The course will be conducted in Czech, Russian, English, possibly with interpretation !
Benefit and uniqueness
- A specialized course focused on galvanization (not electroforming!) - exactly for the needs of goldsmiths and jewelers.
- You will learn how to perform surface treatments (gold plating, silver plating, rhodium plating, ruthenium plating and platinization) directly in your own workshop in professional quality.
- You will get procedures "from principles to practice" + instructions on how to keep the baths stable, repeatable and economical.
In the Czech Republic (and the wider region) there are practically no specialized courses in precious metal electroplating designed specifically for goldsmiths and professional jewelers. Most goldsmiths rely on supplier services (rhodium plating, gilding, etc.), but the ability to master these techniques directly in your own workshop is a huge competitive advantage. The course will offer not only technical solutions, but also practical experience on how to achieve precise, durable and aesthetically superior surfaces.
For whom
- For goldsmiths/jewelers and workshops with a license to work with precious metals.
- For advanced students of jewelry schools (by agreement).
Course objective
To understand the principles of electroplating and "base" procedures so that you are able to safely and qualitatively plate various base metals in your own practice.
Entry requirements and conditions
- Professional qualification / authorization to work with precious metals (trade/school/guarantor).
- Agreement with the health and safety and chemical rules of the course; work in PPE (gloves, goggles, apron).
- Basics of work in the workshop, care in measuring and recording.
Program
1) Principles
- What is electroplating, its principles and the mechanism of metal deposition.
- Current density, voltage, temperature, pH, conductivity - how they affect the speed, adhesion and appearance of the layer.
- Coating thickness, coating tension, diffusion, gloss /. matte conditions.
2) Basic procedures
- Surface preparation: degreasing, pickling/activation, neutralization, rinsing; masking and covering.
- Selection of base metal (copper, steel, nickel, silver) and barrier interlayer.
- Control of cleanliness and work without cross-contamination.
3) Work with electrolytes
- Bath parameters: temperature, pH, current density, time, mixing/filtration.
- Monitoring and records: replenishment, adjustments, test samples, bath cards.
- Typical limits and stability windows of individual electrolytes (gold, silver, rhodium, ruthenium, platinum).
4) Practical part
- Gold plating, silver plating, rhodium plating, ruthenium plating, platinization on: copper, steel, nickel, silver.
- Combination of layers (e.g. gold on silver, ruthenium on gold, barrier layers).
- Small shop procedures: dosing, timing, hangers, working with small parts.
5) Quality and error handling
- Diagnostics: burns, pitting/porosity, “haze”, poor adhesion, unevenness.
- Causes and correction: current settings, chemistry, cleanliness, substrate preparation.
6) Surface finishing
- rinsing, passivation, drying, protection.
7) Bath maintenance
- Filtration, regeneration/additives, storage, batch records.
- Prevention of degradation and extension of electrolyte life.
8) Safety, legislation and utilization
- Occupational health and safety in practice: handling chemicals, PPE, first aid.
- Ecology and disposal/“utilization”: neutralization, waste sorting, handover to an authorized company, record keeping (waste cards).
- Basic legislative framework and responsibilities of a goldsmith's workshop operator.
Participant outcomes/competences
- Can select and set the correct electrolyte and parameters for the desired surface.
- Can prepare the substrate, apply barrier intermediate layers and perform the final plating.
- Can diagnose and eliminate errors, keep bath records and maintain a stable process.
- Has a clear understanding of safe handling and legal disposal.
Materials and support
- Script (principles + checklists), SOP (standard operating procedures), bath cards (sample).
- E-mail consultation after the course (short support for implementation in practice).
Bonus for participants
- Discount on the purchase of Advantage electrolytes and accessories (the specific amount will be added according to the agreement with the supplier).
Organization
- Duration: 1 day (intensive) or 2 days (more practice and tests).
- Capacity: 2-3 people (emphasis on individualization).
- What is provided: workplace, electrolytes, test samples, PPE basics.
- What you can bring: your own semi-finished products/jewelry for the test (after prior approval).
- Price and dates: to be specified.
The price for the workshop includes:
* instructor guidance,
* protective work equipment,
* all materials needed to make jewelry,
* work manual including a list of tools, implements and chemicals needed for the plating process,
* coffee and something to eat during the day.
The price does not include:
* lunch,
* transportation and possible accommodation to the event,
* anything else not listed above
Cancellation conditions:
If you cancel your participation within 10 days before the start of the course, the full amount will be refunded.
If you cancel your participation within 5 days before the start of the course, half of the amount will be refunded.
Please note that if you cancel your participation 2 days or less before the start of the course, the course fee will not be refunded.
If the course is canceled due to government measures, the date will be moved to a safe period.
We look forward to seeing you!
