Pen kit plating durability

[Amihai]

Hello all,
Due to recent price spikes of many metals, PSI changed most of their Rhodium containing pen kits from Rhodium to Chrome.

Because I make mainly high end pens, I'm looking for kits made with precious metals that will also stand the test of time.

What are your recommendations? Many precious metals like Gold and Silver are quite soft, and I'm afraid they won't last for long as a plating material.

What are recommended materials / kits which are durable enough and can be marketed as precious for high end marketing? Thanks!

 

[TonyL]

Silver Pen Parts

Silver Pen Parts

 

[monophoto]

Here's a page from an old Craft Supplies catalog that compares and rates the various plating options for pens.

 

[mark james]

Not to put a damper on your quest..., but I really like Chrome.

 

[1080Wayne]

My suggestion would be to re-focus your marketing strategy away from `precious` to durability and appearance . Solid silver , not silver plate , would keep you in precious , but is scratchable and tarnishable . Chrome isn`t precious , but nothing beats it`s functionality .