Rhodium plated silver, what is it, why do I use rhodium plating, advantages and disadvantages of jewelry

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Rhodium plated silver is silver plated with rhodium. This metal is in the platinum group and is considered very durable.

Rhodium itself is not used in the manufacture of jewelry, since it is several times more expensive than gold. But the physical properties of rhodium allow it to be used as a protective coating for silver.

The thickness of the rhodium coating is less than the thickness of a human hair! (maximum thickness – 25 microns).

In addition to strength, rhodium adds more shine to a silver item, making it indistinguishable from platinum items. Rhodium plated silver differs from ordinary silver in its bright shine and increased strength.

The most commonly rhodium plated is 925 sterling silver. Of all silver samples, this is the most durable. Rhodium plating allows you to achieve maximum strength for silver products.

Rhodium is also used with 750 carat white gold.

Rhodium plating eliminates allergic reactions arising from skin contact.

Rhodium is a very expensive metal. One gram of this metal costs from 2000 rubles. But jewelry is not made from rhodium because it is very fragile.

Silver plated with rhodium is carried out by the galvanic method, that is, the electrochemical deposition of rhodium onto the surface.

Rhodium silver earrings

Pros of rhodium plating:

1. Remarkable external characteristics. Rhodium gives silver a bright shine that is sure to attract the attention of others.
2. Safety for humans. If you are allergic to silver, you can use rhodium plated jewelry and the allergy will not bother you.
3. Increased wear resistance of metal. Silver will be protected from various chemical and mechanical influences.

Disadvantages of rhodium plating:

1. Durability of the coating. Unfortunately, rhodium plating tends to wear off quickly during wear. The abrasions are especially noticeable in places of contact with the skin, as well as in places where the links are fastened.
2. When identifying the value of a product, a special examination is carried out. It is impossible to carry out such an examination without breaking the rhodium layer, so the coating will be damaged in any case.
3. High price.
4. Difficulty of restoration. Rhodium gives strength to silver, but if you manage to break the item, be prepared for the fact that restoration will be quite expensive. Rhodium does not tolerate soldering, and therefore the damaged coating will have to be removed and a completely new one applied.

One more thing to keep in mind is that some people may be incompatible with silver (not to be confused with an allergy). This may manifest itself in weakness, dizziness, nausea, or even inflammation of the earlobe.

You need to pay attention to your own well-being when choosing jewelry. If you feel unwell, or the symptoms described above appear, then in this case, no matter how beautiful the jewelry is, you should refuse it in favor of another metal.

Silver oxidation is used in jewelry making. This procedure uses a solution of potassium carbonate and potassium sulfide (1:1 ratio) diluted with water.

As a result, a film is formed on the surface of the product. Oxidized silver, just like rhodinated silver, gains strength and does not darken, but rhodium plating allows you to achieve a better result.

Radium - greetings from uranium mines

The chemical element, the metal radium, was discovered by the Curies. Irene Curie was the first to discover that the decay of uranium produces a new chemical element that is even more radioactive than uranium. For this discovery, the chemist received the Nobel Prize. There is catastrophically little radium in nature; in almost a hundred years since its discovery, scientists have been able to extract only 1.5 kg in the laboratory. this metal.

The cost of a gram of radium is about $100,000; it is a radioactive element and is prohibited for sale by the state; it is rarely used in technology because it produces strong radiation. Therefore, the difference between rhodium-plated and irradiated silver is colossal; the latter option does not exist at all in jewelry.

Radiant or rhodium plated?

Rhodium plated silver bracelet

So, it has already been said above that rhodium-plated silver is silver coated with rhodium. Many people make the mistake of calling rhodium plated silver radiated. The word "radiated" comes from the name of the chemical element radium.

This element is radioactive, therefore, it poses a danger to human health and cannot be used in jewelry.

Radium was discovered by the spouses Pierre and Marie Curie, and received the Nobel Prize for this. They found that there was less radioactivity in pure uranium than when the uranium was separated from uranium ore.

Radium turned out to be a very expensive metal. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the price of radium was as follows: 1 gram of radium cost 200 kilograms of gold.

Despite its radioactivity, radium was used. Radon baths have been used for a long time to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system.

Radium is used for short-term irradiation of malignant tumors in the body. In the 20th century, radium was used in instrument making: in aviation and marine instruments and in special watches with illuminated dials.

Glowing paints also contained radium.

There were no markings on devices containing radium, so a dosimeter had to be used. Radium is now being replaced by less radioactive isotopes (for example, tritium).

Therefore, radium has nothing to do with jewelry.

Most likely, this split is caused by a spelling error.

Because of this confusion, it has long been believed that rhodium-plated jewelry is hazardous to health. Now this opinion has no basis.

Rhodium and rhodium plating

Rhodium belongs to the precious metals of the platinum group, the cost of a gram of rhodium in 2022 is approx. 670 dollars per 1 gram. Rhodium occurs in nature in its pure form; in the earth’s crust its content is up to 1*10–7%. main deposits of rhodium Mexican gold mines.

Rhodium is obtained industrially by processing platinum. Rhodium is absolutely not susceptible to oxidation, but the metal itself also has a main drawback - fragility. Therefore, it is used mainly for spraying and creating protective coatings.

Rhodium production technology

Native platinum is placed in cauldrons, treated with aqua regia (a mixture of concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acids) and heated for 24 hours. Dissolved platinum is passed through a catalyst and a new chemical element is obtained - rhodium, which is resistant to acids and alkalis.

Why is it plated with rhodium?

Silver, as you know, although elegant, is a finicky metal. Due to external factors, silver begins to turn black over time, and jewelry no longer looks so aesthetically pleasing. To extend the life of their favorite silver items, jewelers have come up with a trick - covering the silver with a thin layer of rhodium. Due to its properties, rhodium protects the base material from environmental influences and retains the bright color and shine of the base material of the product for a long time.

Rhodium plating is most often applied to silver items, less often to gold items, and never to jewelry in the mass market segment, due to the high cost of the metal itself. The rhodium layer is usually applied no more than 25 microns (can vary from 0.1 to 25 microns). This is such a thin layer that it is absolutely not noticeable on the product. But even this coating is enough to protect a ring or bracelet from scratches and other mechanical damage.

Composition and properties

Rhodium is a fairly rare and hard metal. In 2022, only 21.4 tons of rhodium were mined, and annual production does not exceed 31 tons. This is very little, considering the fact that it is used in many areas and is in many ways superior to platinum in its properties.

Rhodium has higher chemical resistance than platinum, is not subject to corrosion and oxidation, and is resistant to electrical erosion. In addition, an alloy of rhodium and platinum is the most effective catalyst for the production of nitric acid. And at the moment there is not a single alternative to this in the whole world.

But for what properties rhodium is widely used in jewelry:

• Solid and durable
• Not susceptible to oxidation
• Resistant to mechanical damage
• Capable of reflecting up to 80% of visible rays
• Has a beautiful cool shine
• Safe and non-allergenic

This is an ideal material for plating silver. Over time, any silver will tarnish and blacken and will have to be cleaned (we told you how to do this at home here). Plating with rhodium helps to preserve the natural bright silver shine of jewelry longer, while also protecting it from scratches. With rhodium plating, silver rings do not require polishing or cleaning after a short time.

Strength

As already mentioned, rhodium is a durable metal. Rhodium plating gives silver items greater wear resistance and rigidity, helping to retain their original shape. This property of rhodium is especially important for silver rings, which become deformed over time.

Samples

Silver is rhodium-plated with pure metal without a ligature (otherwise technically impossible). The fineness of rhodium-plated silver is usually 925. Gold is plated with rhodium more often, since it is more expensive than silver, and the coating greatly increases the cost of the item. According to the law, rhodium-plated products are branded according to the samples of the materials from which they are made.

Occasionally, costume jewelry is also rhodium-plated, but not mass-market jewelry, but designer jewelry, especially if it is produced in a limited edition.

What is rhodium plated silver?

Silver (or gold) coated with a layer of rhodium is called rhodium plated. The coating thickness is approximately 25 microns, which is half the thickness of a human hair. In salons, rhodium plating is carried out mainly at the request of clients.

Since rhodium does not oxidize from exposure to sweat, plating often becomes the only way to enjoy wearing silver jewelry. This applies to those who are allergic to metal and cannot have skin contact with metal products.

Why does silver lose color?

From a scientific point of view, the gradual darkening and oxidation of silver can be explained quite simply - contact with sulfur-containing compounds. In everyday life there are many opportunities for such contact - sulfur is contained in many cleaning substances and rubber gloves. In addition, silver darkens as a result of contact with human skin due to the release of sulfates - sulfuric acid salts. Thus, it is almost impossible to protect silver from gradual oxidation and darkening, which means it is very important to periodically polish silver, and today we will figure out how to do this with our own hands. So

Advantages of rhodium plated silver

Rhodium has an attractive color similar to platinum; the noble metal does not turn black and enhances the beauty of the jewelry. But these are not all the advantages of rhodium-plated silver.

1. Protects silver from corrosion and blackness.
2. Increases the shine of jewelry.
3. Allows you to create an original exclusive design of a ring or chain.
4. The decoration is less deformed. Rhodium plated enhances the mechanical strength of products.

Silver coated with rhodium slightly changes color, becomes brighter and shiny, and the silver dullness disappears. The main advantage of rhodium plating is that the composition is completely hypoallergenic. Rhodium is safe for children and pets. The same cannot be said about the radioactive element radium...

Disadvantages of rhodium plated silver

If we talk about the disadvantages of the coating, the first thing worth noting is that rhodium plating wears off over time. Considering the cost of the metal, a gram of which is 10 times more expensive than gold, sputtering creates a very thin layer. A coating of 15-25 nm is very small; you will see the first abrasions within a few years. In areas where the layer has been worn away, the silver will begin to darken.

Price. Rhodium-plated silver is several times more expensive than regular silver; in most cases, jewelry is made to order.

If you want to sell rhodium-plated silver or find out the exact cost of the jewelry, to determine the price of the product you will need a jewelry expertise that will determine how much rhodium was used for plating. To do this, it is necessary to disturb the top layer; this can adversely affect the appearance of the jewelry.

Reviews

Currently, rhodium plated silver is very popular. People choose it because of its excellent external qualities and relatively low price. On the Internet you can find many reviews about such products. This means that jewelry made from rolled silver is worth its price.

Many people note that rhodium plated silver darkens. Yes, indeed, rhodium plating does not completely eliminate the darkening of silver, however, the darkening is most likely caused not by the quality of the product, but by improper storage and care.

Some people report that the shine of this silver is too bright. It was already said above that rhodium plating enhances the shine, and therefore, if you are not ready for the product to be too bright, it is better to avoid the plating.

Also, users compare rhodium-plated silver with white gold. Silver is in no way inferior to white gold, and even wins in price.

Silver rhodium plating technology

Rhodium is used mainly to cover 925 sterling silver and 750 sterling gold; jewelry can also be rhodium plated, but such procedures are done only to order and only for design solutions, not for the mass market.

Rhodium plating occurs using the galvanic method. The product is placed in the rhodium solution and an electric current is applied. Under the influence of electricity, rhodium molecules adhere to the jewelry, which acts as a cathode, creating a thin layer of sputtering.

Rhodium plated silver

When making jewelry from silver, jewelers take into account the wishes of the buyer, in particular the need for rhodium plating. As a rule, in addition to improving attractiveness and protection from various types of influences: chemical, mechanical or physical, the protective layer helps slow down the process of metal corrosion, tarnishing or darkening of jewelry made of silver, reduces the risk of developing allergic reactions to contact with silver in people with increased sensitivity.

It should also be noted that rhodium is absolutely safe for adults and children, as well as for pets: this chemically stable metal does not react with human skin secretions and does not form toxic compounds with them. That is why rhodium plated silver jewelry has a long service life, retaining its consumer properties for a long time.

Rhodium plating of silver - types

Rhodium plating is used to give the product additional hardness. Silver jewelry gets rid of blackness and acquires shine and a noble color. Often jewelry is rhodium plated to decorate inserts made of precious and semi-precious stones. Jewelers use two types of rhodium plating.

Standard

With standard rhodium plating, jewelry acquires a silver color with a cool, bright shine. Due to its hardness, rhodium perfectly protects soft precious metals from minor damage and scratches, preventing wear. The product remains attractive for a long time and looks new.

Black

Black rhodium plating retains its protective properties but does not have a classic platinum, but a black tint. Thanks to this, the jewelry looks like an old antique. Rhodium plating can have shades from blue-black to light gray. More often than others, black rhodium plating on silver is used if the jewelry is inlaid with pearls.

For black rhodium plating, a rhodium composition of a modified chemical formula is used; the same composition is used for black rhodium plating of gold. A black (gray) rhodium oxide coating is formed on the surface of the jewelry.

Polishing with a mild detergent

You can polish silver using regular dish detergent. It is necessary to fill the container with warm waste water and add a few drops of a “gentle” detergent.

After stirring the mixture, place silver items in it. To avoid the formation of unsightly streaks and stains, soak the jewelry for no more than 10-15 minutes.

After the time has passed, rinse the silver thoroughly under warm water, getting rid of soap residue.

To dry items, it is better to use a soft towel with micro fibers. You should wipe a valuable item very carefully and thoroughly, not forgetting even the slightest bends and depressions.

You can polish silver in this way using a soft sponge or a toothbrush with soft bristles. If there is any residue left after polishing, you can remove it with a towel with soft micro fibers.

Silver rhodium plating process

Rhodium delivery can be performed at home; the following operations will be required.

1. The decoration is carefully polished, and special machines are used in workshops.
2. Polishing. Sanding and polishing are necessary to give the product a smooth surface.
3. The metal is washed with chemicals to completely degrease the top layer.
4. The silver jewelry is placed in a galvanic bath.
5. Fill the product with a special solution containing rhodium.
6. Electric current is supplied to the cuvette. Under the influence of current, rhodium ions tend to the cathode, the role of which is played by the rhodium-plated product.
7. The process continues until the coating thickness reaches the required value. It is usually determined by eye.

Polishing silver with a special polish

Store-bought polish effectively removes plaque, helping to polish silver to its original shine.

The first thing to start with is choosing the type of polish you need. The fact is that it is produced in three variations:

• in liquid (Talisman - cost about 100 rubles);
• in the form of a cream (Autosol Silver Polish - cost 200-250 rubles);
• in the form of a spray (Emulsio - cost about 300 rubles);

The former is suitable for regular silver processing, while the latter is suitable for items that are too tarnished and large in size. A spray is similar to a liquid.

Having selected the desired polish, apply it to a soft towel and polish the silver. Leave the product for 2-3 minutes.

After time has passed, carefully polish the surface of the product again with a clean towel, paying special attention to areas that are too dark from plaque. Using a soft sponge, rinse off the polish with warm running water, carefully removing stains and particles of the product.

Finally, you need to completely dry the silver item by wiping it dry with a soft microfiber towel. This should be done immediately after polishing to avoid the formation of water stains. All that remains is a test polish and the product will shine like the day it was purchased!

What is the difference between rhodium plated silver and regular silver?

Rhodium is very similar to platinum and white gold, so even jewelers find it difficult to distinguish these coatings offhand. Rhodinated silver can be distinguished from ordinary silver by the following characteristics.

1. Pure silver does not shine in the sun and has a slightly grayish tint. Rhodium-plated jewelry shines brightly in the sun (rhodium has 80% reflectivity) and has a specific shine during the day.
2. Even color. Sterling or pure silver has a non-uniform color, rhodium is an absolutely uniform metal.
3. Absolutely smooth. Products made of pure silver are treated with a sulfur solution to form an oxide film on the surface that will protect the metal. Therefore, silver jewelry does not have a perfectly smooth surface.

Rhodium plated silver compares favorably with other types of processing. Therefore, leading fashion jewelry manufacturers, Tiffany & Co, Christian Dior and Gucci, produce large collections that include exclusively rhodium-plated silver items.

If you have the slightest doubt about the type of coating, contact an experienced specialist. Rhodium-plated silver costs much less than white gold or platinum, which is often used by unscrupulous jewelers.

Types of products

You can create real jewelry masterpieces from rhodium-plated silver. This material is equally suitable for both men and women. The most popular jewelry coated with rhodium are:

• rings;
• earrings;
• chains;
• pendants;
• bracelets.

All of the listed products can be complemented with some kind of precious stone. Although this will significantly increase the cost, it will make the decoration more original and attractive. Most often used:

• turquoise;
• amethyst;
• ruby;
• pomegranate;
• amber;
• cubic zirconia

Rhodium-plated silver is a high-quality material that is ideal for making jewelry. Finished products are distinguished by their brilliance and beauty. To preserve them for several years, it is necessary to ensure proper storage and proper care.

Is it possible to rhodium plate silver at home?

Since the rhodium plating technology is not complicated, many people believe that it is easy to do at home. However, the rhodium galvanization process has a number of features that can become an obstacle to home processing. In addition, the cost of chemicals and tools will significantly exceed the cost of one product.

Therefore, it is advisable to do home rhodium plating when mass processing jewelry. Otherwise, it is more profitable and easier to contact a workshop. The cost of coating and work is on average 1,500 rubles. But if you have decided to do homework, then read on.

• Buy a platinum anode. Its cost is very high; it can be replaced with a titanium anode with a platinum coating.
• To prepare a working electrolyte, rhodium electrolyte costs from 10,000 rubles. for 10 ml.
• Sand the surface of the product and degrease it.
• Immerse in a bath, fill with electrolyte.
• Pass a current of minimal power and strength through the bath.

This is a rough description of the process, we hope you will not try rhodium plating your own gold or silver jewelry. And if you do, you will find professional advice. We have talked about home birthing only to give an idea of ​​the procedure.

What is rhodium plating for gold jewelry?

Gold is a very soft metal, jewelry made from it is easily subject to mechanical stress. At the same time, such items are quite expensive, so manufacturers try to protect them as much as possible from premature wear.

Rhodium plating of gold jewelry is used for this purpose. A protective layer is applied to clasps and clasps of jewelry, as they are susceptible to abrasion. Rhodium prevents deformation and thinning of the precious material.

The process significantly expands the color range, for example, rhodium plating of 585 gold makes it almost white. Metal is also applied to gemstones to enhance shine and hold them in place more securely.

Rhodium lasts on earrings for up to 10 years, on rings and rings for up to 3 years, on chains for up to 6 months. It is important to monitor the condition of the coating and, if damaged, immediately contact a professional.

How to care for rhodium plated silver

Rhodium plating reliably protects silver from oxidation and minor scratches. But this does not mean that you can wear jewelry without taking it off. Rhodium plated silver also needs care and respect. The rules of care are simple and not difficult to follow.

1. Rhodium coating can be destroyed under the influence of aggressive abrasives, solvents, and varnishes.
2. Rhodium-plated jewelry is stored separately.
3. It is recommended to remove rings, bracelets and chains before fitness and swimming, and of course when taking a bath.

But even with proper care, rhodium-plated silver will darken over time, so be prepared for this. The problem is solved by going to a specialist who will clean the product and reapply the coating.

Antique silver beads

How long the rhodium plating will last depends on the type of jewelry; for rings it’s at least 3 years; chains will last the same amount of time. Earrings retain rhodium coating longer than others - up to 15 years.

Advantages and disadvantages

To the advantages of rhodium plating, you can add the ability to choose the color of the coating (black looks chic and modern in combination with precious stones) and even change the color of an old piece of jewelry by simply taking it to the workshop.

Reading about the positive qualities of rhodium-plated silver, it is difficult to imagine that someone might not like it. Let's be fair - in addition to resistance to damage and aristocratic radiance, there are negative aspects. I will dwell on them in more detail.

1. It is difficult to damage rhodium, but it is possible. If a scratch or crack appears on the surface, polishing will not do the job - you will need to completely remove the layer and reapply it. The same applies to damage to the material itself - for example, breakage of a ring.
2. Rhodium plating needs to be renewed every 3–6 years (depending on the intensity of use of the item).
3. If the jewelry is antique or antique-style, it will not be possible to protect it from damage with rhodium - it will begin to shine like new, and the rhodium may lie unevenly.
4. The coating significantly increases the cost of the finished product.

How to clean it yourself

Although it is very difficult to scratch rhodium, this does not mean that it is impossible, but you will not be able to remove the scratch yourself. When polishing with abrasives, the entire composition will be removed, so jewelry should not be cleaned with abrasives or aggressive compounds.

If you find that your jewelry is scratched, there is only one way out - take it to the master. You can clean the product from dirt yourself with a soap solution. The product is carefully applied to the dye and rubbed with a soft cloth. The same cleaning method is used for all jewelry with and without stones.

Rhodium-plated silver jewelry can be combined with any precious or semi-precious stones. The exquisite design and beautiful colors of the jewelry will suit any toilet, the main thing is that the jewelry brings you joy.

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Tags:radiated silver, rhodium plated silver

Ways to care for jewelry

The purchased silver product has an attractive appearance, which requires proper care for the jewelry to preserve for many years. There are a large number of nuances in this matter, knowing which you can maintain the original appearance of the product for a long time.

Features of caring for rhodium-plated silver:

1. If silver with a layer of rhodium begins to darken, then a mild detergent should be used to clean it. It is prohibited to use substances based on acids and alkalis, as their impact can gradually destroy the rhodium layer.
2. To clean the surface layer of jewelry, it is recommended to use regular powder that does not contain abrasive elements. Otherwise, scratches will appear at the contact site, which will ruin the appearance of the product.
3. It is prohibited to care for silver using products designed to remove plaque from pure precious metal. It is best to use special substances that can be purchased at any jewelry store.
4. Rhodium plating is negatively affected by human sweat. Due to contact with it, the surface layer quickly loses its shine and begins to collapse. Therefore, before jogging or any physical activity, you should remove such jewelry.
5. Contact with water in swimming pools is contraindicated for rhodium. In addition, it is prohibited to wear such jewelry in saunas and baths.
6. Washing dishes with special chemicals can mean quickly removing the rhodium layer from the surface of the silver. Therefore, it is better to remove jewelry while doing homework.
7. Before wearing rhodium-plated silver jewelry, you should wait until the eau de toilette or perfume is absorbed into the skin.
8. It is forbidden to store a rhodium-plated product in a cardboard package, as it will quickly oxidize and lose its attractiveness. The best option would be to use a separate wooden box where the jewelry can be kept for a long time. For long-term storage, items should be wrapped in felt.
9. Two pieces of jewelry will quickly scratch each other if they are placed on adjacent fingers or worn on the same wrist.
10. In order for a piece of jewelry to retain its original appearance for a long time, it is necessary to treat it with care and also protect it from physical and mechanical stress.

In addition to the standard rules for caring for rhodium-plated jewelry, there are several folk methods. All of them are quite simple and do not require large financial expenditures.

Folk and professional methods for cleaning rhodium-plated silver products:

1. The easiest way to clean is to rinse under running warm tap water. After exposure to liquid, the product is immediately thoroughly wiped with a soft cloth and then polished with napkins that are specially designed for jewelry.
2. Another effective maintenance method is to wipe the product with soapy water. To prepare it, finely chopped soap is dissolved in warm water. Then take a cotton swab, dip it in the liquid and clean the jewelry. For wiping, use ordinary napkins. In case of severe contamination, the product is placed in a soap solution for several minutes, and then all standard procedures are carried out.
3. Glycerin copes well with stains. It is applied to the surface of the jewelry using a cotton swab and removed with a soft cloth.
4. At home, you can carry out a simple procedure using the galvanic cleaning method. Before starting, you should carefully remove the old layer of rhodium without damaging the jewelry.

Unique properties of silver. Causes of darkening of silver

The main reason for the appearance of black plaque is metal oxidation. This is a consequence of the interaction of the master alloy in the Ag alloy with substances from the environment. Indirect and direct reasons for changes in the color of jewelry:

• hormonal changes;
• playing sports;
• interaction with chemicals included in detergents and cosmetics;
• high humidity.

Silver is often used in the production of jewelry. Pure metal and an alloy based on it exhibits the following properties:

• reflectivity - determines the possibility of reflecting electromagnetic radiation incident on the surface; for silver this ability is higher than for rhodium (95-97%);
• softness: in this parameter, Ag is second only to gold; thanks to its softness, the scope of application of the metal has significantly expanded;
• plasticity: silver is used to produce thin wire and sheets of minimal thickness - this is a unique property due to which products of different shapes and parameters are created;
• density: 10.5 g/cm3, which may mean the metal is superior to iron and copper, but silver is inferior to gold and lead in this characteristic;
• color change: over time, Ag acquires a more pronounced yellow tint, but most often the metal reacts with other substances in an oxygen-containing environment, turns black, this is a natural process, it can be stopped by eliminating the alloy from the composition, eliminating all negative factors affecting the product.

Silver coin - darkening

How does coating affect the cost of metal?

Ag belongs to metals of a lower price category than platinum and gold. However, its prestige, appearance and properties increase after the use of rhodium. In addition, this precious metal is expensive, and therefore the presence of a small part of it on simple jewelry allows you to transfer silver jewelry to a higher price category.

Expensive collections of famous jewelry houses

Rhodium allows you to make jewelry “richer.” But this is only an appearance; under the coating there is still the same Ag, so in most cases the cost of products of this type does not increase too much. Rhodium-plated silver is even used by fashion houses that produce jewelry, including Tiffany, Christian Dior, Gucci. This material goes best with topaz, ruby, turquoise, and amethyst.

Tiffany earrings

Jeweler's comment

Molokanov N.M.

Jeweler, 26 years of experience in jewelry production.

Even if the rhodium plating wears off and darker silver shows through, the item does not need to be thrown away. The precious metal layer is easily restored. You just need to contact a specialist - a jewelry repair specialist. You can do all the work at home, but in this case there is no way to control the thickness of the layer: if the value of this parameter is significant, the precious metal will begin to peel off; when there is too little rhodium, silver will appear.

Silver with blackening

Blackening is the most ancient technology for protecting silver jewelry. With its help, you can emphasize the relief of a piece of jewelry and give it the appearance of an antique. Blackening on original accessories looks impressive.

What is blackening from a technical point of view? This is a coating of silver with a thin layer of black - a mixture of copper and silver sulfides with sulfur. These compounds are characterized by low reactivity and are resistant to water. However, in rare cases, copper can cause an allergic reaction. If the person who will wear the jewelry is allergic, then when choosing between rhodium plating or blackening, he should prefer rhodium plating.

This method is rarely used for corrosion protection of small accessories: most often on sale are neck pendants or blackened rings.

Price

It is not without reason that rhodium is one of the most expensive metals; its price per gram is quite high. At the beginning of 2022, the price per troy ounce of rhodium settled at $845.

Table of price changes per troy ounce of rhodium over the past 10 years:

To calculate the price per gram, you need to divide 845 by 31.1 (this is the weight of a troy ounce). It is worth noting that real prices differ in many ways from exchange prices. If we talk about applying rhodium to jewelry, it will be quite expensive, considering the small amount of metal required for rhodium plating.

Important! The high price of rhodium is due to the shortage of the metal, its high level of use in some areas of production and low production volumes.

Properties and functions of protective metal

When studying rhodium-plated silver, it becomes possible to learn more about it, for example, to understand what purposes a protective coating is applied for:

• improvement of decorative qualities;
• reduction in the consumption of gold, platinum, and other precious metals, since in part silver products can be used instead of them - more affordable, but no less attractive;
• prevention of deformation of the main product, since silver is soft;
• preservation of the properties of jewelry under the influence of other external factors.

The main feature of rhodium is its high hardness. With its help, a white coating is created, and the products do not lose this shade for a long period. Other characteristics of rhodium:

• silver-gray color;
• resistance to corrosive environments;
• loss of properties upon contact with acids; otherwise, rhodium exhibits chemical stability.

Cost of reagents for rhodium plating

Today, the cost of these solutions, depending on the concentration of rhodium and the volume of the bottle, is 150-230 thousand rubles. for 100 ml. The cost of the electrolyte reducer is even higher - about 600 thousand rubles. And the preparatory degreasing procedure requires special reagents, the cost of which is about 600 rubles per liter.

You can find cheaper prices by comparing products from different manufacturers who have an official website on the Internet. Pay attention to sellers' promotions: during such periods the price may be even lower.

Another important detail: you may not be sold all of the listed reagents if you do not have the appropriate documents: in addition to the certificates required for an individual entrepreneur, you will need confirmation of the right to work with precious metals. Do not neglect this requirement under any circumstances, so as not to violate the federal law “On Precious Metals and Precious Stones.”

What is the value of rhodium?

This precious metal has gained particular popularity in such areas of production as jewelry, chemicals and glass. All this is due to its high melting point, namely 1965 degrees, and resistance to external irritants.

Rhodium is not the most expensive metal, but it is one of the most valuable, since its reserves in the world are very small - about several tens of tons. This is another of the fundamental factors that made it more expensive than gold. It is worth noting that the price had no effect on the high demand for rhodium.

Interesting! If we compare rhodium with other metals of the platinum system, it will be the brightest and have a high hardness rating. It can become softer only as a result of heating.