Hi, im Cherrie from the Philippines. We manufacture sterling silver
jewelries, but im having problems when after polishing the jewelries
to bright shine and rhodium plated it, after a few days into the
display area the sterling silver jewelries become tarnish and look
used.Some customers asked me why their silver jewelries easily
tarnished. But ive notice that the sterling silver jewelries i
bought in Hongkong fairs dont tarnish even it is under the halogen
lamp in the display. Id like to know what and how can i protect my
silver from tarnishing.Is it wrong to rhodium plated it? or do i need
undercoatings before rhodium plating it. Please advice me, because i
know its possible to protect it from tarnishing just like the made
in Hongkong silvers. Thanks!
It is my secret wish that no one would rhodium plate sterling
silver. In my opinion it renders beautiful sterling into something
flashy and cheap and is a nightmare to repair, and refinish. Whereas
I think sterling is so beautiful and easy to restore. That’s all. I
know everyone has their reasons, especially large manufacturers, but
that’s my 2 cents. Have a shining day ;>
Laura
Dear Cherrie,
Silver contaminates a rhodium bath — you shouldn’t plate rhodium
directly onto silver — it needs to be nickel plated first. This is
probably the cause of your problem…
Janet in Jerusalem
It is my secret wish that no one would rhodium plate sterling silver. In my opinion it renders beautiful sterling into something flashy and cheap and is a nightmare to repair, and refinish. Whereas I think sterling is so beautiful and easy to restore. That's all. I know everyone has their reasons, especially large manufacturers, = but that's my 2 cents.
Wow I’m talkative today, sorry about that.
If plating sterling for anti tarnish you can use rhodium which can
be problematic and expensive or fine silver. If rhodium plating you
MUST nickel plate first, also repairing a rhodium piece can be a
pain to say the least. I almost always recommend nickel plating
sterling no matter the end plating solution as this can prevent
“bleed through”. Bleed through is when the sterling oxidizes under
the plating and then shows through the final plating, kind of a
splotching effect.
One other thing, if you want to antique your plated silver don’t use
rhodium as it just won’t take. This is also a great way to test if a
silver piece has been rhodium plated, use a little oxidizing agent
and if won’t oxidize chances are it rhodium plated or lacquered.
Have a good weekend!
Thackeray Taylor
Rio Grande Technical Support
800-545-6566