Gold Plating
We've been gold plating for customers across London and the UK since 1962.
Our gold plating service restores worn jewellery, tarnished church items, antique pieces, and household fittings. We strip away old finishes, polish the surface properly, and apply real gold using electroplating methods the Stevenson family has refined over six decades. Every item gets the same careful attention, whether it's a small ring or a large candleholder. No shortcuts, no rush work. Just honest craftsmanship that brings back the shine and protects the metal for years to come.
Why Choose Us for Gold Plating
Gold plating takes skill, the right equipment, and genuine care. We've been doing this for over 60 years, and every item is handled by a Stevenson family member from start to finish.
Family run since 1962 with three generations of experience
We handle every step ourselves, from stripping to final plating
Proper prep work before any plating begins
Real gold applied using controlled electroplating
We've helped customers across London and the UK for decades
Clear communication so you know what's happening with your item
Fair pricing with no hidden charges
How We Gold Plate Your Items
Gold plating isn't just dipping something in a tank. It takes stripping old finishes, preparing the surface carefully, and applying gold through electroplating. Here's how we do it.
Strip and Clean
We remove old plating, lacquer, and tarnish to get back to bare metal. This helps the new gold bond properly. Even items covered in years of wear come back clean.
Polish and Smooth
The surface gets polished to remove scratches, dullness, and marks. Gold plating shows every imperfection, so this step matters.
Prep for Plating
Everything gets cleaned again to remove oils and residue. Even fingerprints can stop gold from bonding evenly, so the item must be spotless.
Apply Gold
Using electroplating, we apply real gold to the surface. The item sits in a gold solution while electrical current deposits the metal evenly. We control the thickness and coverage throughout.
Final Polish
After plating, the item gets a final polish. This brings out the full shine and smooth finish.
Final Check
Every piece gets checked for even coverage and smooth finish. If it doesn't meet our standard, we work on it again.
Typical turnaround is 1 to 2 weeks depending on size and condition.
What Can Be Gold Plated
We work on all kinds of metal items. Religious pieces, everyday jewellery, antiques, household fittings. If it's made of suitable metal, we can help.
Jewellery and Personal Items
Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches, cufflinks, tie pins, chains, pendants, brooches, lockets, and charms.
Religious and Church Items
Altar crosses, chalices, communion sets, candlesticks, censers, bells, and other liturgical items.
Household and Decorative
Picture frames, trays, door handles, knobs, light fittings, taps, bathroom fittings, towel rails, clocks and collectables.
Antiques and Memorabilia
Antique furniture fittings, vintage clocks, trophies, medals, and restored antiques needing re-plating.
Who Uses Our Gold Plating Service
Churches across London trust us with altar pieces. Collectors bring antiques needing careful restoration. Private customers send family jewellery that's lost its shine.
Churches and Religious Groups
We restore crosses, chalices, candleholders, and other liturgical items with the care they deserve.
Antique Dealers and Restorers
Preparing pieces for sale or returning them to original condition.
Private Collectors
Maintaining valuable items and keeping them protected from tarnish and wear.
Jewellery Owners
Restoring rings, necklaces, and other pieces that have worn, faded, or lost their finish.
Homeowners
Bringing back the finish on taps, door fittings, and decorative pieces around the house.
Anyone with Gold Plated Items
That have scratched, tarnished, or need restoring. We help customers across London and throughout the UK.
How Much Does Gold Plating Cost
Prices depend on size, condition, and how much prep work is needed. Small items like rings cost less than larger decorative pieces. Heavy tarnish or damage means more prep time, which affects the price.
Send us clear photos and tell us what you need. We'll give you an exact quote before starting. No hidden costs.
Most work takes 1 to 2 weeks. Larger or more detailed items may take longer. We'll confirm timescales when you get your quote. Every job gets the time it needs.
Sending Items to Us
Many customers send items to us from across the UK. Here's how to do it safely.
Packing: Wrap your item in bubble wrap or soft cloth. Use a sturdy box with padding so nothing moves. Include your name, phone number, email, and return address inside.
Posting: Always use tracked and insured delivery. Royal Mail Special Delivery or a courier with insurance is best. This protects you if anything goes wrong.
What Happens Next: We'll confirm as soon as your item arrives. You'll get updates throughout, and we'll arrange secure return delivery when finished.
Our Address: Stevenson Platers 34 Woodgrange Avenue Harrow London HA3 0XD
Common Questions About Gold Plating
Here are the questions customers ask us most often. If yours isn't here, just get in touch.
How long does gold plating last?
It depends on use. Pieces on display like picture frames or church items can last decades. Jewellery worn daily wears naturally over time, usually needing re-plating after a few years. We apply gold properly so it lasts as long as possible, but regular wear will thin the finish eventually.
Can you plate badly worn or damaged items?
Yes. We work on heavily worn and damaged items regularly. The condition just affects prep work needed. Scratched surfaces need more polishing. Tarnished items need deeper cleaning. We'll let you know what can be done and what the item will look like after.
What thickness of gold gets applied?
We apply enough to give a proper, lasting finish. Decorative items that won't be handled much get standard thickness. Jewellery or items with regular use get thicker plating for durability. We'll recommend what's best based on how the item will be used.
Is the gold you use real gold?
Yes. We use real gold in our electroplating process. The gold is applied as a thin layer over the base metal. It's genuine gold, not paint or coating. That's why it looks right and lasts properly.
Can I drop my item off in person?
Yes. We're in Harrow, London. You're welcome to drop your item off directly. It's often easier to discuss what you need face to face, especially for larger or detailed pieces. Call 07391 007 123 first to make sure someone's available.
How do I care for gold plated items?
Keep them away from harsh chemicals, perfumes, and cleaning products. Wipe gently with a soft cloth when needed. Don't scrub or use abrasive cleaners. Store jewellery separately so pieces don't scratch each other. Proper care keeps the finish looking good longer.
Do you offer different gold colours?
Yes. We can apply yellow gold (the most common), rose gold, and white gold finishes. Let us know what you prefer when you get in touch, and we'll explain the options for your specific item.
What if my item is valuable or sentimental?
We treat everything with care, but we understand some pieces matter more. Send it with full insurance and tracking. We handle church items, family heirlooms, and antiques regularly. If you're nervous, visit us in Harrow so we can talk through the process and you can see how we work.
Will the gold fade or peel off?
When gold is applied properly, it shouldn't fade, peel, or flake. The finish will naturally wear thin over time with heavy use, especially on jewellery that's worn daily. That's normal wear, not poor plating. Display items or pieces that aren't handled much will keep their finish for many years.
Can you match existing gold colours?
We'll do our best. Send us clear photos and let us know what you're looking for. Different gold finishes (18ct, 24ct) have slightly different colours. We'll recommend the closest match for your item and explain what to expect before we start.
Get Your Free Quote
Send us photos and details about your item so we can give you an accurate price. We usually reply within the hour during working hours.
Gold Plating Across London and the UK
We've been helping customers restore gold plated items since 1962. Whether you're in Harrow, Wembley, Pinner, Northwood, Stanmore, or anywhere across the UK, we're here to help. Visit us or send your items safely by post.
Prices depend on size, condition, and how much prep work is needed. Small items like rings cost less than larger decorative pieces. Heavy tarnish or damage means more prep time, which affects the price.