Electroplating 18K gold refers to using the principle of electrolysis to coat the surface of other metal substrates with an alloy of 18K gold, which contains 75% gold and 25% other metals (such as silver, copper, platinum, nickel, etc.) through an electroplating process. The following is a detailed introduction:

Process Principle

Through an electrolytic cell device, the metal to be plated (such as copper, silver, etc.) is used as the cathode, the soluble salt solution of 18K gold is used as the electroplating solution, and at the same time, 18K gold or an inert electrode is used as the anode. Under the action of direct current, the gold ions in the electroplating solution move towards the cathode, gain electrons on the surface of the cathode and are reduced to gold atoms, thus gradually depositing to form a uniform and dense 18K gold coating.

Advantages

• Aesthetic Appeal: It can endow jewelry, objects, etc. with the luster and texture similar to that of gold, enhancing their visual attractiveness and satisfying people’s love for golden jewelry.

• Cost-effectiveness: Compared with pure 18K gold products, it greatly reduces the amount of gold used and lowers the cost, enabling more people to own items with an appearance similar to 18K gold at a relatively low price.

• Enhanced Performance: It improves the wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and oxidation resistance of the base metal, extending its service life. For example, after silver jewelry is electroplated with 18K gold, the oxidation rate of silver can be slowed down.

Application Fields

• Jewelry: It is widely used in the production of jewelry such as rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, making common metal materials present the luxurious effect of 18K gold.

• Watchmaking: It is used to decorate watch cases and watchbands, enhancing the grade and aesthetic appeal of watches.

• Electronic Products: For decorative components such as mobile phone casings and laptop casings, electroplating with 18K gold can increase the product’s aesthetic appeal and market competitiveness.

Differences from Pure 18K Gold

• Composition and Structure: Pure 18K gold is composed of 75% gold and 25% other metals throughout; electroplated 18K gold only has a layer of 18K gold coating on the surface, and the base is other metals.

• Durability: Pure 18K gold has good durability, and there is generally no problem of coating wear and peeling; the coating of electroplated 18K gold may be worn and faded due to long-term wear, friction, and contact with chemicals and other factors.

• Value: Pure 18K gold has a high value due to its high gold content; the value of electroplated 18K gold mainly lies in its decorative properties. Because the amount of gold used is small, its inherent value is relatively low.

When maintaining electroplated 18K gold items in daily life, it is necessary to avoid contact with chemicals such as perfume, skin care products, and detergents, prevent scratching and collision, and store them properly when not in use to maintain their color and appearance.