Definitions for "Gold Plated"
A thin layer of electroplated gold on base metal. All gold plated items are not plated with fine gold; some are only plated gold in color. A marking of 14K H.G.E. or 18K H.G.E. (Heavy Gold Electroplate) for example would indicate that some amount of fine gold was actually used.
Jewelry that consists of a base metal with a thin coating of gold; usually produced by electroplating.
A thin layer of at least 10 karat gold electroplated to the surface of base metal or silver. The surface of gold plate will wear off more quickly than that on gold-filled items.
In addition to being a great electrical conductor, gold also will not corrode. This is especially important in car audio, where the components of a car audio system are constantly exposed to humidity. Gold contacts give you more reliable, better sounding connections.