Not many people know this but a lot of contemporary jewelry nowadays is created from white gold, is actually rhodium plated to make it look shiny and more durable.

   Rhodium is a very rare chemical element, one of the five main precious metals used for jewelry, and a member of the platinum group. Rhodium plating is used, usually on jewelry items, to provide a plate that will protect the underlying metal from scratches and tarnish, and will also give a shinny white, almost reflective appearance.

Rhodium plating is usually found on jewelry made of white gold and very rarely on ones made of silver or platinum. The name white gold is actually an incorrectly used term. Gold is, in reality, yellow, what people usually refer to white gold today is a mixture of gold and a white looking metal, usually silver, nickel or palladium (one of rhodium’s cousins). The metals which are believed to be white are actually of a gray color, but white gold has a yellowish color. Since the person that wears the white gold is looking for a shinier look, a very thin layer of rhodium is used to make the jewelry item more white looking and bright. Rhodium plated white gold will also look good for a longer period of time, rhodium, being a much harder metal, will not tarnish or discolor, and will not be easily scratched.

   It is also wise to keep in mind that rhodium plating does not last indefinitely. If it is on something that is worn constantly, like a wedding or graduation ring, the rhodium plate will only usually last two to three years, but if its something that is used on special occasions like a necklace or a pair of earrings then the rhodium plating can last up to ten years.

   When you start noticing the color of the metal underneath then just visit your local jewelry and ask that your item be rhodium plated again, prices will be set depending on the thickness of the rhodium plate that you want. I would recommend choose a thicker layer for jewelry that you wear daily, like your wedding ring, so you will not have to replace it every few years.

   Keep in mind that a rhodium plate will not eliminate dents and scratches, it will only make the jewelry more shiny and bright (some would even say more expensive looking!). Only Sawchuk Jewelers offers FREE RHODIUM PLATING while you wait! Stop into our store anytime for more information.