What is Plating?

 

Plating is short for electroplating.  It is a process where an electric current is sent through a solution made with a precious metal (such as 18kt Gold).  The electric current loosens the chemical bonds on the jewellery and allows the gold from the solution to attach.  The longer it is left in the solution with electric current, the thicker the layer/ micron. 

 

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What is a Micron?

 

A micron is a measurement, it is in fact 0.001mm, so a thin layer but also durable if jewellery is properly looked after. 

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What is 18kt Gold?

 

Pure gold is very soft, to be used for jewellery it is mixed with other metals to increase its hardness.  18kt gold is a warm gold and is made up of 75% Pure Gold and 25% of other metals such as Copper, Zinc, Silver etc.

 

 

Will plating fill in pits/marks or cover scratches?

 

No, it won’t remove existing faults.  Your pieces need to be in their final style of polish before sending for plating.

 

 

What can you electroplate?

 

We can plate most base metals (such as Brass, Copper) and all precious metals (such as Silver).

 

We cannot plate jewellery made from steel. Unfortunately some costume jewellery is made from steel, so please check with us before sending to avoid unnecessary postage costs.

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Unfortunately we cannot plate watches.

 

 

My jewellery has gemstones in it, can it still be plated?

 

Most stones can be put through our cleaning and plating services however some cannot withstand the electric current and/ or chemicals.  Please see our list of stones below that we cannot plate;

 

Pearls, Coral, Shell, Jet, Amber, Emerald & Turquoise.

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Please note all items containing gems are sent at the owners risk to be plated.

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What happens if a stone comes out of its setting?

 

This is extremely rare.  Upon receipt of an item we will advise you if there may be a problem with us handling it.  If you decide to continue, we cannot take any responsibility for stones coming loose, breaking or cracking when being plated.

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Do you offer a polishing service?

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No we are unable to polish or strip any previous plating that is on your item of jewellery.

 

 

How long does the gold plating last?  Do you have a guarantee?

 

Our plating can last a long time, if properly cared for.  Please read our jewellery care guide on how to look after your plated jewellery. 

We cannot give a guarantee on how long your plating will last, as this is dependent on many factors including; how you wear your jewellery, how much skin contact your jewellery has, where you keep your jewellery etc.

 

 

How much will it cost?

 

For the plating itself, we cannot give set prices until we have plated your jewellery.  The cost will depend on these factors:

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Thickness of plating required

Surface area of item

Number of items that require finishing

Condition of item we are plating

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Do you offer quotes?

 

Yes, please either send your jewellery direct to the studio for assessment or email with images and measurements of height, width, depth and length.  For chains, please include chain width and length.​

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Do you have a minimum charge?

 

We charge a base rate of £5.00 per order.  No matter how many pieces you send in one go, this will be a set price.

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I just want my jewellery cleaned, do you offer this service?

 

Yes, we are very happy to give your jewellery a deep clean.  Please send images of your jewellery to studio@lumioplating.com for assessment and a cleaning quote.

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How long will it take for my order to be completed?

 

We pride ourselves on our quick turnaround and it can be as little as 1-2 working days for you to receive your jewellery back (this is based on you sending with Special Delivery by 1pm).  Orders are sent out on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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Can I give you jewellery in person?

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Unfortunately we do not have an open studio.  You will need to send your items to us via post.  We recommend that you use Royal Mail’s Special Delivery to ensure your items get to us safely.

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Where do I send my jewellery?

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LUMIO Plating

FAO Jennifer Blackmore

Flat 5 Lisa Court

115 Northwood Road

Whitstable

Kent

CT5 2SD

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When sending please remember to put the following details inside the package;

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Your full name

Your business name

Your billing/ delivery address

Your email (if not already corresponded)

Your contact number

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Please also write your return address on the package, in case there is a problem with posting.

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How do I know when my order has been received?

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As soon as we receive your jewellery we will email you to confirm we have received it ask any necessary questions before plating.

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How do you send my jewellery back?

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Unless otherwise instructed, all orders will be sent with Royal Mail next-day ‘Special Delivery by 1pm Guaranteed’ for all our UK customers.  Please read our Delivery Information for more details.

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How can I pay?

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We accept payment via bank transfer (BACS), all details will be on your invoice.

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​If you still haven't got your answer, please do not hesitate in contacting us at studio@lumioplating.com.

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