White gold jewelry has become more popular than ever because of its amazing silvery luster, superior strength and affordable prices. Many people assume that white gold is a natural metal, but this is a common misconception. White gold actually gets its shiny finish from a coating called rhodium, which requires regular maintenance. So how long does this rhodium last?
Wat is rhodium?
Rhodium is a precious metal from the platinum family that is extremely shiny and particularly scratch resistant. Jewelers have been using rhodium since the 1930s for its beautiful silver-white finish. However, rhodium is very rare and can only be grown in small quantities as it is usually found in other mined ores and minerals. Due to its high demand and scarcity, rhodium is considered the most expensive precious metal in the world.
How does rhodium plating work?
Jewelers use an electroplating procedure to bond liquid rhodium to the metal surface of a piece of jewelry. Essentially, this process passes an electrical current through the metal, attracting a microscopic layer of rhodium that immediately bonds over the original surface. Rhodium is most commonly used over gold alloys, but rhodium plating can also be applied to silver jewelry.
How often should Rhodium be re-plated?
The frequency with which you should refinish your rhodium plating depends on the type of jewelry it is and how often it is worn. Most goldsmiths recommend having white gold jewelry such as earrings, necklaces or bracelets re-plated every 1-2 years. However, jewelry worn daily as rings will experience a little more wear and need to be coated more often, ideally every 3 months to a year. Excessive exposure to friction, certain chemicals such as chlorine and body oils can all cause rhodium-plated jewelry to tarnish more quickly. You'll know it's time to refinish your coating when you notice the yellowish surface of the gold underneath showing through.
If you have white gold jewelry that needs a new layer of rhodium, be sure to visit the experts at Plateau Jewelers.Contact ustoday for more information.
FAQs
Chemicals, perfumes, hair spray and even personal body chemistry can “eat away” at the plating. Plating tends to wear most quickly on rings, because rings get more wear and tear than earrings or necklaces. Rhodium plating can last anywhere from 1 year to 5 years depending on how the item is cared for.
What is the lifespan of rhodium? ›
All of these things can shorten the lifespan of your rhodium plating, which normally lasts between 12 and 18 months before it becomes noticeably diminished.
How durable is rhodium plating? ›
Rhodium plating gives white metals a slightly darker tone. It's extremely durable but does fade so it will need replating once a year. White gold is also durable, has a slightly more silvery finish, and does not require replating.
Why does rhodium plating wear off? ›
Wear of jewelry.
The amount of time that you wear your rhodium plated ring & your daily activiies can factor into how long the plating will last. The more “wear and tear” the ring undergoes, the faster the plating will diminish.
What is the downside of rhodium plating? ›
While rhodium plating has its purpose and works great to offset diamonds and cubic zirconia, different lines of products require different finishes. While it will initially provide a bright shine without tarnish, in the long run it is costlier for maintenance, and has a darker finish than pure silver.
How do you make rhodium last longer? ›
How Can I Make Rhodium Plating Last Longer?
- Stop scratching your ring with the rhodium plate.
- Avoid exposure to hard chemicals for your jewelry.
- Take away your jewelry as the chlorine will damage the plate when swimming in heavily chlorinated pools.
- Scents and cosmetics may also impact the plating of rhodium.
In fact, Rhodium plating only lasts between 3 months and a year, depending on the amount of wear that can be seen. You will know when your rings need to be re-plated again, because you will start to see glimmers of yellow gold showing through the coating of the Rhodium plating.
Can I shower with rhodium plated? ›
Wearing jewelry plated with rhodium in the shower is unlikely to cause significant damage. However, prolonged exposure to soap, shampoo, and chemicals may gradually erode the rhodium layer, potentially exposing the base metal underneath. Also, water exposure may lead to rhodium tarnish or discoloration.
Can you wear rhodium plated everyday? ›
Rhodium plating is commonly used for jewelry that is intended to be worn every day. This metal finish gives you the peace of mind that you can enjoy your jewelry without worrying about it cording or scratching with wear.
Can rhodium plating go wrong? ›
However, over time, Rhodium plating can wear off, and this can re-expose the surface of the jewellery that contains nickel, which can give you irritation. The solution to this is to have your jewellery re-plated. If you were wondering if it is possible to have your yellow gold jewellery replated, the answer is yes.
How much does rhodium plating cost ? Typically the cost for rhodium plating can range from $60 – $120 for a fine engagement ring. The price may vary depending on the quality of the rhodium solution, the skill of the jeweller, turnaround time, and the finished effect.
Is rhodium plating worth it? ›
It is worth the extra cost, because when silver tarnishes, it is near impossible to polish it back to brand new condition. The tarnish (remember it is corrosion) pits the metal. Especially on a chain or necklace, I really recommend purchasing a piece that has been rhodium plated.
How often should you rhodium plate your ring? ›
In general, most people with rhodium-plated white gold engagement rings or wedding bands have them re-plated about every 1-2 years. If you own a piece that's plated in rhodium, you'll probably be able to tell when it needs to be refinished.
Are diamonds removed for rhodium plating? ›
Certain precious gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are hard enough to withstand rhodium-plating and do not need to be removed during the rhodium-plating process.
Why is rhodium dropping so fast? ›
One of the most significant drivers of the rhodium market is supply and demand. When the demand for rhodium outstrips the limited supply, the price of this valuable metal skyrockets. Conversely, when there is a glut of rhodium in the market, the price drops like a stone.
Is rhodium plated jewelry worth it? ›
Pros of Rhodium Plated Jewelry
Rhodium plated jewelry has a high shine and is very reflective. It's extremely durable and doesn't tarnish easily. It's hypoallergenic, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin. Rhodium plating can make low-quality metals look more expensive.
What does it look like when rhodium plating wears off? ›
When rhodium plating wears off it will look like your average sterling silver–so less shiny than it is when plated with the mirror like rhodium. I've never had rhodium plated silver, but my engagement ring which I got four years ago is rhodium plated white gold. Obviously much of the plating has come off.
How often should you get rhodium plating? ›
Rhodium plating should be refinished every 1-2 years to ensure your white gold jewelry stays looking its best.
