Base Metal

[Lisa]

#621

So I know that we are told that the solids are plated in 22K gold but my question is- are all the solids plated this way including the GD solids?

If they are all plated in 22K gold than why isn't there a certificate with the solids?

[Petals]

#17382

Sorry Lisa, but I cannot believe the 22ct gold bit. And why should they use 22ct when they can use a lesser number! Feel free to correct me if I am wrong!

<img src='style_emoticons//cool.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’cool.gif’ />

[Queenie]

#17383

Dear Lisa and Jacqueline,
I am so not in the know about the solids manufacturing aspect, but wondering if perhaps if they use a goldwash on the metal and somehow are able to qualify
that as 22k gold? <img src='style_emoticons//huh.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’huh.gif’ />

[peanutbutter]

#17384

Hi –

I believe Queenie you might be right about the wash or mix of metal and the gold.

You can use a very small amont of gold and advertise the product as 22k.

Not sure but do think if you are using gold in any amount you will stamp that piece of gold with the amount 12k,10k,22k and so on .. just like the back of your rings will have a stamp. I have not looked really close but I have not seen a stamp on any of the solids I have.

Maybe we should ask EL what % of the solid is actually gold!

[Lisa]

#17385

If you look at Roz Gerson's book on page 25 you will find the making of a solid perfume compact- this article was put out by EL and it says

QUOTE

Plating is typically a three step process whereby castings are dipped into copper, nickel and rhodium and/or 22K gold

I know this is a question we will never get answered by EL but just wondering about which solids are dipped?

[peanutbutter]

#17386

Lisa,

Not sure if I can help but will give it a try.. Both my father and brother are experts in manufacturing and molding several metals and plastics. I will have them look over the solids I have and see if they can tell me anything.

Like the showgirl looks dipped and the slot machine looks like a mold, looking at the gingerbread house this looks like some pieces on it were dipped and others molded.

I know there are several different processes for each type of mold and each one of EL solids is totally different. I know that some molds need to be sent out for special work and machining, that may also influence why some solids are a lot more than others when they appear to have less bling but alot more work really went into it than you know.

Will get back to you on this.

[Petals]

#17387

Well that is really interesting. Am looking forward to all you find out regarding this point……

<img src='style_emoticons//smile.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’smile.gif’ />

[2cute4u2]

#17388

Thanks for the explanation Peanutbutter. Please let us know more when you find out.

And…welcome to the boards. I don't believe that anyone has welcomed you. So let me be the first. <img src='style_emoticons//biggrin.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’biggrin.gif’ />

[Lisa]

#17389

Thanks Mary- I too am interested in hearing the results!
Along with 2cute4u2 I welcome you too, it's getting hard to keep up with all our new members, sorry. <img src='style_emoticons//tongue.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’tongue.gif’ /> I am thrilled however you are posting and getting to know everyone.

[Sandra]

#17390

Yeah!! Hiya – Nice to see someone new on the board with relatives “in the know”!

Looking forward to what you can find out for us all here. And to getting to know you better through your posts. <img src='style_emoticons//biggrin.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’biggrin.gif’ />

[Aussie Girl]

#17391

Gold Plating is actually very economical as all it is is covering or dipping the article into a gold solution. It is mostly done using small quantities of 22ct or 24ct gold and the value of the gold is just a few dollars. The higher the carat the softer the gold which is why for a solution they don't use a lower carat of 18 or 14 & as the article is not solid gold it cannot be hall-marked as such. Most of the cost with a gold dipped article is in the preparation of the surface – some surfaces needing more preparation than others. Depending on the thickness of the coating of the gold and wear & tear some plated articles loose their gold i.e. round the edges of cups, saucers & plates which often have gold plated rims.

Perhaps as suggested E.L. do charge a lot more for a gold plated solid -but only I.M.H.O. because it sounds good, not because it necessarily costs them more to produce.

I hope I have been able to shed a little light on the subject.

Karen

[Queenie]

#17392

Thanks “Aussie Girl” for shedding some light on the subject of gold plating.
Now we have a better perspective on the matter. I still will treasure my solid even if there is a small amount of gold plating. It is alot of work producing such a small intricate item.
Thanks again! <img src='style_emoticons//rolleyes.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’rolleyes.gif’ />

[Petals]

#17393

Thanks Karen! I am really surprised to read all this information as I really was sceptical about the issue of 'dipped in gold'. I have one prototype which is plain gold from top to toe! Presumably this was dipped in gold prior to the next stage which would have been the enamelling. But the items which remain plain gold are presumably gold dipped over the metal and polished????? Over to the EXPERTS.

<img src='style_emoticons//smile.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’smile.gif’ />

[Sandra]

#17394

Hmmm . . . good reading Karen – thanks!! Lots to chew on there. I like knowledge! <img src='style_emoticons//biggrin.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’biggrin.gif’ />

I agree with you about the “sounds good” rather than “costs more” – always a strategic marketing ploy – still I'd rather have them dipped in gold rather than something else I guess! <img src='style_emoticons//blink.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’blink.gif’ />

[Lisa]

#17395

I found the following information out in that the plating- it would depend on the color of the metal for the solid. Meaning that if the solids is gold and a bright gold color or matte was to be achieved than the solid is dipped in gold. All the solids start with a lead free casting and then get electroplated with copper/nickel. Silver look solids get a rhodium plating and no gold is used.
<img src='style_emoticons//wink.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’wink.gif’ />

[Author]

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