Methods for applying gold plating to silver at home

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Rhodium plating of jewelry. Silver, gold, platinum and even base metals are processed in this way. A thin layer of rhodium (0.2 microns) is applied to the surface using the galvanic method. You can coat the surface of an old piece or a brand new one to provide a glossy shine and shine.

Rhodium belongs to the noble metals of the platinum group. It has many useful properties that are important in jewelry. The metal does not darken over time. A ring, earrings or bracelets acquire a radiant shine. Contact 6 Micron employees to order galvanic processing of your jewelry.

Application options

You can order dipped rhodium plating. We do not perform selective rhodium plating. With immersion technology, the entire surface of the product is covered. The decoration acquires the following properties:

• high strength;
• glossy surface with a cool shine and high reflectivity;
• reliable protection against corrosion;
• no effect of metal oxidation.

A similar effect is achievable using standard technology for processing precious metals. As a dark color option we offer black ruthenium coating. Modern stylish jewelry for men and women is often processed in this way.

Everything about gilding silver at home: what it is, pros and cons, TOP 3 methods

Jewelry that has lost its former attractiveness does not have to be hidden in a box until better times, because you can restore the metal yourself and visually increase its value without going to a jewelry workshop.
If your missus has been sighing for a long time over her favorite earrings, which have become dull with time, now is the time to please her. Although numerous videos on how to gild silver at home can instill fear, in fact, getting a beautiful product without large material and time costs is very simple.

Rhodium plating prices (approximate):

How long does it last

The durability of the coating is affected by how carefully the silver is stored and worn. If an item is purchased in a jewelry store and has quality certificates, it will delight the owner for more than 2 years. Earrings and brooches that have little contact with the body will retain their visual appeal longer than a chain or bracelet.

Factors that negatively affect the durability of gold-plated items:

• contact with water and chloride compounds contained in it;
• exposure to concentrated chemicals;
• improper care;
• constant friction against the skin, interaction with sweat.

Features of the technological process

Rhodium plating of jewelry is carried out using the galvanic method. The product connected to the cathode is immersed in a special bath connected to the anodes. A liquid containing rhodium salts is poured into the tank. The research and production enterprise has developed its own compositions for processing. Before starting work, explain to the company employees what effect you want to achieve. They will select the electrolyte to achieve specific goals. As current passes, metal atoms settle on the surface of the jewelry.

Black ruthenation of silver is a popular technology. This approach is relevant today. Selective coating with black ruthenium is not possible.

What is gold plating and why is it applied?

Gilding is done:

• to give a golden hue and emphasize the individuality of the product;
• updating the appearance of items;
• durability of a metal item.

How the process works

Before gilding silver items at home, it is important to ensure your own safety, for which this is perfect:

• rubber shoes;
• gloves;
• glasses for eye protection;
• apron.

Regardless of the method used, restoring silver at home always consists of the following steps:

• metal surface preparation;
• spraying or other coating;
• final processing.

Gilding metal is not enough. I recommend creating a protective layer on gold-plated silver. Nitrocellulose varnish is suitable for this.

Cost of rhodium plating gold and silver

The cost for rhodium plating a ring is determined based on the following factors:

• product size;
• composition of the starting material.

All jewelry undergoes final processing to increase the level of wear resistance, add shine and gloss. Some large workshops and factories for the production of jewelry have their own galvanic baths, but large enterprises will not undertake the processing of one or two products; it is easier to contact “6 Micron”, study the company’s services, and fill out an application.

Rhodium plating in Moscow is carried out using new technologies on modern equipment. Cooperation is carried out on a contractual basis, the responsibilities of the parties are stated in an official document. Regular customers receive numerous bonuses. The timing of the order depends on the current workload of the enterprise, the volume of work, and complexity.

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Representatives develop and sell consumables for processing jewelry. They produce different electrolyte compositions containing rhodium salts that are suitable for galvanic rhodium plating. Scientific activities are carried out constantly, the quality of services is improved.

The price for rhodium plating is set at a low level; related services are paid separately. You can order the development of technology according to existing conditions and use it in production. The company's specialists provide training in galvanizing, rhodium plating and coatings in general. You will be able to establish the process of high-quality electroplating on jewelry.

The company's employees guarantee the fulfillment of all obligations and the durability of the coating applied by rhodium plating. Visit the office of the research and production association or call a technologist to ask any remaining questions and fill out an application.

Rhodium plating examples:

Rhodium plating

Restoration of rhodium plated silver on a chain: coating thickness - 0.2 microns, cost of work - 1500 rubles (additional processing included). If you have questions about the application of rhodium and the sale of working electrolyte, we will be happy to answer you by email or phone.

Gordienko Anastasia Vadimovna Author of the materials Position: chief technologist of 6 Micron LLC Education: higher Experience in galvanizing: 13 years

When placing an order online, get a 10% discount!

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Rhodium plating process for jewelry

Any jewelry made from precious metals can be rhodium-plated, which significantly increases the final cost of the jewelry. The layer of rhodium that is applied to gold or silver is very thin, it is no more than 25 micrometers.

Rhodium is applied to the product in the form of sulfate, in water, using electric current. The thin layer formed in this way perfectly performs all its functions and at the same time is completely not susceptible to problems such as cracking, porosity and others.

is especially important for rings that are worn very often (for example, wedding rings), as well as jewelry with diamonds. In the first case, rhodium plating will protect the product, avoid damage and dullness, and in the second, it will make it more attractive, highlighting the precious stone inserts.

What is the difference between rhodium plated silver and regular silver?

Rhodium plating of silver is a process that is carried out in the jewelry industry primarily to enhance the visual effect of jewelry. This leads to the first difference between ordinary and rhodium-plated silver. The latter is characterized by a specific shine and the absence of a gray tint.

Oxidized 925 silver is treated with a solution of sulfuric acid to form an oxidized layer on the surface. After this, the product is polished, artificially aging it. Rhodium plating of silver jewelry protects jewelry from exposure to acidic environments, so they do not require such treatment.

Internationally recognized brands such as Tiffany & Co, Christian Dior and Gucci produce collections consisting exclusively of silver plated with white rhodium. Externally, such jewelry looks like gold and platinum, but is much cheaper.

There is also black rhodium plated silver. In this case, the protective layer is formed from a metal oxide. The process is no different from galvanizing with white rhodium and also increases the service life of the products, but they acquire a dark tint.

Rules for using gold-plated products

The durability of gold-plated items depends on their proper use and storage conditions.

Recommendations for use, following which you can enjoy the beauty of gold-plated products for many years:

• Are you going to take a bath or shower? Be sure to remove earrings and other gold-plated jewelry. It is important to prevent them from coming into contact with soapy water;
• store items in closed boxes, caskets, avoiding exposure to sunlight and moisture. To prevent jewelry from being scratched, you need to place each item in a soft fabric bag or place it in separate chests;
• gilding a product with a thick layer of metal is not enough; it is important to clean it properly;
• Do not store gold-plated jewelry in the kitchen, bathroom or other rooms in high humidity conditions.

Cleaning

To clean a gold-plated item at home without damaging the coating, you will need:

• suede cloth;
• vinegar;
• ethanol.

Suede is useful for polishing silver. It is used immediately after cleaning to give things shine. If a piece of jewelry that has been successfully gilded is worn every day, you should wipe it with a cloth every evening before placing it in the box.

Small stains can be removed with ethyl alcohol. Silver is treated with a cotton pad soaked in the substance. An aqueous solution of vinegar will help remove significant stains; just place a silver item in it for a quarter of an hour.

How the color of silver jewelry depends on the sample

The shade of yellow is characteristic of low-grade jewelry made from alloys of silver and copper; the shade depends on the percentage of components. The amount of noble metal is judged by the sample - the higher it is, the lighter, more fragile, and more expensive the product.

Cheap rings, chains, and bracelets made of 720 silver are yellow in color; they oxidize quickly. Silver alloys 916, 925, 960 are considered high-grade; fashion accessories and jewelry are made from them.

Rhodium-plated jewelry does not cause allergies

For the production of decorative elements and tableware, alloys of 750, 800, 875 are used. Products made of gilded silver are not subject to a separate test for gold. The mark on a ring, earrings or bracelet reflects the amount of base metal (Ag) in the alloy.

Methods of gilding silver

The quality of the resulting coating depends on the chosen technique for creating gilding at home.

The most popular methods:

All of these options are suitable for doing at home and involve the use of a reaction of special chemical compounds.

Chemical method

This option of gilding involves applying gold chloride to silver or other material at home.

• prepare aqua regia (a compound of concentrated acids);
• dissolve the gold product, divided into small fragments, in the resulting substance;
• evaporate the water until a dry residue is obtained;
• mix the resulting substance with calcium carbonate and a solution of potassium cyanide until a paste-like consistency is obtained;
• apply the mixture to the silver with a brush;
• After drying, rinse the item under running water and polish.