Plating & E-coating

Jewellery Plating

Jewellery plating is a meticulous process that involves applying a thin layer of metal onto the surface of a base metal or alloy (we use a mix of fine silver and rhodium plating on our solid sterling silver pieces) enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and durability of the piece. This technique is widely utilised in the jewellery industry to achieve various finishes, such as gold, silver, rhodium, or platinum plating. Through meticulous craftsmanship, the plating process not only imparts a lustrous and luxurious appearance to the jewellery but also provides protection against tarnishing and wear. Whether employed for revitalising vintage pieces or creating contemporary designs, jewellery plating adds a touch of sophistication and longevity to adornments, elevating their overall quality and appeal.

Rhodium Plating

Rhodium plating in jewellery is like giving it a shiny, protective coat. Here's how it works:

  1. Base Metal: Many jewellery pieces are made of metals like silver or white gold. While these metals are beautiful, they can tarnish or lose their shine over time.

  2. Rhodium Coating: To prevent tarnishing and enhance the appearance, jewellers apply a thin layer of rhodium on top of the base metal. Rhodium is a precious metal, shiny and durable.

  3. Shine and Protection: This rhodium layer adds a super shiny finish to the jewellery, making it look extra dazzling. It also acts as a protective barrier, preventing the base metal from coming into contact with air or substances that can cause tarnishing.

  4. Longevity: Rhodium plating helps jewellery maintain its beauty for longer periods. It resists scratches and keeps the metal underneath looking bright and new.

In summary, rhodium plating is like giving jewellery a shiny, protective shield, keeping it looking gorgeous and preventing it from dulling or tarnishing over time.

*Note: Rhodium-plated jewellery does tend to have a slightly darker appearance compared to sterling silver and white gold, but it maintains a higher level of lustre. Despite the darker tone, the rhodium plating still adds a brilliant shine, making the jewellery stand out and sparkle more than untreated silver or white gold. So, while it may be darker, it's often seen as more luxurious and eye-catching due to its enhanced lustre.

Jewellery E-coating

What is E-coating on jewellery?

E-coating, also known as electro coating, involves applying a layer of lacquer evenly over a piece of jewellery using electric currents. This inconspicuous layer is commonly utilised in jewellery making for precious metal pieces like silver, gold, or platinum.

What is the purpose of E-coating, and what are its benefits?

As many are aware, precious metal jewellery often incorporates alloys such as copper to enhance its strength. For instance, 925 sterling silver comprises at least 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% alloy metals, while 9ct gold consists of a minimum of 37.5% fine gold and 62.5% alloy metals.

Due to these alloy metals, jewellery can tarnish over time due to reactions with sulfur in the air and other elements. E-coating plays a crucial role in preventing such tarnishing. It serves as an anti-tarnish layer over precious metal jewellery, providing protection against general wear and tear, such as scuffs or scratches. Properly maintained, this coating can endure for years, contributing to the longevity of your jewellery pieces.

How is E-coating applied?

While individual jewellers may have their specific methods for applying E-coating, the fundamental process is relatively consistent across the board.

  1. The piece undergoes polishing to ensure a smooth surface.
  2. Thorough cleaning is conducted to remove any dirt from the jewellery before coating.
  3. The jewellery is rinsed in distilled water to prepare it for coating.
  4. Subsequently, the piece is immersed in a bath of E-coating, and an electrical current is passed through the bath to adhere the coating to the jewellery.
  5. Following the coating bath, the jewellery is placed in an oven for baking, a process known as curing. This step ensures the hardening and resilience of the coating.
  6. Once the baking is complete, the jewellery is ready. When done correctly, the coating should be evenly distributed across the entire piece. It's important to note that attempting this process at home is not recommended unless one is trained and possesses the necessary knowledge.