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Q&As since 1989


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How long has rhodium plating been available?

I recently received a gift from my grandmother: a gorgeous opal and sapphire ring that is white gold. I know she's had it for awhile. I can see a dull gold color beginning to show through in some spots. It doesn't seem as stark a contrast as many of the letters implied, though.
So how long has this plating been happening? Since the contrast between the gold and the white is fairly subtle, does that mean that it is white gold underneath, but perhaps just a cheaper alloy? Please advise.

Laren Wilson
Hobbyist - Washington, DC, USA
2007

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First of two simultaneous responses -- 2007

Hi Laren,
Rhodium was first plated for novelty items in the early 1920's. It wasn't until the mid 1930's that rhodium was more widely used in commercial jewelry.
If you are seeing a slight yellow hue in the ring it could be explained by a few things.
1) Rhodium plate over yellow gold - (which is not white gold)
2) The white gold alloy casting had certain alloys that were affected by chemicals or human perspiration.
Be careful what type of light you view the ring under. I fold a piece of white paper in half, hold the ring inside it, and examine with a magnifying glass. Sunlight and household light reflect a yellowish hue and can sometimes be an optical illusion. Good Luck!

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

Rhodium plating is in widespread use since 1930.Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Croatia
2007