I'm still a bit confused on the black but it is gold filled. That means it is real gold mixed with jewelers metal which is usually copper. Gold filled is really much better than plated as it will last forever if taken care of where plated peels off. There is alot more gold in filled. Can't even compare the 2. As far as the black I don't know what they use but I am gonna find out. I wear them and if I do dishes and clean and get my hnds wet ALOT it starts to wear off. But so do all my rings. U do have to keep them out of water or chemicals and not wear them to work out and they will shine up like new every time .