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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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I'm mad they ruined my mom's ring and I'm not gonna take it...

Ed. note; This is an interesting thread, and only one of many. Before you get too confused, you might want to start with our FAQ on Rhodium Plating and White Gold to get an overall understanding :-)

2006

My mother's wedding band is 50 years old and I had the engagement part resized and the jewelers fixed the prongs and put a new 14K white gold band on it (my mom passed away 3 months ago). It was breathtaking when I got it back. Within two months it started turning yellow and ugly. I took it back to the store and they are re-rhodium it for free. This is BS. I paid for a 14K white gold band...not yellow gold that has to be re-rhodiumed every two months.
The other part of my mom's ring is 50 years old yet is still silver in color. Did it turn yellow? of course not. Back in those days they cared about quality. Now it is all about businesses trying to make another millions that year. I can't believe when I see that white gold comes in three grades...of course they use the cheapest grade to rip off the customer.
I think my next move will be after the current rhodium wears off is to take them to small claims court and get back my money. They destroyed my mom's ring.

Tammy B
consumer - Spokane, Washington, USA

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First of two simultaneous responses --

Small claims court is a wonderful thing. If you feel certain you were lied to or cheated, don't hesitate. Just make certain you have evidence to show the judge.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
2006

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

Hey Tammy,
I can't believe what jewelry stores are getting away with these days! Some retailers think they can plate a white finish (rhodium) on yellow gold and sell it as white gold! Do they think the consumer is that dumb? There was an article in the paper last year about a jewelry store buying gold bands from the public, sending them to a jobber and having them polished and rhodium plated. The rings were put in the display cases and sold as white gold. Needless to say they are out of business now. You are on the right track, fight them tooth and nail! Good luck to you.

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
2006