GOLD PLATING

Gold plating is the process of applying a thin layer of real gold onto the surface of the metal base (usually brass, copper, or alloy) to give the cufflink, pin, or badge a luxurious gold finish.

The item is first thoroughly cleaned, then placed in an electroplating bath where a controlled electric current bonds a fine layer of gold onto the surface. This creates a bright, smooth, and highly reflective gold appearance that closely resembles solid gold but at a much more affordable cost.

Gold plating can range from bright polished gold to softer antique or rose gold tones, depending on the type of gold used and the finishing process. While beautiful and popular, gold plating is a surface finish only — over time and with regular wear, the gold layer can gradually wear away, revealing the base metal underneath.

See our gold plated badges. Prefer a silver-coloured finish? Read our guide to nickel plating.

With the wide variety of production methods and manufacturers in the custom badge and cufflink industry, terminology can often be confusing. Many products share similar names or overlapping descriptions for essentially the same finish. To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a clear guide to the most common alternative terms used for gold plating:

– Gold Plated
– Gilt Plating
– Gilt
– Electroplated Gold
– Gold Finish

– Standard gold plating gives a bright, polished gold finish.
– Gold micron builds up a thicker layer of gold, at a thickness you choose, for a deeper, richer colour.
– Antique gold darkens the recesses for a traditional look that brings out fine detail.

Free samples of our previous work are the easiest way to compare.

Yes, with Gold Micron plating. The thickness is your choice. More microns cost more, and we’ll quote on the thickness you choose.

Navy, black, deep red, green and white all stand out well against gold. Very pale yellows and creams can get lost next to the metal, so we’ll flag any low-contrast colours on your proof.

Yes. Gold plating is one of the options for our medals, coins, cufflinks and metal keyrings, as well as badges. See the Plating tab on each product page.