Rhodium Plated Jewellery

Purchasing fine jewellery can seem like a straightforward process. You pick a jewellery type, opt for a certain design, which often comes pre-selected with a metal type, and gemstone, you make your standard customization (unless you are going for a custom-made jewel) and then you proceed towards the checkout. Simple in practice, things are not always what they seem.

Enter the world of rhodium-plated jewellery. Rhodium plating, as we shall see is a broadly adopted practice in the world of fine jewellery, that is used to enhance the quality of the jewel. How and in what way, and is it effective? We shall find out.

What Is Rhodium?

So when it comes to rhodium what exactly are we talking about: Well rhodium is a precious metal that comes under the platinum family of metals. Rhodium, along with platinum, iridium, ruthenium, and osmium. Rhodium is a silvery white metal, that in industrial usage is known for its high heat and electrical conductivity. Rhodium like other metal types in its group is extremely rare. Which becomes a factor in rhodium-plated jewellery. In fine jewellery, rhodium, as a member of the platinum group of metals was introduced to incorporate the strengths found in the platinum world into that of the gold. Notably, their greater resistance to tarnish.

What Does Rhodium Plating Involve?

In simple terms, rhodium plating involves the addition of a thin layer to this particular metal to the entire surface of the jewel. Which is done to enhance the visual style and physical character of the metal that is being plated. Which often tends to be a version of gold. Though there are instances where even sterling silver jewellery can be plated.

To get into the specifics, when metal is plated with rhodium, jewellers the layer of the plating can vary. Since the additional materials involve an extremely rare material, the quality of the layer may vary from jeweller to jeweller. Since the aim of the plating process is to make the entire jewel more durable and resistant to tarnish, a degree of care and precious needs to be taken it is managed. The rhodium plating also brings in a visual overall in addition to the improvements to the jewellery's overall strength. Though this can vary depending on the quality of rhodium plating.

A key point to consider is that rhodium plating is a highly technical process: and it is only adopted by jewellers and fine jewellery companies with a degree of expertise. As we are dealing with extremely small margins in terms of the amount of rhodium that is used to enhance the metal.

Is Rhodium Plating Applicable for All Precious Metal Types?

Traditionally rhodium plating is only reserved for top jewellery. Which is the fine jewellery world would mean gold: notably its three coloured variants: white gold, yellow gold and rose gold. Other metal types can be candidates, like exotic ones titanium and tungsten can also be considered as candidates. However gold, notably white gold is the top option.

A point to keep in mind when it comes to rhodium-plated jewellery is that it produces a change to the tone of the metal. Effectively adding a new metallic sheen to the surface. This may work well with white gold, but with pink and rose gold variants, there will be a necessary change in the outer tone of the metal.

Can Silver be Rhodium Plated?

This is an interesting question, since silver technically can also be rhodium plated, and can be considered a candidate owing to its soft, lustrous character. And even as an alloy silver is known to scratch easily. Further, its alloyed character, which tends to contain traces of copper and nickel can contribute to its tarnishing potential. Thus rhodium plating can be used to minimise these effects. However, the question is: Is it worth it? Since rhodium is an expensive and rare metal, and sterling silver is relatively cheap, so there is a trade-off. Unless the jewellery type in question is near to the premium mark: such as fine rings and necklaces etc. So think wisely before considering this option. Unless you are a fan of sterling silver jewellery, in which case it is worth the investment. As rhodium-plated sterling silver adds several advantages such as making it the sterling silver jewel, less prone to tarnish and less hypoallergenic.

What Are the Main Advantages Of Rhodium Plating?

Rhodium, as noted, comes in the platinum family of metals which are known for their natural resistance to tarnishing and greater capacity to deal with cuts and scratches. In addition, rhodium plating introduces a new visual style: giving the plated jewel, a metallic sheen that is distinct from traditional white gold or silver. So owing rhodium-plated jewellery can be seen as a way of standing out visually.

It is Hypoallergenic?

One of the problems with top metals like gold is their alloyed character, thus the presence of metals like copper and nickel increases the chances of the metal causing allergic reactions for the wearer if she/he happens to be sensitive to certain metals. Here rhodium-plated jewellery can be different: owing to its hypoallergenic character, the plating functions as a barrier, preventing direct contact between the skin and the metal. Whilst it is not perfect (i.e. such as opting for a hypoallergenic metal like platinum), it is a solid compromise, especially for those who wish to opt for metals like rose gold, which has a higher percentage of copper and is suited for rhodium plating.

How Long Does Rhodium Plating Last?

This is a complex question, as it would greatly depend on the kind of wear and tear the rhodium-plated jewel is subjected to and the kind of environments it is used it. On a technical note, owing to the extremely thin layer of the rhodium plating, the layer in principle is not meant to last forever. And buyer of rhodium-plated jewellery needs to consider this before proceeding.

A rule of thumb with rhodium plating is that the coating tends to last around 12 months on a white gold jewel. However this would depend on the care that is taken, and the kind of lifestyle of the wear. However, things are a bit different with rose gold and yellow gold, as these coloured metals, the effects of daily use, and differences in hues are likely to produce some changes to the surface around 9 months.

How to Maximize the Benefits of Rhodium Plating

When it comes to maximizing the benefits of rhodium plating, the principles when it comes to general jewellery care hold. First pick your jewellery design carefully: certain jewels, like engagement rings feature ring settings that may them more or less prone to scratching and other breaks. Thus making a wise choice at this level can decrease damage to the band or gemstone. Lifestyle as noted is another factor. Not only in terms of the kind of heavy work a person may do, but the kind of substances the ring or rhodium-plated jewellery is exposed to, even chlorine is understood to affect the colour. Thus swimming and another outdoor activity is best minimized.

What About Jewelry Made Purely or Primarily of Rhodium?

This is a fascinating question and is something that jewellery companies are only starting to think about. The idea of employing new and exotic metal types to produce fine jewellery is catching on. Today rings made with metals like platinum, tungsten is entering the market. So a rhodium range-not rhodium plated-of jewels is certainly a possibility. Certain small niche jewellers have started to manufacture certain gives white metals with a slightly darker tone. Since rhodium is extremely durable and essentially features all the strengths of platinum it can be an exotic fine jewellery option.

Can Rhodium Plating be found in Other Colors?

Yes, it can. Historically rhodium plating features a silvery, metallic white sheen, and comes with a naturally reflective presence. This in turn produces a certain hue, albeit a very light one, and the final effect it has on the jewel is greatly determined by its original colour. So as a general rule, rhodium plating features a singular hue. Though certain experimental plating methods have adopted rhodium plating by combing it with specific hues, to give it a coloured finish. One such is black rhodium plating, which is technically an alloy in itself: made by combining pure rhodium with other metals. This is an exotic option and is generally not adopted for making fine jewellery, though there are exceptions.

What Is The Cost Of Rhodium Plating?

Rhodium plating can cost anywhere between to a few dozen to over $100. The cost of rhodium plating would depend on the jewellery type and the price structure of the company offering it. The quality of the rhodium plating and its relationship with the price is difficult to determine, but as a word of advice, buyers should inquire about the differences between rhodium-plated jewellery vs those which are not.

Difference Between Rhodium Plated Jewelry and Those which are Not?

Rhodium plating adds a light metallic finish to the jewel. This is evident in all coloured metals other than white gold: which adds a more glittery finish. When it comes to purchasing white gold today, rhodium plating tends to be part of the package. As it is considered a protective option. Things will matter less if you opt for platinum jewellery, which effectively removes the need for rhodium plating altogether.

Does Rhodium Plated Jewelry Require Replating?

Whilst rhodium is known not to tarnish in theory, its protective effects can be worn down by heavy use and environmental impact. Though the quality of rhodium (that which is without alloys) is better resistant to corrosion, it can still be harmed by scratches and breaks. If the wearer is serious about maintaining the quality of their rhodium-plated jewel, then an annual or bi-annual trip to the jeweller for a fresh replating will not be too big an investment.

In Conclusion: A Possible Argument Against Rhodium Plating

There is a view in the jewellery industry which argues that it is a better idea not to plate metals with rhodium. Specifically white gold. The argument stems from the view that rhodium plating disrupts the natural ageing process of the metal: that adding another metal on its surface changes the character of the stone. The argument is that it would be better for the metal age and develop its tone. This is followed by the argument that rhodium plating is not permanent, and that repeated trips are not the way to wear jewellery, along with the view that the protection offered is very slight, and will do nothing to prevent hard breaks. Well, we will let the wearer decide. As a fine jewellery maker, we believe, that with the right information, the customer knows best.