Gold Plated Flatware
Gold Plated Silverware
The word silverware today is a very generic term that includes all types of dinnerware and cutlery, including gold plated flatware. So although the word silverware originated from an era when the implements were fashioned from sterling silver, today’s silverware is just as easily made from gold.
Unfortunately, for the majority of us, solid gold flatware is prohibitively expensive. Pure gold is also very soft and not a realistic choice as a material for functional flatware. Like silverware, gold’s softness is overcome by plating it onto a core of a cheaper, and harder metal. The most commonly used core materials are copper and zinc. Not only does this toughen the flatware so that it can withstand daily use, but it also significantly reduces the cost.
Modern electroplating techniques deposit the gold atom by atom to the core metal via an electric current. This means that the deposited layer is only microns thick, but also that it is composed of pure gold. Once teh gold layer is sufficiently thick, it will generate the same luster and appearance as pure gold, without the absurdly high cost.
Although not as popular, or widely available, as the more traditional sterling silver flatware, gold plated flatware is produced by Towle Silversmiths, Godinger, and Harchow to name a few. So if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary and still more luxurious than your standard silverware, gold plated flatware may be right for you.
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