A Guide to Rhodium Plated Jewelry

What is Rhodium?

Rhodium is an element and a precious metal.

As of writing this post, rhodium is valued at $4,650 per troy ounce while gold is valued at $2,405.

This makes rhodium the most valuable metal in the world.

Yet, it's still not well-known.

In this post we'll cover:

What rhodium plated jewelry is.
It's benefits.
The drawbacks.

Then we'll finish off with the only four maintenance tips you need to take care of your rhodium plated jewelry.

What is Rhodium Plated Jewelry?

Rhodium plated jewelry has a layer of rhodium that is either electroplated or PVD plated over a base metal.

There are many types of base metals, but the most common are brass, copper, white gold, and sterling silver.

Why Use Rhodium?

Rhodium plated jewelry is durable and has a great silver shine.

However, you'll never find jewelry that's made from solid (pure) rhodium. This is because pure rhodium is a brittle metal that's difficult to shape and form.

If jewelry was made from solid rhodium it would shatter easily.

This is why it's used only to plate jewelry.

Benefits of Rhodium

Hypoallergenic - Rhodium doesn't turn your skin green.

Great Shine - Rhodium has a high refractive index, which means it bends light well. Materials with a high refractive index shine bright.

To give some context, diamonds have a refractive index of about 2.42, while rhodium has a refractive index of about 2.15.

Durable - A rhodium plating between 0.75-1.00 microns thick is optimal for jewelry.

0.75-1.00 microns is a thick enough plating to resist tarnishing and normal wear and tear but not thick enough to cause the rhodium plating to crack or break.

Drawbacks of Rhodium

Price - Rhodium is the most expensive metal on the planet. This makes rhodium jewelry a bit pricier than cheaper materials used to make silver jewelry, such as nickel.

Can Fade - Another drawback to rhodium plated jewelry is that the layer of rhodium can wear off from frequent use.

When the rhodium plating comes in contact with other materials it causes friction. A lot of friction over time can erode the rhodium plating, exposing the base metal underneath.

But there are ways to maintain your rhodium plated jewelry and keep it shining for years to come.

Here are the only four tips you'll ever need to take care of your rhodium plated jewelry.

Rhodium Maintenance Tips

1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

First, it's important that your rhodium plated jewelry does not come in contact with any harsh chemicals.

This includes saltwater, chlorine, and any health and beauty products. These chemicals can erode the rhodium plating.

Therefore, we recommend putting on your rhodium jewelry only after you're ready to go.

2. Wipe Off After Every Use

Second, it's a good idea to wipe down your jewelry with a soft microfiber cloth to remove any chemicals, debris, and oils from our skin.

Ideally, this should be done after every day you wear your jewelry.

Important: We do not recommend any jewelry cleaners or jewelry polishing cloths. Those are considered harsh chemicals that can strip away the rhodium plating. Instead, a plain soft microfiber cloth will do.

3. Deep Clean (When Necessary)

If you don't see a need to deep clean your rhodium plated jewelry, don't. Simply wiping it down will do.

However, if you start to notice dirt or debris accumulating on your jewelry, perform the following steps:

Fill a bowl with distilled water and a few drops of dish soap.
Submerge your jewelry and let it soak for 2-3 minutes.
Remove your jewelry and wipe off any debris with a soft microfiber cloth.
Rinse thoroughly with distilled water.
Dry thoroughly with a soft microfiber cloth.

4. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Lastly, when you're not wearing your jewelry, store it in a jewelry bag or box that's provided with your order. This will keep any dust, dirt, or moisture in the air from accumulating on the rhodium plating.

These tips may sound like a lot of work, but they're really not.

All you have to do daily is wipe off your jewelry and make sure it's in a bag.

Avoiding harsh chemicals is something that comes naturally and deep cleaning should be done only on an as needed basis.

Final Thoughts

Rhodium plated jewelry is a great option if you want durable, hypoallergenic, and attractive jewelry to level up your outfits.

However, it's important that you maintain your jewelry. Treat rhodium like the precious metal it is.

If you follow the four rhodium jewelry maintenance tips, your jewelry will last for years to come.