Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Electrofoming onto shells with silver or gold

2007

I am very interested in a short or part time course in electroforming.For 12 years I ran my own business making shell headdresses for beach Weddings. Although I won various bridal awards I gave up trading three years ago due to high imports and copying.I have seen shells covered with silver and would love to learn the process so I could give my business
that extra edge/a new start.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Many thanks,

Karen Jane McCarthy
shell headresses - Romsey, Hampshire, England

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2007

You cannot make a pound doing this. It is expensive and very detailed. Take a look at the FAQ on plating non metallic items.
Everything is made in China now. You might possibly be able to import what you need at a fair price.
Some of the metallic paints are great now.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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Any better book on jewelry making is something for you (Oppi Untracht's old book Metalworking Techniques for Craftsmen is very good) =>

Some download free infos can be found on web too(www.lapidaryjournal.com/jj/oct00jj.cfm).Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2007

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Karen
Electroplating on a non conductive surface is possible but not simple. Add to that silver is almost always plated from a cyanide solution so I don't think this is something you can do at home.
I suggest that you have a look at the possibility of having the shells vacuum coated for you. Chrome or aluminium will look like silver at much lower cost and will not tarnish like silver.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England
2007