Rhodium Plating – Natural White Gold vs Rhodium Plated Gold

18ct Gold with and without Rhodium.

Showing two twist ring mounts, prior to setting the diamond. (Left) with the Rhodium plating, (right) without. This is the true metal colour of 18ct White Gold.

What is Rhodium plating?

Most jewellery workshops apply Rhodium plating to white gold as a standard practice. This chemical element with the symbol Rh has an atomic number of 45 with a silvery-white, hard, corrosion-resistant appearance, classified as a transition metal. 

The difference in colour between 18ct White Gold with and without Rhodium plating

Whether you were aware or not, 18ct White Gold is not a completely white metal. Most alloys are slightly off-white owing to the 75% concentration of Gold within the metal. Once the ring mount has been set with stones, and polished, the Rhodium Plating is applied by electrolysis. This results in a very white, coating which provides 18ct White Gold with the finished appearance. But why is Rhodium-plated 18ct White Gold so popular?

Another variation of this popular plating provides a black colour, popular in usage with black diamonds.

Why choose a Rhodium Plated engagement ring?

The following are four notes well worth noting here.

1. Rhodium forms a protective barrier. An ultra-hard outer layer of metal protecting both the ring metal itself, generally more resistant to scratches than Platinum.

2. The bright whiteness of the Rhodium complements the whiteness of the diamond.

3. The main area of wear on the ring is typically below the finger. Where a discoloured worn away area reveals itself with time, this is hardly visible. Do not mistake Rhodium wear with tarnishing, which many people do.

4. The cost to re-finish (ie. clean, polish and Rhodium plate) the ring will likely be equivalent to re-polishing a Platinum ring, and a minor cost at that.

Is Platinum better than Rhodium Plated Gold?

Platinum certainly does have its advantages. Many buyers favour Platinum due to its natural silver-grey colour. When you view a Platinum ring, you are looking at the true colour of the polished metal. Unlike 18ct White Gold, there is no plating applied to Platinum. Don’t get confused with Platinum plating, often applied to cheaper jewellery sold on auction sites. Some buyers prefer 18ct White Gold because the Rhodium plating is more scratch resistant to Platinum. Either way, both choices need occasional re-finishing depending on the extent of wear.

Rhodium facts chart

Fact
1.	A rare and precious metal.
2.	Has a brilliant silver-white color and is highly reflective.
3.	Has a high melting point of 1,964°C (3,567°F).
4.	Symbol on the periodic table is “Rh,” and it has an atomic number of 45.
5.	An extremely hard and durable metal.
6.	Can absorb large amounts of hydrogen gas at room temperature.
7.	Widely used in catalytic converters in automobiles.
8.	Highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation.
9.	Used in medical applications and dental alloys.
10.	One of the most expensive precious metals.
11.	Rhodium is a noble metal, meaning it is resistant to chemical reactions and does not easily tarnish.
12.	It is primarily mined as a byproduct of platinum and nickel mining.
13.	Rhodium compounds are used as catalysts in various organic chemical reactions.
14.	Its reflective properties make it suitable for use in optics, including telescopes and searchlights.
15.	Rhodium plating is often used to enhance the appearance and durability of white gold jewelry.
16.	It is employed in the electronics industry for coating electrical contacts to improve conductivity and prevent corrosion.
17.	Rhodium has superconducting properties at very low temperatures.
18.	The largest producer of rhodium is South Africa, followed by Russia and Zimbabwe.
19.	Rhodium is sometimes used as a catalyst in the production of nitric acid.
20.	It has antimicrobial properties and is utilized in antimicrobial coatings and medical devices.