Rhodium plating

Gutin · April 2013

A friend of mine recently told me that a gold ring can be "dipped" by a jeweler into rhodium plating and voila! you have a white-gold ring. Has anyone done this? What was your experience - did it tarnish, how often do you have to get it re-done, etc?

msuprincess04 · April 2013

Rhodium plating is awesome for white gold, it's like adding a layer of chrome to a ring. But I wouldn't suggest it for yellow gold unless it's something you wear very infrequently like a statement or cocktail ring. Generally, because you are simply covering a yellow ring, you will notice the wearing off of the plating much faster, as quick as 6 months to a year with continual wear.

QueerFemme · April 2013

usually, you'll have to get it redipped every 6 months to a year. But, yes, it can be done.

winelover123 · April 2013

It won't tarnish but it will rub off. I was considering getting this done for my wedding band (from my mom - my E ring is white gold and her band is yellow) and it is fairly cheap - I think it was $30 at the independent jeweler's I checked out. But, to me, it's not worth the hassle. I think mixing metals is fine. If you get this done, you need to get it done every 6 months or so.

Ashrly · April 2013

My finacee was going to wear his Grandpa's gold band that we were going to have dipped white gold. Only one place out of 5 would do it! Basically we were told that it doesn't last long and would be pointless so most places (in my area) will not do it.

NYCMercedes · April 2013

I've only seen it where sterling silver is dipped. You get a platinum look on a relatively inexpensive metal. Also, it keeps the silver from tarnishing. I would not have yellow gold 14 or 18 karat gold jewelry dipped.

JMalettas · April 2013

White gold usually has some sort of plating, which is yes, generally rhodium. Otherwise it gives off a yellow like hue. Adding the rhodium gives you the 'white gold' colour. (White gold is just yellow gold mixed with one or more white metals to lighten up the colour/strengthen it).

My engagement ring is white gold, and I generally need to have the rhodium done once a year, which my warranty & maintenance policy covers. I'm not sure if b/c your ring is originally yellow gold, if this would have to be done more often? I'm sure it's something you could inquire about at any jewelry store.

krispi921 · April 2013

I have a sapphire right hand ring that I wear every now and then. It was originally yellow gold, but I had it dipped in rhodium for about $35 at the jewelry store a couple of years ago so that it would match my current jewelry. The white gold has started rubbing off on the bottom of the ring, but the top still looks white. This is for a ring that I wear once every couple of months. I will need to have it redone at some point. I'm not sure if it would be worth it for a ring worn everyday though.

Rhodium plating

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