Gold Overlay is a multi-layered plating process created by layers of Gold deposit, using different Karats of Gold and other elements. With a Recycled Jewelers Brass core, this process then uses Copper as a primer base to cover imperfections and bring out the shine. A layer of pure 24k Gold seals the base metal, then a thickest layer of 18k Gold, and then lastly a third layer of 22k gold ( which has a rich gold shade this jewelry is known for). At the end of the process, the equivalent amount of gold deposited into the layers is 5% or more of the total weight of the piece, making it comparable to Gold-Filled. Our Gold Overlay 100% recyclable and our Gold is sourced exclusively from ethical sources. Free of Lead, Nickel, and Cadmium. This process yields demi-fine jewelry with long-lasting lifespan durability, given proper care and wear. Suggested Wear: to prolong the luster of your Gold-Layered jewelry be careful of hard water exposure, chemicals in shampoos, ocean salt water, chlorine in pools, heavy metals from sweat. 18K GL jewelry should last you years, but we do suggest maintaining attentive care practices.