Silver Gold Alloy Plating: Safe, Practical Options

Summary for silver gold alloy plating Discussion

Plating with an alloy of silver and gold is possible, but Goran Budija says it is complicated and usually requires careful experimentation. In response to Daniel Fronefield’s question about reproducing traditional Japanese alloys such as Shibuichi and Shakudo, he notes that both cyanide-based and cyanide-free processes can be used. He specifically points to ferrocyanide solutions as the simplest and probably oldest cyanide-free option, and mentions that thiosulphate- and pyrophosphate-based baths may also work. Budija warns that cyanide solutions are very dangerous and recommends only cyanide-free methods for DIY work. He suggests one practical route is to start with a gold or silver bath and add a water-soluble copper salt, or use a copper bath and add water-soluble gold or silver salts. The overall message is that the process is feasible, but not straightforward.