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Rhodium plating is something that is done almost every day in a manufacturing workshop. Because it is something that is done by hand, there are times when it doesn’t always work out as perfectly as you would like. Every good workshop should have someone who is appointed as a quality control agent. Here are the things that you should look for after having your ring rhodium plated.
This effect usually occurs when the ring has made contact with the metal electrode. It can sometimes look like a dark spot of the ring. This can usually be fixed quite easily by giving the ring a light polish in the affected area. If it is on the inside of the ring, the ring will usually not need re-plating.
Every time a ring is rhodium plated it draws some of the rhodium out of the solution (which makes the solution weaker) and makes the end result less white. This can be fixed by filtering the rhodium solution through a graphite powder filtre or topping up the solution with some new rhodium.
White gold solder generally has a slightly darker colour. When a ring is rhodium plated it masks this discolouration. If you can easily see the join line, it either means that the solder has been polished out though the process (as it is softer than the gold) or the rhodium plating hasn’t binded to the new ring properly. Unfortunately the only solution here is to re-do the whole process.
At Xennox Diamonds we make sure that all our work has been checked by our master jewellers to make sure your ring leaves our workshop as perfect as it can be. If for whatever reason you are not happy with any element of the ring, we will change it to make sure you are 100% happy with the finished piece. If would like an impartial second opinion on any piece of jewellery that you have serviced and are unhappy with the result. Please come in and see our jewellers any time, or email me at info@xennoxdiamonds.com.au Any other questions that you might have, please leave a comment below.
Yes. All white gold, is essentially an alloy of pure (24ct) yellow gold, so it is natural to assume that it has a yellow tinge. The rhodium plating is a process which gives the white gold its ultra white colour by placing a coating over the existing metal.
2. How long does rhodium plating last ?
The rhodium plating on your ring should definitely last longer than a year. Although having said that, if the base colour of the white gold has a really yellow colour to it, then you might start to see the gold colour coming through at the base of the ring, before the end of the first year. Normally you should expect the plating to last 2-3 years.
3. How much does rhodium plating cost ?
Typically the cost for rhodium plating can range from $60 – $120 for a fine engagement ring. The price may vary depending on the quality of the rhodium solution, the skill of the jeweller, turnaround time, and the finished effect. Wider and heavier pieces soak up more rhodium out of the solution so will cost a little more.
4. Will the rhodium plating affect my diamonds or gemstones ?
No. The process of rhodium plating requires a current to run through the metal. The rhodium then binds to the elements in the piece which conduct the current, causing the plating to take affect. As diamonds and gemstones don’t conduct electricity, they will be safe from the plating.
5. Can you rhodium plate my yellow gold ring ?
Yes you certainly can. As mentioned above – any metal that conducts a current is able to be plated. However as your yellow gold is really yellow, you may find it only takes about 6 months for the gold colour to show through at the back of your ring.
6. Should I rhodium plate my ring every year?
Absolutely not !! This will only wear your ring down prematurely. Every time your ring is rhodium plated, your old plating must first be striped off, all the old scratches taken out, cleaned and be prepared to have the new plating applied.
7. How long does it take to rhodium plate my ring ?
Depending on the complexity of your piece, and whether there is any filigree or distinct work your ring, it usually will take around an hour and a half to complete the process.
If you have any questions i may have missed please feel free to email me. If you have found this post helpful or know someone that it could help, i would love you to share it on your favourite social platform.
While the last week before your wedding can be quite hectic. There are a few important things that are important to add to your must do list to make sure your wedding goes off without a hitch.
If you really want your rings to sparkle on your wedding day, book them in to be polished the week of the wedding. That ensures that they will not only look good for the photos, but will start their married life together to age and wear at the same rate.
2. Check that hubby’s ring fits
The last thing you want to do after you say your vows is to find out that his wedding ring doesn’t fit. Wedding rings are usually ordered 6 – 9 months before the wedding. So to avoid any nasty surprises on the wedding day, check to make sure the ring still fits well the week before. That way if any alterations need to be made, there will still be enough time.
3. Insurance
For most couples, the wedding is followed by a honeymoon. If you are going to a tropical resort-style destination, it is a good idea to make sure that all your jewellery is insured by Q report before you go. The last thing you want is for your ring to fall off while you are snorkelling, and find that it is not insured.
At Xennox Diamonds we can rhodium plate and polish your ring within the same day, and sometimes even within a few hours. We can also do minor alterations while you wait, and help you organise your Qreport insurance for complete piece of mind.
Our Discovery Sessions at our luxury showroom open up a space for you to talk one on one with our team who are dedicated to helping you find the perfect wedding rings for your special day
Come join us for a drink and a chat and let us help you find your rings
Rhodium plating is one of the key things of interest for anyone who wears white gold. Often when i find a client whose rhodium plating has worn out within a year, it is because of a few factors. Which if you can help to reduce or eliminate, will prolong the life of your rhodium plating, and keep the ring shining for longer. While this is a short list of the things that you can do to help prolong the rhodium plating, there are things jewellers can do to ensure that your plating lasts more than a year, which i will cover in a future blog.
1. Avoid rubbing the rhodium plating off your ring.
The rhodium plating on a white gold ring is exactly that – a plating or coating. A rubbing motion, like rubbing your hands together, will wear down your plating faster. So if you are in an occupation like nursing or another professional where you need to constantly wash your hands, be mindful of rubbing your hands together. If the rubbing of your hands is unavoidable consider wearing your rings on a necklace around your neck.
2. Avoid heavy cleaning products
Some chemicals may react with the white gold rhodium plating, so if you are dealing with strong chemicals, it is advisable to take off your rings while you are working with them. Another alternative it to make sure that you are wearing suitable gloves to protect your hands and your engagement ring.
3. Metal on metal rubbing
Rings that are loose and constantly spinning, are more likely to wear away the rhodium plating on the inside of the ring. While this may only be a cosmetic effect that you will only see when you take off the rings, it will become noticeable if you don’t put them back on in the same order. If your rings are spinning a lot, it might be time to have your finger size checked and have the rings adjusted.
If you would like a free assessment on the state of the rhodium plating on your white gold ring, bring it in to us, and we’ll also give your ring a complimentary professional clean.
