Rhodium is in the platinum family of precious metals. Rhodium is used to plate jewellery with a coating which guards against scratches and also gives bright reflective white appearance. Rhodium also protects against tarnishing. It is most commonly found on white gold jewellery which would have a warmer white appearance otherwise, but is also commonly used on silver jewellery. You can tell if silver is rhodium plated because natural silver has a softer warmer look whereas rhodium plated silver has a brighter shinier “chrome-like” look.
A thin coating of rhodium is applied during the plating process. Over time and through normal use, this layer eventually wears off, making replating a necessity. Rings, in close contact with the skin and hard surfaces, are subjected to more wear and tear, causing the plating to wear off more quickly. Rhodium plating on rings generally lasts 1-3 years with normal wear and tear but these variables can greatly affect or reduce longevity. Rhodium generally lasts many years on earrings and pendants. It is time for rhodium when your white gold jewellery doesn’t hold a shine or starts to look a little yellowy-white.
Rhodium plating was the very same treatment and final step at all factories when your jewellery was made. If you want your white gold jewellery to look just like new, rhodium plating is the ultimate answer!
Rodan Jewellers is one of the only jewellery stores in the Vancouver area offering in-store “while you shop” rhodium plating service.
