Why jewelry is rhodium-plated
- Tarnish protection. Sterling silver reacts with sulfur in the air and darkens over time. A rhodium layer largely prevents this.
- Bright luster. Rhodium is whiter and more reflective than silver. This makes stones appear more brilliant.
- Harder surface. Rhodium is considerably harder than silver and therefore more scratch-resistant.
- White gold look. White gold is often rhodium-plated to mask its slightly yellowish natural tone.
How the process works
Rhodium plating is an electroplating process. The piece of jewelry is cleaned, degreased and then immersed in a rhodium bath, where an electric current deposits the metal onto the surface. The layer is very thin, usually in the range of tenths of a micrometer. Surface preparation is crucial for an even result.
Durability and care
In areas subject to a lot of friction, such as the ring shank, the layer can wear away over time, allowing the base material to show through. Silver jewelry can be re-plated with rhodium if needed. A short care note is worthwhile for customer information: no abrasive cleaners, no aggressive cleaning baths.
Black rhodium and partial rhodium plating
Black rhodium creates a dark, anthracite-colored surface and is well suited to contrasts or men's jewelry. Using masking techniques, it is also possible to rhodium-plate only certain areas, for example to create two-tone designs.
What affects the cost
Rhodium is a rare precious metal with a highly volatile price. Because only a very small amount of material is required, the cost per piece depends mainly on surface area, layer thickness, batch size and masking effort.
How we handle this at Aviano
Whether a model is rhodium-plated, gold-plated or finished in another way is something we decide together with you, based on design, base material and target price point. Color and surface become binding with the approved golden sample.
Frequently asked questions
Is rhodium-plated silver still fine jewelry?
Yes. The base material remains 925 silver and is stamped accordingly. The rhodium layer only finishes the surface.
Can stainless steel be rhodium-plated?
It is possible but rarely necessary, since stainless steel does not tarnish anyway. For color tones, PVD is usually used on stainless steel.
Related terms
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