Gold Plated Jewelry
The Gold Plated Jewelry Manufacturer Engineered for Longevity
As a vertically integrated Gold Plated Jewelry Manufacturer, we engineer every micron to solve the #1 problem in the industry: color loss. With dedicated in-house PVD & Electroplating facilities, we deliver verified thickness standards trusted by FOSSIL, GUESS, and Michael Kors.
Why Most Gold Plating Fails (And How We Fix It)
Fading & Discoloration
Standard gold plating often rubs off after just a few months, revealing the base metal underneath. We solve this with a 0.5µm TiN base layer for PVD or a Palladium barrier for electroplating, creating a permanent color anchor that keeps your jewelry looking new.
Skin Irritation & Tarnish
Cheap plating allows copper to react with sweat, turning customers' skin green. We apply a Nickel-free White Bronze undercoating to block copper migration, plus a final E-coating to seal the surface against oxidation and allergies.
Thickness Fraud
Many factories claim "2.5µm Vermeil" but only deliver 0.5µm. We believe in transparency. We provide Batch-specific XRF reports with every shipment, so you can verify that you are getting exactly what you paid for.
PVD on Stainless Steel: The "Waterproof Architecture"
Brands like FOSSIL and GUESS require jewelry that survives swimming, sweating, and sleeping without losing its luster. Standard PVD isn't enough. We utilize a proprietary "TiN-First" vacuum coating protocol that bonds gold at the molecular level. Unlike traditional plating that merely sits on top, our process creates a ceramic-hard surface structure, ensuring your stainless steel collections remain truly waterproof and tarnish-resistant for years, not months.
The Problem
Standard PVD factories often cut costs on the invisible base layer, applying a thin 0.1µm to 0.3µm Titanium Nitride (TiN) layer. When the top gold layer (usually only 0.03µm) wears off within months, the silver steel color is revealed instantly. This is why customers complain about jewelry looking "washed out."
Our Solution (0.5µm TiN Base)
We have re-engineered the process. We apply a massive 0.5 micron layer of Titanium Nitride (TiN). This super-hard ceramic material is naturally gold-colored. Even if the top gold wears down over years, the exposed layer underneath is still gold. The visual integrity of the jewelry remains intact.
The Gold Layer
On top of the TiN, we sputter real gold (Au) to achieve the exact hue you need—whether it's the pale elegance of 14K Hamilton Gold or the rich warmth of 24K. We offer customizable thickness from 0.03µm up to 0.1µm (Maximum).
The Result
A bond strength that is 10x harder than steel itself. Our PVD products are verified to withstand swimming pools, ocean water, and gym sweat without tarnishing for 2-3 years.
Electroplating on Brass & Silver: The "Anti-Tarnish Sandwich"
For clients like Tory Burch and Michael Kors, a simple “dip” isn’t enough. The biggest enemy of brass and silver jewelry is oxidation, which leads to dark spots and green skin. We solve this by engineering a multi-layer defense system. Before a single atom of gold is added, we apply a crucial barrier layer to lock in brilliance and block copper migration. From verifiable Gold Vermeil to our final invisible E-Coating seal, every layer serves a specific purpose: to ensure your designs arrive pristine and stay that way.
The Barrier Layer
We never plate gold directly onto brass. We first apply a thick 0.1 micron Palladium or nickel-free White Bronze barrier layer. This acts as a "Great Wall," physically blocking copper ions from migrating to the surface. No copper migration means no green skin and no dark spots.
Verified Gold Thickness
We offer three precise tiers of thickness, monitored by XRF technology:
Fashion Grade: 0.05µm - 0.1µm (Flash Gold) for trend items.
Premium Grade: 0.5µm - 1.0µm for daily wear fashion brands like Tory Burch.
Luxury Grade (Vermeil): 2.5µm - 5.0µm on Sterling Silver, meeting US/EU legal standards.
Heavy Silver Plating
For silver jewelry, thin plating looks "flat." We build layers up to 5-8 microns thick. This extra depth allows for a deeper, warmer "moonlight" reflection that mimics solid silver, far superior to standard market plating.
The E-Coating Seal
Finally, we submerge the rack in an electrolytic lacquer bath (E-Coating). This deposits a transparent, nano-ceramic skin over the metal. It seals microscopic pores and protects the plating from perfume, lotion, and air, extending shelf life by 200%.
Base Metal Guide
As a professional Gold Plated Jewelry Manufacturer, we know that choosing the right base metal is critical for success. The wrong material can lead to fading, skin irritation, and returns. Whether you need 316L Steel for durability or Environmental Brass for fashion detail, use the guide below to match the perfect metal to your target audience.
316L Stainless Steel
Best For: Waterproof Jewelry, <$50 Retail Price.
Plating Type: PVD Vacuum Coating.
Critical Note: Must use our 0.5µm TiN base for saltwater resistance.
Environmental Brass
Best For: Fashion Jewelry,
50
−
50−100 Retail Price.
Plating Type: Electroplating.
Critical Note: Requires Palladium barrier for EU compliance and anti-allergy.
925 Sterling Silver
Best For: Luxury Jewelry, >$100 Retail Price.
Plating Type: Gold Vermeil (2.5µm+).
Critical Note: XRF report is mandatory to legally label it as "Vermeil."
Verified by Science, Approved by Brands
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Removes microscopic oils and dust to ensure perfect adhesion.
Cross-Hatch Adhesion
We score a grid and apply industrial tape. 0% peeling is allowed, ensuring a permanent bond.
XRF Thickness Verification
We use Fischer XRF machines to measure the exact thickness of TiN, Palladium, and Gold layers.
Salt Spray Test
24-48 hour Neutral Salt Spray (NSS) testing simulates 1-2 years of coastal wear.
Solutions in Gold
Responsible Manufacturing
We take pride in being a responsible manufacturer. Our facility utilizes closed-loop water recycling systems and cyanide-free gold baths where possible. We also offer E-Coating to extend the life of electroplated jewelry, reducing waste by making products last longer. All our processes are REACH-compliant and nickel-free.
Your Technical Questions, Answered
Q1: Most factories say PVD is indestructible. Is that true?
No. Nothing is truly indestructible. However, our 0.5µm TiN base layer makes our PVD significantly more durable than the market standard (0.1µm). While standard PVD might show wear in 6-8 months, ours typically maintains its appearance for 2-3 years because the underlying layer matches the top gold color.
Q2: Why is your Electroplating price higher than the factory down the street?
The cost difference is in the Palladium. Cheap factories use Copper or Nickel as a base, which causes allergies and tarnishing. We use Palladium to ensure your brand remains hypoallergenic and compliant with EU REACH regulations. You pay for the insurance that your customers won’t get rashes.
Q3: Can you ensure color consistency between PVD (Steel) and Plating (Brass)?
PVD and Wet Plating use different physics, so a 100% match is impossible. However, we have “Color Match Protocols.” We can adjust our PVD targets to be within a 90-95% visual match of your wet-plated brass items. We recommend sending us a “Master Gold Sample” for calibration.
Q4: I need "Hamilton Gold." Can you do custom shades?
Absolutely. We can formulate the gold bath or PVD target to achieve Hamilton Gold (pale yellow), Russian Gold (reddish-pink), or standard Swiss watch industry color codes (1N14, 2N18, 3N).
Q5: Can I get a report proving the plating thickness?
Yes. We provide a Fischer XRF report with every batch showing the exact thickness of the TiN, Palladium, and Gold layers. We include this report in your shipping documents.
Q6: What is the difference between "Gold Plated" and "Gold Vermeil"?
“Gold Plated” is usually thin (0.03-0.1µm) on brass. “Vermeil” is legally defined (in US/EU) as at least 2.5µm gold on Sterling Silver. We manufacture both to spec.
Q7: My customers complain about "Green Skin". How do you stop this?
Green skin comes from copper reacting with sweat. Our dense Palladium/White Bronze barrier layer blocks the copper, and E-coating seals the surface. Problem solved.
Q8: Do you plate over Zinc Alloy?
No. Zinc alloys (like Zamak) rot under plating. We only plate on Brass, Steel, or Silver to ensure longevity.
Q9: What is your MOQ for custom plating thickness?
100pcs for PVD, 300pcs for specific Electroplating thickness (due to tank calibration requirements).
Q10: Can I visit your factory?
Yes. We are based in Dongguan. You are welcome to tour our PVD chambers and see the XRF testing lab in person.
Request Your Free OEM Quote Today
Please provide as much detail as possible (Material, Quantity, 3D files/Photos) so our engineers can give you an accurate estimate within 24 hours.