QuestionDear Thomas,
Question, Short Version:
What is the most economical way for a jewelry beginner to produce silver/gold jewelry pieces that have sayings engraved/etched onto them? Also, can a person etch base metals and then either electroplate them themselves or send them to a plating company to achieve the look of precious metals without the expense?
Question, long version:
I recently fell into an opportunity to provide an exclusive line of jewelry to a spa that will be opening in my area. I believe the owner is interested in the "witty/insightful saying engraved on a precious metal" type of jewelry that is so popular right now.
Unfortunately, up until now, the only jewelry making I have done is beading, so I am trying to learn how to engrave/etch on precious metals at a bit of a breakneck pace. I have researched etching, and think it may be my best choice due to the precision available and the usability of computers in making stencils. However, I am trying to find out if electroplating is an option, or if I should just plan on using sterling silver sheet metal and pricing the jewelry accordingly.
I have done some research on the internet regarding electroplating, but it appears the expense and time of doing it at home in the garage would be prohibitive. However, I also don't see much information regarding the reliability/turn-around time of plating companies. I also haven't found much information on what type of base metal would be best to have plated (copper/stainless steel?). I also wonder if chrome plating is ever used for jewelry, as it seems it might lend a unique look as long as it was durable enough.
Any advice you could give me on the whole process would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
AnswerKimberly, thanks for the question. You are wise in not choosing to do the electroplate work at home. The solutions are toxic and care must be used in the work while preventing contact with the stuff by others or pets.
I believe the least costly way to get the work done is talk to an engraving company. Many now use computer driven engraving machines and can duplicate even fancy signatures and designs with ease, all from a photo copy or suitable sketch their scanners can read. If several items are to be engraved, I would expect a discounted price based on volume.
Etching is a chemical process using some rather strong chemicals to dissolve the metal not protected by a masking layer, a "resist" is another name for the mask. The etching solution is called a mordant and various chemical solutions are used. This link gives an overview of etching in general. (copy and paste the link)
http://mrooker.com/JMUmetals/technical/Etching.html
You will likely see this is not the process you want to use, at least not now in this stage of your jewelry making experience.
ELECTROPLATE
Do not choose steel, it can be done but you will likely get better engraving and plating with metals such as copper or nickel silver.
Sterling can be plated well but the process is often more than one step, depending on the sort of plate desired. Costs could go up for the extra steps. Copper works and plates well overall. I would choose either copper or sterling, checking on electroplate prices first for each.
The best plating company I know of is this one:
www.redskyplating.com
This company may be able to help you. It will take an e-mail or phone call to find out. If they don't want to do the work, perhaps they can recommend another resource.
Chrome plate is a specialized sort of work and the application can be dangerous unless done in an established plating shop set up for the work. I do not recommend this metal for your work. I am not even certain this plate can be done on copper, silver or nickel silver.
Kimberly, please do not hesitate to get back to me anytime you need to do that. You will likely have questions on making the items in the first place. I do wish you well in this opportunity and hope it all works out for you with little hassle.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. April 3, 2008 7:32pm
