Have you ever seen a piece of jewelry with an incredibly bright, reflective white color? Chances are it was rhodium plated. Rhodium plating is used to add lustre and shine to jewelry pieces made from gold, silver, or platinum. It’s part of the platinum metal family and is much harder than gold, providing jewelry with a durable surface that resists scratches and tarnishes. Rhodium is also rarer and more expensive than gold, 6.6 times more expensive, as of Feb 2023! Everything you need to know about rhodium plating is right here! This blog post will take a closer look at rhodium plating and how it can be used for various types of jewelry.
Everything You Need to Know About Rhodium and Rhodium Plating
What is the metal Rhodium?
In 1803, William Hyde Wollaston discovered a precious metal that had eluded the eyes of humankind for centuries - rhodium! It was named after the Greek word 'rhodon', which translates to mean rose due to its coloration in solution. Not only did he discover this one-of-a-kind substance but also palladium in 1802. An even more remarkable fact is that it can only be encountered as traces within platinum or nickel ores, and 80% of it comes from South Africa - with production numbers at an incredible 20 tons annually - talk about rare!
The Benefits of Rhodium Plating
Rhodium plating has several benefits that make it popular among jewelry makers and consumers. It makes any jewelry look brighter, shinier, and more expensive without using pure gold or platinum metals. It also provides superior protection against wear-and-tear damage, making the piece longer-lasting and more durable overall. Plus, rhodium plating easily adheres to different types of metals, such as sterling silver or white gold alloys.
How Long Does Rhodium Plating Last?
The lifespan of rhodium plating depends on several factors, including the type of metal being used (gold vs silver vs platinum), the quality of the original metal alloy being used in the piece (14K gold vs 18K gold), and how often the item is worn (daily vs occasional). Generally speaking, though, most rhodium-plated pieces will last anywhere from 1-3 years before needing to be re-plated again, depending on their usage rate.
Will Rhodium Plating Affect Gemstones?
When working with softer gemstones such as opals, pearls, coral, or turquoise, extra caution must be taken during the rhodium plating process, as these stones are more delicate. Sterling silver does not need rhodium plating to achieve a bright white colour; however, sterling silver can still tarnish over time, which is why many people opt for rhodium-plated pieces for added protection against oxidation or discolouration over time. We at Aurora Saigon rhodium plate all our silver to ensure your investment in our jewelry lasts.
How Long Does Rhodium Plating Take to Do?
Our workshops are dedicated to giving you the fastest turn-around possible - often, same-day rhodium plating service is available! So no matter how much work we have, your pieces can be quickly and professionally handled.
When Gold, Sterling Silver and Platinum Will Just Not Do!
In 1979, Paul McCartney was awarded a unique accolade - the Guinness Book of Records presented him with a stunning rhodium-plated disc to celebrate his impressive career as one of history's most successful songwriters and recording artists. As a scarce metal with properties surpassing those found in silver, gold or platinum, Rhodium is often favoured for its extraordinary qualities.
Can I Rhodium Plate a Yellow Gold Piece?
Opt for the rhodium plating to give your yellow-gold ring a fresh, silvery shine! Though the process is compatible with any metal that conducts electricity, in 6 months, the original golden hue will most likely start peeking through again. We recommend only rhodium plating white gold and sterling silver.
Drawbacks of Rhodium Plating
When it comes to rhodium plating, the biggest downside is its cost. Rhodium can be two times more expensive than gold, and applying a coating of this precious metal could end up draining your pockets if you’re not careful - on top of needing to pay for replating after some time has passed due to wear-off.
Rhodium plating process
If you're wondering about the methods of adding a layer of rhodium plating, a goldsmith uses an electroplating machine to add this precious metal. The perfect thickness is .75-1.0 microns - which might sound thin but provides ample protection against abrasions when used on jewelry items subject to rough wear and tear.
Jewelers must ensure their jewelry is in pristine condition before rhodium plating. Even the tiniest speck of dirt can prevent a successful coating, so standard cleaning protocols are not enough - they require extra attention and care to truly shine through on each piece! Electrocleaning is one treatment that delivers optimal cleanliness, involving polishing methods followed by an ultrasonic power steam rinse, and this process will guarantee any debris or impurities hindering the application of Rhodium are carefully cleared away for perfect results.
What is Rhodium Mostly Used For?
In the auto industry, rhodium plays a major role in helping keep nasty exhaust gases away and out of our atmosphere. In 2012 alone, an astonishing 81% (24,300 kg) was put to use, transforming toxic emissions into less noxious gasses - talk about an environmental superhero! Outside car engines, however? Well, it's been putting its powers towards fibreglass production and helping create flat-panel glass.
Get Your Jewelry serviced and Rhodium Plated.
We recommend getting your jewelry checked by a professional Goldsmith every 2 or 3 years, depending on how often you wear it. If you feel your jewelry has lost its shine, we can offer to clean, polish and re-plate your piece. Rhodium plating is highly recommended for white gold and silver jewelry. We can also check for any weak stone settings. The last thing you want is a stone to fall out accidentally and be lost forever. Contact us to learn about rhodium plating and to service your jewelry.
Conclusion on Rhodium Plating
In conclusion to what is rhodium plating, rhodium plating is a handy tool when creating beautiful pieces of jewelry that will last for years. The process adds a layer of durable protection against wear-and-tear damage while giving any item an instant boost in brightness, sheen and sophistication without using pure gold or platinum metals. Be sure to take extra caution when working with softer gemstones, such as opals or pearls, as they may require additional work to protect them adequately! With proper care and maintenance, your newly rhodium-plated piece should last anywhere from 1-3 years before your rhodium plated jewelry needs another re-plating session, depending on how often you wear your jewelry!
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