Rhodium jewellery, what is it exactly?

What is a rhodium-plated jewel?

First of all, a rhodium jewel is a silver or gold jewel on which we have applied a thin layer of rhodium which is a very precious metal.

But then, what is rhodium?

It is a silvery white metal with an appearance close to silver, very resistant to corrosion, a by-product of the extraction of platinum or nickel. Widely used in the automotive industry, it is a very rare metal, very expensive, more expensive than gold!

Why rhodium a jewel then?

In its natural color, white gold can sometimes turn yellow, which is why covering it with a thin layer of rhodium allows it to have a whiter and more brilliant shine. The same goes for silver jewelry because it is true that over time, it can happen to find your jewelry tarnished. The rhodium will protect it against scratches.

However, it is still important to pay attention to your rhodium-plated jewel by applying a new layer of rhodium after a few years, done by your jeweler.

Does it increase the price of the jewel?

No ! Don't worry, the layer put on is so thin that it doesn't affect its price so much. Indeed, it all depends on the type of metal that is rhodium-plated (gold or silver).