Using mechanical pressure and heat, a layer of real gold is pressed onto a base metal such as brass or silver. The jewelry appears solid gold in color and luster, but is much more affordable. The protective gold layer makes the piece of jewelry more resistant to the natural tarnishing (oxidation with air and skin) of jewelry metals.

Due to the way it is manufactured, gold filled is less sensitive to the normal, gradual erosion (friction) of the top layer. The jewelry stays beautiful longer.