That bright, mirror-like finish you love on your white gold jewelry comes courtesy of rhodium plating. Because white gold is actually yellow gold alloyed with white metals like palladium or nickel, its natural color can have a subtle yellow tint. Rhodium is what gives it that crisp, icy-white appearance.
What Is Rhodium Plating?
Rhodium is a rare, silvery-white precious metal from the platinum family. Exceptionally reflective and highly durable, it’s used to coat jewelry—especially white gold—to give it a brilliant shine, a cooler tone and added protection against scratches and tarnish.
Rhodium plating is a meticulous, multi-step process. Here’s a quick look at how it’s done:
- The jewelry is thoroughly cleaned using ultrasonic baths and steam to remove all traces of oils, dirt and old polish. Even the smallest residue can prevent the rhodium from adhering properly.
- Any scratches or surface imperfections are buffed out to create a flawless base for plating.
- The cleaned and polished jewelry is dipped in a rhodium solution and connected to an electric current. Through electrolysis, rhodium particles are deposited onto the surface in a thin, even layer.
Why Rhodium Plating Wears Off
As resilient as rhodium is, the plating isn’t permanent. Several factors contribute to its eventual wear:
- Everyday activities—like typing, handwashing or stacking rings—gradually wear down the rhodium layer, especially on high-contact areas like the underside of rings.
- Household cleaners, lotions, perfumes and even your skin’s natural oils can erode the plating over time.
- While thicker coatings tend to last longer, rhodium is a brittle metal. Most jewelers apply a thinner, more flexible layer to avoid cracking or flaking.
On average, rhodium plating lasts anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on how often the piece is worn and how well it’s cared for.
You’ll know it’s time to re-plate when:
- The jewelry starts to look dull or yellowish.
- Scratches or wear patches are visible, especially on rings.
- The piece no longer matches other rhodium-plated items in your collection.
A simple re-plating every year or two can keep your favorite pieces looking brand new.
Extend the life of your rhodium plating by:
- Removing jewelry during chores, workouts and handwashing.
- Storing pieces separately in soft pouches to prevent scratching.
- Avoiding direct contact with lotions, perfumes and sprays.
- Having jewelry inspected regularly by a professional for signs of wear or damage.
Explore our full range of jewelry services, including re-plating, online today.
