Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Different shades of rhodium plating on wedding bands?

I have a white gold engagement ring and am trying to find a band to match as closely as possible. One jeweler told me my ring was not rhodium plated, another said it was. Isn't all white gold rhodium plated? The engagement ring is a halo antique style ring, with lots of detail (floral and olive leaf designs, reminiscent of 1920's style rings) and very bright and shiny. I tried on a curved band whose design almost matches, and whose fit goes well with my halo. But, the finish on the band is grayer than mine. The jeweler said they can order the ring with a "brighter" rhodium finish to match my engagement ring, but I'm concerned this custom order might not match and I'm not paying for a ring that doesn't match! Any suggestions? Thank you!

Lisa Mo
Hobbyist - Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
May 25, 2011

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Hi, Lisa.

Matching anything can be problematic and if I was a jeweler I probably would not work for a customer who didn't believe me and who was threatening to not pay for the work before it was even started :-)

No, all white gold is not rhodium plated. But the fashion today is maximum bling, for which rhodium is great; and I think rhodium plated jewelry will all be maximum brightness and items which are both rhodium plated will match, especially if the jeweler polishes both items. Best of luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
May 26, 2011