14K gold fill is the next best thing to solid karat gold.

In the U.S., gold fill is regulated by the FTC. By law, 14K gold fill must contain 5% pure karat gold by weight.

The gold fill process mechanically pressure-bonds solid karat gold to a core of silver or fine brass. Due to this fusion, gold fill gives you the weight and luster of solid karat gold at 1/5 the cost. It is also extremely durable.

Gold-filled metal comes available to jewelers in three forms: sheet, wire and tubing (see diagram for proportions).
14K gold fill schematic