Jewelry repair
Rhodium plating for white gold.
Most white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium, a bright white metal. The plating wears with time, letting the warmer tone of the gold underneath show through. Replating brings the white finish back.
When you might need it.
- White gold looks yellowish or uneven, especially on the underside of a ring
- The piece has lost its bright, reflective finish
- A ring was just sized or repaired and the finish doesn't match
What’s involved.
Cleaning and polishing
The piece is cleaned and polished so the new plating bonds to a smooth surface.
Plating
The piece is electroplated with rhodium for an even, bright white finish.
Checking stones
Stones and settings are checked first, since some stones need protecting during plating.
Care at the bench.
What we watch for when we do rhodium plating.
Clean metal first
Plating only bonds well to clean metal, so the piece is cleaned and polished before it's plated.
Stones that need protecting
Some stones and pearls shouldn't go through the plating process. We check first and tell you if anything needs to be removed.
Two-tone pieces
On pieces that mix yellow and white gold, only the white areas should be plated, so the rest is protected during plating.
Preliminary pricing.
Your preliminary price range is free and comes from your photos. The final price is confirmed after we inspect the piece in hand, and no work starts until you approve it.
What affects the price
- The size of the piece and how much surface needs plating
- How much polishing is needed first
- Stones that need protecting or removing during plating
- Whether it's combined with other repairs, such as sizing
If you’re mailing it in
Rhodium plating is often done together with sizing or prong work. Mention everything you'd like done in one request so it's handled in one trip.
Start with photos. Don’t ship anything until we’ve agreed on shipping and insurance with you.
Get a free estimateCommon questions.
How long does rhodium plating last?
It depends on the piece and how it's worn. Rings worn every day wear fastest, especially on the underside. Earrings and pendants usually keep their finish much longer.
Can yellow gold be rhodium plated?
Yes, yellow gold can be plated to look white. Over time, the yellow tone will show through as the plating wears, just as with white gold.
Does rhodium plating hide scratches?
Light scratches are polished out before plating, but the plating itself is very thin and won't fill deep scratches or dents.
Related services
- Polishing and restorationScratches and wear removed. Heirloom and antique pieces handled with extra care.
- Ring sizingUp or down in gold and platinum. We tell you before we start if a band can't be sized safely.
- Diamond and gemstone settingTightening, re-tipping worn prongs, and resetting loose or replacement stones.
Send photos. Get a price. Decide from there.
The estimate is free and takes a few minutes. You’re under no obligation to go ahead.