MICRO-PLATED JEWELRY VS. ELECTROPLATED JEWELRY:

WHICH IS BETTER?


MICRO-PLATED JEWELRY VS. ELECTROPLATED JEWELRY
MICRO-PLATED JEWELRY VS. ELECTROPLATED JEWELRY
When it comes to jewelry, you want something that stands the test of time. Micro-plating and electroplating are two plating processes used to protect the metal surface of jewelry from corrosion and wear, so your jewelry will still look great many years down the line. But which is better? Let’s take a closer look at micro-plated jewelry vs. electroplated jewelry to help you decide.



Q: WHAT IS MICRO-PLATED JEWELRY?


A: Gold micron plating is the process of applying a fine layer of micron-sized gold particles to a base metal using an electrochemical process (electrical currents). The term "one micron thick" refers to the thickness of the plating, as this layer is only a few microns thick, hence the name "micron plating." These gold particles are usually mixed with other metals, such as palladium and platinum, to create a more durable finish. Gold micron-plated jewelry has the same attractive look as solid gold but at a fraction of the cost. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy the look of gold without breaking their budget.

 


Q: IS 1 MICRON GOLD PLATING GOOD FOR JEWELRY?


A: Yes, 1-micron gold plating is is consistent, durable, and wear-resistant. It offers a long-lasting, luxurious finish that enhances the appearance of any piece. The thin layer of gold provides a durable coating that won't chip, flake or tarnish easily. The thickness of 1 micron also ensures the metal underneath remains protected, and the plating itself can last for years with proper care.



THE BENEFITS OF MICRON PLATING:


1. Gold micron plating is the process of applying a protective, tarnish-resistant layer. This plating process prevents oxidation from occurring on the surface of jewelry pieces, which prevents future tarnishing and corrosion, even in harsh environments such as salt water.


2. Gold micron plating helps maintain a bright luster on your pieces. The application of micron plating enhances the brightness of base metals (usually brass or silver). This brightening effect removes potentially dark-colored molecules and creates an ultra-smooth surface for light to reflect off. Thus, micro plating creates a brighter finish with a deeper shine (vs. dull or matte finishes).


43. Gold micron plating is extremely durable and long-lasting. The tiny particles in the plating fill in any small imperfections on a jewelry piece’s surface, creating an exceptionally durable layer of protection that will remain intact for years with minimal maintenance.


4. Gold micron plating is cost-effective and a great alternative to solid gold jewelry. Since gold micron plating is much thinner than solid gold, it costs much less but still provides the same visual effect as a solid piece of jewelry.


5. Gold micron plating is hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. The gold particles used in the micron-plating process are so small that they will not irritate even the most sensitive skin, making it a great option for jewelry lovers who suffer from metal allergies.


6. Gold micron plating can be used to easily restore the original luster of jewelry. Since it is a thin and non-invasive coating, gold micron plating can be used to cover up any scratches or tarnish on existing jewelry without damaging or changing the piece itself. This makes it a great option for restoring vintage pieces or other sentimental pieces without having to sacrifice their original look.



Q: WHAT IS ELECTROPLATED JEWELRY?


A: The electroplating jewelry process is a method of applying thin, even layers of another metal onto a base. The electroplating process deposits high-quality, pure metals onto a sturdy base by passing a direct current through an electrolyte containing the deposited metal.



THE BENEFITS OF ELECTROPLATING:


1. The electroplating jewelry process creates very thin, even coatings of metal on top of a base. This results in a uniform, consistent finish that protects the underlying metal.


2. Electroplating is also used to protect jewelry pieces from wear and tear and prevent tarnishing of the metal surface due to oxidation or exposure to chemicals. The electroplated layer gives an extra layer of protection against these elements, thus increasing the lifespan of the jewelry.


3. It is customizable, this electroplated layer comes in a large variety of thicknesses resulting in different amounts of luster and brightness levels depending on what is requested.


4. Electroplated jewelry is also more affordable than solid metal pieces as it requires less material (for example, solid gold or pure silver) to produce. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for beautiful yet budget-friendly accessories.


5. Lastly, electroplated jewelry is very easy to care for and maintain. You can easily clean it with mild soap and water. As long as the electroplated layer remains intact, your jewelry will last for years and look as good as new with proper care.

 


RELATED FAQ:



Q: CAN MICRO-PLATED JEWELRY BE REPLATED?


A: Many people ask if micro-plated jewelry pieces can be replated. The answer is yes; you can replate micro-plated jewelry. However, the quality of the micro plating may not be as good as the original plating if you come across a plating house that usually only specializes in flash plating techniques. So it is always good to have your micro-plated items replated by a professional jeweler with years of experience in micron plating.


Micro plating can be applied to jewelry several times, in fact, as much as needed, without damaging the base metal underneath. Since micro-plating is a thin layer, the plating process can be repeated over and over again. After the first application of micro plating, it is recommended that you have your jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler every few years to ensure that there are no signs of deterioration or wear and tear.



Q: CAN A MICRO-PLATED RING BE RESIZED?


A: Yes, you can resize a micron-plated ring. It is a simple process that involves a metalsmith removing a part of the band to make it smaller or adding additional metal to the band to enlarge it by applying solder. Unfortunately, the micro plating will be affected by the heat from the soldering process, so you will need to have your ring replated.


Most ring resizing is completed in a day or so; it is a simple and quick process. The length of time depends on a number of factors, such as whether the micron-plated ring showcases gemstones (which involves more time so as not to damage the settings), the kind of metal used for the base (some metals are harder to work with than others), and the intricacy of the surface design (complex designs require more time for completion as extra care must be taken not to disturb the pattern).



Q: CAN MICROPLATED JEWELRY GET WET?


A: The short answer is yes, micro-plated jewelry can get wet, but we do not recommend doing so for several reasons listed below.


First, you should try to avoid exposing micro-plated jewelry to salty water (found in seas and oceans) as it is acidic in nature or harsh chemicals that can tarnish your jewelry, such as chlorine (found in swimming pools) or tap water (used in showers) for prolonged periods. This long exposure can cause the plated layer to wear away and the micro-plated jewelry to lose its color over time.


Secondly, even humidity (the water in the air) can damage micro-plated jewelry. Humidity can damage micro-plated jewelry by causing the micro-plating to erode and wear away over time. This is because the water in the air will interact with your jewelry's metal, creating an acid that weakens the bonds of the surface layers, leading to fading.


We recommend that if you must get your micro-plated jewelry wet, you should dry it thoroughly after use to prevent any damage. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to pat the jewelry dry. Avoid using any abrasive materials (such as paper towels, napkins, tissues, etc.) that could scratch the surface of the jewelry.



HOW TO CLEAN MICRO-PLATED PIECES:



Micro-plated jewelry requires delicate, special care when cleaning. Here are some tips on how to clean your micro-plated jewelry:


1. Avoid using harsh chemicals or commercial cleaners on your micro-plated jewelry. These harsh cleaners can strip the micro plating and damage the underlying base metal.


2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent tarnish and wipe away dirt or debris on a regular basis to prevent tarnishing from occurring on your pieces.


3. If your jewelry is particularly dirty, you can soak it in a mild solution of warm water and all-natural dish soap. Then, gently scrub the piece with a soft toothbrush to remove any stubborn dirt. Next, rinse the jewelry thoroughly in clean water—Pat the jewelry dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.


4. Store your micro-plated jewelry in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to humidity, direct sunlight, and other harsh elements, which can cause the micro plating to fade or tarnish over time. These other harsh elements include extreme temperatures, humidity, pollution, etc.



Q: IS MICROPLATING MORE EXPENSIVE THAN ELECTROPLATING?


A: Micro plating is often seen as a more expensive option than the electroplating jewelry process, but that isn't always the case. In fact, micro plating can be more cost-effective in many situations. So here's a look at some of the factors that can impact the cost of micro plating.


1. The type of metal. Some metals are more expensive to micro plate than others; for example, gold is typically more expensive to plate than a common base metal such as copper.


2. The thickness of the micro plating. For example, a thick gold plating will generally be more expensive than a thin layer. This extra cost is because a thick gold plating uses more precious metal.


3. The size of the item. Larger items will generally require more plating material, increasing the cost.


4. The complexity of the item being micro plated, items with complex shapes or intricate details may require more time and effort to plate, increasing the cost.


5. The number of items. Micro plating multiple items at once can often save money, as you can spread out the setup costs over a larger number of items.


In general, micro plating is more expensive than electroplating when all other factors are equal. However, there are many situations where micro plating can be more cost-effective. Considering all the above factors, you can decide which plating method is right for your project.



Q: WHAT IS ELECTROPLATED GOLD?


A: Electroplated gold involves an electroplating process that uses gold as the deposited metal. The plating is very thin and even, resulting in a fine luster finish. The electroplated gold process generally enhances an item's appearance and provides a protective layer against wear.



Q: DOES ELECTROPLATED JEWELRY TARNISH?


A: All gold-plated jewelry will eventually tarnish, but the speed at which it tarnishes varies depending on the quality of the plating.


High-quality electroplated gold uses a skinny and even coating, which prevents oxygen from being able to reach deep into the base metal and oxidize it. Electroplated jewelry will take longer to tarnish than unplated jewelry because of this protective layer.



Q: HOW LONG DOES ELECTROPLATED JEWELRY LAST?


A: Jewelry made with electroplating can last for many years as long as it is appropriately cared for properly; however, some things can cause electroplated jewelry to lose its luster. Here are a few tips on taking care of electroplated jewelry to keep it looking its best:


1. Try to avoid getting your electroplated jewelry wet; water can cause the electroplating to break down and dull its shiny finish. The acidic nature of saltwater in the ocean, the harsh chlorine in swimming pools, and other chemicals in tap water can all cause tarnishing to occur.


2. Don't wear your jewelry pieces while engaging in strenuous activities that could cause them to get scratched or damaged, such as gardening, cleaning, or exercising.


3. Take off your jewelry pieces before applying perfumes, lotions, or hairsprays, as these products can cause discoloration and tarnishing of the metal surface. The chemicals in these products can also react with the metal and cause it to corrode.


4. Another part of taking care of electroplated jewelry is storing it properly. Try to store your pieces in a cool, dry place away from harsh elements such as harmful UV rays, humidity, moisture, pollution, and extreme temperatures, which all speed up the tarnishing process.


4. Clean your pieces regularly with a soft cloth to prevent tarnished electroplated jewelry from happening. Use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to remove any dirt buildup (the same process you would use to clean gold-plated pieces).


5. Another part of taking care of electroplated jewelry is having it professionally cleaned, and the plating reapplied every few years to keep it looking like new. In addition to regular at-home cleanings, a professional cleaning service every year or so will help ensure the metal does not become dull or discolored over time.



HOW TO CARE FOR ELECRTOPLATED JEWELRY:


Electroplated jewelry is a beautiful and affordable way to enjoy the look of precious metals without the expensive price tag. However, because electroplating is a thin layer of metal applied to a base metal, it can be more delicate than thicker plated pieces. Here are some tips on how to care for your electroplated jewelry, so that it lasts for many years to come!


  • Store your electroplated jewelry in a cool, dry place; avoid storing it in humid environments, as this can cause the metal to tarnish more quickly.


  • Remove your electroplated jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising. The chemicals in water and sweat can cause the metal to tarnish more quickly.


  • Avoid chemicals such as perfume, lotion, and hairspray when wearing electroplated jewelry; these products can cause the metal to tarnish more quickly.


  • Use a soft, dry cloth to clean your electroplated jewelry; avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the delicate metal.


  • Bring your electroplated jewelry to a professional jeweler for regular cleanings and checkups. This type of maintenance will help ensure that your jewelry remains in good condition for many years!



WRAPPING UP


You can't go wrong with either choice when it comes to micro-plated or electroplated jewelry! Whether you want a more permanent piece of plating or something that won't last forever, both options offer different benefits. With micro-plating, you get a thicker coating that is scratch resistant, while with electroplating, you get a thinner, more cost-effective coating. Either way, you can rest assured that your plated jewelry will look beautiful and remain so for years to come. Thanks for reading!