Breath New Life Into Your White Gold: Discover the Power of Rhodium Plating
What is White Gold and Rhodium Plating?
White gold isn’t naturally white. It’s an alloy created by blending yellow gold with other metals such as palladium, platinum, and silver, resulting in a stronger material ideal for jewellery. Yet, even after this process, white gold retains a slight yellowish hue. That’s where rhodium, a member of the platinum family, comes into play.
Rhodium plating is an electroplating process that gives white gold its brilliant silvery-white appearance. Besides its aesthetic contribution, rhodium also acts as a protective layer, guarding against scratches and tarnish.
The Journey of a White Gold Ring: A Customer’s Experience
Let’s illustrate this process with a recent experience from our shop. Martha, one of our customers, came in with an heirloom white gold ring that had lost its lustre over time.
The first step involved a thorough cleaning process. It was crucial to ensure that every nook and cranny of the ring was free from dirt or oils that could potentially interfere with the adhesion of the rhodium.
Our team meticulously cleaned Martha’s ring using an ultrasonic cleaner, a machine that uses high-frequency sound waves to dislodge minute particles of dirt. With the ring cleaned and dried, we prepared for the main event: the rhodium plating. To perform this, we used a dedicated rhodium plating machine, an impressive piece of equipment that manages the intricacies of this delicate process.
This step required a keen eye and a steady hand as the length of immersion directly influenced the thickness of the plating. Typically, we kept the ring immersed for approximately a minute, ensuring a thick enough layer of rhodium to provide both beauty and durability without compromising the detailed engravings.
Once the plating process was complete, we rinsed the ring in distilled water, a final step to remove any residual solution.
And there it was — Martha’s heirloom, its silvery white gold shine restored.
Advantages of Rhodium Plating
Rhodium plating provides several advantages:
1. Enhanced Appearance: Rhodium imparts a lustrous, mirror-like finish that enhances the aesthetic
appeal of your jewellery.
2. Increased Durability: Rhodium is hard and durable, helping to protect your jewellery from
scratches and wear.
3. Hypoallergenic Properties: Rhodium is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for individuals with
sensitive skin.
4. Colour Consistency: Unlike other metals that may tarnish or oxidise over time, rhodium maintains
its white colour, ensuring consistent appearance.
When to Re-Plate Your White Gold Jewellery?
The rhodium plating on white gold jewellery does wear off over time, depending on factors such as exposure to chemicals, your body’s pH levels, and wear habits. Regular inspections will help determine when it’s time for re-plating. If your white gold is showing signs of discolouration or it’s lost its shine, it’s probably time for a visit to our shop.
Rhodium plating is a bit like a spa treatment for your jewellery.
It revitalises, protects, and enhances, ensuring that your cherished pieces continue to shine as beautifully as the memories they hold.
Ready To Re-Plate?
Consider this an invitation to inspect your white gold pieces. If they’re due for a “spa day,” George Moss Jewellers are ready to assist, mention this blog for a special £10 off on our Rhodium Plating service.
Bring your cherished pieces in, and let us help you preserve their beauty and sparkle for years to come. Your jewellery’s past is a testament to its resilience; let us ensure its future shines just as bright.