Wondering what adds that extra luster and shine to your white-tone jewelry? It’s rhodium! Whether you want to invest in rhodium-plated jewelry or are curious to know how rhodium plating enhances jewelry pieces, you’ve landed at the right place.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the process, how it enhances the appearance of jewelry and the pros and cons of rhodium-plated jewelry.
What Is Rhodium?
Unlike most metals, rhodium is not mined directly but extracted from platinum and nickel mines. Since its discovery in 1803, this metal has been used in other industries. However, due to its remarkable shine, it gained popularity in the jewelry world and is now commonly used for plating jewelry. What’s more, this silvery-white metal is highly reflective, durable and hypoallergenic.
What Is Rhodium Plating?
Rhodium plating is a process in which jewelry is coated with thin layers of rhodium to enhance its appearance, improve durability and prevent it from tarnishing. This makes it a popular choice for wedding bands and engagement rings, amongst other jewelry pieces. Since rhodium is a tough metal, the plating doesn’t corrode or dent easily, making rhodium-plated jewelry a go-to option for daily wear.
Typically, jewelry is plated in a white rhodium finish. But sometimes black rhodium is used to create a dark finish, and it is combined with other metals. Rhodium is often used to plate white gold, as its natural yellowish tone can be neutralized with a layer of rhodium, giving the jewelry a bright, white finish.
Now that you’ve got a good understanding of what rhodium plating is, let’s move ahead and explore more about which metals can be plated with rhodium.
Also Read: White-Tone Metal Jewelry Trend
Which Metals Are Commonly Rhodium-Plated?
1. White Gold
White gold is rhodium-plated to give it its bright sheen. But why is this necessary? Well, because gold has a naturally yellow hue. To give it a white hue, gold is mixed with nickel, zinc, copper or palladium. However, if left without plating, white gold may still tend to look grayish-yellow. Rhodium plating provides a lustrous white finish, boosting the shine and making white gold more resistant to tarnishing. This is why rhodium-plated white gold is a popular choice for high-end jewelry. Over time, the rhodium plating may wear off, but it can be easily reapplied to restore the jewelry’s original brilliance.
2. Silver
When it comes to rhodium-plated metal jewelry, silver makes it to the list too. Rhodium can be plated over silver to enhance its appearance and improve its durability. Silver tends to get tarnished with time, being exposed to air and moisture. Rhodium helps retain its brilliance and gives it a polished look without being heavy on the pocket.
3. Platinum
Although not necessary, platinum can also benefit from rhodium plating. Platinum is already an extremely durable and lustrous metal and does not require rhodium plating. However, it can help to enhance its shine. Platinum develops a natural patina over time that is quite sought-after. However, if you prefer a shiny look, rhodium plating can help maintain that bright white luster of platinum jewelry over time.
Pros and Cons of Rhodium Plating
Pros
1. Enhanced Finish
Rhodium plating gives your jewelry a bright, enhanced finish. Since it is highly reflective, it can add extra luster, brilliance and shine to your jewelry. It is most commonly used for plating white gold.
2. Increased Durability
Jewelry pieces often come in contact with lotions, creams, oil, sweat and chemicals that cause them to lose their brilliance and shine over time. A non-reactive metal, rhodium, is commonly applied to white-tone jewelry to increase its longevity and make it resistant to abrasions and scratches. Since it’s harder than gold and silver, it creates a protective layer over the jewelry, making it durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
3. Hypoallergenic
Jewelry made of nickel or its alloys may cause skin irritation or allergies. Rhodium is hypoallergenic and doesn’t cause the skin to react, making it a go-to choice for jewelry.
Cons
1. Additional Cost
Rhodium is a precious, rare and valuable metal. Due to rhodium plating prices, plating jewelry pieces with rhodium may significantly increase its overall cost.
2. Maintenance
To ensure the rhodium plating on your jewelry pieces remains intact for long, you will have to care for them regularly. You’ll need to clean the pieces gently and take them off while showering or swimming to reduce their contact with water, thus reducing the chances of wear and tear. You may also need to get a re-rhodium plating done.
Care and Maintenance of Rhodium-Plated Jewelry
- Avoid exposing your jewelry to products such as detergents, hairspray, toothpaste, chlorine, perfumes, creams and any harmful chemicals.
- Gently clean your rhodium-plated jewelry using a solution of mild liquid soap and warm water.
- After cleaning, pat your jewelry dry with a soft cloth to avoid damaging the coating.
- When not wearing your jewelry, store it in a separate pouch or jewelry box to protect it from scratches and tarnishing.
So, if you’ve wondered whether rhodium plating is good, we hope you’ve found all the answers here. And now that you have all the essential information about rhodium plating and its benefits, you can make an informed decision for your next jewelry purchase.
Not a fan of white-tone jewelry? No problem! At Angara, you can find yellow gold jewelry for that rich and classic look. And if you’re seeking something a little more romantic and dreamy, don’t forget to explore our collection of rose gold jewelry.
FAQs
1. Can rhodium plating be removed?
Yes. Rhodium plating can be removed but remember that it should only be done professionally. However, it’s worth noting that removing the rhodium plating will alter the appearance of the jewelry by leaving the metal underneath exposed.
2. Does rhodium tarnish over time?
Rhodium is a popular choice in plating jewelry as it’s highly resistant to tarnishing. However, it may wear off with time if rhodium-plated jewelry is worn frequently. You may need to re-plate your jewelry to restore its shiny appearance.
