Precious metal electroplating is used in gold jewelry manufacturing to enhance surface color and brightness, and to create special effects on the finished product. This paper will discuss the tools and proper procedures for consistent results of gold and rhodium plating over karat gold substrates. Topics reviewed will include: surface preparation prior to plating, solution chemistry, solution temperature, anode selection, current density, deposit thickness measurement, selective two-tone plating, brightness and color. Some common plating problems will also be discussed, along with practical corrective actions.

Author: Neil Bell