FAQ About Gold, Rose Gold, and Rhodium Plated Jewelry

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One of the most frequently asked questions about plated jewelry is how long the plating will last. The answer to this question depends on the jewelry, the type of plating, and how it’s worn.

Why? In a nutshell, “plating” is shorthand for electroplating. This means that gold-plated jewelry, rose-gold plated jewelry, and rhodium-plated jewelry are covered by a microscopically thin layer of metal using a special process that combines chemistry and electricity. By dipping the jewelry in a chemical solution that contains gold, rose gold, or rhodium and applying electricity, a thin layer of the metal grows on the jewelry piece.

This way, it’s possible to produce many different kinds of finishes on an underlying metal piece. Even some authentic gold jewelry is also gold plated because the plating process has a bright and clean finish on the underlying gold.

What Determines How Long Plating Will Last?

It’s hard to provide a simple number when a customer asks, “How long does rose gold plating last?” or “How long does rhodium plating last?” The reason is that three different factors determine how long any given plating will hold up.

First is the thickness of the plating. Thicker plating layers last longer. We use a high-quality 0.5-micron plate that lasts a long time depending on how the jewelry is maintained. We can provide up to 3-micron thick plating on customer demand at additional cost.

Second is the amount of contact the jewelry has with the world. Plating on a ring will normally wear off much faster than plating on a pendant because a ring constantly rubs against fingers and objects throughout the day.

The third is the underlying metal. Gold, rose gold, or rhodium plating adheres better to some metals (like silver or gold) and not as well to others.

How to Take Care of Gold Plated Jewelry

Since mechanical wear is the main factor leading to plating deterioration, taking care of gold plated jewelry wholesale is simple. Keep it protected from mechanical wear and in a soft container, where there’s nothing to rub against it and damage the plated coating.

In the event the plating does wear, re-plating is fast and inexpensive — many jewelers offer it as a service. It’s not uncommon even for people with solid gold or silver jewelry to ask for plating. Rhodium plating on silver, for example, is a very desirable way to add “sparkle” and prevent tarnish of existing silver pieces. Owners of solid gold jewelry often ask for plating to change the piece’s color or improve the finish.

It can last a long time if you take good care of gold, rose gold, or wholesale rhodium-plated jewelry. But there’s no need to worry. If something does happen, re-plating is probably offered by your local jeweler.

Are you looking for a gold-plated rose?

Jewelers tried to plate real flowers with gold or silver centuries ago. But now, with the help of modern technology, it can be done quite easily.

For more ideas, refer to our post on plated jewelry ideas your clients will love

Buy rose gold and yellow gold plated silver jewelry in our shop, wholesale only

Buy rose gold and yellow gold plated silver jewelry at our shop, wholesale only.

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Brand Name
ELF925
Product Name
Gold plated rose
Price
USD 74.95
Product Availability
Available in Stock