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Strip gold electroplating off a white gold base

2007

I have a piece of jewellery that was white gold with diamonds that was electroplated with yellow gold.

How can I effectively remove the yellow gold electroplate at home? Can I use a caustic solution to remove the thin layer?

Thanks!

V. Siemens
hobbyist - Montreal, Quebec

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Please recognize that gold is found in nature as a metal because it is so completely stable against the ravages of the world for millions of years, V. Remember that it cannot be dissolved in any simple acid, only Aqua Regia. Maybe a jeweler can remove the yellow gold and repolish it for you, but there is nothing around home that is going to strip gold plating.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007

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That's an easy one. Just remove by mechanical polishing and or paper sticks, etc the gold plating in the accessible areas and repolish the entire surface. The next step is to replate the entire piece of jewelry with a thick layer of rhodium or platinum.The new plating conceals the remaining plated yellow gold in those inaccessible areas. The new plating also provides a uniform and durable overall appearance, no one will ever know. This is a superb method if done correctly.
Regards, Dave

David Vinson
Metal Arts Specialties - Leonard, Michigan
2007

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July 23, 2008

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