What is Rhodium?
Rhodium is a precious metal belonging to the platinum family. Rhodium electroplating is used to provide jewelry with a surface that will resist scratches and tarnish. It also gives a white, reflective, looking-like-new appearance.
Why use Rhodium Plating?
The term white gold is something of a misnomer. As you know, gold is actually yellow. What jewelers call white gold is an alloy (mixture) of gold and a white metal– usually manganese, silver, or palladium (another metal in the platinum family). Metals known as white appear more of a gray color, even when polished. Without the rhodium plating, white gold has a yellowish hue. The higher the karat weight, the more gold contained in the alloy, and therefore the more yellow the metal appears. Since both jewelers and consumers want a bright white look, a very thin layer of rhodium is electroplated onto the piece to make the jewelry shine. White gold plated with rhodium will also keep its good looks longer; rhodium will not tarnish or discolor, and since it is harder than gold, it is much less likely to get scratched.
Will Rhodium Plating Wear Off? How long does it last?
It is important that you understand that rhodium plating does not last forever. The plating will last much longer on a brooch that you only wear once or twice a year than it will on something like your wedding ring, which you’re wearing every day. On the less frequently worn items, the rhodium may last for ten years or more, whereas on rings it could start to wear off in as little as two years. Your body chemistry and even how physically active you are can also determine how quickly the rhodium might wear. The areas where the piece contacts the skin the most will start to show the yellowish hue of the pre-plated gold. Some alloy metals that are mixed with gold to make white gold may cause a slight skin reaction. In some rare instances, there may be a reddening of your skin when exposed to the alloy after the plating wears away.
Can I get my pieces re-plated? How often do I need to have it done?
Yes, pieces can be re-plated. Any style of jewelry made with white gold can have the plating redone: rings, earrings, brooches, etc. You are the best judge as to when your pieces need to be refinished. We have some customers who get their ring re-plated every 18 months and some every six months. You are the one who wears your jewelry, so if you notice a drastic color change, it’s probably time to have it re-plated. A visit to the Miner's Den is all it takes to bring your piece back to life. There is a $45 charge to rhodium plate 1 item, such as a ring or pendant. Other pieces may require an additional charge, depending on their size. A large, wide ring or complicated bracelet may cost more to re-plate because there is more rhodium being applied. Miner’s Den offers free first-time rhodium plating for any item purchased here.
You should be aware that rhodium plating will not fill in dents, dings, or scratches; it will, however, make them shinier and more noticeable. Our jewelers will buff and polish your pieces before applying the rhodium, ensuring that the re-plated piece is just as beautiful as the day you bought it.
What Other Metals Are Rhodium Plated?
Platinum and sterling silver jewelry may get rhodium plated by the manufacturer. Platinum is a white metal, so it does not need rhodium plating to make it white. Rhodium is a brighter white than platinum, so it is used to enhance the shine of the item. Silver may get rhodium plated because it is a softer metal than rhodium. Plating the sterling silver with rhodium reduces the possibility of it getting deeply scratched. It will also keep the piece from tarnishing.
It will be less apparent when the rhodium begins to wear away from silver or platinum because the metal under the plating is white, to begin with. Your piece will have a duller look, but won’t have a yellowish hue. Platinum won’t tarnish, but the exposed silver might; however, in most cases, neither will cause a skin reaction. Again, it’s really up to you as to when to get pieces like this re-plated.
When you shop for a new piece of jewelry in silver or platinum, it’s a good idea to ask if it has been rhodium plated. That way, you know that there may come a time when the piece begins to dull and needs to be re-plated. Knowing how your jewelry was made will help you maintain it properly and enjoy its beauty for a lifetime.