At Morgan Co Jewellery Buberim, we apply Rhodium plating to our white gold  diamond engagement rings, giving them a bright, white lustre. Rhodium, a rare and expensive metal from the Platinum group, is highly valued for its brilliant finish. The process, known as electroplating, involves coating the jewellery with a thin layer of Rhodium, only a few microns thick, which enhances the shine and whiteness of yellow gold.

However, it’s important to note that while Rhodium provides a beautiful sheen, it doesn't offer much protection against wear and tear. The plating typically lasts between 3 months to a year, depending on how frequently the ring is worn. When the yellow gold starts to show through, it's time for re-plating.

Why does white gold need Rhodium plating?

White gold needs Rhodium plating because, in its natural state, white gold has a slightly yellow or gray"ish" tint due to the metals alloyed with gold (like nickel, palladium, or silver) to achieve its "white" colour. Gold itself is naturally yellow, so when it's mixed to create white gold, it doesn't have the pure, bright white appearance many people expect.

Rhodium plating provides that extra shine and bright white finish that enhances the look of white gold, giving it a more brilliant and luxurious appearance. Rhodium is also highly reflective, which adds to the jewellery's appeal. 

Do Platinum rings need Rhodium plating?

Platinum does not need to be Rhodium plated. Unlike white gold, platinum is naturally white and has a silvery sheen that doesn’t require additional plating to achieve a bright, white look. Platinum retains its natural colour over time and doesn’t fade or lose its luster like Rhodium-plated white gold can.

Can I Rhodium plate my Platinum ring?

Some people may choose Rhodium-plate platinum for an extra layer of brightness or for a uniform look if paired with Rhodium-plated white gold, but it is not necessary for the metal’s appearance or durability. Platinum’s inherent qualities make it a low-maintenance and long-lasting option for fine jewellery.

Does Rhodium plating Platinum rings damage the gold? 

While Rhodium plating itself won’t harm platinum, the process of repeated re-plating can involve light polishing, which may remove tiny amounts of metal over time. This is more of a concern with softer metals like white gold, but it is less of an issue with platinum because platinum is a dense and durable metal. Overall, Rhodium plating isn’t harmful but typically isn’t needed for platinum rings.

Is all Rhodium plating the same , no matter what jeweller you go to? 

Here at Morgan & Co we use only the gold standard in Rhodium plating materials and technique. 

There are several factors can affect the quality and longevity of rhodium plating, including:

1. Thickness of the Plating: The thickness of the rhodium layer can vary. A thicker layer (typically 0.75 to 1.0 microns) will last longer and provide better protection and shine compared to a thinner one (e.g., 0.1 microns). High-quality rhodium plating usually has a thicker coating.

2. Application Method: Different jewellers may use varying techniques to apply the rhodium, such as the length of time in the electroplating bath or the precision of the process. Proper application ensures an even, durable layer.

3. Metal Preparation: The base metal's preparation before plating can impact how well the rhodium adheres. Polishing and cleaning the metal properly can result in a better bond and a smoother, shinier finish.

4. Rhodium Purity: The purity of the rhodium used can vary slightly. High-purity rhodium yields better shine and durability, while lower-purity blends may not offer the same level of luster.

5. Plating Over Different Metals: Plating over white gold, yellow gold, or other metals can produce different results. For instance, plating over white gold typically results in a bright, white finish, while plating over yellow gold may show wear more quickly as the yellow hue starts to peek through.

Morgan & Co only use one unique technique and only use high quality rhodium. Both these factors create longevity in your rhodium plating and alleviate any chance of allergic reaction if you are allergic to metals in white gold. 

Contact the team at Morgan & Co for your free consultation and to book in your rhodium plating. Rhodium plating as at February 2025 costs $180 and takes approximately 10 days.