 5% by weight) bonded to a base metal like brass. It's more durable than vermeil and resistant to tarnishing, but it’s less valuable than solid gold. Both options give the appearance of gold without the high cost, but care is needed to maintain their shine and prevent fading.