What is Rhodium?
Though it is frequently used in jewellery today, Rhodium is a metal that many people are less familiar with - especially when compared to Gold or Silver.
Rhodium is actually a silver-white metal in the Platinum family that is highly reflective and does not tarnish or corrode. As it is exceptionally rare, Rhodium is one of the most expensive precious metals in the world, much more expensive than Gold!
Rhodium-Plating
Being harder than Gold or Silver, Rhodium is not suitably malleable enough to be made into entire pieces of jewellery by itself. But, it is the perfect material for plating.
Due to its shine and durability, Rhodium is used to plate jewellery to make pieces more scratch resistant and to prevent tarnishing or discoloration, while increasing their shine and lustre. White Gold, for example, is an alloy of Gold that is plated with Rhodium to give it a shiny white appearance.
An additional benefit to Rhodium-plating is that it is hypoallergenic. Since Rhodium does not contain any allergens such as nickel, Rhodium-plated jewellery prevents skin reactions due to allergies.
Caring for your Rhodium-Plated Jewellery
Keep your Rhodium-plated jewellery sparkling by avoiding the use of any harsh chemicals, ammonia-based products or abrasives. Also avoid excessive contact with water by removing your Rhodium-plated jewellery before showering or swimming. To clean your jewellery, use a soft polishing cloth. Be sure to avoid using polishing cloths intended for use on uncoated jewellery.
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