Gold-plating

               ***please note that Natalie Salisbury Jewellery is not a plating service. Only Natalie Salisbury Jewellery made items are able to be re-plated***

  • The term 'gold-plating' is actually an electroplating process whereby one metal is dipped in a solution and covered with a thin layer of another metal. During the gold-plating process each item is layered with a gold-plate solution in measurements called 'microns'. The more microns there are the longer the plating lasts, however the plating solution and the other metals within it also have an impact on the durability of the gold-plate. For example, a plating solution containing nickel creates a much more durable plating than without...meaning that the gold-plating stays put for longer! 

  • Here at Natalie Salisbury Jewellery, we use between 1 and 4 microns of gold-plating dependant on the item and the type of wear it is likely to receive. For example, rings and other pieces of jewellery that are worn on or near the hand, and that are likely to receive more daily knocks, are plated with more microns. We also use a gold-plating solution that has nickel in it. 

  • Now, whilst about 20% of the general population are allergic to nickel, most of these nickel allergies only really show themselves when wearing things like stud earrings where the gold-plated item is inserted through/into the skin. Largely, a nickel allergy doesn't make itself known until this happens. 

  • Natalie Salisbury Jewellery likes to offer gold-plating as an option as she feels her work suits the rich and lush tones of 14ct yellow gold so well. However, whilst the gold plating should last for a good amount of time, the durability of the gold-plating on your piece is wholly dependant on how often you wear it and how much you allow various chemicals and creams to come into contact with it. Perfumes, lotions, and makeup, various soaps and detergents all contain substances that can affect plated jewellery. Because of this you may find that the gold-plating begins to wear away after time - this is especially true with rings and wristwear that can bear the brunt of all the jobs that your hands are involved in.

  • Please also be aware that whilst gold-plating is a very specific process, the hues and tones of the yellow gold can vary a little from batch to batch.

To ensure your jewellery looks its best at all times, follow the pointers below. However, if you feel your Natalie Salisbury Jewellery piece requires it, we provide a re-plating service for your convenience! Each item is quoted for individually and is calculated dependant on size. Please email me at natalie@nsj.co.nz with any questions regarding this service.

               ***please note that Natalie Salisbury Jewellery is not a plating service. Only Natalie Salisbury Jewellery made items are able to be re-plated***

Ways to Extend the Life of Your Gold Plated Jewellery

1. Wash your hands before putting on or taking off gold-plated jewellery.
2. Put on your gold-plated earrings after you’ve applied perfume.
3. Put on your gold-plated jewellery after you have applied lotion or put on make-up.
4. Take off your gold-plated rings or bracelets before chopping tomatoes for dinner (random I know but tomatoes can be troublesome for plated objects!).
5. Avoid rubbing your gold-plated bracelets and necklaces against each other, and try to prevent gold-plated rings from banging into counter tops and rubbing against car keys buried in pockets and purses.
6. Don’t swim or bathe in your gold-plated jewellery (that includes swimming pools, spa pools and the sea!).
7. Don’t wear your gold-plated jewellery when you’ll be sweating profusely.
8. When you clean your gold-plated jewellery, do it gently and don’t rub it harshly. See our 'Cleaning' instructions.
9. Store your gold-plated jewellery in a pouch or soft cloth, and seperate from your other jewellery.