Gold-dipped roses

Gold-dipped roses, or gold-trimmed roses, are real roses that are cut and preserved in a protective shell of gold to make them last a long time.[1] These roses are often given as gifts on special occasions like Mother's Day, Valentine’s Day, wedding anniversaries, birthdays, and other celebrations and events. The idea behind gold-dipped roses is to preserve the elegance and beauty of a rose forever in a metal that is just as exquisite and valuable as the rose itself, and to make a permanent and lasting expression of the emotions expressed by the giving of roses.[2]

History

The concept of gold-dipped roses has been around for quite a long time.[1] However, the techniques of making a rose have improved, paying special attention to intricate details, so that all the features of a rose are enhanced, protected, and beautified. If the process of gold-dipping, the rose and the gold used are of good quality, the gold-dipped rose can be made to last a lifetime.

Varieties

Other varieties of dipped roses include silver, platinum, and even tin roses. Petals, leaves, and rose orchids are also dipped in precious metals for preservation and decoration.[1]

Procedure

Different companies have different techniques and procedures for making gold-dipped roses, and most of the steps involved are patented by each company and are trade secrets.[3] Dipping or plating a rose is a time-consuming and painstaking process that involves multiple steps and weeks to prepare the finished product.[2]

Method

Some companies[4] claim that it requires 60 steps and 3 months of delicate processing to make a gold-dipped rose, while others profess that it requires 30 days to make the end product. However, the basic procedure, especially for small-scale processing, is the same; a rose, grown especially for the purpose of dipping or plating, is cut and layered with lacquer or an electrophoresing chemical and then dipped in molten gold (or another metal) to make a hard shell of metal. At the commercial level, several companies use the process of electroplating the rose with gold for a more durable and professional look. Simplified steps of the process are as below:[5]

  1. Select a healthy and purpose-grown rose which is not yet fully bloomed.[5]
  2. Hand paint or spray the rose with lacquer or an electrophoresing chemical so that the metal will stick to it. Let the chemical dry. This may take a day.[5]
  3. Melt the gold, and dip the rose in it bud-first, holding by the stem, for between 60 and 90 seconds, depending upon the desired thickness of the metal. If a light coating is required, dip it for less than 60 seconds, or for a heavier coating, let it dip for more than 90 seconds.[5]
  4. An alternative method which is especially used for commercial processing, is complete electroplating of the rose first with metals such as copper, and then a final coating of gold.
  5. Let it dry till a hard shell is formed, which may take a couple of days, depending on factors like wind and humidity.[5]

The idea is to preserve the delicacy, features, and pattern of the rose so that it is evident even through the gold plating.

Cost

Gold-dipped roses are available for anywhere between $69 to $299, depending on the technique and vendors, the karat of the gold that is used for dipping, and the thickness of the coating.[1] Some cheaper roses are coated with tin and then lightly sprayed with gold of a lesser quality, like 10 karat. Good quality roses are dipped in 24K gold, and hence are expensive.

References
  1. Society of American Florists (1997). Floral Management. Cornell University. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  2. "House Beautiful". House Beautiful. 108. April 1966. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  3. "Indianapolis Monthly". Indianapolis Monthly. October 2006. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  4. "OUR 60-STEP PROCESS".
  5. "Micro/Nano Technology Center" (PDF). University of Louisville. University of Louisville. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
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