Known in the trade as jewelry plating, electroplating is an electrochemical process in which one metal is coated with another through electrodeposition. It is not quite that simple, though, and there are plenty of technical terms involved. This article explains each of them.
We have put together some information to help you better understand the basic steps for turning metal into beautiful semi-jewelry, but first, here are the technical terms:
Electrochemical
These are reactions that involve the "transfer of electrons" to "convert chemical energy" into electrical energy and vice versa; in other words, oxidation-reduction, or redox, reactions.
Electrodeposition
This is a process of coating pieces with a conductive metal or another substance through electrochemical reactions. The result is achieved by the migration of electrically charged particles through an ionic aqueous solution held in the reaction chamber.
Reaction Chamber
This is a large tank equipped with at least one set of cathodes, which are “negatively” charged electrodes, and anodes, which are “positively” charged electrodes.
The Electroplating Process
Now that we know the terms, let's look at how semi-jewelry plating works.
When the unit is switched on, the direct current it generates flows from the cathode to the anode through a liquid solution.
This solution contains cyanides, brighteners, leveling agents and wetting agents, and its makeup varies widely depending on the type of plating used in the tank. The flow of electricity causes the metal microparticles to bond, leaving a smooth, even surface.
Coatings serve many different purposes. They range from increasing the surface hardness of the base metal, protecting it against corrosion and oxidation and applying hypoallergenic metals, to purely decorative uses.
In the case of semi-jewelry, the pieces become more durable and brilliant, with the quality that FC Joias customers value so highly.
Where Does Electroplating Come From?
The Portuguese term for electroplating, galvanoplastia, comes from the name of the Italian physician Luigi Galvani. Around 1790, Luigi Galvani carried out a series of experiments on bioelectricity. He died in 1798, leaving a great legacy for future generations.
Another Italian and a contemporary of Galvani, Alessandro Volta (as in volt), invented the battery in 1799 and 1800, which Luigi Brugnatelli later used to finally invent electroplating.
In 1805, using Volta's battery, Luigi Brugnatelli performed the first electrodeposition of gold.
Traditionally, this technology goes by names such as gilding, nickel plating, silver plating, gold plating and chrome plating, among others.
Cleaning
Successful electroplating depends on several factors. Among them, perfectly cleaning the piece to be plated is especially important.
Cleaning may begin with the mechanical removal of any residue or oxides on the surface of the piece, and it may also require a chemical treatment with a pickling agent.
What Is a Degreasing Bath?
A semi-jewelry piece must be perfectly clean to receive the precious metal we intend to coat it with. That is how we always guarantee the outstanding quality of our finished product.
See below how the gold plating production process works.