Though jewelry plating services are usually part of the finishing process conducted after your jewelry has been created, it can also be applied to old pieces that need refurbishment. At MKM Jewelry, there are several types of jewelry plating services available, including gold and silver plating.
Gold & Silver Plating
Gold and silver plating can be done on items like necklaces, bracelets, and rings, among other pieces of jewelry. To plate these items, we strip, clean, and polish the pieces, removing as many scratches and dents as possible.For gold plating, we coat the piece in several layers of gold, allowing the item to cure between layers. This service can take up to three weeks, depending on the number of layers and the size of the item. During the silver plating process, each item is placed in a bath and fully submerged several times.Plating cannot be achieved on any pieces with non-metal pieces, as the process can be detrimental to items that contain leather, gemstones, wood, or ceramic.
Rhodium Plating
Rhodium plating is generally used to coat items made of silver or gold, as it ensures these pieces retain a bright and brilliant shine. Rhodium is especially recommended for jewelry since the coating is hypoallergenic and resists tarnishing.Rhodium plating is a complex process that involves electricity, ultrasonic cleaner, and acid baths. To plate a piece in rhodium, it must be thoroughly cleaned and polished before it is activated in these electro and acid baths. The rhodium then bonds to the metal of the piece on a molecular level.Though rhodium plating is relatively durable, it is not a permanent process—the pieces should be re-plated occasionally. The amount of time before replating depends on how frequently the piece is used, with the body chemistry of the individual and the items the piece comes in contact with altering its durability.MKM Jewelry has helped provided jewelry plating services to our clients for many years. If you have any questions about our process or are interested in getting your jewelry plated, please reach out to us at (213) 689-4823.