Plated Beads

Plated beads are extremely popular in creating beaded jewelry. Plated beads refer to beads that are created through electroplating. These beads are non allergic, light weighted, economical and are usually hollow with sparkling layer of precious or semi precious plating on their top. Plating is the process of polishing of one metal over another metal, generally superior metal. Varied metal beads can be plated with silver, gold, nickel or other polish.

Technique of plating
To coat the base-metal beads with gold, silver or other finishes, electroplating, gilting, and other techniques are often applied. Electroplating is the process of applying a metallic finish over another metal and is used to produce a decorative or corrosion-resistant layer. Gilting is a process where gold color or gold polish is applied like paint onto the metal bead which gives a thin layer of gold color on the bead.

Buying tips
Plated beads are available in many kind of finishes like silver, gold, nickel, etc. that give them a wide variety to choose from. These beads are cheaper than other metal beads. However it is the base metal which helps to make a decision whether you want to buy silver-nickel gold plated beads or pewter gilted beads. All kinds of metal have their unique appeal. Plated beads lose their color after sometime. Some beads even turn black due to the oxidization of the base metal bead. As a buyer it is better to go for beads plated with a metal matching the color of the base bead. This is because when the plating gets removed, the original color of beads becomes visible and only close examination will show the difference.

Popularity of plated beads
Plated beads are very popular in the fashion world because they are found at cheaper rates compared to gold or silver or other precious metal. Though their life is smaller and plating is usually not permanent, the plated jewelry looks genuine. For long lasting of such beads, adequate care must be taken.

Types of plated beads

• Brass plated beads
• Copper plated beads
• Pewter plated beads
• Silver plated beads
• Gold plated beads
• Nickel plated beads

Plated Beads: Gold Plated Beads | Silver Plated Beads | Nickel Plated Beads