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Can I plate my own jewelry?

I have just been given a beautiful white gold engagement ring. The jeweler told me to have the rhodium plating done between 6-12 months. With the price of this at about $35 I am wondering if I can buy the rhodium and needed tools and do it myself since the $35 once or twice a year for the rest of my life seems very costly. If this is possible does the rhodium stick to the diamonds or not? Also I plan on moving out of state in a few years and am hesitant to trust another jeweler with my stones. I have heard about dishonest jewelers filing the serial numbers of diamonds and switching them with inferior stones. Has anyone had this problem? I am just nervous to leave my ring with a jeweler where I can't see what they are doing to my stones. Any advice would be appreciated.

Carolyn Delas
- Campbell, California
2003

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2004

Hi, Carolyn. Rhodium plating is not impossible to do yourself, Carolyn, but it not something that is generally considered doable by an amateur, like painting. Rhodium plating quality varies very widely, and a qualified plating shop can apply rhodium thicker, denser, and purer than can a jeweler on the corner of a desk. It might be that your ring only needs replating every several years. See our FAQ on White Gold which includes a great presentation on the subject by Metal Arts Specialties / Artisan Plating. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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