Custom Electroforming with 18KT Gold

Electroforming refers to plating one or more layers of metal on a non-metallic surface. It is sometimes used to “gold dip” items like sea shells or tiny pine cones, which were popular for many years. However, electroforming also has more complex uses, including applying an accent trim to jewelry pendants.

The electrofoming process involves suspending the jewelry pieces in plating tanks, where various metals are allowed to “form” or build up to a desired thickness. By using special paints, the metal will form only where desired for the most aesthetic effect. The final layer of 18kt gold that Earth Relics applies to all jewelry items is three times the thickness required by the U.S. government in order to legally refer to an item as gold-plated. Our gold contains special hardeners to make the finish more abrasive resistant, and brighteners to assure a brilliant luster. We only plate in 18kt gold at this time.

Electroformed accent trim on a coyamito freeform

Electroforming Jewelry Pieces for our Customers

When sending items to us for electroforming, we encourage you to look at some of the jewelry pendants on our gallery pages.

We can electroform a decorative edge to round and oval cabochons, create “caps” on round or irregularly shaped stones (which has the look of molten gold dribbled over the top of the stone), and other effects. When sending an item to be electroformed, we will apply a decorative trim that we think will accent the item most beautifully. However, if you see an item on our gallery pages that has the effect you like best, simply let us know the stock number under the photo, and we will do our best to duplicate that effect.

Although we strive to achieve the exact look each customer desires, some variation may occur due to the shape, contours or composition of the jewelry item. At this time, we do not electroform any metal jewelry pieces, but we will work with most lapidary materials, fossils, and other materials. A gold-filled ring will be attached to each pendant so it will be ready to wear on a chain or cord. Although we do not offer silver electroforming, we hope to offer this service in the near future. If you have any questions about whether we can electroform any type of jewelry item, please feel free to contact us.

Electroformed cap on a tumbled polished malachite

Note: We normally only plate items that will have a ring or bail of some sort attached, since they must be suspended in plating tanks. We may be able to plate some items without rings or bails, but when this is possible, it does require extra steps that may incur an extra charge. Multiple rings, bails or loops may be electroformed onto items so they can be used as links in necklaces or for other uses (at no additional cost).

Important Considerations

Electroforming requires suspending the jewelry items in tanks with a slightly acidic solution. As part of our process, these items are carefully protected with multiple layers of special coatings. These coatings are completely removed when the jewelry item is finished. While the coatings we use are very effective, on rare occasions some jewelry pieces, such as shells, leaves, shark teeth, and some softer stones may be negatively affected by the acid. In most cases the discoloration caused by the acid is minor and can be removed by using buffing methods. We electroform our own rare fossils and stones regularly because the risk is so low. However, we cannot be held responsible for any pieces sent to us that are affected by the acids in our solutions. Most items—such as agates and the majority of semi-precious gemstones—are not acid-sensitive, and there is no risk of damage.

We recommend that our electroformed pendants be treated like any other quality jewelry, and not be worn when bathing or swimming. If storing the jewelry for prolonged periods, keep it at room temperature, in a relatively low-humidity area. After prolonged wear, wiping the electroformed gold with a soft cloth will help restore the original luster.

Our History

Our electroformed creations have been featured in Lucky Magazine, and we have many customers who are very pleased with our custom electroforming. If you would like to add a touch of elegance to some of your jewelry items, contact us and see what we can offer!

Pricing

We have a strict minimum order of $25.00, not including shipping or insurance.

Our pricing is mostly based on the size of the item being electroformed. Some items may be slightly higher if any special steps are required to prepare the jewelry for electroforming. You will be notified ahead of time if extra charges apply for special treatments needed on any pendants. If you would like a pricing quote before the work begins, you can send photos of the pieces you want plated, along with dimensions, or an accurate description of those items. Or, you can send the items for us to see, and we will work up a quote and send it for your approval before we begin the work.

Items up to 1 inch in height or width: $7.00
Items over 1 inch and up to 1-1/2inches in height or width: $8.00 each
Items over 1-1/2 inches and up to 2 inches in height or width: $9.50 each
Items over 2 inches and up to 2-1/2 inches in height or width: $11.00 each
Items over 2-1/2 inches and up to 3 inches in height or width: $14.00 each
Items over 3 inches $16 and up, according to size

Shipping

All items are sent by USPS ground unless you specify otherwise.

USPS ground: $3.00

Option: Priority Mail: $3.00 extra. Please notify us ahead of time if you want to use Priority Mail!

Insurance: Required. The rate is $1.50 per $50 in value.

Payment

Payment must be received before any items are shipped. We accept most credit cards through our PayPal shopping cart system. You do not have to have a PayPal account to use this payment method. You may also pay by check using the PayPal system. We also accept bank checks, money orders and postal orders. Personal checks are accepted, but all personal checks, including those used when going through PayPal, must clear the bank before the items are shipped.

Once the items are ready to ship, a photo of some of the items will be sent to you. An invoice will then be sent with the total amount due, where you can click on a “pay now” button directly from the email and pay by credit card or check.

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