Rhodium on yellow gold

[tommalle]

I know this forum is mostly diamond talk but I had a gold question. I have a 14k yellow gold ring and don''t like it because I usually wear white gold. Can I rhodium plate it and if I do so will it wear off sooner because the gold is more yellow underneath? Should I just put the stones into a new white gold setting instead?

 

[lyra]

It does depend on the setting a bit. I have an all yellow gold 5 stone bezel set ring that I had basically just the top half (bezels plus the underside that rests against my finger) rhodium plated a year ago. It has held up great for me, but keeping in mind that''s really only the top part of the ring that normally shows on my finger. The bottom side (inside and out) is still yellow gold. It works fine with the setting I have, it looks like it was made this way. I have it replated once a year although I''m really picky about that. Probably could go even longer. I think if you''re doing a whole band, there might be some issues with wearing the rhodium away. Hope that helps a bit.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

lyra is right - it will wear off on the underside real fast, but can last a long time on the top side that you see the most

 

[oldmancoyote]

Also bear in mind that if some stones are in tight contact with the metal, that part will not get plated - so it may still show as yellow.

 

[tommalle]

Wow, all good points. It sounds like I need a new white gold ring. Thanks...

 

[hoorray]

It doesn''t hurt to try. if it doesn''t work out, you can reset them then. That is the approach I took with a bracelet and necklace, and they look great. But, they don''t get knocked around to have it chip off, and no one looks at them up close.

 

[Judah Gutwein]

Depending on the process used in the actual plating of the gold, some rings will wear sooner than others, where the underlying yellow will start to reveal itself.
However, in most instances (and as Garry points out), you should be fine for quite some time where it matters most; on top.

Best!

 

[denverappraiser]

A bit of care during wear goes a long way to extending the life of plating. Avoid things like gardening and rock climbing while wearing it. This may make for a good explanation why someone else needs to do the dishes.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[Ashleigh]

Maybe you can ask your jeweler to plate a thicker layer, if there''s such a possibility?