Rhodium plating is basically a really thin coat of rhodium on jewelry, most often silver or white gold. Rhodium itself is part of the platinum group metals. It’s actually pricier than platinum and quite brittle. That’s why you’ll never see a ring made entirely of it. But as a coating? It’s top-tier. This is why rhodium plating is so valued.
The way it’s done is standard electroplating. Nothing fancy there. The trick is the rhodium itself.
It does two big things.
One: protection. It’s hard, scratch-resistant, and chemically stable. This helps the silver or white gold underneath stay safe from air and moisture. Silver doesn’t turn dark, white gold keeps that crisp, clean shine.
Two: looks. White gold isn’t really white. It’s yellow gold mixed with things like palladium or nickel, often with a hint of gray or yellow underneath. Rhodium hides that completely, giving a sharp, platinum-like shine. Diamonds pop a little more too, thanks to all that reflectivity.
Downside? It wears. Rings, necklace clasps, anything that rubs a lot—over time the rhodium thins. A year or two in, the underlying metal may peek out. Not broken, just normal. A jeweler can fix this problem in about half an hour. They can replating the item. Then it looks like new again. The jeweler can make the item look fresh again.
To choose rhodium-plated jewelry is to choose a captured brilliance. While time may gently thin its protective veil, with mindful wear, that initial radiance can remain your companion for years to come. That’s the enduring charm of rhodium plating.
