How is rhodium-dipping done?

[IrishEyes]

Just had a quick question: when a white gold ring is dipped in rhodium, how is it that they are able to avoid the channel-set stones and such from being touched with the rhodium? I just had my wedding band and ering re-dipped, as the white gold was starting to fade a little. They did a great job, but I was curious how they avoid the diamonds.

Thanks!

 

[Michael_E]

You don''t avoid the diamonds. The rhodium is dissolved in the plating solution and is deposited on the electrically conductive metal parts of the jewelry when an electrical current is run from an inert anode to the plated cathode, (the ring). Since any gemstones are not conductive they do not get plated. It''s very fast, takes me about a minute once everything is warmed up and ready.

 

[IrishEyes]

Wow! That''s a cool process, thanks for the info, Michael E. !!