Hi Don,
I mostly work in sterling silver and don’t use rhodium plating. The
same applies to the other jewellery artisans I know around this
area. I absolutely agree with you that some the platina of tarnish
contrasting with polished highlights gives depth and character to
silver jewellery. I note that most of the mass produced silver
jewellery in the stores around here seems to be rhodium plated with
a cold hard shine that reminds me more of surgical instruments than
the softer warmth of sterling silver.
I am also aware of discussions on this forum that suggest that
rhodium plating makes jewellery very difficult to repair because
when the piece is hit with the torch plating forms a hard black skin
that is difficult (understatement) to remove. I suppose it suits
throw away items if you like the cold hard shine.
I will stick to sterling.
All the best
Jen