The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Will rhodium plating on pendant hold up?

My husband is considering purchasing for me a pendant that is 14kt white gold with rhodium plating and includes several diamonds.
My question is will this pendant (which will be worn only occasionally) hold up or need periodic re-plating?
We are not in the know with regards to jewelty, so I looked up "14kt white gold with rhodium plating" and found your site which is most informative. It is causing me to have second thoughts about this purchase.
I grew up with 50's costume jewelry and flatware that was plated, so always thought that
plating was reserved for less expensive items. All my other jewelry is 14kt yellow gold. I also may have a nickel allergy as my neck turns green after wearing a certain chain.
Love all the information on this site.

Pat DePoyster
- Decatur, AL in the USA
2007

---

2007

It depends - on how much wear the pendant gets, on how thick the rhodium was applied, and how how long "hold up" is.

I would expect if this pendant is from a known and reputable manufacturer in the USA or Europe, it's likely to last for many, many years. If it's from elsewhere - caveat emptor.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina

---

Hi Pat,
Mr Holmes was accurate in his reply. Just a note to ease your mind some. Yes, plated costume jewelry was a fad, and was meant to be affordable for all. Now we are talking fine jewelry. Rhodium is used for a few reasons. To accentuate the precious stone(s) by adding brilliance, and to increase wear characteristics and beauty of the piece. Rhodium is one of the hardest metals you can plate, and one of the most expensive. For a pendant that is to be worn occasionally, I would say you will be very pleased with the life it will give you. See if the jeweler will guarantee the finish for life, many of them offer the added protection that is not too expensive to purchase. Hey you only live once! Good Luck to you.

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
2007

adv.:    Discover the choice made by manufacturers
nationwide for high quality jewelry plating & finishing