Rhodium plating guide

Rhodium plating is a popular jewellery finish that involves coating a piece with a thin layer of rhodium, a rare precious metal in the platinum family. Some of our jewellery pieces have gold or rhodium plating over sterling silver. Rhodium is hypoallergenic, lustrous, and highly durable – it prevents the silver from oxidising (tarnishing) when in contact with air or skin, and also makes the jewellery more resistant to scratches. In other words, a rhodium-plated piece stays bright and shiny for longer. This guide explains what rhodium plating is, how it works chemically and in practice, which metals are commonly rhodium-plated, its benefits and drawbacks, typical lifespan on different metals, whether it tarnishes or wears off, costs and process time, visual appearance, comparisons with other plating types, and tips on care and re-plating.

What is rhodium plating and why is it used?

Rhodium plating (also known as rhodium dip or rhodium flashing) is the process of electroplating a very thin coating of the element rhodium onto the surface of a piece of jewellery. Rhodium itself is a silvery-white metal, part of the platinum group, and is extremely rare and expensive (even more costly per ounce than gold). It’s not used to make entire jewellery pieces because pure rhodium is hard and brittle, but as a plating it’s fantastic – it adheres as a thin, hard protective layer.

Why plate jewellery with rhodium? Rhodium plating enhances jewellery in several ways:

• Typically it gives a brilliant white shine – rhodium is one of the whitest and most reflective precious metals, creating a bright, mirror-like finish that’s more lustrous than unplated silver, white gold or platinum. (There are variations – sometimes it may have a slightly darker, more gunmetal appearance like some of our pieces).
• It prevents tarnish – rhodium does not oxidise or tarnish, so it acts as a barrier that stops the underlying metal (like sterling silver or low-karat gold) from reacting with air and turning dull or black.
• It adds a hard, durable surface – rhodium is harder than gold, so the plating helps resist scratches and wear on the jewellery. Minor imperfections can be masked by the reflective coat, giving the piece a flawless look.
• It creates a hypoallergenic coating – rhodium is nickel-free and inert. Plating a ring can shield the wearer’s skin from metals like nickel or copper in the underlying alloy that might cause allergic reactions.

In short, rhodium plating is used to improve both the appearance and longevity of jewellery. For example, white gold rings are almost always rhodium-plated to give them that bright “white” finish consumers expect (since the gold alloy underneath is usually a bit yellowish). Sterling silver pieces are often plated with rhodium to keep them from tarnishing and to increase their shine and scratch-resistance. Even platinum, which is naturally white, is sometimes given a rhodium flash to achieve an extra mirror-bright polish. Essentially, rhodium plating is a cosmetic and protective enhancement that takes fine jewellery to the next level of brilliance and durability.

How does rhodium plating work? (the plating process)

Rhodium plating is done by a specialist electroplating process. In a professional workshop, the jeweller will follow these general steps:

1. Preparation & cleaning: The piece is meticulously cleaned and polished before plating. Any dirt, oil, or old plating must be removed because even a tiny bit of debris can prevent the new rhodium layer from bonding properly. Jewellers often ultrasonically clean the item, steam-clean it, and may even electro-clean it with a mild solution to ensure the surface is perfectly clean. (If the item had previous rhodium plating that’s patchy, they might strip it off first via polishing or chemical dip – more on removal later.)
2. Electroplating bath: The clean piece is then submerged in a rhodium plating solution (a liquid bath containing rhodium salts, usually rhodium sulfate, mixed with acid). The piece is connected to the negative electrode (cathode) and a positive electrical current is applied through the solution. This causes tiny rhodium ions in the solution to bond onto the jewellery’s surface, depositing a uniform layer of rhodium metal. The actual immersion time is short – often only 30 to 60 seconds of electroplating is needed per piece, though it can vary with the item’s size and the desired thickness.
3. Rinsing and drying: After plating, the piece is rinsed in distilled water and carefully dried. The result is an evenly coated piece with a fresh layer of rhodium about 0.5 – 2 microns thick (typical rhodium plating thickness is ~0.75-1.0 micron for rings, to avoid cracking or brittleness). Even though this layer is microscopically thin, it’s enough to impart the distinctive colour and protective benefits of rhodium.

This whole plating procedure is relatively quick. The electroplating itself takes only a few minutes or less. However, including the prep work (cleaning, polishing, setting up the bath, drying, etc.), a jeweller might take an hour or two to complete the job properly. Many jewellers batch their rhodium plating jobs and might ask you to leave the item for a day or a few days. Often they do it in-house a couple of times per week. The actual time your piece spends in the plating tank is minimal; it’s the preparation and queue that add to the service time.

Is the process safe for gemstones?

Yes, in most cases. Hard, non-porous gems like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies can handle the rhodium plating process without issue – they don’t react to the solution or electricity. These stones can be left in the piece while plating. However, softer or porous gemstones (such as opals, pearls, turquoise, emeralds with many inclusions, etc.) might be removed before plating, because the acids and electric current could potentially damage them. A professional jeweller will know when to remove certain stones or use alternative methods to protect them during plating.

Which metals can be rhodium plated?

Rhodium plating works best on precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. These metals can all be successfully plated with rhodium to enhance their appearance and wear properties. Here are the common scenarios:

• White gold: Nearly all white gold jewellery on the market is rhodium plated. White gold is actually an alloy of yellow gold mixed with white metals (like palladium, silver, or nickel), so on its own it typically has a pale yellow or dull gray hue. Rhodium plating is applied to give white gold its bright white colour and shine. In fact, the shiny “white” look people expect from white gold rings is entirely due to rhodium plating. The rhodium layer also adds hardness and scratch-resistance to the gold. Over time the rhodium on a white gold ring will wear off (revealing the faint yellow tone underneath), at which point re-plating restores that like-new white brilliance.
• Sterling silver: High-end silver jewellery is often rhodium plated to prevent the silver from tarnishing. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver with some copper, and it naturally oxidises and darkens when exposed to air and moisture. A coat of rhodium seals the silver from the air, stopping oxidation – so the piece stays bright and never turns black. Rhodium-plated silver also looks slightly “whiter” and more reflective than plain silver (which has a slightly grayish tone by comparison). Additionally, the plating hardens the surface of the silver, which is a relatively soft metal, making it more resistant to scratches or wear. Many reputable sterling silver jewellery lines use rhodium plating for these reasons.
• Yellow gold: You can rhodium-plate yellow gold jewellery to transform its colour from gold to silver-white. This is sometimes done to give an old yellow gold piece a fresh modern look, or to match a white gold engagement ring, etc. The result, when new, looks very similar to white gold or platinum – a bright chrome-white finish. However, plating yellow gold is usually not a permanent solution or heavily recommended for everyday pieces. The underlying yellow colour will start to show through as the rhodium wears, and because the contrast is so high (yellow vs white), even slight wear is noticeable. Expect a yellow gold ring to begin showing faint yellow tints in as little as a few months of daily wear (often first on the underside or edges). Frequent re-plating would be needed to maintain a pure white look on yellow gold. Some jewellers do rhodium plate yellow gold for customers – but if the gold is very yellow, the rhodium may only mask it for ~3 months before the gold tone peeks through. In short, you can rhodium plate yellow gold (even whole rings), but be prepared for regular maintenance. It’s often done in two-tone designs – for example, plating just parts of a yellow gold piece to create contrast (like white gold accents on a mostly yellow piece). In two-tone cases, when the plating eventually wears, the difference in colour will be obvious, so it’s more for occasional wear or design effect.
• Rose gold: Rhodium plating rose gold will likewise turn it into a white-looking piece. But rose gold’s coppery pink hue is even more contrasting against white rhodium, so as soon as there’s wear, you’ll see rosy patches coming through. Generally, people rarely plate entire rose gold items white, unless for a very specific temporary aesthetic. It’s usually not advised because of how stark and uneven the piece can look as the plating wears off. Rose gold is valued for its pink colour, so covering it with rhodium defeats the purpose (except perhaps for a custom two-tone design). If you did rhodium plate a rose gold item, expect to replate it very frequently to keep it uniformly white.
• Platinum: Platinum is a naturally white metal, so rhodium plating is not necessary for protection or colour reasons – platinum doesn’t tarnish and has its own white-gray luster. In fact, over time platinum develops a slight patina (a soft matte look) that many people appreciate. However, some platinum jewellery is still rhodium plated to give it that extra sharp “flash white” finish that platinum alone might lack. Rhodium on platinum can make the piece look even more mirror-like. The good news is rhodium plating tends to last longer on platinum than on gold or silver. Both rhodium and platinum are from the same metal family and are very resistant to corrosion or chemical reactions. Also, platinum is hard and doesn’t scratch or wear as easily as gold, meaning the rhodium layer on top doesn’t get abraded off as quickly. So if you plate a platinum ring, you might find the rhodium coating stays intact for a few years or more before you even notice any change. Even so, many platinum owners skip plating altogether to enjoy the natural look of platinum.
• Palladium and other metals: Palladium is another platinum-family metal, used in some white gold alloys or on its own. Solid palladium jewellery is already gray-white in colour and doesn’t require rhodium plating (it’s often left unplated, similar to platinum). Palladium plating can be done, but if the goal is a white finish, rhodium is usually preferred because it’s a brighter white. In some cases, jewellers use a thin layer of palladium plating under rhodium plating, as a barrier layer (for example, plating sterling silver with palladium first can help the rhodium layer adhere better and prevent any silver atoms from diffusing and causing tarnish stains over time).

You might also find rhodium plating on base-metal fashion jewellery or silver-plated items – for instance, a cheap costume chain might be brass with rhodium plating to give it a fine-jewellery look that doesn’t tarnish. Essentially, rhodium can coat almost any metal, but it adheres best to other precious metals. It’s most commonly found on white gold, silver, and platinum pieces in the fine jewellery world.

Benefits of rhodium plating

Rhodium plating offers several benefits that make it a sought-after finish for jewellery:

• Brilliant white shine: Rhodium is highly reflective and produces a dazzling shine. It’s considered the whitest of precious metals – whiter than sterling silver or even platinum. A rhodium-plated ring or chain has a gleaming, mirror-like finish that enhances gemstones and looks very “clean” and bright.
• Tarnish resistance: Rhodium does not tarnish or oxidise. When you plate silver or other tarnish-prone metals with rhodium, it forms a protective seal that prevents air or moisture from reaching the underlying metal. This is why silver pieces with rhodium plating won’t turn black or green over time. The rhodium layer keeps them looking pristine with far less maintenance than unplated silver.
• Scratch & wear protection: Rhodium is quite hard – significantly harder than pure gold – so it adds a durable surface layer to jewellery. It helps resist minor scratches and abrasions, preserving the polished look longer. It’s not scratch-proof, but it does make a difference, especially on softer metals like 18K gold or silver. The plating can also cover tiny microscopic scratches in the underlying metal, effectively hiding imperfections and giving an older piece a smoother appearance.
• Hypoallergenic surface: Because rhodium is nickel-free and inert, plating creates a hypoallergenic barrier. If you have a ring made of an alloy that contains nickel (a common allergen in cheaper white gold or in silver mixes), the rhodium coating prevents direct contact between your skin and the nickel. This means people with sensitive skin or metal allergies can often wear rhodium-plated jewellery with no reaction. It’s a popular solution for those allergic to the nickel in white gold – plating the ring can stop irritation entirely.
• Enhanced colour and luster: Rhodium’s bright white colour can improve the look of jewellery. For white gold or silver, it makes the piece look more expensive by giving it that high-end platinum-like shine. It also slightly boosts brilliance – diamonds in a rhodium-plated white gold setting, for example, may “pop” more because the stark white metal contrasts and reflects light into the stone better than a dull yellowish prong would. Rhodium can also uniformly tone a piece; if a white gold ring has aged and taken on a slight tint, plating will restore it to a consistent white. Essentially it’s like a fresh coat of paint that revitalises the jewellery’s look.
• Corrosion resistance: Beyond just tarnish (which is a form of corrosion), rhodium is resistant to acids and general corrosion. It protects the base metal from everyday chemicals or sweat that might otherwise slowly eat away or stain the metal. For instance, oils, salts, or cosmetic chemicals are less likely to affect a rhodium-plated surface, meaning your jewellery stays in better condition.

Then, there’s black rhodium which gives all the protection benefits, and makes the piece look pretty cool. Check out this ring which has been plated with black rhodium:

In summary, rhodium plating makes jewellery look better and last longer. It’s a cosmetic improvement and a functional protective measure at the same time.

Drawbacks of rhodium plating

Despite its advantages, there are some drawbacks and limitations to rhodium plating that consumers should be aware of:

• Not permanent – wears off: Rhodium plating does wear off over time with use. It’s a thin surface layer, so on items that get a lot of friction (like rings), eventually the underlying metal will start to show through in spots. This means rhodium-plated jewellery will require periodic re-plating to maintain that perfect white finish. How often depends on wear (we’ll cover specifics later), but it’s not a one-and-done treatment. Essentially, by choosing rhodium plating you are signing up for some maintenance.
• Maintenance cost: Because of the above, there is an ongoing cost if you want to keep jewellery rhodium-plated. Re-plating isn’t extremely expensive, but it typically costs on the order of £30-£60 per ring in the UK or around $50-$150 in the US each time. Over years, those costs add up. The biggest disadvantage of rhodium plating often cited is this cost and upkeep. If you have to replate an engagement ring every year or two, you’ll need to budget for that service. (Some jewellers include a free initial rhodium plating or discounts on future plating if you bought the ring from them, but it varies.)
• Alters the metal’s natural appearance: Rhodium plating covers up the look of the underlying metal. While usually that’s the goal (to make it whiter and shinier), some purists feel it masks the “true” character of metals. For example, unplated white gold has a soft warm hue that some people find pleasant, and platinum has a mellow gray shine that comes with its patina. If you love those subtle tones, you might consider not plating. With rhodium, everything comes out the same uniform bright white. So in a way, plating can make different metals look indistinguishable. This is only a “drawback” from an aesthetic preference standpoint – most people today actually prefer the rhodium look. But it’s worth noting that you lose the unique colour of your base metal. Plating can also slightly reduce perceived details like engravings or milgrain if done repeatedly, simply because you’re adding layers (though layers are extremely thin, so this is usually negligible).
• Needs skilled jewellers (not always available everywhere): Rhodium plating requires specific equipment and chemicals, so not every small-town jeweller offers it in-house. You may have to send your jewellery out to a specialist or a larger shop, which can be inconvenient. Some jewellers consolidate batches or mail pieces to a plating service. This also means if you live in a remote area, you might have to ship your ring to be replated, which introduces slight risk of loss. It’s becoming more common, but availability can be a drawback compared to, say, simply polishing a ring which any jeweller can do on the spot.
• Potential compatibility issues: While rhodium plating itself is generally safe for all metals, some designs or gemstones might complicate the process. For instance, we mentioned that very soft stones (opals, pearls) might need to be unset before plating, which adds work and risk. Intricate or vintage pieces with different metal components (e.g., an antique ring with silver and gold parts) have to be masked to plate only certain areas, which is tricky and costly. Two-tone jewellery (part yellow, part white) is more expensive to replate because the jeweller must carefully paint the rhodium on only the areas that should be white. Also, if you have an engraving that is oxidised (blackened) on a silver piece, plating over it will cover the oxidisation and make it all white, losing the contrast. These are specific cases, but they illustrate that plating isn’t 100% straightforward for every piece.
• Brittleness of thick plating: Rhodium is a hard but brittle metal. If a very thick layer were applied, it could potentially crack or flake under stress. Professional platers avoid this by keeping the coating around ~1 micron or so, which is optimal for durability. However, this means you can’t just plate a super-thick coat hoping it will last 10 years – it doesn’t work that way. Very thick plating would be unstable and also much more expensive. So you’re limited to a thin coat that will wear off in time.
• No colour options (except plating itself): Rhodium plating will always impart a white (or sometimes gunmetal grey or black) colour. If you have yellow or rose gold jewellery and plate it, you change the colour to white – which is typically the point, but you can’t get a “yellow rhodium” or “rose rhodium” plating. (Rhodium is always silvery-white; the only variant is “black rhodium” which is achieved by mixing rhodium with other elements, giving a gunmetal gray finish.) So plating isn’t a way to preserve the original metal colour; it essentially overrules it with rhodium’s colour.

Most of these drawbacks boil down to cost and maintenance and the fact that plating is a temporary cosmetic layer. As long as you understand that going in, the advantages often outweigh these downsides for many people – especially for something like a white gold engagement ring where that crisp white look is desired. But if you prefer low maintenance or a more natural look, you might choose to not rhodium-plate certain pieces.

How long does rhodium plating last? (lifespan & durability)

One of the most common questions is “How long will my rhodium plating last?” The answer is: it depends on the piece and how you wear it. Different metals and jewellery types experience different wear rates. Here’s a breakdown:

• White gold rings (Daily Wear): On a frequently worn ring (like a wedding or engagement ring you wear every day), expect the rhodium plating to last around 12 to 18 months on average before it begins to visibly wear off. Some people might see it wearing thin in as little as 6 months if the ring is subject to heavy wear (lots of manual work, exposure to chemicals, etc.), while others might get 2 years if they’re very careful. Many jewellers suggest re-plating a white gold ring about once a year to keep it looking its best. Notably, the wear often shows first on the underside of rings and on high-contact edges – you might notice a slight yellowish tinge coming back where the rhodium has rubbed off.
• White gold rings (occasional wear): If you have a white gold piece that you only wear occasionally (say a dress ring or special occasion jewellery), the plating will last much longer since it’s not experiencing daily friction. Such pieces can go several years without needing re-plating. In fact, if you only wear it a few times a year, the plating could look good for a decade or more. It’s really about wear and tear – the less contact and abrasion, the longer the rhodium stays.
• Necklaces, pendants & earrings: These items typically experience less rubbing against skin or objects compared to rings or bracelets. As a result, rhodium plating on necklaces and earrings can last many years, potentially 5-10+ years before any dulling is noticeable. One source notes that for pieces like necklaces or earrings that aren’t bumped or worn daily, the rhodium may last “forever” in practice. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but certainly these pieces hold plating extremely well. You might never need to replate a pair of rhodium-plated earrings unless the plating was very thin to begin with.
• Bracelets & high-wear jewellery: Bracelets and watch cases (if rhodium plated) might wear more like rings, because they rub against surfaces and your skin with movement. So expect possibly 1-2 years on a regularly worn rhodium-plated bracelet before it starts to dull or wear through. Cufflinks or items that rub on desk surfaces, etc., will also wear faster.
• Yellow or rose gold items (rhodium-plated white): When you rhodium plate a yellow or rose gold piece, any wear will be very obvious due to the contrast. So the effective lifespan of it looking perfect is shorter. For example, a yellow gold ring plated white might start to show a pale yellow glow at the edges after even 3-6 months of frequent use. By 12 months it could be clearly due for another plating if you want to maintain an all-white look. Many people who plate yellow gold end up doing touch-ups more often. If it’s a rarely worn item, of course the plating will hold up fine for longer – but typically if you cared enough to plate it, you probably want to wear it often, so just expect to see the colour change sooner than you would on white gold. Rose gold, being pinker, might even show sooner because the eye can catch that pinkish hue quickly against white.
• Platinum & palladium Pieces: As mentioned, rhodium on platinum tends to last longer. You could easily get 2-3+ years before any re-plating is needed on a platinum ring that’s worn daily. The wear pattern on platinum is also different – platinum doesn’t abrade away like gold; it just displaces. So the rhodium might wear more evenly. Some customers plate platinum once and never bother again, content to let it gradually fade into the platinum’s natural colour (which is less of a drastic difference than yellow to white). Palladium, if ever plated, would be similar to platinum (but palladium is usually not rhodium plated since its colour is decent on its own).
• Factors affecting lifespan: The thickness of the plating makes a difference. Standard is around 0.75 micron; some jewellers may offer thicker plating (say 1.0-2.0 microns) at a higher cost, which can last longer before wearing through. Thicker plating = more material to wear down. However, plating too thick can risk cracking, so there’s an upper limit. Another factor is personal chemistry – the oils and sweat from a person’s skin can affect plating. If you have very acidic perspiration or use a lot of hand lotions, these can eat away at rhodium faster. Activities and environment matter too: lots of exposure to household cleaners, chlorine (pools/hot tubs), or manual labor can all abrade or dull the plating more quickly. Even rubbing against other metal (like wearing two rings adjacent that rub) will wear it faster. We cover care tips in a later section, but in general, being mindful of these factors can extend the life of your rhodium finish.
• Signs it needs re-plating: How do you know when it’s time to replate? The visual cues: dulling of the once mirror-like shine; a faint yellow or grey tint emerging (for white gold, a pale yellow; for silver, perhaps a light warm tone or slight tarnish look); and more pronounced scratches or scuffs. If the piece starts looking lackluster even after cleaning, that’s a hint the rhodium layer is thin or gone. On white gold, often you’ll notice the bottom of a ring (the part that touches your palm) is less white than the top – a sure sign the rhodium’s worn off there. At that point, it’s a good idea to have the item polished and replated to restore the uniform colour. Waiting until it’s completely all gone isn’t harmful, but the piece won’t look as nice once large areas of the base metal are exposed. Some jewellers advise checking your ring annually and replating at the first noticeable change in colour. The good news is, if you replate in time, it will look as brilliant as new again.

Keep in mind these are estimates – your mileage may vary. But rhodium plating is not permanent; expect at some point to refresh it if you want to maintain the look.

Does rhodium plating tarnish or wear off?

Tarnish: One of the advantages of rhodium is that it does not tarnish. Unlike sterling silver which reacts with sulfur in the air to form black silver sulfide, rhodium remains bright and untarnished; it’s highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion. So if you see a rhodium-plated piece getting dark or discoloured, it’s not the rhodium tarnishing – it’s a sign the rhodium layer has worn thin or off in spots, and the metal underneath (which might tarnish or corrode) is showing through. For example, a rhodium-plated silver necklace shouldn’t ever turn black in areas that are still fully plated. But if after a couple years you notice darkening, it means those areas lost their rhodium and the exposed silver is tarnishing. In short, rhodium itself stays shiny; it’s the loss of rhodium that can make a piece tarnish again.

Wear off: Yes, as covered above, rhodium plating will wear off eventually with normal use. This usually happens via abrasion – every time the piece rubs against something (skin, clothing, objects), microscopic bits of the rhodium layer can erode. It doesn’t peel or flake off (unless there was a plating adhesion issue); rather it thins out gradually until the metal beneath becomes visible. The wear rate depends on the factors we discussed (friction, thickness, etc.). When you notice the plating wearing off, it’s time to consider re-plating if you want to restore the look.

Importantly, you cannot permanently prevent rhodium from wearing away – it’s in the nature of a surface coating. But careful wear and proper care can extend its life. Some tips to minimise wear:

• Remove rings before heavy work (gym, gardening, dishes) to avoid abrasion and chemicals.
• Keep jewellery away from chlorine (pools, bleach) which can slowly attack plating.
• Don’t wear rhodium-plated pieces next to other metal jewellery that will rub (for instance, avoid stacking a rhodium-plated white gold ring with another ring constantly – metal-on-metal contact wears plating fast).
• Follow the cleaning tips in the next section to avoid harsh polishes that could strip rhodium.

If a piece is very sentimental or heavily worn, you might even consider a slightly thicker plating than standard when you get it redone (if your jeweller offers that), to buy a bit more time between replates. Just don’t go overboard, as extremely thick plating can be counterproductive.

How much does rhodium plating cost?

The cost of rhodium plating varies depending on the item and where you get it done, but here are some typical price ranges and factors:

• Average cost: For a simple ring or pendant, rhodium plating usually costs on the order of £30 to £60 in the UK, or around $50 to $150 in the US per piece. For example, many local jewellers in Britain charge around £35 for rhodium-plating a ring. In the US, $60-$75 is common for a ring at a jewellery store, though big-city boutique stores might charge $100+.
• Factors affecting price: Several factors can influence the price:
  • Size of the piece: Larger items or those with big surface area (like a thick bracelet or a wide necklace chain) will use more rhodium solution and take more time, so they cost more than a tiny ring. A bangle might cost more than a ring, for instance.
  • Complexity: Intricate pieces with filigree or many small crevices might need extra preparation and careful plating, increasing labor time. Also two-tone pieces that require selective plating (masking parts off) will cost more due to the extra work.
  • Thickness of plating: If you request an extra heavy plating layer, some jewellers charge more since it uses more rhodium (rhodium is very expensive per gram) and more time.
  • Current rhodium price: Rhodium metal prices can be volatile. At times rhodium costs have spiked dramatically (rhodium can cost thousands of dollars per ounce). Plating uses a tiny amount of rhodium, but if the market price is high, some jewellers adjust their fees accordingly.
  • Jeweller’s location & service: A luxury store in a high-rent city will likely charge more than a small-town workshop. Also, if additional services are included (like polishing, cleaning, stone checking), the price might be bundled a bit higher.
• Examples: Brilliant Earth (a well-known jeweller) notes rhodium plating is on average $50-$150, with larger or more intricate items costing more. A local UK repair shop might advertise rhodium dips starting around £30-£40. High-end jewellers in London or New York might charge £80/$100+ for a ring due to overhead. If you have multiple pieces, sometimes a jeweller will give a small discount per piece.
• Is it charged by thickness or per piece? Generally, plating is charged per piece or per job, not by an hourly rate or exact material used (since the amount of rhodium per ring is extremely small – usually a few milligrams). Some places have a flat rate for rings, another for larger items. If an item is very large, they’ll quote individually. You typically get what you pay for in terms of service quality and possibly plating thickness – the lowest price might indicate a quick “flash” plating that could be thinner, whereas a higher price might include polishing and a thicker plate.
• Cost of re-plating vs initial purchase: Note that if you bought a new white gold ring, the initial rhodium plating done by the manufacturer is already included in the price of the jewellery. When we talk about cost here, it’s for later maintenance or plating an existing piece. Some jewellers offer a warranty or free re-plating for a certain time after purchase (e.g., free re-dip in the first year) – worth checking if you’re buying new. But in general, as a consumer, anticipate that every so often you’ll spend that ~$60/£50 mark to refresh the rhodium.
• DIY or plating kits: There are rhodium plating kits on the market for hobbyists, but they are quite expensive themselves (often several hundred pounds/dollars) and require handling strong acids and toxic solutions. For almost everyone, it’s not practical to do it yourself purely to save money on one or two rings. It’s best left to professionals with proper equipment.

In summary, budget around £35-£55 (or $60-$120) for a professional rhodium plating job on a ring, possibly a bit more for larger items. It’s an investment in maintaining your jewellery’s appearance. When comparing prices, ensure you’re comparing like-for-like (some might include polishing and cleaning in that fee, which is essential for a good result).

How long does rhodium plating take?

If you take a piece to be rhodium plated, how quickly can it be done? The answer can vary by jeweller, but here are some guidelines:

• Actual plating time: The plating itself is very fast – typically a few minutes in the electroplating bath is all that’s needed to coat a ring. The chemical and electrical process of depositing rhodium doesn’t take long. In fact, too long in the bath can over-plate or cause issues, so it’s a controlled short process (often well under 5 minutes of current).
• Preparation & finishing: The preparation steps (cleaning, polishing) and the finishing (rinse, dry, final polish) take much more time than the plating dip. A good jeweller will spend time making sure the piece is polished to a high shine before plating (because plating a scratched or dirty piece will lock in those imperfections). Cleaning in ultrasonic, perhaps buffing out any scratches, and sometimes removing stones – these steps could take 30-60 minutes or more depending on the piece’s condition. After plating, they may also inspect and give a light polish or steam-clean to ensure no residues.
• Total turnaround time: Many jewellers can complete a rhodium plating service within the same day or just a few hours if you arrange it and if the workshop is not backlogged. For example, if you drop off a ring in the morning, some shops might have it done by the afternoon. However, jewellers often quote 1-3 days or up to a week for turnaround. This is because they might only do plating on certain days, or they queue it with other work. As noted earlier, a jeweller in Leeds asks for about a week turnaround – likely to batch work and ensure quality. Another repair service mentions completing plating within 1 week of receiving the item (for mail-in orders).
• Expedited service: If you need it urgently (say you have an event), many jewellers will accommodate a rush job if possible. Always communicate your timeline. Some will do an on-the-spot plating if it’s an emergency and they have the staff free. Others might charge a small rush fee.
• Shipping time: If you’re mailing your jewellery to a service, factor in shipping time on top of the actual plating time.

In practical terms: If you walk into a local jewellery shop that does plating in-house, ask them. They might say “we do our plating on Fridays, so if you leave it on Wednesday, it’ll be ready by the weekend,” or something along those lines. If you find a place that advertises same-day rhodium plating, it’s often possible if arranged. Just remember not to rush the process at the expense of quality – the piece needs to be well prepped.

So, rhodium plating can be done in minutes, but expect to be without your jewellery for a few days to a week in most cases due to processing and queueing. If timing matters, discuss with the jeweller; many will try to accommodate special requests. Watch this video to see the process:

@sjs.polishing

A full process of clean, polish and rhodium plate on this ring! #kilburnjewellers #kilburnmaidstone #polishing #rings #ring #jewellery #jewelry #satisfying #beforeandafter #diamond #gold #whitegold #fyp #viral #jewellerytok

♬ Hip Hop with impressive piano sound(793766) – Dusty Sky

Colour and appearance of rhodium plating

Rhodium plating yields a very specific and highly desired colour: a brilliant icy-white silver. It’s often described as a chrome-like or mirror finish. Let’s detail its appearance:

• Silvery-white hue: Rhodium is a bright white metal. When plated, it gives jewellery a silvery-white colour with a cool tone. This is why rhodium-plated white gold or silver looks “whiter” than unplated. White gold without rhodium can appear a bit off-white or yellowish, and silver has a slightly warmer grey shine – but rhodium-plated surfaces look uniformly bright white. Some describe the hue as having a hint of blue-ish white (very faint) in certain lights, simply because it’s a cooler white than others.
• Highly reflective shine: One hallmark of rhodium plating is its high gloss. It’s extremely reflective – practically like a mirror when freshly done. This gives jewellery a luxurious look. For example, the prongs on a diamond ring will be so reflective that they almost disappear, letting the diamond stand out. That reflectivity also makes the piece look very clean and new.
• Compared to other metals: If you put a rhodium-plated ring next to a pure platinum ring (unplated) and a pure silver ring, you might notice:
  • The rhodium piece is the “whitest” and most mirror-like.
  • The platinum ring might have a slightly grayer or softer sheen.
  • The silver might have a slight natural white shine but will tarnish to a duller look if not maintained.
  • Rhodium plating tends to maintain a uniformly bright look until it wears off, whereas platinum will slowly dull with patina, and silver will tarnish. So rhodium stands out for its persistent shine (until it’s gone abruptly, at which point you see the contrast).
• Does rhodium plating change gemstone colour? Not exactly, but the backdrop colour can affect how a gemstone appears. Rhodium’s bright white can sometimes make colourless diamonds look a tad more brilliant compared to a yellowish mounting (which might cast a warm tint into the stone). For coloured gems, the neutral white metal is usually desirable as it doesn’t affect the gem’s colour (whereas a yellow gold prong can reflect yellow into a diamond or certain stones). So rhodium plating is a great neutral backdrop for gems.
• Black rhodium: It’s worth noting that “black rhodium” plating exists as a trendy option for some jewellery. (See the example ring above) Black rhodium isn’t pure rhodium; it’s rhodium mixed with other alloys (like graphite or other elements) to create a dark gunmetal grey finish. Black rhodium plated jewellery has a charcoal or hematite colour – not a true pitch black, more of a metallic dark grey. It offers the same tarnish resistance and durability as normal rhodium plating, just with a different look. Black rhodium is often used in fashion pieces or to create contrast (e.g., black rhodium prongs around a diamond for a unique look). Be aware that black rhodium, like white, will wear off in high-friction areas over time, revealing the lighter metal underneath – which can add to a “distressed” look or just mean it needs re-plating.
• Matte vs shiny: Standard rhodium plating is shiny. However, a jeweller can give a rhodium-plated piece a matte or satin finish by lightly sandblasting or brushing it after plating. So, not all plated jewellery has to be mirror-bright; you can have rhodium in a brushed finish if desired (you’d plate first with shiny rhodium, then add the texture). But most common is high polish.

In summary, the colour of rhodium plating is a bright, cool-toned white. It’s the reason white gold is so white. Under magnification, the rhodium layer is so thin you can’t distinguish it from the underlying metal by any seam – it just looks like the item is made of that shiny white metal entirely. It’s only when it wears off that you notice any difference.

If you love that ultra-bright white look, rhodium delivers. If you prefer a softer or aged look, you might actually want to avoid rhodium on metals like platinum or certain white gold alloys. It really defines the contemporary white gold aesthetic.

Caring for rhodium-plated jewellery

To get the most life out of your rhodium plating and keep your jewellery looking its best, follow these care and cleaning tips. Proper care can significantly slow down the wear of the rhodium layer:

• Gentle cleaning only: When your rhodium-plated jewellery needs cleaning, use only mild, non-abrasive methods. The safest method is to use warm water with a bit of mild liquid soap (like a gentle dish soap), soak the piece for a few minutes, then lightly rub with a soft cloth or a very soft toothbrush, and rinse well. Pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Avoid any toothpaste, baking soda, or powdered cleaners – these are abrasive and can scratch or wear the rhodium. Also avoid silver polishing creams or dips; those are formulated to remove tarnish (oxide) from silver and can strip the rhodium plating right off because they’re harsh chemicals meant to eat away surface corrosion. With rhodium plating, do not use silver polish or any cleaner not specifically safe for plated jewellery.
• No abrasive polishing: Do not use polishing cloths that are impregnated with jeweller’s rouge or other abrasives on rhodium-plated items. Those cloths are great for solid gold or silver, but on plated items they will slowly rub off the plating (because they’re meant to remove a fine layer of metal to polish it). Instead, use a plain microfibre cloth or eyeglass cleaning cloth to gently buff your jewellery if needed.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Chemicals can dull or damage the rhodium finish. It’s best to remove rhodium-plated rings or bracelets before handling household cleaners (bleach, ammonia, chlorine, etc. can all attack metals). Chlorine in pools or hot tubs is especially notorious for damaging jewellery, including plating. Even personal care products like perfumes, hair spray, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and lotions can have ingredients that either leave residues or mildly corrode the plating. It’s wise to apply lotions or perfumes before putting on your jewellery, let them dry, and put rings on last when getting ready. If your ring or necklace was exposed to chemicals or sweat (like after a gym session or a day at the beach), rinse it in water and dry it when you can, to prevent prolonged contact.
• Minimise friction and wear: As much as possible, take off your plated jewellery during activities that could scratch it. For instance, take off rings if you’re lifting weights or doing gardening or dishes. If you wear a rhodium-plated bracelet or watch, be mindful if working at a desk (constant rubbing on a desk can wear the underside). Also, store your rhodium pieces in a way that they don’t rub against other jewellery. Ideally, keep them in separate soft pouches or compartments. Hard gems or metal edges from other jewellery can scratch the rhodium if they jostle together in a box.
• Temperature and environment: High heat isn’t really an issue for rhodium in daily life (you’d have to reach extreme temperatures to affect it), but it’s still good practice to keep jewellery out of direct sun when stored (to avoid heat causing any expansion in settings etc., albeit minor). More importantly, humidity can cause underlying silver to tarnish faster if plating wears off, so storing in a dry place is good. Perhaps use anti-tarnish strips in your jewellery box for plated silver items as an extra precaution (they won’t hurt the rhodium).
• Check for wear: Every few months, give your jewellery a close look. If you notice the shine diminishing or any hint of the old metal colour showing, consider taking it to a jeweller for professional polishing and re-plating. They can also check prongs and do maintenance at that time. It’s easier to refresh plating at early signs than to wait until it’s completely worn off and the piece is heavily tarnished or scratched underneath.
• Professional cleaning: It’s perfectly fine to take rhodium-plated jewellery to a jeweller for cleaning. Just remind them it’s plated so they don’t accidentally use a rogue polishing wheel on it. Most will know by looking. Often, professional ultrasonic cleaning and steam cleaning are safe and effective for plated items (they clean by vibration and steam, not chemicals). This can spruce up the shine without abrasive action. Jewellers can also buff and replate if needed. Regular professional cleaning (say annually) can keep your piece looking great and they’ll tell you if it needs re-plating.
• Avoid frequent re-sizing or reshaping: If you have a rhodium-plated ring, note that if it ever needs to be re-sized, the soldering and handling will remove or damage the plating in that area, and the ring will need re-plating after the sizing. Same if a ring gets bent or repaired. Essentially any jeweller’s work on the metal will require re-plating the piece. So try to get the sizing right initially, and be gentle with the ring to avoid needing repairs that could disturb the plating.

With these practices, you’ll prolong the life of the rhodium finish. Some people manage to keep a plated ring looking good for several years by babying it. Of course, jewellery is meant to be worn and enjoyed, so it’s all about finding a balance. But treating your rhodium-plated pieces with a little extra care will definitely save you money and trips to the jeweller in the long run by stretching the time between re-platings.

Removing rhodium plating (can it be removed?)

What if you have a piece of jewellery that’s rhodium-plated but you want to remove the rhodium plating? This might be the case if, for example, you have a white gold ring and you actually prefer the slightly yellowish natural colour, or you have an heirloom that was plated and you want to restore it to the original metal look. The question arises: Can you remove rhodium plating? And if so, how?

Yes – rhodium plating can be removed by a professional jeweller. There are two main methods:

• Polishing off: The simplest method is mechanical polishing. A jeweller can use a buffing wheel or mild abrasive to literally polish away the thin rhodium layer, revealing the metal beneath. Since the rhodium is so thin, it doesn’t take much polishing to remove it. They have to be careful to do it evenly so that no patches of rhodium remain. Polishing is often the preferred method if the item can handle it because it’s straightforward and gives the metal underneath a fresh surface (which can then be polished to shine or intentionally oxidised, etc., depending on the metal).
• Chemical stripping: Jewellers also have chemical “rhodium stripping” solutions which can dissolve or remove rhodium plating. This is a specialized bath that essentially reverses the plating process or uses chemicals to strip the rhodium off without heavy polishing. It must be controlled because you don’t want to etch or damage the underlying metal. Chemical stripping might be used if the piece is intricate and polishing can’t reach into small areas, or if the underlying metal is very soft and they want to minimize mechanical polishing. After stripping, the piece would be thoroughly cleaned.
• Combination: Sometimes a jeweller will chemically strip most of the rhodium and then lightly polish to finish it. Or vice versa.

Important: Removing rhodium plating should be done by a professional. It’s not recommended to try to remove it at home with abrasive cleaners or chemicals. Harsh attempts could damage your jewellery’s surface badly (e.g., using sandpaper or acid could ruin details or pit the metal). Jewellers have the right tools to do it cleanly.

After removing: Once the rhodium is gone, you’ll see the true colour of the metal underneath. On white gold, expect a warmer champagne-white tone. On silver, you’ll see the bare silver (which will then behave like normal silver, i.e., it can tarnish over time unless you polish or re-plate it). On yellow or rose gold, presumably you plated it white, so removing rhodium will restore the yellow or pink colour fully. Sometimes people remove rhodium from white gold because they prefer an antiqued look or because they don’t want the ongoing maintenance. This is fine – white gold doesn’t have to be plated; it’s a preference (some designers even sell “unplated white gold” that has a distinctive tint).

Special cases for removal: Removal is also often done during jewellery repair or redesign. If a ring is being re-set or resized, the jeweller might strip the old rhodium, do the work on the bare metal, then re-plate it after. If you have a two-tone piece where you only want to plate certain parts, they might plate everything then strip the areas that should be yellow (there are various techniques). So, yes, rhodium can be taken off fairly easily by those who know what they’re doing.

In summary: Can you remove rhodium plating? – Absolutely, a jeweller can either polish it off or use a chemical strip to get back to the original metal. It’s a reversible process, so you’re never “stuck” with rhodium plating forever if you change your mind. Just don’t attempt the removal yourself with home remedies; let an expert handle it to avoid any mishaps.

When to choose rhodium plating & signs you need re-plating

Now that we’ve covered all about rhodium plating, let’s discuss when it’s a good choice to have a piece rhodium-plated (or re-plated), and how to know when it’s time for maintenance.

When should you get rhodium plating?

• For white gold jewellery: If you’re buying or already own white gold, rhodium plating is usually recommended (and likely already done on new pieces). Choose rhodium plating to get that bright white finish that makes diamonds and gemstones pop. It’s especially common for engagement rings, wedding bands, and any white gold piece where you want a clean, icy white look. If you have unplated white gold and you notice it looks dull or yellowish, you can plate it to refresh the colour.
• To revive yellowing white gold: Over time, your white gold ring might start looking a bit yellow in areas as the old rhodium wears off. That’s a clear time to choose re-plating. It will restore the original colour and luster immediately. Many people routinely replate their bridal rings every 1-2 years for this reason, to keep them looking like new.
• For sterling silver (to prevent tarnish): If you have a silver item that you’re tired of constantly polishing because it tarnishes, plating it with rhodium can be a game-changer. It will dramatically reduce tarnish and keep the piece shiny with minimal maintenance. This is often done for silver chains, necklaces, and earrings. It’s also great for silver that touches skin (like a pendant or ring) if you have reactions, since it protects from any metallic allergies and stops that greenish skin stain some get from copper in silver.
• For heirlooms or fashion upgrades: If you inherited a piece of yellow gold jewellery that you love but don’t wear because you prefer white metal, rhodium plating it can allow you to enjoy it in a new way – effectively turning it white. It’s a way to update the style of a piece without permanent alteration (since the plating can always be removed). Keep in mind you’ll need to maintain it, but it can be worth it if you want to wear the piece more. Similarly, some people plate parts of jewellery (e.g., the head of a yellow gold ring that holds a diamond) to get a two-tone look or to enhance a diamond’s appearance.
• If you have metal allergies: As mentioned, rhodium plating is hypoallergenic. So if you have a ring that’s causing a skin reaction (often the case with older white gold that has nickel, or even silver causing tarnish reactions), plating it can provide a protective shield. This can allow you to wear a beloved piece comfortably again. Just note that once the plating eventually wears off, the allergy may return until you replate.
• For added scratch protection: If you have a soft silver or gold piece that is getting scratched up, a layer of rhodium can add some scratch resistance. It’s not a cure-all (you can still scratch it), but it does harden the surface slightly. Some folks plate things like silver watch cases or pen caps for this reason. It’s a bit unusual but it’s an option.
• Cosmetic preference: Simply, if you love the ultra-bright shine, you might choose rhodium plating on almost any white metal jewellery you have. Some even rhodium plate sterling silver flatware or decorative items to keep them tarnish-free and sparkling. In jewellery, if it’s an option offered, it generally means a nicer finish.

When might you skip rhodium plating?

• If you’re someone who doesn’t want to worry about maintenance, you might opt for alternatives. For example, you could choose platinum or palladium white gold alloys that are naturally white enough to not require plating, albeit with a different look. Or if you have white gold and don’t mind a hint of warmth, you could leave it unplated to avoid the re-plating cycle (some jewellers will honor that request). So, someone who wants zero upkeep might avoid rhodium plating on a ring and accept the slightly off-white tone.
• If the piece is antique or has details that plating could obscure or affect (like a patina or intentional oxidized engraving), one might avoid plating. Also, if the piece has fragile gems that cannot be removed or masked easily, a jeweller might advise against plating as it could put those gems at risk.
• If you actually prefer the antique look: Some people appreciate the creamier colour of unplated older white gold or the patina of platinum. Rhodium’s ultra-bright shine can look a bit modern or even “too new” to those who like vintage vibes. So they deliberately skip plating after an initial one wears off, to let their ring develop character.

Signs your jewellery needs re-plating:

As covered earlier, the main signs are visual:

• Dullness: The piece isn’t as shiny as it used to be, even after cleaning. The rhodium’s highly polished surface may have worn down, so it looks less reflective.
• Yellowish or warm tint: On white gold, you begin to see a faint yellow tone, especially in areas like edges, corners, or the back of rings. This means the white rhodium is thin or gone, and the gold’s colour is coming through.
• Tarnish spots: On silver items, if you notice any small dark or tarnished spots, that indicates the silver is exposed there (rhodium is gone in that spot).
• Scratches becoming apparent: Rhodium can mask fine scratches. If your piece suddenly looks more scratched than before, it might be that the rhodium wore off and now the base metal (which may scratch more easily) is exposed. Also, the exposed metal might scratch and not be protected, making overall wear look worse.
• Feel: Sometimes you can feel a difference – an area that has lost plating might feel slightly less smooth to the touch, or in rings, the part against your skin might feel different.

When you see these signs, it’s a good idea to take the piece to a jeweller. They will usually polish the item and then reapply rhodium plating, and it comes back gleaming like the day you got it. Polishing is key – re-plating without polishing can result in locking in scratches under the new rhodium. A professional service will do both.

Tip: Try to do re-plating as part of regular jewellery maintenance. For example, some people make it a habit to get their rings checked (for loose stones, prong wear, etc.) and re-plated every year around their anniversary. This keeps the ring in top shape and catches any potential issues early. It’s like an annual tune-up for your jewellery.