In order to better understand the quality of our pieces, it is important to understand the more technical aspects of making them, especially the bathing process, better known as electroplating. After all, this is the chemical process that gives durability and beauty to our pieces.
This process is carried out following a set of steps, presented and explained below, with specific purposes and characteristics, which in the end give rise to semijoia, or plated bijouterie as we see it.
Degreaser:
In this first phase, the parts are cleaned with the help of a degreaser, allowing the baths to adhere effectively.
Alkaline Copper:
Thin layer of alkaline copper deposited to eliminate micro imperfections in the base metal. It also improves the adherence of the bath.
Acid Copper:
Process responsible for giving shine to the pieces.
Nickel Free :
Application of a tin and palladium base to prevent copper migration.
Pre Gold:
Thin layer of gold to protect and standardize the color of the pieces.
Leafing:
Process in which the applied bath layer is defined. The greater the milesimage (layer thickness), the greater the durability. It is at this stage that semi-jewelry differs from plated costume jewellery.
Final Color:
Application of the final color in order to obtain homogeneity between the pieces.
Cataphoretic Varnish:
Application of a varnish layer for extra protection against external oxidizing agents, greater shine and durability, as well as an anti-allergenic layer for users.
After the final bath, there is still a very important step in the process, that of drying. In this stage, the pieces are placed in ovens or centrifuges to eliminate any water residue.
It is also important to mention the different types of existing baths:
Silver Bath:
Bath very popular and timeless, with excellent value for money. A misuse that does not follow the recommendations can lead to darkening of the part.
Gold-Plated:
Along with silver plating, it is the other most popular type of plating. Gold applied in different layer thicknesses, with corrosion resistance being directly influenced by this thickness.
Rhodium bath:
Excellent alternative to silver. Despite having a higher cost, this type of bath provides greater durability to the pieces, increasing their quality in several aspects. You can opt for a rhodium plating, with a color similar to that of silver, or black rhodium, with a darker hue.
Graphite Bath:
Also known as onyx bath due to its very dark hue, this is a less used bath, as only specific metals such as brass/tombac, copper, stainless steel and pewter alloys are suitable for receiving it.
At Ronê we work with baths in 18k Gold, 925 Silver, Rhodium and Black Rhodium, presenting options for pieces both in semi-jewelry and in plated costume jewelry.