Rhodium
Question: What is Rhodium?
Rhodium is a hard, durable, silvery-white metallic element that is used to form high-temperature alloys with platinum and is then plated on other metals to produce a durable corrosion-resistant coating. Rhodium, also known as Rh, is a member of the platinum group and found in platinum ores. It has a higher melting point and lower density than platinum. Rhodium is a very expensive metal, even more so than gold. Due to the scarcity of the metal, it commands a high market price.

Sterling silver jewelry that is plated with rhodium is resistant to scratching, abrasion and corrosion. As mentioned above, sterling silver has a tendency to tarnish rather quickly when exposed to harsh contaminants, such as sulfur and many others that are found all around us. Contact with skin oils and perfumes may also discolor silver, which requires frequent cleaning and polishing. Since rhodium plating is highly acid and chemical resistant, it will withstand such contact. Consequently, sterling silver is an ideal candidate for rhodium plating. In addition, rhodium is also frequently used to give silver jewelry a beautiful finish.


Creative Gems,LLC
Creative Gems, LLC
Toll-free: 973-434-2200