You bought a bright white gold ring, and a year or two later it looks a little yellow, especially on the palm side. You didn't do anything wrong. White gold is almost always plated with rhodium, and that plating wears off over time. The fix is simple: rhodium replating.
This guide explains what rhodium plating is, why it wears, how replating works, how often you'll need it, and what affects the cost.
What Is Rhodium?
Rhodium is a precious metal in the platinum family. It's very bright, very white, highly reflective, and resistant to tarnish. Jewelers apply a thin layer of rhodium over white gold (and sometimes silver or other metals) to give it a brilliant white finish.
Why White Gold Needs Rhodium Plating
White gold is made by alloying gold with white metals. Even so, the gold in the alloy gives it a slightly warm, grayish-yellow tone. Rhodium plating covers that natural tone with a bright white surface. Almost all white gold jewelry sold today is rhodium plated.
Why Rhodium Plating Wears Off
The rhodium layer is very thin. Daily friction from steering wheels, keyboards, door handles, and other rings wears it away, starting with the areas that get the most contact, like the bottom of a ring shank. Chlorine, harsh cleaners, and abrasive surfaces speed up wear.
Pieces that get less contact, like earrings and pendants, hold their plating much longer than rings.
Signs You Need Rhodium Replating
- The ring looks yellowish, especially on the palm side
- Uneven color, with patches of white and warmer tones
- The ring looks dull compared to when it was new
- After resizing or repair, the repaired area looks different in color
How Often Should White Gold Be Replated?
It depends on how often you wear the piece and how hard you are on it. Rings worn every day typically need replating more often than earrings or pendants. Many people replate their rings every year or two, but there's no fixed schedule. Replate when you notice the color changing.
The Rhodium Plating Process
1. Inspection
The piece is inspected for loose stones, worn prongs, or damage. Any repairs should be done before plating.
2. Polishing
Scratches and dents are polished out. Plating doesn't hide scratches; it makes a smooth surface look brighter.
3. Cleaning
The piece is thoroughly cleaned and degreased. Any oil or residue can prevent the rhodium from bonding properly.
4. Electroplating
The piece is submerged in a rhodium plating solution, and an electrical current deposits a thin, even layer of rhodium onto the metal.
5. Rinse and dry
The piece is rinsed and dried, revealing a bright white finish.
Rhodium Plating Yellow Gold
Yellow gold can be plated with rhodium to give it a white appearance, but because the base color is more yellow, wear shows sooner and more obviously. If you want a white look long-term, consider white gold or platinum.
Rhodium Plating and Gemstones
Some gemstones are sensitive to the chemicals and heat involved in the plating process. Pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise, and other porous or treated stones may need to be removed or protected before plating. Diamonds and sapphires generally handle it well. We'll check your piece first.
What Affects Rhodium Plating Cost
- Size of the piece - a wide band takes more rhodium than a thin one.
- Polishing required - deep scratches take more time.
- Stones - pieces with delicate stones may need extra steps.
- Repairs - any repairs are done before plating.
We'll give you a clear price before work begins.
Platinum vs. Rhodium-Plated White Gold
Platinum is naturally white and doesn't need plating. Over time, it develops a soft patina, which can be polished back to a high shine. If you dislike replating, platinum may be a good choice for future purchases.
Can You Avoid Rhodium Plating?
- Choose platinum, which is naturally white.
- Choose yellow or rose gold.
- Accept white gold's natural warm tone. Some people like it.
- Ask about white gold alloys that are whiter to begin with.
Making Rhodium Plating Last Longer
- Remove rings for gym workouts, gardening, and housework.
- Avoid chlorine pools and hot tubs.
- Avoid harsh cleaners and abrasive polishes.
- Store pieces separately to avoid scratches.
See our jewelry care tips.
Rhodium Plating in Mesa
Brilliant Jewelry is a fourth-generation, family-owned jeweler at 1237 S Val Vista Dr Ste 204, Mesa, AZ 85204. We polish and replate white gold in-house as part of our jewelry repair services, and we'll check your stones and prongs at the same time.
Book a rhodium plating appointment or call or text (480) 331-8652.