How Is 18K Gold Plated Jewelry Made?

Gold plated jewelry is made by bonding a real 18K gold layer onto a brass base through electroplating. At Hengdian (HD) Jewelry the process runs as a controlled 14-step workflow at our own Shanwei, Guangdong factory.

Step 1: The Brass Base

It starts with a brass component shaped by casting or stamping, then polished to a smooth, mirror-ready surface. A clean, even base is what lets the gold layer sit flat and look refined.

Step 2: Cleaning and Prep

The polished brass is degreased and rinsed in multiple baths to remove oils and micro-dust. Only a perfectly clean surface accepts an even gold coat.

Step 3: 18K Gold Electroplating

The component is immersed in a plating bath and an electric current deposits a real 18K gold layer, 0.1-0.3 micron thick, onto the brass. We calibrate thickness and tone for a warm, consistent 18K look rather than a thin flash finish.

Step 4: Finishing and Quality Check

After plating, pieces are rinsed, dried, and finished with a final polish. Every batch passes our 14-step process controls and a second inspection at the Guangzhou warehouse. Plating and base metals meet REACH, CE, and SGS verified standards, with nickel release within REACH limits and lead-free construction.

From Factory to Wholesale

Finished pieces join 40,000+ ready designs, with 500+ new styles launched each month. We support low MOQs from 6-12 pieces per style (36 for HAI-coded items) and custom 18K plated production from 120 pieces, plus free 5-7 samples so you can verify the finish before ordering.

Quick Answers

For bulk pricing, custom MOQ, or factory visits, contact our team or chat with us on WhatsApp.

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