Rhodium Plating

Rhodium is a precious metal, a member of the platinum family of metals. When applied by an electrochemical process to white gold it forms a very thin but hard, white, highly reflective surface that will resist scratches and tarnish.

White gold casts a yellowish-gray colour in its natural state. Gold is actually yellow and what jewellers call white gold is an alloy (mixture) of gold and a white metal – usually nickel, silver, or palladium. By rhodium plating the surface of white gold we get a much harder, brighter, whiter finish which is more resistant to scratching. Some people have skin reactions to white gold alloys, especially nickel. Rhodium plating can be a temporary solution.

Rhodium plating eventually wears off at a rate that depends on the wear and tear to which the item is subjected, exposing the yellowish-gray white gold alloy beneath. The plated surface is affected when soldering and repair work is completed. Further applications will be necessary. Rhodium does not hide surface imperfections and will not fill in dents, dings and scratches.