Choosing the right plating is more than simply a choice of color. Platings do vary in wear resistance and durability; therefore, we are supplying you with a description of each of our platings for your review along with their wear resistance rating .
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Rhodium - Platinum Platings
| Wear Resistance Rating: | ***** |
Rhodium, a member of the Platinum family, is one of the most durable and brilliant of nature's precious metals, selling for as much as $1,200.00 per troy ounce. Rhodium will not tarnish, resists acid staining and scratching. Rhodium and Platinum platings are magnificent in appearance, as well as the most durable. Our premium pens are offered in Rhodium and Platinum platings.
Black Titanium
| Wear Resistance Rating: | ***** |
Black Titanium is a very poplular plating that is blackish silver in color or dark gunmetal. With a superior wear rating, Titanium is offered at a much more affordable price than some of the other more precious metals. Its rich deep shine compliments many woods and acrylics.
Gold Titanium (Upgrade Gold)
| Wear Resistance Rating: | ***** |
Titanium mixed with Gold provides a rich beautiful gold tone in color, while providing a superior wear resistance rating than softer 24k Gold platings. Gold Titanium is often referred to as Upgrade Gold.
Chrome
| Wear Resistance Rating: | **** |
Chrome is a beautiful, long wearing plating that provides a rich, silver, shiny look at an economical price.
10k Gold
| Wear Resistance Rating: | *** |
A blend of Gold and Hard Nickel, 10k Gold provides the beautiful yellow gold color to Gold plating while providing a very durable finish at an affordable price.
22k Gold
| Wear Resistance Rating: | *** |
As pure 24k Gold is naturally soft, 22k Gold is 91.67% pure gold mixed with 5% Silver, 2% Copper and 1.3% Zinc. This alloy mixture produces a stronger, longer wearing metal known as yellow gold. Our premium pens use 22k Gold plating.
Satin Nickel
| Wear Resistance Rating: | **1/2 |
Satin platings undergo a special plating process producing a brushed like matte finish that is subtle and elegant. It looks and feels good and compliments many rich woods, colors and textures. This is a very poplular alternative to traditional shiny platings.
24k Gold
| Wear Resistance Rating: | *1/2 |
24t Gold is a bright, pure Gold plate which provides pens a rich, luxurious finish. As Gold is naturally soft, it tends to wear quickly; therefore, pen components in 24k Gold plating are coated in a durable epoxy layer to increase their wear resistance. This process significantly increases their life-span while offering Gold lovers a more affordable price.
Wear Resistance Rating
Each plating has been issued a wear resistance rating based on its durability and longevity. A 5-Star rating represents that the plating thickness and durability is such that it should not wear off at any time for any reason. A 1 1/2-Star rating represents a thinner flash plating that in most cases is protected by a thin layer of epoxy. It is also important to note that often softer platings are used for embellishment purposes in non-wear resistant areas, for example, on the centerband or trim. Remember that in most cases, the more precious and durable the metal, the more costly the pen will be as well. Most hign-end pens are plated in Rhodium-Platinum and trimmed with gold accents, whereas our more economical styles are available in 24k Gold.