Why I Decided to Start Gold Plating In-House in My Studio
I’m excited to share that I’ve started gold plating my own jewellery in my Christchurch studio, a change that makes a real difference to the gold pieces I make for you.
Until now, adding the gold finish was the one step of the making process I didn’t do myself. Here are the reasons I decided to invest in bringing this process in-house.
1) Choosing how thick the gold layer is
My previous platers were brilliant to work with, but they plated to 2 microns and there was no option to go thicker. Plating in-house means I can decide exactly how thick the gold layer is. I’m now plating to 2.5 microns with 14ct gold, which gives a more long-lasting finish on the pieces you wear every day.
It also means my handmade sterling silver jewellery now meets the industry standard for gold vermeil.
What is gold vermeil?
“Gold vermeil” is a specific term that only applies to sterling silver plated with at least 2.5 microns of gold that is at least 10ct.
Jewellery plated with less than that falls under the broader label “gold plated”, which covers a wide range. A base metal like brass with 0.5 microns of gold is called gold plated, as is sterling silver with 2 microns of gold. To a customer, these can sound the same, and the difference in quality and price isn’t clear.
Gold vermeil, on the other hand, tells you there’s real sterling silver underneath and a substantial layer of gold on top.
2) Shorter lead times
Because I now control the plating, gold pieces take 2 to 3 weeks to make, down from 4 to 5. If you need something sooner, get in touch and I’ll do my best to make it happen.
3) Additional services to grow my business
I’ll be offering a re-plating service to refresh gold jewellery you already own, so a favourite piece can look its best again. I’ll also be offering gold plating for other jewellers, which gives my business another way to grow.
Enjoying the learning curve
When I first started making jewellery, I felt nervous around even the simplest equipment. Bringing plating into my studio feels like a real step forward for me.
There’s a lot of precise measuring involved and a steady learning curve, but I’m looking forward to extending my jewellery practice, and my business, with it.
If you have any questions about plating or gold vermeil, please leave a comment and I will be happy to answer!
Aurelium jewellery is designed and handmade by Laura Naik in her Christchurch studio. Read more about her work and the ethos behind her minimalist everyday jewellery here.