Many people mistakenly believe that gold-filled jewelry means that the entire piece is filled with pure gold. In reality, gold-filled jewelry contains a metal alloy base. Through a heating and bonding process, gold is permanently bonded to an alloy base that will not flake or chip. Strict regulations govern the process mandating that gold must make up a minimum 1/20 of the total weight. Although jewelry made from pure gold may seem like a dream come true, gold is too soft for use as jewelry without the addition of metal alloys for strength and durability.