We have sold this Thai Classic designed jewelry in many venues for many years directly from Bangkok Thailand. With the world's most amazing products just a mouse click away we're aware of the need to offer true uniqueness along with excellent quality as we build our customer base. The products Bangkok Bazaar sells here on Amazon do not originate from the streets of Bangkok. They are created in small quantities by Thai people often in their homes. We buy the raw product made of brass and perform the gold plating as an extra part of the business... The part we have total control over. This is an important feature of our product because the durability of the gold plating is of the utmost importance. The Gold Plating is either 24K or 18K gold depending on the jewelry. Real gold is used. It's not a paint or powder or some tricky new technique designed to mislead but rather the old tried and proven technique of gold plating. The thickness is measured in micron and is made to be very durable and easy to clean. All of the beautiful yellow gold luster of the item can be completely renewed by washing it in water and any liquid dish soap. We truly hope you see the beauty in our jewelry and will enjoy wearing it knowing that it came to you from such a far-away land... Where people still make things by hand and at a reasonable price.