Athenart Guide: Gold Plating & Oxidized Silver

Athenart Guide: Gold Plating & Oxidized Silver

Listen closely… the right finish is a conversation between your life and the piece you wear. At Athenart, every design begins in sterling silver 925. From there, you can choose silver, silver gold-plated, or silver oxidized—each beautiful, each with its own rhythm in time.

What “microns” mean—and why they matter

Gold plating thickness is measured in microns (μm). More microns = more durability.

• Simple plating: ~0.5–1 μm

• Hard plating: ~1–2 μm

• Double plating (recommended for rings): ~2–3 μm

Plating naturally softens with daily life—friction, skincare, soap, and sea salt are all part of the story. The goal is to match plating to use so your piece ages gracefully.

Which finish should I choose?

Rings (high contact)

• Best: Double plating (2–3 μm) for gold-plated rings.

• Also beautiful: Oxidized silver for dramatic relief; plain silver for bright sculptural lines.

Bracelets (moderate contact)

• Best: Hard plating (1–2 μm) or double plating if you wear it daily.

• Oxidized silver develops a lived-in patina you can refresh.

Necklaces & Pendants (lower contact)

• Good: Hard plating (1–2 μm) is usually enough; simple plating (0.5–1 μm) for occasional wear.

• Oxidized silver deepens the folds and textures in our sculptural pieces.

Earrings (lowest contact with skin & surfaces)

• Great with simple plating (0.5–1 μm); choose hard plating for everyday wearers.

Every finish is available across our collections. Explore the light of silver, the glow of gold, or the shadow of oxidation—each reveals the folds differently.

Care tips that actually work

• Put jewelry on after skincare, perfume, or hairspray.

• Remove before swimming, shower, sport, or housework.

• Store separately in a dry pouch/box; avoid humidity.

• Clean silver with a soft polishing cloth.

• Clean gold-plated pieces gently—no abrasives.

• Oxidized silver? Avoid harsh cleaners; let the patina evolve. We can refresh plating/oxidation in the studio.

How long will plating last?

It depends on thickness and lifestyle. With double plating (2–3 μm) and mindful care, rings can keep their glow for many months; earrings and pendants often even longer. When you’re ready for a refresh, we’re here.

Finish chooser (quick guide)

• You love warm glow + daily wear: gold-plated, double plating.

• You want crisp, bright sculpture: sterling silver.

• You like depth & drama: oxidized silver—let the folds speak.

Born in Athens, made to be worn

Every piece is handmade in Athens—tiny marks and textures are part of the soul of artisan work. Perfection here means human.

Enter Athenart’s world—discover your myth.
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