Gold-plated jewelry components are quite common, inexpensive, and have a very thin coating of gold that has been electroplated to the base metal.
Gold filled items contain a mechanically bonded layer of gold, at least 1/20th the weight of the entire piece, and is hundreds of times thicker than a gold-plated coating. It has the look of solid gold and does not flake, rub off or tarnish, making it a great and affordable alternative.