Hello
I have almost no experience with gold plated items, not even on the other side of the bench. But a client wanted to try gold plating one of my sterling rings, and I found a place that quoted $20, assured me it was heavy plate, at least 1 micron thick. I was happy with what appeared to be a nice, high karat finish. A few small scratches (which I’m not sure what I can do about, another question). I was not asked what karat, I’d guess it’s 22k or better.
So I had the ring plated, then set the stone, and went about carving the intaglio. I was very careful how I held the ring, and while abrasive was used on the stone, it did not touch the metal except as dust or in the rinse water.
In the morning, I have a look and the plate, it’s just terrible! I took a plain wool felt buff and just lightly passed it over the terrible areas, and it just made it worse.
Did I mess up? Is plating always going to be that touchy? Did I miss an important step, such as a clear rhodium coating? Did I receive dubious service?
Thanks very much,
R.