Silver and gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is bonded onto a base metal. Base metals that can be plated are brass, copper, stainless steel, and titanium. Silver and gold plating gives the beauty of silver and gold but at cheaper price. The chains I use is made from solid, naturally hypo-allergenic brass which is electro-plated in nickel free gold and silver. The findings used are brass plated in a nickel free gold and silver.
When buying your chains and findings, it's best to know what material you want to use so you won't waste money. I do plan on using gold filed, stainless steel and sterling silver later in my jewelry making but right now silver and gold plating is my go to.