Have you wondered why white gold “turns” yellow?
In short: It's because the rhodium plating is wearing off as you wear your jewelry.
White gold does not exist naturally -- it is a mixture of gold (which is naturally yellow) and white metals such palladium, silver, nickel and zinc. By incorporating these other metals with gold, it makes the jewelry appear lighter and adds strength.
Because white gold contains a significant amount of the naturally-yellow gold, the resulting material has a yellowish hue of various intensities depending on how much white metals are mixed into the allow. To mask this yellowy tint and achieve a bright silvery-white color, jewelers plate white gold with a metal called rhodium.
For more information, check out this blog: https://diamondbuzz.blog/why-white-gold-turns-yellow/
The Benefits of Rhodium Plating
There are hardly any downsides to rhodium plating for your rings and other jewelry.
Major benefits include:
Major benefits include:
- Enhanced shine
- Scuff and scratch resistance
- Protection against tarnishing
- Desirable white gold/ platinum color
- Hypoallergenic (as nickel allergies become more prevalent, rhodium has increased even more in popularity due to the fact that it is naturally nickel-free.)
Q & A’s about Rhodium Plating
What is rhodium plating?
Rhodium itself is a precious metal in the platinum family. It is a bright white noble metal that is highly reflective, resistant to corrosion, and hypoallergenic. It is electroplated onto white gold to give these aesthetics to the jewelry you wear.
It is important to know when your rhodium plating wears off, your jewelry will still be white, but warmer in appearance. It is not a common practice to rhodium plate yellow gold, only white gold.
Does rhodium plating require upkeep? How long does it last?
It does require some upkeep since it slowly wears off based on how often your jewelry is worn. Earrings and pendants rarely need rhodium plating reapplied. Rings are most often candidates for maintenance.
Rhodium plating can last from 1 to 5 years depending on how your piece is worn. Rings keep their white look on the top longer than the bottom, where it most often comes in contact with other surfaces.
Does the plating flake off?
No, it is a microscopic coating that slowly wears off through abrasion.
Will rhodium plating affect my diamonds or gemstones?
Rhodium plating does not harm diamonds and most gemstones, but there are some that cannot withstand the plating process. Sensitive gemstones such as pearl, turquoise, lapis, and others, cannot be places in the plating solution.
Our goldsmiths will take great care of your jewelry to avoid any potential damage by examining each piece carefully before proceeding.
If you would like your rings to be evaluated, cleaned and rhodium-plated, we are happy to provide that service for you! All work is done on-site with care and expertise.
Take advantage of our semi-annual events! For one day only, twice a year, this service will be at special pricing! (Which is over half off for most rings). Follow our Events on the website and our Facebook for more info.