Looking for a cost-effective replacement for karat gold findings, but don't want to deal with jewelry components that fade or turn colors? Gold Filled Beads and Findings are definitely the way to go. Don't confuse Gold Filled with Gold Plated because the gold content and manufacturing processes are completely different. Unlike plated items that have an insignificant gold content compared to the total weight, Gold Filled Beads and Findings do not lose their gold color easily because they have a top layer of 14K or 12K Gold that is at least 5% of the total alloy by weight. Aside from solder work, use Gold Filled Beads as you would Solid Gold Spacer Beads and not have to worry about the color fading!