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What is galvanic plating?
Galvanic plating also called electroplating or galvanization, means coating some base metals with other metals. In our case, it is coating silver with gold, rhodium and platinum. This process is mainly intended to protect the silver items against blackening, but also to add them decorative values. Silver is a noble metal that turns black when it comes into contact with air contaminated with sulfur compounds. Silver jewelry also changes color through direct contact with our skin. This process is a consequence of the body’s defense against contamination with sulfur dioxide present in the inhaled air by its elimination with sweat. As a result, silver elements lose their shine, and the layer of silver sulphide formed on their surface grows over time, creating an undesirable dark coating in shades of yellow, brown and finally black. So that sterling silver findings or custom jewellery made of them do not lose their natural beauty, it is worth using one of the galvanic coatings that will protect the silver from blackening, tarnishing, and also give it additional decorative values. Depending on the quality of the electroplating process, method and storage conditions, the coatings may last from several months to several years. In our machinery park, we use several types of metal plating baths, during which we apply five color variants:
- yellow gold plating with 24-carat gold,
- light yellow plating with 18-carat gold,
- rose gold plating with 18-carat gold,
- white rhodium plating,
- platinum plating.
Below, we describe what these processes are, how they differ and what their advantages are.
What is gold plating?
The most popular electroplating method is gold plating, which has been known since ancient times. It consists in covering the silver with gold layers. Gold is a hard and oxidation-resistant metal, therefore it is used for hardening and refining other metals, most often silver. The applied layer of gold blocks the contact of base metal with sulfur dioxide present in the polluted air, thus preventing its blackening. In addition to the anti-tarnishing and blackening effect, gold plated jewelry has warmer shades, visually resembling solid gold.
As a manufacturer of silver and gold findings as well as silver jewellery wholesaler with many years of experience, we focus on the highest quality and satisfaction of our customers, which is why we use 24k gold plating. 24 carats represent a fineness of 999, which is its purest form, containing 99.9% of gold. 0.1% is left as security for eventual impurities, assuming that in any technological process it is not possible to obtain 100% of metal purity. Plating with 24-carat gold change the color of silver to yellow. This shade is visually the closest to pure gold items, namely it is characterized by a warm yellow with a visible gloss.
As an alternative, we also offer gold coating in other shades, overlaying the silver with 18 carat gold. 18 carats correspond to a fineness of 750, which means that gold alloy has 75% of this pure metal. We use 18k gold plating to dye silver in light yellow and pink gold, also known as rose gold. The color of the coatings depends on the solution used in the galvanic baths.
As an alternative, we also offer gold coating in other shades, overlaying the silver with 18 carat gold. 18 carats correspond to a fineness of 750, which means that gold alloy has 75% of this pure metal. We use 18k gold plating to dye silver in light yellow and pink gold, also known as rose gold. The color of the coatings depends on the solution used in the galvanic baths. All of the above methods of plating jewelry with gold consist in covering the base metal with two layers: a base and a final layer, which makes the coating even more durable. The gold layer we apply is 0.4 μm (micrometers) in all cases of gold plating. It is the optimal solution between quality and cost. However, after product verification and with a minimum of 100 grams from one model, we also apply 0.8 and 1.2 μm gold layers. If you are interested in other parameters, please contact us, and we will try to adapt the service to your individual needs. If you decide to apply electroplating coatings on ordered components, all you need to do is send:
- unit weight of the product,
- total weight of the product,
- type of coating,
to the e-mail address shown under the article, and we will send you an individual quote and the approximate time of execution.
Regardless of which option you choose, remember that gold plated jewelry is an excellent alternative to much more expensive products made of solid gold. By covering the silver item with a gold layer, you will get a cheaper product that looks as elegant as gold jewelry. Gold plated components harmonize phenomenally with crystals, pearls and natural stones. Below we present a few examples of gold plated and rose gold plated earrings, pendants, necklaces and rings.
How long does plating last on jewelry?
The quality of electroplated coatings may vary. It depends on many factors, but most of all it is the thickness of the applied gold layer and the purity of this precious metal. The purer the gold, which has a higher carat number, the better the quality of the products. It is worth bearing in mind that the quality goes hand in hand with the cost, which also depends on the above factors, and additionally on the market price of gold, which is subject to dynamic changes. In addition to the quantity and quality of gold used in electroplating baths, the storage, care and ways of using both gold plated pieces and finished jewellery are also of great importance.
When ordering gold plated silver blanks from us, make sure that all products are stored in separate string bags, reducing the rubbing of one surface against another. Finished gold plated jewelry, as well as silver jewellery without galvanic coating, should be taken off before starting various types of physical work. Also, avoid contact with chemicals such as washing-up liquid, washing powder or other cleaning agents. It is also worth removing jewellery before bathing and sleeping.
When putting your jewelry aside, it is worth removing any dirt and make sure that its surface will not be exposed to mechanical damage. A jewelry box, a soft fabric or a string bag will be a safe place. The way you wear jewellery is also important, namely to make the galvanic coating durable, it is worth avoiding wearing accessories in arrangements where their surface will rub against each other. An example of this is several gold plated rings worn on one finger, or several gold plated bracelets worn on the same wrist, which will constantly rub against each other, accelerating the abrasion of the outer thin layer. It is comforting, however, that it is possible to refresh the gold plated pieces by re-covering them with a gold plate.
What is vermeil gold?
We often got asked whether we sell gold vermeil. However the term “vermeil” is legally regulated in the US, it has different requirements in different countries. Firstly, gold vermeil jewelry is not jewelry made of gold as many jewelers and jewelry brands suggest. Gold vermeil meaning is, or should we say should be: sterling silver plated with gold layer at least 2.5 microns thick. While it may seem similar to gold plated jewellery, vermeil has a much thicker layer of gold. Even though it usually looks like gold and can be relatively valuable, it’s quality is far from solid gold. So, we suggest to keep these tips in mind when selling or buying gold jewellery to avoid convincing your customers or getting something not worth its price.
As mentioned above, the standard thickness of the gold layer in our warehouse is 0.4 μm, but after verification of selected products, it is also possible to cover with gold plate with a thickness of 0.8 and 1.2 μm.
What is white rhodium plating?
Rhodium plating jewelry, like gold plating, is also an electroplating process, but in this case the metal is covered with rhodium plate, instead of gold. Rhodium is a noble metal, much harder than silver and resistant to sulfides, therefore it is often used to plate silver items, which are susceptible to corrosion and blacken under their influence. Rhodium has a metallic shade similar to silver and a very high light reflectance, thanks to which it gives the accessories an attractive glow. Galvanic bath with the use of rhodium, slightly darkens the color of silver, adding sparkle to the jewelry and creating a contrast to the crystals, stones and pearls placed in it. Silver covered with a layer of white rhodium does not blacken or tarnish, it is more durable and resistant to discoloration that appear on accessories used every day.
Rhodium plated silver becomes harder and less prone to abrasion and scratching, which increases its resistance to mechanical damage and maintains its original glow for longer. An additional advantage is the fact that rhodium is hypoallergenic, but the allergy is an individual matter and if a person reacts to silver jewelry, it is not certain that the rhodium layer will overcome this reaction. However, it is worth remembering that nickel, which is the most allergenic metal, is very often added to silver and gold products. For this reason, all silver and gold semi-finished products in our warehouse are free of nickel, which makes them suitable for people allergic to this element. Rhodium plated jewelry is characterized by an additional security that allows it to retain its original appearance for longer, which is why it is highly appreciated by our customers.
Rhodium is a precious metal that is very rare in nature, and therefore it is more expensive than silver and gold. Besides, it is a very hard element, therefore it is enough to cover silver with thin layer. In our case, the plating rhodium thickness is 0.2 μm. We do not use thicker coatings because rhodium is a metal much denser than gold. However, it is worth bearing in mind that the rhodium layer is gradually wiped off over time. Surface in contact with other elements is particularly vulnerable. Therefore, in order to enjoy rhodium plated silver jewelry as long as possible, you should take care of it. First, you should take it off before homework, bathing and going to bed. Cosmetics can also adversely affect jewelry, so it is recommended to wear it after drying and absorbing the applied lotions, deodorants or perfumes.
It is also worth taking care of proper storage of jewellery in dedicated boxes that are impervious to air and sunlight, or in string bags. The rhodium layer may also wear away more quickly if several accessories are carried in proximity that rub against each other. Elements covered with rhodium should not be cleaned with toothpaste or other abrasives, because the particles they contain may damage the applied rhodium layer. Fortunately, if the outer layer is worn away, the rhodium plating of silver can always be renewed in specialized jewellery shops. Below are some examples of white rhodium coated components.
In addition to gold plating and rhodium plating, our modern machinery park also allows for testing the already used galvanic coating in powder, solution and solids. Using X-rays, we determine the thickness of gold, silver and rhodium galvanic coatings and the percentage composition of 24 elements in the alloy of gold, silver, titanium and platinum jewellery. More information on this can be found here: Thickness of electroplated coating.
Platinum plating
Platinum plating is another electroplating solution offered by our galvanic department. In this case, the silver is covered with a platinum layer. Platinum is a rare noble metal, more valuable than silver and gold, very little chemically active which does not cause allergic reactions. Its important role is to harden the jewelry and cuts off the access of silver to the air, thus eliminating the risk of tarnishing and blackening of jewellery. Platinum plated silver is resistant to any discoloration, visually it is slightly darker than the silver, and thus gives a color resembling white gold. It has similar characteristics to rhodium plating, but it is a cheaper alternative. Platinum plated jewellery is more durable and scratch resistant. The thickness of layer in our case is the same as gold plating, which is 0.4 μm.
Silver oxidizing
Oxidation is a chemical reaction of metal being in contact with oxygen that causes the silver blackening. This process consists in deliberately covering the metal with a layer of silver oxide, which, by reacting chemically with the silver, creates a dark matte color. Silver oxidation protects its surface against corrosion and color change that progresses over time, while giving it an interesting appearance.
Oxidizing jewelry is aimed at aging it, obtaining a historic, often antique style. Intentionally used dark coating covering the silver highlights various types of recesses, giving a certain multidimensionality to the item. Oxidized silver is eagerly used to create jewelry for men, as well as to combine it with natural stones characterized by vivid colors.
Anti tarnish resistance
Antitarnish means covering silver with a transparent coating that protects the metal against oxidation. This protective layer, in contrast to gold, rhodium and platinum plating – does not change the color of the coated surface. We use this process only after applying galvanic plating and pasting stones, because the stone will not stick to the surface previously covered with an anti-tarnish layer. The effect of using this coating is to protect the metal against discoloration and give a delicate shine. This service is available only for the entire order, the weight of which cannot be less than 50 grams. If the weight of the order is smaller, the service is not priced individually and is subject to a fixed price of around 5.5 euros for 50 grams.
Electroplating of silver takes jewellery making to the next level
Current jewelry trends are a real madness of mixing colors, sizes and styles, so it is the perfect time to make jewellery with electroplated layers. The warmth of yellow and rose gold item will perfectly complement the coolness of shades of silver, rhodium and platinum on the basis of contrast, creating unusual jewelry sets. An example is a cord bracelet making supplies with interchangeable gold plated, silver and rhodium plated charms that fit a specific season, occasion or style. Discover a wide selection of components from the pendants category, thanks to which you can create dangling earrings or a gold plated necklaces using one of our necklace making supplies. Layered jewelry is a hit of recent seasons, so it is worth trying a mix consisting of a gold plated chain, silver chain and a stone necklace. The perfect complement to the layered necklace will be a gold plated ring made with the use of one of our sterling silver ring blanks. A few examples of jewelry findings and custom made jewelry plated with gold, rhodium and platinum are presented below.
If you plan to use electroplating, oxidation or anti-tarnishing services, please contact us: [email protected]
Find out more:
- Discover wide range of wholesale jewelry supplies
- Find out more about CNC jewelry services
- Get to know how to care for silver jewellery
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This article on electroplating silver and gold jewellery is really informative! I love how it explains the process and benefits of electroplating, which can really enhance the durability and shine of jewellery. It’s great to see such services offered, allowing pieces to look brand new or even more luxurious. Definitely a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve or maintain their jewellery.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that the article helped you better understand the electroplating process and its advantages. It’s great to know it inspired appreciation for how such techniques can elevate the look and longevity of jewellery!