Rhodium plating is the secret behind that ultra-bright, mirror-like finish you see on many beautiful, high-end jewelry pieces set in white gold, platinum, and sterling silver. This thin layer of precious metal not only enhances beauty but also adds durability and hypoallergenic properties. Whether you are planning to buy a white gold jewelry piece, restore a family heirloom, or upgrade a favorite ring, understanding rhodium plating will give you the best knowledge to help you make the best decision for your piece.
What Is Rhodium?
Rhodium is a rare, silvery-white metal belonging to the platinum metal group. It’s one of the most reflective metals in the world and is highly resistant to corrosion, tarnish, and scratches. Rhodium is rare and sells for more per ounce than gold or platinum. While solid rhodium jewelry is impractical due to its brittleness, its unique qualities make it the perfect finishing touch for enhancing other metals.
What Is Rhodium Plating?
Rhodium plating—also referred to as rhodium flashing or rhodium dip—is the process of coating jewelry with a thin layer of rhodium. Rhodium plating is mostly done on white gold, since white gold has a natural yellow tint without plating. Rhodium plating:
- Enhances brightness and brilliance
- Provides a reflective, cool white finish
- Adds scratch resistance
- Creates a hypoallergenic surface
- Keeps metals from tarnishing
With these characteristics, rhodium is especially popular for engagement rings and wedding bands, where both beauty and durability are essential.
Did you know: That crisp, pure-white finish you see on most white gold engagement rings and jewelry? It’s thanks to rhodium plating.
Rhodium Plating Process
Step 1: Cleaning and Preparation
Prior to any rhodium application, the jewelry goes through an extensive cleaning process to remove all contaminants so it does not interfere with the rhodium plating. In fact, every speck of dirt, oil and oxidation must be removed, frequently accomplished with ultrasonic or electro-clean methods that can even reach into the smallest crevices. If the item has been rhodium plated previously, we will remove any remaining traces of old rhodium before applying the new layer of rhodium. Starting with a clean, smooth surface will create an environment for proper bonding, even surface adhesion and maximum durability.
Step 2: Electroplating
Once ready, the jewelry is submerged in a specialized rhodium solution. The rhodium molecules adhere to the piece at a molecular level when the current is introduced to the bath. The thickness of the coating is usually between 0.75 and 2.0 microns: fine enough to preserve the detail of any intricate design while substantial enough to provide brilliant, lasting shine and protection. The final result will be the crisp cool-white, mirror-like finish characteristic of high-quality fine jewelry.
Step 3: Inspection and Finishing
Post plating, the jewelry is carefully inspected under magnification to ensure all areas have been evenly covered. Any final polishing, if required, is done with care to unveil the reflective characteristics of the metal. A gentle final wash ensures the piece is presentation ready, with the show-stopping finish that rhodium plating is noted for.
Rhodium Plating Cost
The cost of rhodium plating varies depending on the size and complexity of the piece, as well as market prices for rhodium. On average:
- Small rings or studs: $50–$80
- Larger or intricate pieces: $100–$150+
Rhodium is a precious and rare metal, so plating it thicker or frequently replating will increase your expense; but for the beauty, durability, and protection, many customers feel it is well worth their expense.
What Can You Put Rhodium Over?
Rhodium can be plated over a number of metals, providing an improved appearance and enhanced durability. The most common are white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, sterling silver, and platinum. Each of these base metal interacts differently with rhodium plating:
- White gold: Enhances brightness and creates a cooler, pure-white tone.
- Yellow or rose gold: Masks warm tones with a bright white finish (though the underlying color may reveal over time as the coating wears off).
- Sterling silver: Prevents tarnish while improving the overall durability.
- Platinum: Enhances sparkle and shine, even though platinum is already naturally white.
Not all jewelry should be rhodium plated. Any delicate design, porous metals, or certain gemstone settings may need special care. You should always check with a professional jeweler before finalizing your rhodium plating.
Rhodium vs White Gold
While rhodium and white gold might have a similar appearance, they are completely different things:
- Rhodium: A rare, bright white metal that is plated or applied thinly over white gold (or other metals) to give it a crisp, reflective finish.
- White Gold: A metal alloy from pure gold and other metals, typically nickel or palladium, to create a pale yellowish hue. White gold on its own isn’t perfectly white(there is a warm tone to its white).
Most white gold jewelry will have a bright white look because of a plating of rhodium. When it is worn off (after some time), the warm tone of the white gold underneath is very noticeable, which is why you may have to have it re-plated.
Benefits of Rhodium Plating
Rhodium plating goes beyond providing a nice finish to your jewelry — it improves your jewelry in many essential aspects:
- Bright, Lustrous Appearance: Provide your jewelry with a crisp, mirror-like white finish that elevates its overall appearance.
- Added Durability: Improves scratch resistance so that your pieces will look newer for longer.
- Tarnish Protection: Acts as a barrier against oxidation, especially for sterling silver.
- Hypoallergenic Surface: will provide wearers with a nickel-free yet gentle surface for sensitive skin.
- Restoration for Older Pieces: Can make vintage or well-loved jewelry to the look of new.
For all of these reasons, rhodium plating is our standard finishing touch on all our white gold engagement rings and also on all our white gold fine jewelry settings..
Rhodium Plating Cleaning & Care
Rhodium plating adds a layer of protection but is not completely indestructible. To keep your jewelry looking its best:
- Clean your jewelry gently with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, or rough cloths.
- Remember to remove your jewelry before swimming, cleaning, or applying lotions and perfumes.
- Store your jewelry pieces in a soft fabric-lined box or pouch to prevent unnecessary wear.
- Have your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected every 6–12 months to see if replating is needed.
Why Rhodium Plating Matters for Your Jewelry
Rhodium plating is not just a jewelry trend — it's a finishing process that enhances the appearance, feel, and durability of your items. Whether you are protecting your new engagement ring, restoring a family heirloom, or just enhancing your favorite everyday jewelry, rhodium plating can enhance the look of your jewelry, while providing you with lasting protection.
At Lucenjuri, every white gold engagement ring and white gold fine jewelry setting is rhodium plated for a radiant, high-end finish. Explore our collections to see how this brilliant metal elevates every design — and keeps it shining for years to come.
Rhodium Plating FAQ
How long does rhodium plating last?
Usually, rhodium will last anywhere from 6 to 18 months. There are several factors that can determine how long it will last. This can include how often you wear the piece, whether initially it is dense rhodium plating or lighter rhodium plating, how you care for it, etc. Everyday wear, exposure to chemicals, and friction will all harm the rhodium durability. Good storage methods and careful gentle cleaning will help the jewelry last longer.
What do you do if your rhodium plating is wearing off?
If your rhodium plating is wearing away and the underlying metal is revealing, then the best course of action is to have it cleaned and replated by a jewelry professional. Your jeweler will remove any rhodium residue, restore the surface to a smooth state, and then apply a fresh layer of rhodium. This will restore the bright look and durability benefits of the fresh rhodium plating.
Does rhodium plating tarnish?
Rhodium does not tarnish, as it resists oxidation and corrosion. When the rhodium plating wears away, the underlying metal can tarnish once it is exposed to air and moisture (for example, sterling silver can tarnish by itself). Regular maintenance and timely replating will help ensure that the jewelry will keep a bright, untarnished appearance for as long as possible.
Is rhodium plating hypoallergenic?
Yes. Rhodium is naturally hypoallergenic and nickel-free, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or metal allergies. Additionally, rhodium creates a smooth and non-reactive surface that reduces the risk of irritation and allows the wearer to wear the piece comfortably for long periods of time while not compromising on style or durability.
Is rhodium plating worth it?
Absolutely. Rhodium plating will make most white gold and silver jewelry look brighter, more reflective, and protected from scratches and tarnish. The rhodium plated pieces of jewelry will need a professional polish every so often, but the upgrade to appearance and longevity of the piece makes it worth it, especially for engagement rings and fine jewelry that is often worn.
How thick is rhodium plating?
Most professional jewelers will apply rhodium plating from about a thickness of 0.75 and 2.0 microns. Thicker plating gives more durability and longevity, especially on pieces like rings that have a lot of contact, and it may increase the price just a little. However, even with the standard thickness, if cared for properly, a professional finish can last for months!
Can all kinds of jewelry be rhodium plated?
The most common types of metal for rhodium plating are white gold, platinum, and sterling silver; these metals work well because the rhodium bonds well with them, and it improves the whiteness and durability of the jewelry. Rhodium can also be applied to yellow and rose gold, but you may see the color beneath the rhodium begin to show when it starts to wear away.
Is rhodium-plated jewelry good?
Yes! Rhodium plating is a great way to enhance the look and durability of jewelry. Jewelry that is white gold or silver will benefit from the bright reflective finish that rhodium plating provides and it will also provide a tarnish resistant and scratch resistant layer on the piece. Like all plating, it will wear, but when it does wear out, just getting it re-plated will return it to its beautiful look. For this reason, rhodium plated jewelry is becoming very popular for both higher-end and everyday wear jewelry.
What is the difference between rhodium plating and white gold?
White gold is an alloy of pure gold and other metals to produce a faint pale color. Rhodium plating is a very thin layer of rhodium placed over white gold (or any other metal) to provide a brighter, more reflective, and more durable finish. While white gold without rhodium may have a light yellowish tint, rhodium plating gives it a pure, crisp white appearance.
How to tell if jewelry is rhodium plated?
White gold jewelry is usually rhodium plated, but it can be hard to tell if it's rhodium plated just by looking at it without a test. Signs include a bright, mirror-like white finish that doesn’t show the warmer undertones of unplated white gold. A jeweler can determine if something is rhodium plated by looking at it under magnification or conducting a simple test.
