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Au; atomic number 79 on the Periodic Table of Elements. This transitional metal is the most dense and most malleable of the precious metals. Used by mankind for over 6000 years, it remains a most treasured metal.

"Karat gold"  Solid gold; the percentage of gold is expressed in karats.   Pure gold ("fine gold") is designated as 24 karat. Because of its softness, it is usually alloyed with other metals. 18k gold is 75% gold (18/24ths gold); 14k is 58.33% gold, etc. In the United States, alloys must be at least 10k to be labeled and sold as "gold". 24k gold is deep yellow; different colors of gold can be made by varying the other types of metal in the alloy.

"Gold filled"   Also called "rolled gold" and "gold overlay"; a very thick layer of gold over a non-precious metal, usually jeweler's brass. A typical designation is "14/20 GF"; meaning that a layer of 14k gold constitutes 1/20th of the weight of the material. For gold filled wire, a tube of karat gold overlies a core of base metal. From an aesthetic standpoint, 14/20 GF looks identical to 14k gold and is lighter in weight. Because of the thickness of the karat gold layer, gold filled jewelry can be expected to last more than a lifetime.

"Gold plated"   is brass that has been electroplated with an extremely thin layer of gold, as thin as a few microns (a micron is one one-millionth of a meter). The karat value of the plating can vary. Gold plated jewelry is is not as durable since the thin gold coating is more prone to wear.

"Vermeil"   (pronounced "vur-MEEL" or "vur-MAY") is sterling silver electroplated with karat gold.

The picture is of 14/20 gold filled wire and chain.