Gold & Plating Type
Rhodium
Bright White Platinum-Group Finish
Rhodium plating delivers the brightest, most reflective white finish available — harder and more tarnish-resistant than white gold, silver, or platinum. It is the industry standard for white gold jewellery, silver protection, and any piece requiring a durable, mirror-bright white finish.
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Tone
Bright white / mirror silver
Brightness
Very high — mirror-like reflectivity
Warmth
Cool
Style
The brightest, most reflective white finish available
About Rhodium
Rhodium is one of the rarest and most valuable metals on earth, belonging to the platinum group alongside platinum, palladium, and iridium. As a plating finish, it is prized above all others for its exceptional hardness, brilliant white colour, and outstanding tarnish and scratch resistance.
The most common application of rhodium plating is on white gold jewellery. White gold alloys are naturally slightly yellow or grey — rhodium plating gives them the bright, pure white appearance that consumers expect. Almost every white gold ring, necklace, and bracelet sold in Australia has a rhodium finish.
Rhodium is also widely used to protect sterling silver from tarnishing. A thin rhodium layer prevents the oxidation that causes silver to darken, keeping pieces bright and requiring far less maintenance. It is particularly popular for silver cutlery, serving pieces, and jewellery that would otherwise require regular polishing.
Unlike gold plating, rhodium is not alloyed — it is deposited as pure rhodium metal. This gives it its exceptional hardness (far harder than gold) and its distinctive cool, bright white colour with a mirror-like reflectivity that is unlike any gold finish.
Specifications
Metal
Pure rhodium (platinum-group)
Colour
Bright white / mirror silver
Hardness
Exceptional — harder than gold or platinum
Tarnish Resistance
Outstanding — highly resistant to oxidation
Available Thicknesses
Standard, Heavy (rhodium is typically applied thinly)
Typical Use
White gold jewellery, silver protection, watch bezels, industrial applications
Is Rhodium Right for Your Project?
Best For
- White gold rings, necklaces, and bracelets
- Sterling silver jewellery and cutlery protection
- Watch bezels, cases, and bracelets (white/silver finish)
- Pieces requiring maximum tarnish resistance
- Any item where a bright white, mirror finish is desired
- Re-finishing worn white gold pieces
Not Ideal For
- Clients wanting a yellow or rose gold appearance
- Antique pieces where a patina is part of the aesthetic
- Very high-wear applications (rhodium is hard but thin deposits can wear through)
Available Plating Thicknesses
Care & Maintenance
Rhodium is highly tarnish-resistant — minimal maintenance required
Wipe with a soft, dry cloth to maintain the mirror finish
Avoid abrasive cleaners or polishing cloths — they can scratch the surface
Remove before swimming in chlorinated pools or hot tubs
Re-plate when the white finish begins to show yellow or grey undertones from the base metal
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my white gold ring look yellow?
White gold alloys are naturally slightly yellow. The rhodium plating that gives white gold its bright white appearance wears off over time — typically 1–3 years depending on wear. Re-plating with rhodium restores the original bright white finish.
Can rhodium be applied to yellow gold?
Yes. Rhodium can be applied over yellow gold to create a white finish. This is sometimes done on two-tone pieces or when a client wants to change the colour of an existing yellow gold item.
Is rhodium plating safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Rhodium is hypoallergenic and one of the safest metals for skin contact. It is often used specifically to create a barrier between nickel-containing alloys and sensitive skin.
How often does rhodium plating need to be re-done?
On rings worn daily, rhodium typically lasts 1–3 years before showing wear. On pendants and earrings with less friction, it can last 5+ years. We offer re-plating services to restore the finish when needed.
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