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Q&As since 1989


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Plating natural objects for use within a jewelry collection

I am a jewelry design student going into my final year of my degree and recently went to an international jewelry fair. At the fair I came across a piece of sculptural jewelry that had been made, according to the artist's description by "specially preparing a leaf which was then covered in a thin layer of copper and then gold".

The finished effect had a very delicate skeletal look which is exactly what I want to achieve for my degree show collection, unfortunately I have never done plating before so have no idea how to go about it!
I would be wanting to work with leaves and dried out rotted wood.

Is it possible to do it myself using the equipment available within the jewelry department?

Nathalie M [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
student -England, United Kingdom
2003

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There is an excellent school of jollier at the University of Central England, 74 Vittora Street, Birmingham. They have a specialist in electroforming and electroplating jollier, so you could ask there.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2003

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May 31, 2008

For other readers who are not convenient to that location (and for Nathalie if things don't work out), we have an FAQ: Plating on Organic Materials that will at least get your started in how this is done. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey