Rhodium is a precious metal, often found in trace amounts within platinum or nickel ore. It is a member of the noble metals family and is used in jewelry because it is durable, non-corrosive, and highly reflective.
White gold is a mixture of pure gold alloyed with other white metals like palladium and silver to produce a bright white color. To protect the white gold and to enhance its brightness, it is usually plated with rhodium to give it a lustrous finish.
The Rhodium Plated Wedding Band
A ring plated in rhodium can be purchased for a fraction of the price of one that is not plated. However, it is a maintenance process and will need to be re-plated every few years in order for the rhodium layer to remain bright.
The cost of a rhodium plated ring is also dependent on the base metal, designer, and inclusion of gemstones. The difference in the price of a rhodium ring can range from $300 to $5,000, with most of the differences being due to the designer and base metal.
If you’re interested in a rhodium plated wedding band, it is important to find an experienced jeweler who will be able to correctly assess the thickness of the rhodium plating on your ring and provide you with the best advice for maintaining the rhodium. The ideal rhodium thickness for a ring is 0.75 to 1.50 microns, which is similar to the thickness of human hair.