Rhodium plating
Rhodium plating is often added onto white gold or silver jewelry
— and engagement and wedding bands in particular — to increase shine, luster
and durability. Rhodium plating will also make the metal more scratch resistant
and, when used on silver jewelry, less prone to tarnishing.
While rhodium plating can vastly increase the shine and
durability of your jewelry, it’s still just that: plating. This means it will
wear off over time (how long depends on how much wear and tear the jewelry
takes) and you will need to have the piece re-plated periodically. Typically,
rhodium plating needs to be reapplied every couple years, though it depends.
Some people’s body chemistry is such that the plating wears more quickly than
that. So keep an eye out for wear.
Most jewelers offer periodic rhodium plating free of charge with
the purchase of your jewelry or an extended warranty. If you choose a
rhodium-plated piece, be sure to check your jeweler’s policy.
If you’re interested in jewelry, you’ve probably heard the term
“rhodium plating” mentioned quite often.
If you have white gold jewelry that is losing its luster and
shifting in tone, you may want to consider bringing it to our shop for a
professional jewelry cleaning. While you are there we will inspect, clean, and
polish your jewelry. If your white gold needs to be freshened up we will apply
rhodium plating while you wait. During inspection our jewelers will notify you
of any excessive wear that is occurring and recommend the necessary jewelry
repair.