Sensitive stones
Not all gemstones tolerate electroplating baths, ultrasonic cleaning or degreasing solutions. Please ask in advance whether your stone can withstand the process or must be unset first.
Schiefer & Co. · Plating
Jewellery electroplating
Gilding, rhodium, silver plating and surface finishes — at the refinery since 1923.
Surfaces are more than protection — they define quality, function and perceived value. At Schiefer & Co. we combine modern electroplating with exacting standards for durable, precise and visually refined results.
Our coatings improve corrosion resistance and wear strength while giving pieces the technical and decorative properties required — from one-offs to series production, with controlled processes and consistent quality checks.
BeforeAfter
Processes & lead times
| Process | Colour | Lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Fine gilding, hard gold (24K) | Fine gold | approx. 3 – 4 days |
| Hard gilding | Au750 medium | approx. 3 – 4 days |
| Colour gilding | Au333 yellow, medium, rosé, red · Au585 yellow, medium, rosé, red · Au750 yellow, medium, rosé, red · Au900 yellow, fine gold | approx. 3 – 4 days |
| Rhodium plating (white) | Bright silver-white | from 1 hour |
| Rhodium plating (black) | Anthracite | approx. 3 – 4 days |
| Silver plating (bright) | Fine silver | approx. 3 – 4 days |
| Bright nickel plating | Fine nickel — silvery yellow | approx. 3 – 4 days |
| Nickel strike | Fine nickel — silvery yellow | approx. 3 – 4 days |
| Copper plating (cyanide-based) | Fine copper | approx. 3 – 4 days |
| Bright copper plating (acid) | Fine copper | approx. 3 – 4 days |
| Pre-treatment | Masking, degreasing, de-oxidising, ultrasonic | on request |
| Refinishing | Matting, polishing, grinding, tumbling, blasting | on request |
| Pre-coating | Steel pre-gilding, nickel undercoat, pre-copper | on request |
| Restoration, refinishing | Hollowware, cutlery, trophies, vessel interiors | by effort |
| Plating organic materials | Baby shoes, pacifiers, wood, etc. | approx. 14 days |
| Plating small non-precious objects | Steel, stainless steel, base metals, aluminium, die-cast zinc, etc. | approx. 3 – 4 days |
| Plating large non-precious objects | Vehicle parts, interior fittings | on request |
Electroplating — information
Masking
Partial gilding (e.g. bicolour or tricolour) is done by protecting selected areas with masking lacquer.
Cleaning & refinishing
We also refurbish cutlery and hollowware — including restorative work by an experienced silversmith.
Colour fidelity
Standard colour samples can be ordered from us. For custom colours, please send your own colour sample with the piece. Individual colour matching requires more time and experience.
Remote price estimates
Please request estimates by email: send a photo of the piece to galvanik@schiefer.co. Condition and surface are rarely assessed as accurately by phone as from an image.
Technical enquiries to the plating department or on-site appointments by email: