Gold plating a silver pendant

[Alistra]

I know there have been a few threads about gold plating recently, but I think this is a different question because I want to know if silver can be gold plated. My mom mostly wears yellow gold. She has a sterling silver pendant that she would like to have gold plated. Is this possible? if so, does anyone have suggestions on where to get it done? Thanks!

 

[Sky56]

Yes. You can take it to a good local jeweler.

 

[Alistra]

Thanks!

 

[4ever]

If she really loves the pendant you could ask about having a mold made of it so it can be cast in gold.
Not as cheap as gold plating, however if it can be done it your mum won't have to worry about the plating wearing off.

 

[Sky56]

That's a good idea, 4ever. In 2000, I bought a plain hefty sterling ring with a unique modern airy design for $10. I loved the ring and I wanted it in 14K gold so I had a jeweler make a mold from it and cast it. It came out great and I still love wearing it...and the original silver one, too.

 

[Alistra]

Thanks 4ever! That is a great idea, but I'm pretty sure she looking to save some money. I will mention it to her though.

 

[Sky56]

You also want to keep in mind when making your decision - You may have noticed that gold-plated silver jewelry sold in stores is called "vermeil." It's a common product in department stores.

Probably if you take the piece to be gold plated at a nice local jeweler (the high quality type, not the national chain ones) the plating will be better (thicker) but not sure. One problem with gold-plating that I've seen is that unlike with solid gold, eventually I see signs of some discoloration from oxidation caused by the silver tarnishing under the plating. Granted, it takes some time for this to happen, but the pendant won't look the same when it later comes time to pass it on to a loved one.

I got lucky with my ring because at the time gold prices were much lower, and my jeweler only charged me $275 for the gold ring he casted.