Gold is the most malleable of metals and yellow in its natural state. When mixed with other alloys it takes on other hues. 12k g.f. indicates 12 karat gold, or 12 parts gold to 12 parts other metals, or 50% pure gold. 14k indicates 14 karat gold, or 14 parts gold to 10 parts other metals, or 58.33% pure gold. 18k indicates 18 karat gold, or by weight 18 parts gold to 6 parts other metals or 75% pure gold. 22k indicates 22 karat gold, or by weight 22 parts gold to 2 parts other metals, or 91.66% pure gold. 24k is 100% pure gold. G.F. stands for "gold filled" which is somewhat confusing as it does not mean an item is filled with gold but rather it means there is a thin layer of real gold on top (and usually on the bottom) of a base metal. Gold filled is generally thicker gold than what is called "gold plated." which is usually done by a process called electroplating.

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