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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Rhodium plating cannot be resized?

We took a ring into get sized and was told that there is no way that they could resize it due to the rhodium plating. its a sterling silver ring, and we were concerned as we never have come across this before and we had silver rings resized with out a problem. Is this an accurate statement from the jewelers? if so how are we suppose to get this ring resized or are we just out of luck?

Jody Randall
homemaker - Manhattan Kansas
June 20, 2011

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Rhodium is very hard and brittle, and could well crack and peel if the ring is stretched. The ring could be replated after sizing.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
June 21, 2011

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As stated some rings can be stretched but depending on design and composition some ultimately have to be cut and welded. I'm quite sure the ring would have to be completely de-plated before one could attempt to weld it and if any rhodium remained I'm sure it would give grief. I run into the same thing in my industry when some gum head has tried to solder a part and then brings it to me for TIG welding. As soon as I see a dissimilar metal I spin him round and out the door. Some times you just can't charge enough to do a job and its best to quit while your ahead. My best advice is to try a couple other jewelers. Hunger will often prompt people to take on work even if they know its going to be minimum wage. Just make sure they guaranty its going to meet your standards after they do it. When some one won't jump at your money you know the work is not going to be simple.

Rod Henrickson
gunsmith - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
June 27, 2011