gold filled NOT PLATED! gold filled are NOT 100% gold it is mixed with a % of ALLOY so its SOLID ! not plated ! so it wont fade chip or peal or flake ! real is 100% gold -gold filled is 76% real gold and 24 % alloy which makes it more affordable for jewelers to compete as the alloy is notorious for high shine = it makes the jewelry appear even shinier than real 100% gold -even 100% gets darkened and spotty over the years if not properly cleaned -allow is spot resistant and wont tarnish;-)