To coat or plate an object with gold using an electrical current, creating a thin gold layer on the surface.
From electro- + gild (to cover with gold). This technique developed in the 19th century alongside electroplating, allowing jewelers and manufacturers to apply gold economically.
Electrogilding is why most affordable gold jewelry isn't solid gold—the technique lets one gram of real gold coat an entire piece, making luxury jewelry actually affordable for ordinary people!
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