Pino Aliprandini has developed a new platinum electroforming bath that enables new design, manufacturing and pricing possibilities for platinum jewellery.

Since the electroforming process results in hollow jewellery, at least 100 microns of metal are required to protect pieces from damage. Previous attempts at platinum electroforming could only achieve optimal thickness of 5 to 10 microns. 

The new solution enables a thickness of up to 150 microns without any brittleness, according to Sam Chong, managing director of Pino Aliprandini (HK) Ltd. 

This breakthrough – the product of over five years of research and development – allows jewellery manufacturers to produce lighter platinum pieces, introduce more styles such as bigger and chunkier looks, create jewellery with smoother surfaces and save on material costs, he said. 

“Solid jewellery pieces such as charms and beads that would have weighed 12 grams can now be produced with just 1.2 to 1.5 grams of platinum through electroforming,” Chong disclosed.

The engaging designs and competitive prices of electroformed platinum jewellery will also attract more consumers to the category, he continued.

New possibilities

The company official said the platinum electroforming bath is likely to cost around twice the market price of platinum as it consists of a Pino-developed platinum complex combined with its proprietary formulation.

"This is ideal for jewellery retailers and chains with their own production facilities as they can create the pieces and sell these directly to their customers in all their stores,” he noted.

Chong already counts some major Hong Kong-headquartered jewellery retail chains among his clients for this product and is eyeing similar companies in China and India.

He likewise welcomes manufacturers seeking to develop their platinum business and create new styles like lighter wedding bands and fashionable platinum pieces.

Pino is also currently developing solutions for gem-set platinum jewellery, which are likely to launch by year-end.