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Rhodium

A noble metal, rhodium is very hard and highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Its rarity and its many industrial uses make it a very expensive metal; it is about 10 times more expensive than gold! Its very cold shade of gray  and its great brilliance make it a particularly interesting element for the manufacture of jewelry. It is used in jewelry in the form of plating, that is to say the application of a very thin layer on the surface.

Rhodium nugget, chemical element with Rh symbol, metal for industrial use, used in jewelry

Rhodium on white gold

Did you know that most white gold jewelry is rhodium plated? As white gold is made of very yellow pure gold, its natural color is more champagne-grey. Rhodium is applied to the latter to give it a cooler shade of gray.

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Why do we have to do it again?

Over time, you may notice that your white gold jewelry seems to have yellowed a little: it has simply lost its rhodium in places. The veneer can be redone approximately every 2 years. Some clients like to have it redone every year. There are no real problems with refilling the rhodium more often. Just keep in mind that before plating, the jewelry must be fully polished to remove scratches and old rhodium. This removes a very thin layer of metal from your jewelry. When repairing or refurbishing your white gold jewelry, the rhodium is usually redone at the same time.

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Rhodium on silver

Rhodium is also used on silver. This gives you the same finish as white gold: an ultra-shiny luster that won't tarnish. In this case, when the rhodium wears out, the jewel may oxidize in places. Silver earrings can also be rhodium plated for clients who react to silver. In these cases, rhodium plating often solves the problem.

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