10 things to know about Rhodium Plating & Why “Pure” White Gold Doesn’t Exist

Many clients prefer white gold because of its elegance and simplicity, so there is a high demand for it.  

However, did you know that there is no such thing as pure white gold?  

When gold is mined, it has a natural metallic bright yellow color. To turn it to white, alloy is added to the material, but that can dull its color and take away from its natural shine. The solution to that is Rhodium plating.  

With that said, this article will take a closer look at Rhodium plating and why it is a great option for your jewellery.

What is Rhodium Plating?  

Image source: support.moissaniteco.com

Rhodium plating is a common method used in the jewellery industry. It helps give jewellery brilliance, smoothness, and a shiny finish making it look more attractive. It also enhances the durability of metals allowing it to last longer.  

However, Rhodium plating has been controversial due to the lack of knowledge about what it is exactly and its purpose.  

If you want to learn more about Rhodium plating, continue reading and check out these 10 must-know benefits of Rhodium Plating: 

1. Longer Lasting Jewellery

The main reason why Rhodium plating your jewellery is a smart idea is because it helps make it last longer.

Rhodium is a durable precious metal and provides exquisite protection to your jewellery when used as a plating material, especially gold since it is inherently soft and sensitive.

2. Better Shine 

Rhodium plating can help improve the overall appearance of gold. It provides the jewellery with better shine by enhancing the luster and the reflectivity of the white gold. This results in a brighter and shinier looking piece. 

3. No Negative Effects on Diamonds 

There is no need to worry whether Rhodium plating will affect the quality and look of your diamond. In fact, it will actually improve it.

Rhodium plating can help make diamonds look brighter and shinier as well.   

4. Hypoallergenic 

Some white gold jewellery contains nickel since gold is a soft material. However, this can irritate people with sensitive skin and allergies.

If you have sensitive skin, having Rhodium-plated jewellery will save you from skin irritations.  

Rhodium does not contain any types of allergen. By using Rhodium plating, you put a barrier between your skin and the nickel component of the jewellery so that you will not have skin issues.  

5. Low Maintenance 

The nice thing about Rhodium plated jewellery is that they are fairly easy to maintain.

Since the plating provides a smooth surface, cleaning your jewellery from time to time is super easy.  

However, you may need to have your jewellery replated every 6-18 months to keep it looking brand-new and continue receiving Rhodium plating benefits.

In some cases, the need for re-plating will be in years, depending on the skin chemistry and the frequency of usage. 

6. Luxurious Look 

Rhodium coating has a similar look with high-end platinum pieces of jewellery, which are considerably more expensive.

If you want jewellery with a more expensive look without needing to pay extra, then Rhodium plated options are your best bet. 

7. Electroplating Process 

When your jewellery is re-plated or plated, it undergoes a process called electroplating.

Your jewellery will be thoroughly clean to remove contaminants during this process, or else, the plating will not stick. This will take out small scratches and imperfections in your ring.

8. Safe to Wear 

Rhodium plated jewellery is absolutely safe to wear and Rhodium does not contain allergens.

If you ever had skin irritation from jewellery in the past, that is more likely because it contains traces of nickel to make the gold jewellery more durable.  

With Rhodium plating, your skin is protected against those possibilities. 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.

9. Yellow Gold Pieces can be Rhodium Plated 

If you were wondering if it is possible to have your yellow gold jewellery replated, the answer is yes.

When you opt to do this, you are giving your jewellery protection and improving its longevity.  

However, as time goes by and the plating wears off, hints of the original color or the jewel will begin to show. This might affect the overall appearance of the piece, making it look less attractive.

Furthermore, the exposed areas can be highly susceptible to tarnishing when not re-plated immediately. 

If you wonder if Rhodium plating is possible for sterling silver, then the answer is also yes.

Although sterling silver does not need the Rhodium coating to get natural looking shine and white color, it can be susceptible on its own to tarnishing. Rhodium plating can help prevent this. 

Here at Bogart’s the majority of our silver is rhodium plated as well. 

10. Prevents Jewelry from Corroding 

Many metals used in jewellery can be susceptible to corrosion over time, especially when it is used on a day to day basis.

If you are worried about that, Rhodium plating can be a solution for you. It has an anti-corrosion feature that mitigates your jewellery rusting chances despite being frequently in contact with water.

Should I Opt for Rhodium Plated Jewellery?  

Yes! You should definitely consider buying Rhodium plated jewellery.    

However, if you prefer a non-Rhodium plated ring, at Bogart’s we can definitely take care of this for you. 

We can make a 14kt or 19kt “Super White” ring that does not need rhodium plating, keep in mind it won’t be as brilliant and bright as a rhodium plated ring.

Final Word 

Hopefully, this article helped educate you about the functions and benefits of Rhodium plating jewellery.  

Without a doubt, Rhodium plated pieces of jewellery have their own advantages. It helps improve the durability of the jewellery. It also looks and shines better so that it looks more attractive than non-plated ones.  

However, with that said, it all boils down to your preference, especially because you can have the option of having your jewelry plated or not.