Rhodium Plating

Category: Technique | Date: 06/05/2020

Until white gold jewelry gained popularity, very few of us had heard about rhodium plating. Gold is mainly yellow, and white gold is made by creating an alloy of pure gold with other white metals, but this alloy has a tint of yellow. It is where rhodium comes in; rhodium plating gives the jewelry that bright white shine and increases the durability of jewelry as it is resistant to corrosion.

Rhodium is a precious and rare element of the platinum family. As rhodium is very brittle, it cannot be used to make jewelry. However, it is highly reflective and does not tarnish. Its plating gives jewelry a lustrous look and also increases the life of the jewelry.

Use and durability of rhodium plating

The use of rhodium plating for white gold jewelry is well established and has gained popularity in recent years. The jewelry shop near your home is likely to offer the plating services when you go to buy white gold jewelry. However, rhodium plating can also be used for yellow gold. But when the plating starts to rub off due to wear and tear, the yellow color of jewelry comes up again. Eventually, the jewel may look discolored. It is when the time has come to re-plate the jewelry with rhodium. The durability of rhodium depends on how frequently a piece is worn. If it is a wedding ring or something of the sort, that is worn daily, the jewelry goes through a lot of wear and tear and may require re-plating every couple of years. On the other hand, if it is a brooch or a necklace that you don less frequently, the plating may last as long as ten years.

Effects of rhodium plating on gemstones

One primary concern of jewelry buyers is that if they opt for rhodium plating, will it have any effects o the gemstones. The answer to this depends on which gems we are talking about. Some soft gemstones like pearls, turquoise, and topaz cannot handle the heat in the electroplating solutions and may have to be removed for plating. However, hard gemstones like diamonds are not affected by the plating and do not have to be removed for the process.

How to make rhodium plating jewelry last longer?

• The rhodium plating is bound to get off after a while, but with these preventive measures, the owners can make it lasts a lot longer:
• Always take off your rhodium plated ring before washing the hands. Constant washing leads to jewel exposure to harmful chemicals present in soap or handwash, making the plating wear off quickly.
• Preventing your jewel from harsh chemicals is a must. While engaging in any such activities without any preventive measure out your ornament in jeopardy
• Perfumes and other cosmetics are harmful to your jewelry. Don't let your valuables get any close to them, and in case of any exposure, better wipe it away with a clean cloth.