Ear Wires, Pinch Style, 24mm, 21 gauge, 18K White Gold Plated over Copper, 10 PCS

A copper-coated ear wire with 14 karat gold is made by taking a copper ear wire and applying a thin layer of gold to its surface through a process called electroplating. The finding itself is made of copper or a copper alloy, providing a strong and durable foundation. 

The copper finding is then submerged in a solution containing gold ions. An electric current is passed through the solution, causing the gold ions to adhere to the surface of the copper, forming a thin layer of gold. The gold layer is gold, and other metals like copper, silver, zinc, or nickel, which are added to increase the gold's durability and workability.  The 14 Karat layer of gold is 58.3% pure gold, and 18 Karat is 75% pure gold.  Essentially, this process creates a gold-plated finding where the copper provides the structural integrity, and the gold plating offers the desired appearance and resistance to tarnishing.