Rhodium Plating

Jewelry Discussion
21 
      I have been told recently that it is necessary, or at least
preferable to plate white gold with nickel before rhodium plating.
I have never done this extra step.  Do any of you know why it would
be necessary to nickel plate white gold before rhodium plating or
if it is necessary.  I appreciate the help. Thank you,

If you haven’t noticed, most white gold jewelry manufactured today
isn’t truly white. Low-nickel or nickel-free allows are popular for
being non-allergenic, easier to set stones in, lower melting points
(esp. for stone-in-place work), and greater reusability of scrap.
Problem is, they are anywhere from slightly yellowish (>12% Ni
content) to very yellow. We frequently have disappointed consumers
come in with their recently purchased, rhodium plated white gold
rings which have worn to a golden glow. Some really qualify as
rhodium plated yellow gold. My employer specializes in custom
pieces made in higher nickel (15-21% Ni) alloys which stay white and
don’t need plating. We have had no cases of nickel allergy since I
have worked there, and have had many satisfied customers who have
finally gotten the white gold they want!

Allan

22

I have had excellent results with 18kt palladium white gold. It’s
very grey, quite like platinum, with little or no yellow (especially
when polished).

The melting point remains high, which is a pain, but it’s more
malleable than the nickel white (but harder than 18k yellow).

I got mine from www.imperialproducts.com (in Canada).

And with Palladium taking a major nosedive, it should be cheaper
than ever. They wouldn’t disclose their exact recipie, but I think
they gave me a palladium range of 11-15% in the 18k white gold.

It’s quite stunning for mounting diamonds.

  • darcy
23

Anyone know of a place that does super high quality rhodium plating
on large, highly polished surfaces? The objects in question are
5-inch diameter hard brass discs polished to a mirror finish. I need
a good white color (not gray) and no scratches. Small quantities.
Hope to hear from someone soon, as I’m going to the States in a few
days and need to know whether to bother bringing them.

Many thanks for any leads.

Janet in Jerusalem