What does rhodium plating mean?
A piece of jewelry is rhodium-plated by coating it with a very thin layer of rhodium. Rhodium is a sister metal of platinum - also called platinum metal or platinum minor metal - which is characterized by its very light and cool, silvery color, which can appear slightly bluish. Rhodium plating is a chemical or galvanic process that takes place in a galvanic bath using electrical current.
Rhodium-plated rings in a variety of designs
Why rhodium plate jewelry?
There are several reasons why jewelry is rhodium plated.
- gives a beautiful, even appearance
- improves durability and stability
- protects against scratches
- gives a very beautiful shine through the coating
durability of rhodium plating
The durability of the rhodium plating depends heavily on how the rhodium-plated piece of jewelry is used. If the piece of jewelry is worn every day and is constantly in contact with other objects or materials, the rhodium plating wears off quickly. For example, the rhodium plating on a diamond ring lasts less long than that on an earring .
White gold
More about the precious metal white gold
Yellow gold
More about the precious metal yellow gold
rhodium-plated silver
Compared to silver, rhodium is very inert. Silver is therefore often rhodium-plated to protect it from oxidation and the associated unwanted tarnishing. Since rhodium is extremely resistant and hard, it also gives the jewelry additional stability. It should be noted that the shine of rhodium is harder and the silver tone is brighter than that of silver itself. These properties of the platinum metal are often deliberately used in the design of silver jewelry.
rhodium-plated white gold
Another precious metal that is often rhodium-plated is white gold . Although it does not tend to discolor like silver, rhodium plating protects it from abrasion and gives it a slightly lighter color. At RENÉSIM you can get all rings, for example our gorgeous engagement rings , with a ring band in rhodium-plated white gold.
Goldsmithing is the artistic creation or decoration of objects made of gold, silver and platinum. Discover the various techniques .
RENÉSIM Collections
Precious Metals in the Lexicon
