Gold plating is an electrolytic or immersion process that deposits a thin gold layer
onto the surface of the material. Usually plated to provide a corrosion-resistant electrically conductive layer that doesn't tarnish or fade.
Silver Plating is an electrolytic process that deposits a silver layer onto the surface of the material. Typically silver plating is often used as a cheaper replacement for gold plating. Even though silver is more conductive than gold, it will tarnish rather quickly. This is the reason for extra tarnish resistance steps after the coatings have been applied.