An Apple Watch is shown during an Apple event at the Flint Center in Cupertino
IN PHOTO: An Apple Watch is shown during an Apple event at the Flint Center in Cupertino, California, September 9, 2014. REUTERS/Stephen Lam

Jewellers, such as Watch Plate and Golden Dreams, are offering to gold plate the Apple Watch in an effort to make it affordable for many Apple Watch Enthusiasts who want to own the gadget that comes with a price tag ranging from $10,000 to $17,000, according to reports.

Going by Watch Plate’s offer, Apple Watch customers can gold plate their smartwatch for $399, reports 9 to 5 Mac. To get the Apple Watch gold plated from Watch Plate, users can FedEx the stainless Steel Apple Watch to the Watch Plate which they will gold plate and ship it back within three business days and will also email you a FedEx label, as per the 9 to 5 Mac report. The company uses 24 karat rose gold or 24 karat yellow gold to gold plate the Apple Watch. Watch Plate has been inundated with orders and with the customers' response, the results seem positive, according to Wired.

Meanwhile, Golden Dreams will offer gold Apple Watch models in 18 karat rose gold, 18 karat white gold and 24 karat yellow gold for $3,550. These smartwatches are custom-made in Geneva and shipped across the world. Apart from the watch, the company is also offering alligator leather straps in over 160 colour options and hand engraving will also be available, the 9 to 5 Mac report quoted Golden Dreams as saying.

As per the Wired report, Apple Watch owners can get their smartwatch plated in colours that resemble the gold of a Rolex or yellow or rose gold Apple Watch edition for $450.

If cared for well, the gold plating should last for years, says Watch Plate through its official website. The company recommends the usage of a soft cloth to wipe away elements that could affect the life of the plating and avoid the use of abrasives or stainless steel cleaners that could damage it. To ensure the longevity of the gold plating, Watch Plate recommends removing the Apple Watch when performing strenuous activities.

After the expiration of the initial 30-day plating guarantee, Watch Plate also offers discounted re-plating for the life of the smartwatch for only $199, which also includes a band.

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