We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Materials

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Gold Plating?

By Ken Black
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 18,807
Share

Gold plating is the process of adding a thin layer of gold to another metal in order to give that metal a gold-like appearance. In most cases, the layer of gold is very thin, just enough to cover all exposed surfaces of the other metal. It is commonly used in decorations and in jewelry plating.

The benefit of gold plating for jewelry is that it gives the look of gold, but does not have the cost of gold. In jewelry applications, a gold plating is most commonly applied to silver. Thus, the jewelry actually includes two precious metals, rather than just one.

While many may commonly associate gold plating with jewelry, it is not the only application for the practice. Gold plating is also commonly associated with electronic applications. This is done to allow better conductivity and make things resistant to abrasion and wear, along with other benefits.

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, usually water. It is connected to the negative side of a charge, such as a battery. 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.

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, which is then brushed on the object being plated. The goal is to maximize the effect but to minimize the amount of gold needed to do the job. This is a very low-tech solution that may be used by those doing small jobs privately.

Due to the fact that gold is such a soft metal and the layer over jewelry products is so thin, there will likely be a time when the gold plating becomes worn in spots. Jewelry, especially those pieces worn daily, tend to take a substantial amount of abuse. Taking such items to a jewelry repair shop is the best way to restore them to their original luster. This type of repair is usually very inexpensive and may even be included in some service policies.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By vigilant — On Oct 05, 2012

Does anyone know where I can by gold plating kits? I would like to experiment with it a little bit but I have no experience and need it to be as easy as possible.

By gravois — On Oct 05, 2012

There are a number of artists that have done amazing things with gold plating. I don't mean just covering things in gold, but using them in really creative and unexpected ways.

It makes sense. Whether good or bad, humanity has pretty much always been fascinated by gold. It has been a design feature in cultures around the world.

By spectrum — On Jan 29, 2010

Another common use of gold plating over silver plating in the jewelry industry is in vermeil jewelry. This includes a sterling silver base with 10+ karat gold plating added to it with a thickness of at least 2.5 micrometers.

Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-gold-plating.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.