What does 14 carat gold filled mean?

14 carat gold filled refers to a type of jewelry that contains a layer of 14 karat gold bonded to a base metal, typically brass. This process involves heat and pressure to create a durable, long-lasting finish that is more substantial than gold plating. Gold filled items must contain at least 1/20th (5%) of their total weight in gold, making them more valuable and resistant to tarnishing compared to gold-plated items. It offers an affordable alternative to solid gold, providing a similar appearance and quality.