Hi everyone, I have two questions regarding two different metals. First, I'd like to be able to start selling gold plated stainless steel jewelry, although I would like for it to last as long as possible. Is it possible to have gold plating thick enough to last an average jewelry piece's lifetime without fading, or would I have to go with gold filled in this case? How long would something like 5 microns last?

Second, what type of stainless steel should I be looking at for unplated pieces that I would like to last through everyday use (which would include some contact with water) without tarnishing or rusting? Would nickel free 316L stainless steel have any problem lasting through years of this type of use? I might be a bit unrealistic in my expectations, but I'd basically like to know how good the quality can get with fashion jewelry of this kind.