"My white gold ring has turned yellow" (rhodium plating)
Lately, within the last five years, many white gold products are sold with Rhodium plating. This is generally applied to “cover up” off color or yellowish white gold.
Rhodium plating on a new ring usually will wear off within six months. We’ve seen many engagement rings from other jewelry stores, sold with the line that “it will need to be replated occasionally”.
This line is true, however, what you don’t get told is that Rhodium is a very sensitive metal, and as your ring gets worn and absorbs impurities, Rhodium is more difficult to apply. Eventually (3-4 years), it is impossible to get a quality Rhodium plating applied.
We have also discovered with the emergence of anti bacterial cleansers, that some products will “tarnish” your white gold. A few quick passes with a polishing cloth will solve the problem.
We have excellent 14 karat and 18 karat, white gold castings (custom ring pendants and earrings) that will never need plating.