What Does “Plated” Mean?
Plating is a process where one metal is applied over another in a thin layer, usually by using an electrical current to bond the two metals. This is done for three reasons: 1. to protect against corrosion or scratches (rhodium or nickel plating), 2. to resist discolouration or tarnish (rhodium or gold plating), or 3. to reduce cost since a product made with a thin layer of precious metal (such as silver) over a less expensive base metal (such as brass) costs much less than a solid piece of precious metal.
