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Can I plate my own jewelry?

I have just been given a beautiful white gold engagement ring. The jeweler told me to have the rhodium plating done between 6-12 months. With the price of this at about $35 I am wondering if I can buy the rhodium and needed tools and do it myself since the $35 once or twice a year for the rest of my life seems very costly. If this is possible does the rhodium stick to the diamonds or not? Also I plan on moving out of state in a few years and am hesitant to trust another jeweler with my stones. I have heard about dishonest jewelers filing the serial numbers of diamonds and switching them with inferior stones. Has anyone had this problem? I am just nervous to leave my ring with a jeweler where I can't see what they are doing to my stones. Any advice would be appreciated.

Carolyn Delas
- Campbell, California
2003

2004

Rhodium Plating Solution
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Hi, Carolyn. Rhodium plating is not impossible to do yourself, Carolyn, but it not something that is generally considered doable by an amateur, like painting. Rhodium plating quality varies very widely, and a qualified plating shop can apply rhodium thicker, denser, and purer than can a jeweler on the corner of a desk. It might be that your ring only needs replating every several years. See our FAQ on White Gold which includes a great presentation on the subject by Metal Arts Specialties / Artisan Plating. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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