Rhodium Plating

What is Rhodium Plated Jewelry?

 Rhodium is a rare and precious metal that is in the family of platinum and can be 10 to 25 times more expensive than gold. For rhodium plated jewelry, it involves plating the jewelry with a surface that guards against scratches that also gives a reflective white appearance. It is most commonly found on white gold jewelry but can also be used on silver and other materials. Rhodium plating can also be referred to rhodium flashing or rhodium dip.


What are the benefits?
There are many upsides to rhodium plated jewelry. First, it increases shine, luster and durability. Additionally, it will make your jewelry more resistant to scratches and if it's silver, less prone to tarnishing. Another popular benefit to rhodium plating is the fact that it makes your jewelry hypoallergenic. This is because it's nickel-free. So if you have a nickel allergy, rhodium plating is a good option for you.

How long Does Rhodium Plating Last?
Because it is just plating it will wear off over time, however there are different factors that can affect how long rhodium plating lasts. Depending on how often you wear the piece of jewelry and how much wear and tear it gets it may need to be re-applied every couple years.

Should I rhodium plate sterling silver?

Sterling silver is a white metal and does not need rhodium plating to acquire its color. However, it tends to tarnish over time. To prevent this, rhodium plating silver jewelry will ensure that the piece is highly lustrous and remains tarnish-free for a long time. Over time, as  the plating wears off, the white of the silver will come through, but will not be noticeable like gold. Those exposed sections may acquire some tarnish but this can easily be polished at home.

 


How long does rhodium plating last?

Many shoppers believe that rhodium plating is permanent. While it is permanent, like any other metal used in jewelry, it tends to suffer wear and tear with exposure.

Rhodium plating wears off over time and will need to be re-plated. Typically, a ring would need to be re-plated once every 12 to 18 months, but this can vary depending on the wear and tear the piece sustains as well as the thickness of the plating and the color of the base metal.

Sometimes the body chemistry of the wearer is also a factor that can affect how quickly the plating wears off. If the base metal is yellowish, there is a high chance that the color will bleed through before the 12 months is up.

 How can I make rhodium plating last longer?

Rhodium plating is bound to wear off after a while, but there are some steps you can take to make it last as long as possible.

  • Avoid rubbing the rhodium plating on your ring. For example, constantly washing your hands can wear it off quicker.

  • Avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals. Always take off your jewelry when dealing with chemicals or wear rubber gloves to protect your rings.

  • Take your jewelry off when swimming in heavily chlorinated pools as the chlorine can damage the plating.

  • Perfumes and cosmetics can also affect rhodium plating. Avoid contact with these and wipe away any residue if it does come into contact.