What is plating in jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Plating is the process of depositing a thin layer of one metal onto the surface of another, most often by passing an electrical current through a solution containing the coating metal, a technique called electroplating. In jewellery, common examples are gold plating applied to brass or silver, and rhodium plating applied to white gold to give it a bright, crisp white finish. The thickness of the plating varies widely; very thin flash plating wears off quickly, while a thicker layer, as required for gold vermeil, lasts considerably longer.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does gold plating last?
- It depends on the thickness of the layer and how hard the piece is worn. Very thin flash plating can wear through in weeks on a frequently used piece, while thicker plating on a well-cared-for pendant can last for years. Sweat, perfume and chemicals all speed up wear.
- What is the difference between gold plating and gold vermeil?
- Gold vermeil is a specific type of gold plating where the base metal must be sterling silver and the gold layer must meet a minimum thickness, usually 2.5 microns or more. Regular gold plating has no such standards and can be applied to any base metal in any thickness.
- Can plating be redone?
- Yes, a jeweller can strip the old plating and re-plate a piece, which is a common service for white gold rings that have worn through to show the yellow beneath. Rhodium re-plating is straightforward and relatively affordable.
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