Summary for brass plated silver Discussion
Brass plated silver is the focus of this thread, but the exchange mainly answers a related question about what plating on silver jewellery resists tarnish. Pujan Ajani asked whether brass plating on silver is possible and which plating on silver does not oxidize. Robert H. Probert replied that brass plating on silver plating is possible, but pointed to a separate thread explaining a potential problem with that approach. He said the best and most conventional top plating for silver is probably rhodium, which is commonly used because it resists oxidation. Harry Parkes then clarified that Robert was answering the oxidation question, not recommending rhodium between silver and brass layers. The discussion therefore suggests rhodium as the usual anti-tarnish finish on silver, while also noting that brass-on-silver plating can be done but may have issues.
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some readers skip abstract questions.
Q. I have a question of brass plating on silver jewellery and after silver plating is possible or not?
Which plating on silver jewellery does not oxidize.
Pujan ajani
– Rajkot Gujarat
August 21, 2022
A. Hi Pujan
Brass plating on silver plating is possible, but we appended your query to a thread where a potential problem with it is explained.
The best plating on top of silver, and a very conventional one, is probably rhodium.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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A. Brass over silver and/or rhodium over silver and/or anything else, with time (weeks) will allow the silver to diffuse thru to the top and corrode. You must have a “barrier” like palladium or nickel between.
Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services
Garner, North Carolina
August 21, 2022
A. Thanks for the clarification, Robert.
I wasn’t suggesting Rhodium between silver and brass plating; to be clear I was answering Pujan’s other question of “Which plating on silver jewellery does not oxidize?”.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
⇩ Similar, related, Q&As — oldest first ⇩
Brass plated silver turns black
Q. I have a brass plating process on silver, with potassium bichromate passivation afterwards.
My problem is that brass plated article after 15 days become of a black shade.
What can I do?
Mr. Ramesh Pandit
– Surat, Gujrat, India
May 31, 2012
A. Hi,
The cause of the blacking is almost certainly due to migration of silver into the brass coating. We see the problem more commonly with silver plating on brass or copper. The remedy would be a thicker coating of brass or to use a nickel undercoat.
I am very curious as to why you are plating inexpensive brass onto silver. Would you mind explaining?
Harry Parkes
– Birmingham, UK
I am brass plating on silver with potassium bichromate solution because it gives rich golden color without using gold.
Mr Ramesh Pandit [returning]
– Surat, Gujrat, India