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Jewelry Repairman Used Rhodium Plating

Comments: Bridal set went in for repair and the whole set is in 14k yellow gold. Now the piece is returned and the central basket was rhodium plated. The repair person apologizes and doesn't offer a good reason for doing it.

What we want to know is when they are only rhodium plating a part of the piece ie: the basket only- what part of the ring, all of the ring or do they only plate the piece they are wanting rhodium on it. We are just learning about this process. There was also evidence to suspect a diamond swap. But no one locally will give us the truth about the plating process. We even think that the basket in our set is not the original.

Please help. Rose Wertz
- Howell, Michigan, USA
2001

In response to the question asked by Rose. I'm not quite sure I completely understand your question. A piece of jewelry can be partially rhodium plated by using a rhodium pen rather than submersing the piece in a beaker with the solution. Rhodium can easily be polished off by a qualified Jeweler. You shouldn't have to replace anything on your ring.

Russell Z. [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Santa Monica, California
2001