Gilding
From Silver to Gold: Explore the Magic of Gilding
Gilding is an ancient technique that has been used for thousands of years to give objects an elegant and luxurious gold finish. From royal crown jewels to modern jewelry, gilding is an art that both enhances the beauty and protects the materials it covers. In this article, we explore what gilding is, how it is performed, and why it is a sought-after technique in jewelry and silverware production.
What is Gilding?
Gilding is a process in which a thin layer of gold is applied to the surface of another material, often silver. This creates a visually appealing golden sheen without the need to make the entire object out of gold, making it more economical and accessible. Gilding is used not only on jewelry, but also on decorative objects such as cutlery, vases, and artwork.
How is Gilding Performed?
There are several methods of gilding, but the most popular are:
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Electrolytic Gold Plating
Here, electric current is used to bond a layer of gold to the surface of the object. This method is very precise and provides an even distribution of gold. -
Amalgam gilding
An older technique in which gold powder is mixed with mercury to create a paste that is applied to the object. After heating, the mercury evaporates, leaving a thin gold coating. -
Gold leaf gilding
A traditional method in which ultra-thin sheets of gold leaf are laid and pressed onto a surface. This is often used on artwork and ornaments.
At Arven, electrolytic gilding is the preferred way to gild objects.
Advantages of Gilding
- Aesthetics: Gilding gives jewelry and silverware a luxurious appearance reminiscent of solid gold.
- Give new life to old treasures: Maybe you have a pair of silver earrings that you've never worn because you prefer gold-colored jewelry? Then you can gold-plate the earrings and give them new life.
- Protection: Gold is resistant to corrosion and oxidation, which prevents discoloration of underlying material.
- Cost-effective: It allows more people to enjoy the beauty of gold without the high price associated with solid gold.
Maintenance of gilded objects
Gold-plated items require gentle care to preserve their gold shimmer, here is our advice for maintaining gold-plated jewelry and items :
- Avoid wearing gold-plated jewelry in contact with water or physical activity, such as exercise. This is to maintain and retain the color of the gold-plated jewelry.
- Avoid abrasion: Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Clean gently: Use a soft cloth and mild soap if necessary.
- Store properly: Keep items separate to avoid scratches.
Gilding at Arven
At Arven we have a long tradition of world-class craftsmanship. We have our own gilding department. Read more here and contact us here .
