You can think of silver-filled the same way. It is either a 5% or 10% layer of durable sterling silver bonded to (filled with) a copper-alloy or brass-alloy center. Depending on the manufacturer, they may mark it as 95/5, 90/10, .925/10, .925/5, 1/10th or 1/20th. It is definitely not the same thing as silver-plated, which is a very thin layer of silver laid on top of a copper-alloy core. Some are mislead to think that Silver is the same as silver plated it is not. You can ask any jewelry or google it. Continue to read and you will find that actually it does make a lot of sense. With the ever increasing price of precious metals, most notably gold and silver, many artisans are turning to other metals in order to keep their jewelry affordable for their customers. One product that has been receiving a lot of attention is silver-filled wire and findings. Just exactly what is it, and how does it compare to sterling silver? For comparison, think of the gold-filled jewelry that we have all been buying for years. When solid gold is out of our price range, gold-filled is a more than acceptable substitute. The same as Silver filled. Hope I have been helpful. Have a great day.