Rhodium Plating
The brightest white finish in the industry.
Rhodium plating produces a mirror-like, scratch-resistant, tarnish-proof surface that is the finishing standard for white gold jewelry and the best protection available for silver. It is applied as an ultra-thin flash — a little rhodium goes a very long way.
The process deposits an extremely thin, brilliant white layer of rhodium, a member of the platinum group of metals. The finish is prized for its reflectivity, hardness, and complete resistance to tarnish. Because rhodium is brittle in thick deposits and is one of the most expensive metals on earth, it is applied in micro-thin layers measured in micro-inches.
Properties & Benefits
Maximum brilliance
The highest reflectivity and brightest white of any plating finish.
Tarnish-proof and hypoallergenic
Completely tarnish-proof and safe for sensitive skin.
Scratch-resistant surface
Very hard at the surface, applied ultra-thin — typically 0.75 to 1.0 micro-inch for jewelry.
Protects reactive metals
The best protection available for silver and silver-plated pieces against tarnish.
Best For
- Finishing and re-finishing white gold jewelry
- Protecting sterling silver and silver-plated pieces from tarnish
- High-end watch components and luxury hardware
- Any decorative piece that needs maximum brilliance and a hypoallergenic surface
Specifications
Rhodium is kept thin by design — thicker deposits become brittle and can craze. A bright nickel or palladium underplate is standard to give the rhodium a smooth, reflective base. Rhodium is a re-plateable finish: white gold rings are commonly re-rhodiumed every few years as the flash wears, and we offer that as a routine service.
Pricing
Rhodium work starts at our $500 minimum and is quoted per project after a photo review. Rhodium spot pricing is volatile, so we confirm each quote firm at the time of the job. See pricing details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most white gold has a faint yellow tint on its own. A rhodium flash gives it the bright, cool white that people expect, and it needs periodic renewal as the flash wears.