The rhodium plating process to provide excellence to jewelry
Did you know that to achieve an impeccable appearance in white gold jewelry, rhodium plating is often used? It's about a process that adds a touch of excellence to this type of jewelry, since they are currently one of the most appreciated by those people who seek an avant-garde and modern style, without giving up, therefore, a timeless jewelry.
So if you are curious about rhodium plating in jewelry, below we will explain some of its particularities.
What is rhodium?
rhodium is a metal belonging to the platinum group which was discovered in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston, an English chemist and physicist.
Silvery white and shiny, rhodium is one of the hardest and densest metals known. Like other platinum group metals, such as palladium, rhodium is an extremely noble metal. resistant to oxidation and corrosion under normal conditions, so it is a valuable metal in the world of jewelry.
As we said previously, the rhodium plating in White gold It is used to improve its appearance, strength and durability. Although, as a curiosity, we can tell you that rhodium is also found in automotive catalysts, in laboratory instruments, in the production of compact discs and in electrical applications, among others.
The importance of rhodium plating in jewelry
Rhodium improves the quality and appearance of jewelry, especially white gold, since it is formed by an alloy of pure gold with other metals such as palladium and silver. This combination results in a metal with an attractive white hue, but in reality, white gold tends to have a slight yellow hue. Therefore, it is important to use this element in jewelry through the well-known rhodium plating.
Some reasons why rhodium is important in jewelry
1. Improves the aesthetics of jewelry
By applying rhodium plating to white gold jewelry, an outer layer is created that gives it a shiny, pure white finish, reducing the yellow reflections of the gold. This results in a jewel with a more modern and elegant appearance, highly appreciated by people looking for a contemporary aesthetic.
2. Protection against corrosion and wear
Rhodium is highly resistant to corrosion, providing a protective layer over white gold jewelry that helps protect the jewelry against the effects of air, moisture, and other environmental elements that could damage it or cause it to lose its original luster. time.
In addition, the rhodium plating also increases the durability and wear resistance of the jewel, making it more resistant to scratches and bumps in daily use.
3. Easy maintenance
Rhodium-plated white gold jewelry is easy to maintain by subjecting it to the encircling process. With proper care, jewelry can maintain its shine and flawless appearance for a long time, making it a good alternative for those looking for long-lasting pieces of jewelry.
Rhodium plating in jewelry
Rhodium plating is a technical process that is carried out in a controlled environment. Here are the main steps of the process:
Polished: The jewel is gently polished to remove any imperfections and ensure that the rhodium layer is perfectly uniform.
Cleaning: Before applying the rhodium plating, the white gold jewelry is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, grease or residue that could affect the adhesion of the rhodium.
Preparation of the rhodium bath: The rhodium used for plating is usually found in liquid form, known as rhodium solution. This solution is carefully prepared and may contain other chemicals to improve the efficiency of the process.
Rhodium Dipping: The white gold jewelry is immersed in the rhodium solution and subjected to an electrical current that allows the rhodium to adhere evenly to the surface of the jewelry.
Finish: Finally, the rhodium-plated white gold jewel undergoes a final quality control to ensure that it is in perfect condition.
Rhodium plating is mainly carried out in two situations: on new white gold jewelry and on those that need a new rhodium plating due to wear after daily use. In the latter case, it is advisable to re-plat the jewelry in rhodium to restore its shine and original appearance.
Furthermore, you can rhodium-plated, for example, a yellow gold ring, although you should know that this does not make it a white gold ring, as it will continue to be yellow gold but rhodium-plated.
In general, it is not necessary to bathe jewelry in rhodium periodically. The rhodium coating is durable and strong, and with proper care, can last for many years before requiring reconditioning. To do this, it is essential to take care of the jewelry correctly, avoiding exposing it to aggressive chemicals, strong blows or excessive abrasions, to preserve the rhodium layer in optimal condition.
