Gold filled head pins are essential, basic jewelry findings for making karat gold jewelry. Gold fill is a thick surface of karat gold fused to a core component made from a less costly metal. The gold content is guaranteed to be at least 1/20 of the total weight of the component, and the gold layer is many times thicker than a plating. This means the gold overlay will not easily flake, chip, or rub off. Nevertheless, use care when buffing gold-filled items, to avoid wearing down the gold layer.