What is Gold Plating?
Gold plating is the process of, by method of electroplating, adding a layer of gold to another metal in order to give the underlying metal the appearance of gold. Most often, the layer of gold is very thin, just enough to cover all exposed surfaces of the underlying metal. Gold plating is commonly used in jewellery plating and in the electronics industry.
Gold plating of jewellery is common because it gives the look of gold, but does not have the associated cost of gold. In jewellery applications, gold plating is most commonly applied to silver. The jewellery then actually includes two precious metals, rather than just one.
While many people associate gold plating with jewellery, it is not the only application. Gold plating is also used in electronic applications. This allows better conductivity helping to make things resistant to abrasion and wear.
Gold plating can be accomplished in a number of different ways, including electroplating. This is done by putting the object being plated, the cathode, into a solution, called the electrolyte. It is then connected to the negative side of a charge, such as a power rectifier. Then, the donor for the plating, the anode, is also placed in the solution connected to the positive side of the charge. Ionization occurs and the anode slowly dissolves, with the positively charged ions in the metal going to the negatively charged product and bonding to form the plated finish.
However, gold plating, like most types of metal finishing, can be done in a number of other ways. The gold metal can be suspended in a solution. A swab wrapped around the end of the anode is then dipped into this solution which is then wiped over the object being plated. The goal is to maximize the effect but to minimize the amount of gold needed to do the job which in turn reduces waste and cuts costs. Another advantage of this is that the gold plating jobs can be done mobile, meaning the electroplating plant can be taken to the job rather than the job come to the electroplating plant. This is by no means a low-tech solution and the overall results equal that of conventional tank plating.
Due to the fact that gold is such a soft metal and the layer over jewellery products is so thin, there will likely be a time when the gold plating does become worn. Jewellery, especially pieces worn daily, tends to suffer more wear and abuse. Sending such items to Pure Gold Plating for repair is the best way to restore them to their original condition. Gold plating is usually very cost effective and we even guarantee our work.
If you would like a quote, please visit us at Pure Gold Plating or contact us through the forum username: PureGold.
