If you own any jewelry, there’s a chance it contains rhodium. Rhodium is a metal that is used to plate jewelry, giving it a shiny finish. If you’re in the market for new jewelry, you may come across the term “rhodium plating.” Here’s what you need to know about this process.
WHAT IS RHODIUM?
Rhodium is a very rare, white metal that is mostly used in jewelry. It is rarer than gold or platinum, and stronger and more reflective than silver. Rhodium is mostly found as a byproduct of platinum mines, as it is one of the metals in the platinum group (which also includes platinum, iridium, ruthenium, osmium, and palladium). Rhodium’s desirable qualities make it useful in industries such as automobile and mirror production, as well as jewelry.
WHAT IS RHODIUM’S HISTORY?
Wollaston discovered rhodium in 1803 and named it after the rose-color that formed when he first dropped it in its natural state into a dilute solution.
Rhodium first began being used for cosmetic purposes in the 1930s, when it was used to plate cigarette lighters, writing utensils, and jewelry. This stopped during World War II when the United States realized that rhodium and other metals were necessary for the war effort. However, by the 1950s, the practice had resumed.
WHAT IS RHODIUM PLATED?
Rhodium plated jewelry is made from a base metal of gold, silver, or other alloy that is coated in a thin layer of rhodium for extra strength and luster. Rhodium plating does not scratch, dent, or corrode and retains its luster.
HOW IS RHODIUM PLATING CURRENTLY USED IN JEWELRY?
A century ago, rhodium was used to plate jewelry and it is still used for that purpose today. But if you’re wondering why not make entire pieces of jewelry from rhodium, here’s the reason:
Rhodium is a great protective outer layer, but it is difficult to mold in large quantities. It also becomes brittle and breaks easily. Rhodium is also very expensive, so it is not a good investment for most people. The market for rhodium is very volatile because it is based on the availability of platinum. Prices for rhodium can quickly rise and fall, so it is not a good idea to invest in rhodium jewelry.
Rhodium is sometimes used for special or unique items. The British Royal Family’s crown jewels are coated with rhodium, which provides protection. When fellow Brit Paul McCartney was honored as the best-selling songwriter and recording artist of all time, he was awarded a rhodium-plated disc. It was reported that then president-elect Barack Obama planned to purchase a rhodium ring for his wife, but an Obama aide would later deny the story.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RHODIUM, PLATED JEWELRY?
How many ways is rhodium special? Rhodium’s hardness protects jewelry from scratches, its lack of oxidation prevents jewelry from corroding, and its lack of tarnish means you don’t have to keep polishing it. Rhodium is also hypoallergenic and has a beautiful glisten.
WHY IS JEWELRY RHODIUM PLATED?
Adding a layer of rhodium to jewelry creates a stronger piece and a brighter white color than using sterling silver, white gold, or platinum. Even though rhodium is a strong metal, it is also brittle, so it cannot be used to create an entire piece of jewelry. The coating must be .75 to 1.0 microns thick in order to prevent cracking. If the layer is too thin, the metal underneath would show; if it is too thick, the coating would crack. Adding a layer of rhodium to jewelry can improve its look, quality, and how long it lasts.
IS RHODIUM HYPOALLERGENIC?
Rhodium is a good choice for people who have a nickel allergy or want to protect their skin, because it is hypoallergenic and does not contain nickel. Rhodium also protects against other metals alloyed with nickel, so your skin will be safe from reactions.
IS RHODIUM JEWELRY SAFE TO WEAR?
Rhodium is safe and recommended for people with sensitive skin or new piercings, as it is non-toxic and does not contain nickel. Rhodium also does not irritate ears or leave skin rashes.
SHOULD YOU RHODIUM-PLATE SILVER
Despite silver’s similarity in color to rhodium, it tarnishes whereas rhodium does not. Silver’s lack of reaction to oxygen and water in its natural state is due to it being mixed with other oxidizing metals for commercial use, making it more prone to tarnishing. Having your silver jewelry rhodium-plated will help it keep its shine and save you from having to polish it often.
WHAT IS RHODIUM PLATED STERLING SILVER?
The following text is a description of how rhodium plated silver is made. Sterling silver is coated in rhodium to make it whiter and brighter. Rhodium is a harder metal than silver, so it protects silver from scratches or wear. However, sterling silver is too soft to be fashioned into jewelry by itself, so it contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% of other metals like copper, nickel, or a combination of the two. The traces of copper and nickel in sterling silver cause tarnishing. Adding rhodium plating prevents this from happening.
RHODIUM VS SILVER
Although silver is not as white and reflective as rhodium, it is a sturdy and high-quality base metal that is often used for rhodium since it is less susceptible to tarnishing. Rhodium adds value and imperishability to silver.
WHICH IS BETTER, RHODIUM PLATED OR STERLING SILVER?
Preference is the main deciding factor for whether you prefer rhodium plated or sterling silver jewelry. But you don’t have to choose just one! Rhodium plated and sterling silver jewelry actually complement each other quite well. Sterling silver does contain nickel and copper and will tarnish and turn your finger green over time, but when coated in a layer of rhodium, it becomes a better metal. Rhodium protects your skin from the small amount of nickel silver and removes the risk of tarnishing. Plus, when rhodium plating begins to wear, it isn’t as obvious with silver since both metals have a similar color. So you may be able to wait longer between replatings.
DOES RHODIUM TARNISH?
Rhodium is not corroded by water or air and does not rust. It is also not tarnished by other metals. Rhodium is strong and does not need to be combined with other metals that will eventually corrode.
RHODIUM PLATED BRASS
You should not use brass as the base metal for fine jewelry that has a rhodium plating. Brass is cheaper than rhodium, so the layer of rhodium would have to be very thin. However, a thin layer wears out quickly. Also, brass is malleable, so the rhodium plating would not last long and would not be a wise investment.
DOES RHODIUM PLATED BRASS TURN GREEN?
If your finger turns green after coming into contact with rhodium-plated brass, it is not the fault of the rhodium. Rhodium is not corrosive, but brass is. If the rhodium plating on brass has worn off, it is because brass is a soft metal and the plating does not adhere to it well.
RHODIUM VS PLATINUM
Both rhodium and platinum are silvery precious metals and are part of the same metal group. Rhodium is extracted with platinum, and they are both rare and valuable. Rhodium is even more scarce than platinum and has a much higher price tag. However, due to its brittleness, a jeweler cannot create a piece entirely out of rhodium. Platinum is more malleable and does not crack when thick. It is used to create jewelry that is easy to maintain and durable. However, platinum jewelry is more expensive than rhodium plated jewelry, even though the metal itself is less valuable. Rhodium jewelry has only a thin coating of fine metal, which makes it more affordable but just as beautiful and even more reflective than platinum.
RHODIUM VS GOLD
-Rhodium is a silver colored metal while gold has a warm yellow hue -Both metals are precious, costly, and durable -Rhodium is only used for plating other metals, it cannot be made into solid jewelry like gold or platinum -Yellow gold should not be plated with rhodium because over time the yellow color will start to show through -Before being plated with rhodium, gold is often bleached and made white
RHODIUM VS GOLD PRICE
Rhodium is more expensive than gold, depending on the market. Solid gold jewelry is more expensive than rhodium-plated jewelry, but both are high quality. For example, compare the price and color of a 14k gold blue topaz ring to a rhodium plated blue topaz ring.
ARE THERE CAVEATS TO RHODIUM?
There are no perfect things in this world, except for maybe your significant other. Usually.
Rhodium plating on jewelry wears down over time, and may need to be replated. Jewelry that is worn less frequently will require less attention. Jewelry that is worn more often may need to be replated every two or three years.
IS RHODIUM PLATING EXPENSIVE?
Replating rhodium costs between $40-$100. It is not time-consuming, but it is a complicated process. Rhodium is more expensive than any other metal, but rhodium plating is less costly than solid gold or platinum. The price of your rhodium-plated jewelry depends on the value of the base metal. If it were possible to create a solid rhodium ring, it would be incredibly expensive.
PROS OF RHODIUM PLATING
- Beautiful
- Durable
- High-quality
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-toxic
CONS OF RHODIUM PLATING
- Some maintenance required
HOW TO CLEAN RHODIUM PLATED STERLING SILVER
It is not necessary to regularly clean rhodium plated jewelry as this will result in faster wear. Rhodium jewelry will not tarnish but if cleaning is desired, it is best to avoid soap, water and harsh chemicals. A soft cloth should be used to avoid scratching. If jewelry has lost its luster, it is likely due to wear and it may be time to replate or replace it.
THE MORE YOU KNOW
While we’re on the subject, I wanted to let you know that rhodium has been in the news lately. It’s an important metal because it protects the environment.
Rhodium is a metal used in a lot of catalytic converters. A catalytic converter is a device that helps get rid of exhaust fumes and other pollutants. It does this by having the exhaust fumes pass through a pipe with rhodium in it. When the fumes come into contact with the rhodium, it causes a chemical reaction that makes the fumes less harmful.
This effort to curb carbon emissions, however, has seen both the demand for, and price of, rhodium skyrocket. Rhodium’s other industrial applications include:
- High temperature and corrosion resistive coatings
- Measurement of neutron flux level in nuclear reactors
- And the manufacturing of reflecting surfaces for optical instruments
CARING FOR YOUR RHODIUM PLATED JEWELRY
- Avoid water, soap, and harsh chemicals. A little water won’t hurt, but you’ll probably have to dry it off, which adds friction.
- Avoid taking rhodium plated jewelry on and off. Many people have a habit of twisting their necklaces or sliding rings up and down their fingers. Be careful not to fidget with your rhodium jewelry so that it lasts as long as possible.
- Try to reserve rhodium plated jewelry for special occasions to preserve it. Definitely don’t wear it in the yard or at the gym.
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