What is Electroplating? Vermeil Gold V.S Gold Plated
In the jewelry market, the terms " vermeil gold " and "gold plated" are often used, but the concepts behind them may not be entirely clear. Although they may seem similar, they actually have significant differences in terms of production processes, durability and market positioning.
In this article, HUNGKUANG will take you on a deep dive into electroplating, exploring its advantages, disadvantages and suitable applications to help you better understand and choose the most suitable electroplating method for your brand's product production!
What is Electroplating?
Electroplating is a technique used to deposit a metal layer on the surface of various substrates, which can include a range of metals such as copper, zinc, silver and even stainless steel. This technology is widely used in the production of various jewelry and accessories, not only to change the color of their appearance, but also to enhance their surface luster.
Why Electroplate Jewelry?
1. Change in Appearance: If brass is used as the base material and electroplated with silver, it can impart the excellent properties of silver, such as hypoallergenic properties, and add a silver-like texture, making the appearance more elegant.
2. Cost-effective: By plating base materials such as silver or copper with gold, silver or other metals, the jewelry can achieve different luster and color, making it more attractive. For example, copper-plated silver jewelry has a similar appearance to pure silver jewelry, but at a much lower cost, suitable for consumers who want quality but are on a budget.
3. Improved Wearing Comfort: For base metals that can cause allergic reactions, electroplating a hypoallergenic metal such as silver can reduce the risk of allergies, giving consumers greater peace of mind.
What's the Difference Between Vermeil Gold and Gold Plated?
The materials used in plating are divided into "base material" and "plating layer", and both can be substituted. Generally, the plating layer is a more expensive metal than the base material, such as gold plating or silver plating. As the names suggest, “Gold Plated” involves the application of a layer of gold to a base material, which can be any metal, while “Vermeil Gold” refers to the process of applying a layer of gold to a silver base material, typically 925 sterling silver.
Curious! Is There Such A Thing as "Silver-plated Silver"?
The answer is yes! HUNGKUANG offers various processing recommendations based on client needs, including silver plating.
But why not just use pure silver? Why add another layer of silver? The difference is in the color.
Electroplated silver surfaces appear brighter white compared to standard 925 sterling silver. Therefore, when a specific color effect is desired, a layer of silver is added to the silver base material. Generally, silver plating is applied to copper bases, but over time the electroplated layer can wear away, revealing the copper underneath. If the base material is silver and silver plated, even if the electroplated layer wears off, the appearance of the jewelry will not change significantly.
HUNGKUANG's Electroplating Process
Standard industrial electroplating often lacks polishing, buffing and cleaning procedures, resulting in reduced product durability. The electroplating solution used may even contain allergenic metals such as nickel, which should be avoided by sensitive individuals. HUNGKUANG uses professional electroplating for jewelry, ensuring that wearers can feel safe.
HUNGKUANG adapts various electroplating methods according to the material characteristics. The following is a brief introduction to the most commonly used water electroplating technique:
1. Preparation of the Jewelry Base Material: The metal base material must first be carefully polished and cleaned to ensure a smooth, contaminant-free surface for even electroplating.
2. Metal Plating: The jewelry is placed in a solution containing metal ions, and the application of an electric current causes the metal ions to gradually deposit on the surface of the jewelry base material, forming a metallic coating.
# The metal ions used for electroplating can be platinum, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, silver, or even sulfurized finishes!
How Does HUNGKUANG Improve the Durability of Electroplating?
In the electroplating process of jewelry, the thickness of the metal layer is an adjustable option. While a thicker metal layer can indeed improve the durability of jewelry, it is not the only standard for durability. If the focus is solely on increasing the metal plating thickness, even though durability is improved, the cost can increase significantly.
In order to provide high quality and low cost electroplated products, HUNGKUANG is committed to improving the overall durability of electroplating. During the electroplating process, we meticulously polish the base material and add a coating, while ensuring the high quality of the electroplating solution. In addition, we rigorously carry out procedures such as polishing, cleaning and degreasing, and strictly control every stage of the electroplating process and the materials used, ensuring that HUNGKUANG jewelry retains its luster and beauty for longer after electroplating.
Jewelry Manufacturing Experts - HUNGKUANG International
If you are looking for a quality jewelry manufacturer, HUNGKUANG is your best choice! As a leader in jewelry manufacturing, HUNGKUANG International Jewelry is dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services. We have advanced production technology and a professional technical team to ensure that every piece of jewelry meets perfection, from the meticulous control of the electroplating process to the strict selection of materials.
We understand that every detail in jewelry production is crucial. From design to finished product, we focus on our clients' needs and strive for excellence. If you need to produce jewelry that meets market demand and retains its beautiful luster for a long time, HUNGKUANG will be your trusted partner.
Contact us now to learn more about HUNGKUANG International Jewelry's products and services, and let us provide your brand with the best jewelry solutions!
Jewelry Manufacturing Experts - HUNGKUANG International
If you are looking for a quality jewelry manufacturer, HUNGKUANG is your best choice! As a leader in jewelry manufacturing, HUNGKUANG International Jewelry is dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services. We have advanced production technology and a professional technical team to ensure that every piece of jewelry meets perfection, from the meticulous control of the electroplating process to the strict selection of materials.
We understand that every detail in jewelry production is crucial. From design to finished product, we focus on our clients' needs and strive for excellence. If you need to produce jewelry that meets market demand and retains its beautiful luster for a long time, HUNGKUANG will be your trusted partner.
Contact us now to learn more about HUNGKUANG International Jewelry's products and services, and let us provide your brand with the best jewelry solutions!
