What Is Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Jewellery? The Ultimate Guide

Sterling silver is known for it's classic white and lustrous appearance, however tends to be prone to tarnishing and wear. If you've been frustrated by your silver pieces losing their lustre, then the solution is rhodium plating. But what is rhodium plated sterling silver jewellery?

In this blog, we cover the benefits of rhodium plated sterling silver jewellery, it's properties and even compared it to other popular choices like white gold jewellery. We'll even provide tips on how to properly care for you rhodium plated sterling silver jewellery to ensure it looks brand new for years to come.  

What is rhodium-plated sterling silver?

Sterling silver jewelry that is rhodium-plated features a thin rhodium layer over a 925 sterling silver base. This layer of rhodium acts as a protective layer and gives sterling silver a shinier look. In addition to this, it also increases durability and resistance to tarnishing.

Rhodium as a metal is characterized by its white and lustrous appearance. It is a metal that is mostly produced as a byproduct of mining platinum.

Is rhodium-plated sterling silver good?

Yes, rhodium-plated sterling silver is a great option. As mentioned before, rhodium can enhance the appearance of sterling silver while increasing scratch resistance, resistance to denting, and resistance to tarnishing and fading.

Is rhodium-plated sterling silver hypoallergenic?

Yes, rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry is extremely hypoallergenic. Rhodium itself is a hypoallergenic metal, and when plated on top of sterling silver prevents issues with skin allergies when wearing sterling silver.

Is rhodium-plated sterling silver magnetic?

No, both rhodium and sterling silver are not magnetic. If your rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry piece is magnetic, it will likely be inauthentic. Testing for magnetic attraction is one of the ways to determine if sterling silver or rhodium is real.

Can you rhodium plate sterling silver?

Yes, you can plate rhodium on top of sterling silver jewelry. The process in which this is done is called electroplating.

Rhodium-plated sterling silver vs white gold?

Whether rhodium-plated sterling silver or white gold jewelry is better for you depends on a variety of factors. Rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry is better for those who are on a budget and love shiny reflective jewelry pieces. White gold jewelry may be better for those who have more money to work with, and for those who want a piece that is 100% tarnish-resistant and requires less maintenance.

Want to learn more about how rhodium-plated sterling silver stacks up against white gold jewelry? Check out our blog post which covers rhodium-plated sterling silver vs white gold.

Will rhodium-plated sterling silver tarnish?

Initially, rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry won’t tarnish. But as the plating on top begins to wear off, the underlying 925 sterling silver base metal can tarnish. This is because naturally, 925 sterling silver tarnishes when exposed to air, moisture, and body oils.

Will rhodium-plated sterling silver turn your finger green?

Rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry will never turn your skin green. Although sterling silver has a small amount of nickel, it isn’t enough to cause skin discoloration.

Is rhodium-plated sterling silver durable?

Yes, rhodium-plated sterling silver is extremely durable. Adding a plating of rhodium on sterling silver jewelry increases scratch and dent resistance, as well as resistance to tarnishing.

How long does rhodium-plated sterling silver last?

How long rhodium-plated sterling silver lasts will depend on how well you clean and maintain it. The rhodium plating on top of sterling silver tends to last anywhere between 1-4 years.

Can you shower with rhodium-plated sterling silver?

Yes, you can shower with rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry, but this shouldn’t be done often. Harsh chemicals from soaps and shampoos used while showering can cause the rhodium plating to fade.

 

How to clean rhodium-plated sterling silver?

There are many different ways you can clean sterling silver jewelry. The easiest way is to put it in a bowl with a mixture of dishwashing soap and lukewarm water. Then let them soak for 10 minutes to remove dirt from the surface. For a more thorough clean, gently rub your jewelry with your fingers. After cleaning, make sure to pat dry with a soft cloth.