The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing 1989-2024
  

  -----

Rhodium question in a wedding band

O.k. here is the problem. My fiance's wedding band is white gold with a RHODIUM finish. The Place who sized the band the first time messed it up so we had to get it RESIZED. The problem is when I went to go pick the band up (my fiance is in the military so he's currently not around). Anyway~ When I went to pick up the wedding band I noticed that it looked almost tarnished, like black specks almost in the white gold. Is that because of the Rhodium? I don't know this is normal? Should I return it? Any information you can offer would be great.

Chandra Losciale
- N.Massapequa, New York, USA
2003

---

2003

Hi Chandra,

I would return it. There clearly is contaminants in the rhodium finish. This is often the case, because rhodium baths are not tolerant of "tramp" metals. Sometimes contaminants are co-deposited with the bright rhodium and will appear as dark spots (among other things). There is also a very good chance that the ring was not adequately cleaned prior to final rhodium plating. Return it and make them do it the right way.

Gook Luck,

David Vinson
Metal Arts Specialties - Leonard, Michigan