Why are silver products coated with rhodium?

Rhodium in jewelry: is coating harmful or not? :

After wearing out any everyday item from our wardrobe, we don’t hesitate to replace it with a new one, but is it possible to do the same with a piece of jewelry that has lost its presentability? Expensive jewelry, often symbolizing certain events in life, cannot simply be written off, even if it has lost its attractiveness. To restore their shine, hide scuffs and darkening, preserving the result for many years, rhodium plating of jewelry has recently been often used. What this process is, and what intricacies it is recommended that everyone know about, is described in detail below.

Metal Information

Rhodium has been used in jewelry for a relatively short time. Initially, this metal was not considered valuable at all, and after processing the ore (extracting platinum from it), it was immediately sent to waste.

The valuable properties of this, by far the hardest precious metal, were discovered only in the early 19th century by William Hyde. Rhodium belongs to the platinum group periodic table and is very rare in nature.

On average, its annual production is only 30 tons, with most of the deposits located in South Africa. The metal is mined in small quantities in Canada, Russia and Colombia.

Properties of rhodium

Why has rhodium become widespread in jewelry? The metal owes its popularity to its unique properties, which are superior to those of other precious metals. For example, the melting point of rhodium is 1964 degrees, which is exactly 900 higher than that of gold, and 1003 higher than that of silver.

In addition, rhodium coating gives the products additional strength and wear resistance, because the hardness of this metal on the Mohs scale is determined by six units, while other popular metals have an indicator of only 2.5. The durability of the coating is also determined by the high resistance of rhodium to chemicals. Oxidation processes begin in the metal only when heated above 600 degrees.

The visible positive characteristics of the material include a beautiful cold shine, which remains unchanged for many years.

Why is such noble, durable and beautiful rhodium not used as a base in jewelry? The fact is that the metal is very fragile, and without an additional base of another material it can quickly crack. This is observed even during the repair of some products coated with rhodium, when its layer breaks off in parts and then requires reapplication.

Application in the jewelry industry

Due to its many positive characteristics, rhodium is in demand in many industries, but in reality it can not be used in all. The main reason for searching for similar materials is the usual shortage of metal in nature. Demand for it significantly exceeds supply. It is impossible to replace rhodium in terms of characteristics in industries such as the manufacture of temperature sensors, measuring equipment, mirrors, nitric acid, and so on.

Rhodium in jewelry is used not only for coating finished jewelry made of other metals. It is mainly used in the artificial cultivation of certain precious gems as a component of a certain filter.

Rhodium plating

This is the name given to the process of applying a layer of rhodium to a finished piece of jewelry. The coating layer can be 0.1-25 microns thick and can even be applied to costume jewelry to give the products aesthetics and durability.

Finished jewelry always has a cool platinum shine, high strength and durability. Of course, it is best to rhodium plate the product before it is worn, immediately after production. Then the surface of the decoration will not have mechanical damage and the coating will lie flat.

If desired, you can also take a used ring or chain to a specialized workshop.

Application process

To plate a piece of jewelry with rhodium, it must first be prepared. The jewelry is polished until all traces of its use disappear. After this, the product must be washed and degreased, and only then placed in a galvanic bath, where the rhodium plating process itself takes place.

A special solution containing positively charged particles of metal salts is first poured into the prepared container. The product itself is negatively charged before immersion.

After it is placed in a liquid, an electric charge is passed through it, which provokes the attraction of different particles to each other. The decoration, which is an anode, should completely disappear under the rhodium layer under the influence of current.

Depending on the exposure time and intensity of the electric charge, the thickness of the coating layer changes.

Previously, rhodium salts were the main element in this process, but since it is extremely difficult to extract them, over time the substance was successfully replaced by rhodium sulfate in a concentrated solution. It is produced specially for covering jewelry in sufficient quantity.

Advantages of metal

The main advantages of rhodium-plated jewelry are their persistent cold shine, which remains unchanged for a long time.

This coating also gives the products strength, but many, in addition to the aesthetic characteristics of the metal, are interested in the question of whether rhodium in jewelry is harmful or not, because after application it will have to be worn on your own skin almost constantly.

This information is especially important for those who are prone to allergic reactions, because certain reactions in rare cases occur even when in contact with noble gold and silver. Here, all sensitive jewelry lovers need not worry, since rhodium is absolutely hypoallergenic, which has long been proven by many experiments.

Disadvantages of coverage

The main disadvantage of this metal is its fragility, which does not allow its use directly in the manufacture of jewelry. Of course, even if we do not take this fact into account, products from rhodium are not made due to its high cost, which exceeds the price of gold tens of times. Just to cover a ring or chain with rhodium, you will need to pay an average of 500-1000 rubles, and not every workshop can provide such a service.

After repair, a rhodium-plated product most often requires re-coating, since the top layer of metal can peel off under mechanical stress.

It should also be taken into account that the coating is applied very thinly, which means that over time with regular use it can simply wear off. On average, rings, bracelets and chains can retain their original characteristics for five years; for earrings this period is already about 10 years.

Types of coating

Most often, rhodium plating is used to impart a noble, cool shine to white gold products, which, even with a high standard, still have a yellowish tint. No less popular for plating are platinum and silver jewelry, as well as some items related to costume jewelry. The cost of the latter, if there is a layer of rhodium, will fluctuate within 2 thousand rubles.

Today, thanks to special additives, rhodium plating can complement jewelry not only with a white shine, but also with a pinkish, yellowish or golden shine. There is also black rhodium. In jewelry, it is used to give jewelry an aged appearance or to enhance the shine of certain gemstones. Very often, for additional strength, the place where the stones are attached is precisely this part of the jewelry that is coated with rhodium.

Conclusion

So, why jewelry is coated with rhodium is now clear. Any ring or bracelet coated with such metal takes on a new life and, thanks to its bright shine, sometimes looks completely different. For a long time, such decorations retain their original appearance. Even if re-birthing is necessary, few people have doubts about the necessity of the process.

To preserve the coating on your jewelry for a long time, it is important to follow basic rules of caring for your jewelry. In some cases, ignoring the following recommendations may result in the jewelry looking even worse than before the rhodium was applied.

So, despite the chemical resistance and strength, the material can be damaged by strong abrasive substances, so it is recommended to remove jewelry during cleaning or any water procedures.

To clean the product itself, you should use mild products, and best of all, special wipes for polishing jewelry.

Source: https://www.syl.ru/article/368881/rodiy-v-yuvelirnyih-izdeliyah-pokryitie-vredno-ili-net

A short educational program on how to effectively clean rhodium-plated silver | ABOUT SILVER

Design work in the manufacture of silver jewelry is always appreciated by customers. Rhodium-plated silver jewelry lasts longer than usual and does not turn black. Time has power over any object, even the most high-quality one. Rhodium adds a special shine to earrings, bracelets and captivates the hearts of consumers, who should learn in advance about how to clean jewelry.

Important Buyer Tips

Before purchasing, in order not to think about the question of how to clean rhodium-plated silver, you should take into account some rules for operating the product.

1. You cannot take a bath without removing your jewelry.
2. Contact with chemicals will not benefit rhodium-plated bracelets and rings.
3. Chlorine and sweat are the two main enemies of such jewelry.
4. Humidity and elevated temperatures have a bad effect on silver of this kind.
5. Rhodium-plated silver is cleaned using flannel, a favorite metal material.

Rhodium-plated silver is an excellent diagnostician: if a person sweats and the silver begins to darken, then you need to pay attention to the endocrine system and avoid stress. A light coating of dirt can be removed with a bite rag. Cases of severe contamination require a different approach.

Features of rhodium plating

Rhodium plating gives silver an interesting appearance, design and aristocratic notes. It acts as a shield from external influences: air, chemicals, mechanical shocks. Plus it gives extra rigidity. Dirt on such a surface is much easier to clean off compared to standard silver items.

Features of rhodium plating

What is contraindicated for rhodium plating?

Under no circumstances should ammonia be used! You should also not rub these types of jewelry with toothbrushes. Toothpaste should also be excluded. There is no need to rub it with soda, immerse it in foil, and especially boil it - the spraying will come to an end.

The ease of cleaning rhodium-plated silver is amazing: all you need is regular warm water and a soft cloth to wipe dry. For stone products, you can use a soap solution.

Rhodium is a wonderful material that does not require the usual cleaning methods intended for silver decor. Jewelry with this coating usually lasts longer than ordinary silver items without causing problems with its appearance.

Source: https://proserebro.info/2019/05/15/kratkij-likbez-po-effektivnoj-ochistke-rodirovannogo-serebra/

Rhodium plating as one of the best jewelry platings

    Rhodium plating - how many times have you heard about this metal coating? Have you ever wondered how the rhodium plating process occurs and what it is used for in general? There is an opinion that rhodium plating is the best way to combat allergies to silver and gold. Do you think this is true? Well, then keep reading to find out the truth. We will tell you not only about the reasons for use, the effect on the body, but also show how the surface of the jewelry is covered with a layer of rhodium.

      Rhodium plating is the galvanic coating of metal with a thin layer of rhodium. It is widely used in jewelry and has a number of advantages over other types of coatings. True connoisseurs of exclusive and expensive jewelry know something about it, but we have prepared information that will allow you to become even better acquainted with this jewelry coating.

Rodius, how does he introduce himself?

    Rhodium is one of the most expensive precious metals. They first learned about it in 1803, thanks to William Wollaston. This element belongs to the platinum group metals. Rhodium prices are quite high because it is quite scarce and has low mining volumes.

    Is rhodium more expensive than gold? Without a doubt.

What is rhodium plating used for and what are the properties of rhodium?

    It all depends on what kind of rhodium plating you are interested in, because there are white and black.

White rhodium is used for two reasons:

1. Aesthetic appearance . Many people, when choosing white gold, ask us to plate the jewelry with white rhodium, because they do not like the yellow tint of white gold. Therefore, for those who love white color, this coating will be an ideal choice. In addition, rhodium-plated jewelry always looks magnificent and noble.

2. Protection . One of the reasons for applying this coating is to protect jewelry from damage. After all, the rhodium metal film is quite resistant to both mechanical and chemical factors. But it is worth noting that the layer is extremely thin and its thickness is measured in micrometers. This means that the film is easy to damage and scratch even in everyday conditions. Therefore, rhodium-plated jewelry is not armored.

Use of black rhodium

    Black rhodium plating actually performs the same role as oxidation. Some jewelers apply it entirely so that the jewelry becomes completely black. But we don’t practice this.

For us, black rhodium is an excellent opportunity to highlight the relief in a piece of jewelry and add contrast.

However, the question arises: why use rhodium if it is possible to coat it with oxidation? The fact is that gold, unlike silver, cannot be oxidized. Only gold of low purity and high copper content can be oxidized.  

What is the difference between white and black rhodium?

    The first difference is the color. The second difference is the functions they perform. The third difference is the end result.

    Black rhodium never (in our practice) completely remains on the jewelry, since the goal is not to make the product black, but to emphasize the relief.

    With white rhodium plating of jewelry, the product is completely covered and remains unchanged. To achieve the best effect, the coating should be carefully polished for better shine.  

Rhodium plating technology

Source: https://jewellery.kochut.org/ru/blog/rodirovaniye/

What is rhodium plated silver, why is it coated with rhodium, what is the difference from regular silver?

Good day! Today I want to talk about what rhodium plated silver is, which is often mentioned and widely used in the jewelry industry. I propose to find out together what advantages coating products with another metal provides and what new properties jewelry acquires thanks to it.

What kind of silver is this

Silver shines nobly, but over time it turns black. Blackening is a symptom of oxidation of copper, which is part of the alloy, therefore, the lower the sample, the more noticeable the oxide film on the surface (patina) will be. The ligature oxidizes as a result of interaction with sulfur compounds present in human sweat (therefore, it is recommended to remove silver jewelry while playing sports). Rhodium plating protects the metal from contact with the skin.

Which is correct - radiated or rhodium plated?

That's right - rhodium-plated, which means “silver plated with rhodium.” A metal called radium also exists, but it is radioactive and is not used on jewelry - it would be deadly.

Radium was isolated in its pure form by Marie Curie. He killed his discoverer: in 1934, Maria died from the consequences of many years of radiation. But rhodium is safe and does not cause allergies, which allows it to be used to improve the properties of the metals that we wear on our bodies.

Why is it plated with rhodium?

Rhodium is a noble metal of the platinum group. It is not subject to oxidation and corrosion, is very hard (2 times harder than platinum and 5 times harder than silver) and rare - rhodium is found in only a few tons on the entire planet. It is not flexible enough to be used in jewelry on its own, but rhodium plating on gold and silver is a popular technique because it prolongs the life of jewelry, protects it from patination, and gives it a specific shine.

Composition and properties

I will list the main features of rhodium that have led to its widespread use as a coating:

• hardness and strength;
• cold shine that does not fade;
• corrosion resistance.

Under ideal external conditions, rhodium reflects 80% of the rays of the visible spectrum. Gold reflects only 60%, that is, rhodium shines much brighter, and in combination with its resistance to mechanical damage, even longer. If an ordinary ring becomes covered with a network of small scratches and begins to require polishing just six months after purchase, then a rhodium-plated ring will retain its original appearance for several years.

Polishing in itself is not useful for jewelry, although it returns it to its marketable appearance. When processed with a machine, a layer of metal is removed, and the structure of the product weakens - this is not noticeable after one trip to the jeweler, but regularly polishing the ring over several years can seriously damage it. Rhodium plating helps avoid frequent processing and extends the life of jewelry.

The color of rhodium is white-silver, cold, more reminiscent of platinum than silver. If you put two rhodium plated rings side by side, one of which is made of silver and the other of white gold, it will be difficult to notice the difference. This allows you to wear jewelry made of different metals as a set, while wearing chains or rings of different shades together is considered a sign of bad taste.

Strength

Rhodium is a very durable metal and increases the wear resistance of a silver item when plated. A rhodium-plated ring is more resistant to deformation than a regular one and will serve the owner longer.

The hardness of rhodium on the Mohs scale is 6, the characteristic of a mineral with a similar hardness is “scratches glass, can be processed with a file.” Pure gold and silver have a hardness of 2.5, which is slightly higher than the hardness of materials that can be scratched with a fingernail (plaster, mica).

Samples

Silver is rhodium-plated with pure metal without a ligature (otherwise technically impossible). The fineness of rhodium-plated silver is usually 925. Gold is plated with rhodium more often, since it is more expensive than silver, and the coating greatly increases the cost of the item. According to the law, rhodium-plated products are branded according to the samples of the materials from which they are made.

Occasionally, costume jewelry is also rhodium-plated, but not mass-market jewelry, but designer jewelry, especially if it is produced in a limited edition.

Receiving technology

Rhodium is applied to metal objects by electroplating. The anode (electrode with a positive potential) is the auxiliary product, and the cathode (electrode with a negative potential) is the decoration. The result is a layer of rhodium with a thickness of 0.1 to 25 microns.

Before starting the process, the item must be thoroughly polished, otherwise the coating will visually highlight the damage present on the surface. The best option is to process the item immediately after purchase (if this was not done at the factory).

How is it different from regular silver?

The differences are visible to the naked eye: rhodium plated rings and earrings look more shiny than bare ones. Not everyone likes this: many love the characteristic shade of silver and are not ready to exchange it for the bright, but erasing the individuality of the metal, shine of rhodium. Coated jewelry also features:

• increased wear resistance;
• hypoallergenic;
• corrosion resistance;
• long service time.

Application of this alloy

Due to its hardness and inertness, rhodium is loved not only by jewelers. We do not see products made from it in everyday life, since it is difficult to process, refractory, non-plastic and expensive, but many necessary items have rhodium plating:

• instrument mirrors;
• reflective elements of spotlights;
• test tubes;
• laser installations;
• liquid crystal devices;
• nuclear reactor detectors.

Advantages and disadvantages

To the advantages of rhodium plating, you can add the ability to choose the color of the coating (black looks chic and modern in combination with precious stones) and even change the color of an old piece of jewelry by simply taking it to the workshop.

Reading about the positive qualities of rhodium-plated silver, it is difficult to imagine that someone might not like it. Let's be fair - in addition to resistance to damage and aristocratic radiance, there are negative aspects. I will dwell on them in more detail.

1. It is difficult to damage rhodium, but it is possible. If a scratch or crack appears on the surface, polishing will not do the job - you will need to completely remove the layer and reapply it. The same applies to damage to the material itself - for example, breakage of a ring.
2. Rhodium plating needs to be renewed every 3–6 years (depending on the intensity of use of the item).
3. If the jewelry is antique or antique-style, it will not be possible to protect it from damage with rhodium - it will begin to shine like new, and the rhodium may lie unevenly.
4. The coating significantly increases the cost of the finished product.

Where can you buy or sell

Rhodium-plated products are subject to the same rules as jewelry without an additional layer. It is better to buy from trusted stores, especially since the coating makes it difficult to recognize a fake: base metal coated with rhodium looks the same as silver or gold. Rhodium-plated items are accepted in pawnshops at the same price as ordinary ones, but it hardly makes sense to hand over silver - its price is low.

How much does 1 gram of this silver cost today?

In jewelry stores, rhodium-plated silver is more expensive than regular silver, since both rhodium itself and galvanic electrolysis are expensive. You can follow the course of pure rhodium according to the schedule:

Price for 999 standard according to the Central BankMarket value of the standard todayPrice for scrapPrice in jewelry

Recommendations for care, cleaning and storage

Rhodium protects silver from the harmful effects of the environment and minor scratches, but the protected ring also requires care:

1. Protect the item from contact with aggressive substances (varnishes, solvents, ammonia, alcohol, household cleaners).
2. Store separately in a case so that it does not come into contact with others.
3. Take it off while you sleep, take a bath, or play sports.
4. Clean only with cloths soaked in warm water or soapy water, without using abrasives.

Following the rules will protect the surface layer from rapid abrasion and prolong the life of the decoration. You can see in the photo what a rhodium-plated silver ring looks like when cared for with love:

Tips for choosing silver jewelry

1. If you like jewelry with a stone declared as precious, ask the seller for a gemological certificate - this will protect against counterfeiting.
2. By law, any silver ring must have a hallmark indicating its purity.
3. Rhodium plated silver doesn't look like regular silver - it looks more like white gold.

Otherwise, it all depends on taste and occasion. There is a risk of buying a fake, but it is small - silver is not so profitable to counterfeit.

Reviews

Anna Ivanova: I'm delighted, it just shines. I decided to plate an old ring, my mother’s, with rhodium in order to wear it longer. I paid 800 rubles for a thin ring, but in my opinion, it’s worth it.

Tatyana: And I love such jewelry, it’s especially nice that they shine like gold and cost almost like silver.

Ivan: We applied this coating to wedding rings and noticed that as it wears out, the yellow color of the gold appears. Looks like an amateur. But there really are no noticeable scratches.

How to clean silver from dirt at home. Causes of contamination, cleaning methods

When purchasing silver jewelry, we pay attention to its design, shape and, of course, beautiful metallic shine. However, it often happens that silver jewelry, after some time, begins to turn black and ceases to be shiny and beautiful as on the first day of purchase.

Many manufacturers of silver jewelry, in order to avoid such troubles, apply a special rhodium coating to them, which protects the silver, simultaneously making it more attractive to buyers. The thickness of such a coating is small, only a few microns. Therefore, if you wear jewelry every day, it tends to wear out.

Just as often, silver begins to turn black even when not in use, when it simply lies in an old grandmother’s box. Agree, an unpleasant surprise awaits you if you remember “that same” grandma’s magnificent silver ring, and it turns out to have a black coating. But there are ways to solve the problem, which we will discuss in detail in this article.

Causes of darkening of silver

The following factors influence the darkening of silver items:

• • product sample;
  • impurities in the air;
  • air humidity;
  • the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the environment; Tarnished non-rhodium silver
  • taking medications by a person;
  • human diseases;

• frequent contact with cosmetics and detergents;
• contact with rubber.

Some people's silver may darken even a month after purchase, but you should not swear and be offended by manufacturers, saying that they have low-quality raw materials.

Any piece of jewelry you buy does not contain 100% silver. Other metals are added to it to improve its properties, such as hardness. The alloy contains the most copper, so it is the primary source of darkening of silver, as it oxidizes. And its main oxidizer is sweat, which a person constantly secretes. Therefore, when silver darkens, first of all, you should listen to your body.

Silver care reminder

Pay attention to your sweating; if it is increased, then you should find measures to eliminate this ailment. It happens that silver turns black only in certain areas of the body, then you should pay attention to problems in the endocrine system. Silver can also darken due to strong emotional stress and stress that a person experiences, since the acidity of the skin changes at such moments.

If your chain or ring is not very dirty, you can simply wipe it with a cloth and vinegar. But this method will not cope with old plaque.

Silver purification methods

To give a silver product a marketable appearance, the following coatings are used:

• rhodium plating;
• blackening;
• gilding.

Depending on the coating, suitable cleaners are used. There are also products that are not covered with a decorative coating, such as tableware.

Silver cleaners

Rhodium plated silver

Such silver has many advantages, which can confidently include:

• noble appearance;
• protection from mechanical damage;
• protection against oxidation;
• additional rigidity.

Dirt on rhodium-plated silver comes off much easier than on regular silver, since rhodium tends to repel it.

Rhodium plated ring

Such silver also has disadvantages, but they are much fewer.

Namely:

• the cost is higher than that of non-rhodium-plated silver;
• Over time, the coating wears off.

Tips for caring for rhodium-plated silver

Silver with such a coating, despite its higher resistance to oxidation, still does not withstand the effects of sweat. Therefore, it is not recommended to wear such jewelry to fitness classes or to the sauna and bathhouse. It is also worth giving up jewelry on your body while you are applying cosmetics to your skin, including perfume. It's best to wait until they are absorbed.

Remove jewelry before cleaning and going to saunas

Be sure to remove jewelry while cleaning; this rule applies not only to silver items, but to any item in general. Since elementary particles of dirt can get into hard-to-reach places of jewelry, and it will be quite labor-intensive for you to get them out, especially if these are castes for stones.

Cleaning Rhodium Silver

The best solution would be to go to a jewelry store and buy a special cleaning product that is designed specifically for cleaning rhodium-plated silver. The disadvantage of this product is its high cost.

If you decide to clean silver with improvised means, then remember a few rules:

1. Never use ammonia (ammonia).
2. Avoid using mechanical force on the jewelry, for example, do not rub it with a toothbrush.
3. Avoid toothpastes that contain abrasive substances, such as toothpaste.

Taking into account all the above points, you will protect the metal from tarnishing and destruction of the protective layer.

To clean rhodium-plated silver, a simple rinse in warm water and then wiping dry with a piece of soft cloth will be sufficient. It would also be a good idea to use a special polishing cloth.

Stones, regardless of whether they are precious or not, should be treated with soapy water using a regular cotton swab. After this, the stones should also be wiped dry with a piece of cloth. But do not wipe the stones with a polishing cloth, as you may scratch them.

Cleaning silver without rhodium plating

With ordinary silver, everything is much simpler, since there are no strict restrictions on the use of any means. Of course, the best option is still to take it to a jewelry shop for cleaning or buy a professional product. But there are also home methods.

The first thing you should do is remove any remaining dirt and grease after wearing your jewelry. To do this, it is enough to hold the products in a soap solution for about 20–30 minutes, and then rinse with it. Afterwards, you need to rinse the jewelry well in running water. Next, simply choose one of the methods to further clean the tarnished silver.

Method 1

The most affordable. You will need a regular toothbrush and toothpaste. Toothpaste can be replaced with a mixture of soda and salt. Simply wet the brush with water and apply the paste or baking soda and salt to the jewelry. Rub the product until the darkening disappears.

Cleaning the product with toothpaste

Method 2

You will need ash or ash mixed with warm soapy water and ammonia. The manipulations are the same as in the first method, only before doing this you need to soak the product for 10 minutes in this solution.

Method 3

Simply peel a few raw potatoes and place them in a container of water along with your decorations. After a couple of hours, take it out and rinse the products in running water. If the plaque has not completely come off, try cleaning it off with a regular rubber eraser. Also, if you have some water left after boiling the potatoes, you can use that too.

Silver before and after cleaning

You should always wipe rings, earrings, and cutlery immediately after washing. If you often leave them wet, don't be surprised if they turn black over time.

Cleaning blackened silver

Blackened silver is not used in all jewelry; most often it is religious symbols.

Blackening is used to give the effect of depth and emphasize the relief of the product. It is obtained by applying a special oxide, i.e. they artificially create a darkening effect, which, ironically, you are going to get rid of. Therefore, you should be as careful and delicate as possible, since decorative blackening is very easy to remove.

Silver with decorative blackening

In such a situation, your assistant is a soap-soda solution, in which you need to soak your jewelry for about half an hour. After that, simply rinse them with clean water.

Cleaning silver with a matte effect

In this case, you should avoid abrasive materials and any salts and acids. Use regular warm soapy water.

Cleaning silver jewelry with precious stones

1. The ones that will cause you the least trouble are:

• sapphire;
• emerald;
• aquamarine.

These are precious stones that have a fairly high density. Therefore, you can use any cleaning method convenient for you.

1. With mild detergents, without abrasive particles, it is necessary to clean jewelry that uses inserts from:

• disgrace;
• malachite;
• turquoise;
• moonstone. Ring with opal

1. To avoid clouding the color, do not use hot water when cleaning silver with stones:

If your jewelry contains inserts made of pearls, coral or ivory, then under no circumstances take independent measures; it is better to take them to a specialist. Otherwise, your jewelry will completely lose its attractive appearance.

Interesting Facts

There are claims that silver has healing properties and after you have cleaned, for example, your ring of dark plaque, all that remains is to choose the finger on which you will wear it.

• If you suffer from blood pressure, wear a silver ring on your ring fingers.
• Bowel problems? Early wrinkles? Feel free to put the ring on your index finger.
• Heart problems – little finger of the left hand.
• The silver you wear around your neck will help restore and calm the nervous system.[/box]

Try to keep your jewelry in its original condition so that you do not have problems cleaning it. Try not to wear them all the time, take them off when you are at home or when you go to places with high humidity, such as a swimming pool. If, on the contrary, you wear jewelry very rarely, then store it in a dark, dry place, preferably wrapped in foil.

Let your jewelry always remain the way it should be!

Source: https://welady.ru/ochistit-serebro-domashnih-usloviyah

Pros and cons of rhodium plating gold jewelry - Shine Gem

Hello, friends and random visitors. Now I intend to fully capture your attention in order to discuss with you the rhodium plating of gold - what it is, why it is used, what advantages and disadvantages jewelry processed in this way has.

What is it and what is it used for

Rhodium plating of gold (not to be confused with radiating) is the application of a thin layer of sputtering from another precious metal to a product. The substance used for this manipulation is rhodium. This is a noble precious metal of the platinum group, inert and hard. Another advantage is its high reflectivity, thanks to which it shines brightly.

This substance was discovered relatively recently - in 1803. Its content in nature is extremely low. No more than 30 tons of rhodium are mined annually around the world. The metal has a high cost, but at the same time the demand for it is growing every year, as new ways of using it appear.

Types of rhodium plating

Rhodium plating is used to achieve several purposes: the formation of a hard wear-resistant layer, the elimination of blackness in silver jewelry that occurs during the oxidation of silver, giving the product shine, and decorating inserts made of precious stones.

Standard

With standard rhodium plating, jewelry acquires a silver color with a cool, bright shine. Due to its hardness, rhodium perfectly protects soft precious metals from minor damage and scratches, preventing wear. The product remains attractive for a long time and looks new.

Black

Black rhodium plating, while maintaining its protective benefits, can give the decoration the noble blackness of an expensive antique item. The coating can range from pale gray to jet black. Such items inlaid with black pearls or black stones look amazing.

The effect is achieved by changing the chemical composition used in the rhodium plating of gold, as a result of which a layer of black rhodium oxide is formed on the surface of the product.

White gold

When rhodium plating items made of white gold and silver, a layer of rhodium is usually applied to the entire surface of the item. This is due to the color of the base alloy - when the rhodium is erased, the damage will not be too noticeable, since the item itself is similar in color to the shade of the coating.

Red and yellow gold

Despite the same process technology, objects made of non-ferrous gold alloys are not sprayed over the entire surface, since over time the non-ferrous metal will begin to bleed through the rhodium, creating a sloppy effect and disrupting the aesthetics of the item. In products made from such alloys, the beds of precious stones are coated with rhodium. Due to the high reflectivity of this substance, the stones shine especially brightly.

Properties of rhodium-plated gold

Regardless of the color and grade, gold plated with rhodium acquires a silver-steel color and a bright shine. Due to the hardness of the protective layer, you can wear such things for much longer. At the same time, inertness to some oxidizing agents increases.

People who are allergic to gold can easily wear such jewelry.

What color is rhodium?

Pure metal is silvery white. Rhodium in typical compounds has a predominantly deep red color. Rhodium triamine trichloride is bright yellow, while rhodium oxide has all shades of gray up to completely black.

Cost of the procedure

Much depends on the method the jeweler uses for manipulation. Rhodium plating is offered in almost all jewelry workshops, and the indicated prices and the formation of the cost itself vary greatly: in some shops the weight of the product is taken as a basis, in others - the coverage area.

On average, a ring or chain can be plated with rhodium for about 300 rubles. However, prices for updating or restoring such coverage are usually 3-4 times higher than the initial procedure.

Pros and cons of rhodium plating

The obvious advantage is strengthening the surface layer of the metal, increasing service life due to increased resistance to scratches and damage. Many people find such jewelry more beautiful and sophisticated than jewelry made from conventional metals.

Another negative side is that such coverage does not last forever. It wears off and may be damaged or scratched. If the procedure is performed poorly, the rhodium layer peels off from the surface of the product. And even a perfectly performed rhodium plating will require periodic repeat procedures, for which you will have to pay each time.

How long does the coating last?

Depending on the product and the intensity of its use, the service life of such a coating will vary:

• earrings and brooches – from 5 to 10 years;
• rings – 1-3 years;
• chains and pendants – up to a year.

How to care for rhodium-plated gold

Such jewelry does not require exceptional care. In order for the coating to last for a long time, it is enough to remove the jewelry before visiting the shower or swimming pool, or performing household work related to water.

Contact a specialist in a timely manner to renew the coating so that your jewelry looks elegant and fresh.

Also watch the video on the topic below:

Rhodium plating of silver and gold jewelry

Rhodium plating is increasingly being applied to the surface of silver, platinum, white gold and other valuable white alloys today. Its purpose is to enhance the color of white metals, add a bright shine, and increase the wear resistance, hardness and anti-corrosion properties of base metals. Advances in jewelry technology make it possible to create rhodium plating in different colors.

Rhodium – platinum metal

Rhodium occurs naturally in negligible quantities and belongs to the platinum group, a subgroup of the light platinum metals. It has a silver-gray color with a bluish tint.

The metal is refractory (1960 °C), brittle and brittle, with low ductility and poor malleability, but high hardness. The Brinell hardness of rhodium metal is 101 kgf/mm2, which is significantly higher than the hardness of other precious metals. The density of rhodium is 12.41 g/cm3, slightly higher than the density of silver.

Under normal conditions, the metal is inert and does not interact with acids, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine, fluorine, water, or alkalis. When heated, it becomes covered with a black oxide film, which disappears at 1000 - 1200 ºС. Chemically resistant. Powdered rhodium dissolves slowly in concentrated sulfuric acid. Rhodium easily forms alloys with metals, especially copper, platinum, and palladium.

The ability of the surface of metallic rhodium to reflect electromagnetic rays of the visible part of the spectrum is high (reflection coefficient 76 - 81%).

This property, together with chemical inertness and fairly high heat resistance, led to the use of rhodium for the production of rhodium mirrors in technology.

Rhodium is widely used to produce contact connectors, thermocouples, sensors, catalysts, as well as for platinum-rhodium alloys in jewelry and to form coatings on jewelry. Rhodium is not used on its own for jewelry.

What is rhodium plating?

Rhodium plating is a special treatment of a silver product and subsequent coating with a thin layer of rhodium.

The rhodium coating is formed by galvanic deposition. The standard thickness of rhodium plating on jewelry is from 0.1 to 0.25 microns. Rhodium plating of jewelry and costume jewelry is carried out in galvanic baths in electrolyte solutions. To create rhodium-plated jewelry on dotted surfaces, galvanic pencil devices with special fiber electrodes are used.

The gloss, reflectivity, color characteristics, uniformity, density and wear resistance of the rhodium plating depend on the composition of the rhodium plating electrolyte used, as well as the quality of the surface preparation and thickness.

Why is rhodium plating done on jewelry?

Rhodium-plated gold and silver products today occupy a stable position in the jewelry market, although the question of the appropriateness of such a combination is sometimes raised. This question does not have a clear answer: rhodium plating of precious metals has positive and negative sides.

One of the main advantages of rhodium plating is that the protective and decorative effect of rhodium plating significantly increases the service life of jewelry. White gold acquires a beautiful, bright shine without yellowing, which can be preserved for a long time.

Rhodium-plated silver remains smooth for a long time, without scratches or signs of tarnishing or darkening. Diamonds, cubic zirconia and other precious or semi-precious stones combine beautifully with the cool white shine of rhodium in rhodium-plated brooches, earrings, pendants and rings.

You can also buy rhodium-plated chains in jewelry stores and workshops.

In addition, hypoallergenic rhodium plating gives people with allergies an almost unlimited choice of jewelry.

If we talk about the disadvantages, then when the products are worn, the thickness of the coating layer slowly decreases and the product may need to be rhodium-plated again in a jewelry workshop. In the case of jewelry repair, the rhodium plating is removed and then restored.

Thus, rhodium plating preserves the neat and decorative appearance of silver and gold products for a long time. That is why the rhodium plating technique is now quite common in jewelry production. However, despite its durability and durability, rhodium-plated jewelry must be cared for and handled with care.

Source: https://cerkovserebro.ru/blog/rodievoe-pokrytie/

Why and how does the rhodium plating process occur?

Silver jewelry has been valued for centuries. The noble metal has always been in demand and loved by both women and men. In order to preserve the flawless appearance of the product for many years, silver rhodium plating was invented.

Rhodium is a strong, noble metal of the platinum group, but at the same time it is brittle, so it is not used in its pure form. Externally, rhodium is similar to silver, light in color with a reflection. Jewelers often use it when working with silver items.

How is rhodium used for silver products?

What rhodium plating is is not known to everyone, despite the fact that this procedure has become popular. Silver is a precious metal that is not used in its pure form, as the product is soft. To make it harder, metal alloys are added. Nowadays, in jewelry stores you can increasingly find shiny rhodium-plated silver.

Silver ring plated with rhodium

Rhodium has anti-corrosion properties, does not oxidize, and does not react to external factors. Rhodium plating gives the product a bright shine. And it becomes something like white gold. Decoration with such a coating looks rich and bright.

Rhodium plating protects the product from the following troubles:

• damage and scratches;
• temperature changes;
• high humidity;
• pollution;
• plaque;
• deformations;
• darkening.

Rhodium plating is applied in a thin layer, almost invisible. Rhodium is harmless to humans and does not cause allergies. Rhodium-plated silverware is safe for people. 925 silver items are plated with rhodium.

The disadvantages of rhodium-plated products include:

• Cannot be soldered. If damaged, the entire product will have to be re-coated.
• The natural properties of the metal are hidden.
• The rhodium plating procedure is quite complex and labor-intensive.
• High price.

The rhodium layer wears off after a few years, then you need to cover the product with it again.

Rhodium plating process

Rhodium plating occurs through the galvanizing process.

After the product is degreased and washed, you can begin.

To do this you need:

• Prepare a container and fill it with liquid.
• Add rhodium sulfate solution.
• Pass electric current. The thickness of the layer can be changed by the current and depending on the process time.

The rhodium layer is applied evenly. If rhodium plating is done on new jewelry, where there are no scratches or damage yet, the rhodium will lie smoother, in a thin layer. The process takes a few minutes.

It is better not to carry out rhodium plating at home, as the product can be damaged. Contact jewelers, because they have special equipment and experience.

The price of rhodium-plated products is high, since rhodium is a rare metal, but it is quite affordable. If you want to sell your rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry, an appraiser will have to disturb the layer to determine the value.

Silver jewelry plated with rhodium

Rhodium-plated silver jewelry has a special shine and charm. You can choose earrings of any shape, they will look impressive. With rhodium plating, the earrings will last you a long time without wearing off. Great for wedding decorations.

Rhodium-plated silver bracelets look bright and rich. Rhodium protects relief products from dirt, dust, and darkening. A rhodium-plated silver bracelet will shine and delight its owner for many years. However, it does not need to be cleaned.

Silver bracelet with rhodium plated

For silver rings, rhodium plating is very important. The products look well-groomed and fresh. In addition, they become durable and do not deform during a handshake or physical work. Rhodium can be combined with many stones, its shine will only highlight their radiance. He will become a worthy partner for the stones.

Rhodium-plated chains retain their positive characteristics for many years. They do not fade in the sun, do not get dirty, and are resistant to damage. You can buy jewelry made of silver in any knit, they look great solo. The chains are elegant and can even be passed off as white gold.

Caring for rhodium-plated silver is easy. You just need to wipe it with a soft cloth and shampoo. Do not use chemicals or rough cloths for cleaning.

Remember the rules for saving and wearing such products:

• remove jewelry at night, while playing sports, going to the bathhouse or sauna, in the bath, or swimming pool;
• protect from contact with household chemicals;
• store in a separate box so that they do not touch gold items or jewelry.

Silver jewelry coated with rhodium will preserve its presentable appearance for a long time, without scratches, damage, or darkening. Thanks to the shine and decorative and protective properties of rhodium, silver jewelry looks expensive and prestigious.

We recommend other articles

Source: https://DedPodaril.com/serebro/info/rodirovanie-serebra.html

How to clean rhodium-plated silver?

Rhodium-plated jewelry has an attractive appearance, which, however, can be easily ruined if you do not know how to clean rhodium-plated silver. Our article is devoted to the intricacies of caring for such products at home.

Advantages and disadvantages of silver with rhodium

When we talk about rhodium-plated jewelry, many people associate it with radium, whose proximity to humans is deadly. However, these materials have nothing in common. Rhodium plated silver items are coated with rhodium, a noble metal belonging to the platinum group.  

It is absolutely safe and surprisingly resembles white gold, which is what attracts modern fashionistas. By the way, almost all white jewelry gold is plated with rhodium in order to increase its strength and wear resistance.

Advantages of rhodium plated silver:

• ordinary silver jewelry is subject to oxidation, as a result of which it loses its attractiveness. Rhodium coating allows products to always look “brilliant”, and it is much easier to clean silver with such coating;

• such silver is not afraid of mechanical damage: the rhodium-plated layer reliably protects the product from scratches and chips;

• such jewelry practically does not get dirty, since their protective coating repels dirt, and you do not have to rack your brains about how to clean silver coated with rhodium;

• rhodium gives the product additional rigidity, so it is much harder to break or bend;

• silver jewelry coated with rhodium resembles platinum and looks much more attractive than jewelry without this layer.

Disadvantages of rhodium plated silver:

• It is much easier to apply gold plating to jewelry than a rhodium-plated layer, which is why such products are more expensive;

• If the rhodium-plated silver jewelry does crack and break into pieces, it will be difficult to restore it: rhodium does not tolerate soldering, and therefore the coating will have to be removed and then a new one applied, which will greatly increase the cost of restoration work. Keep in mind: rhodium plating wears off over time in any case, so jewelers recommend renewing it as it wears out;

• Rhodium-plated silver bears little resemblance to ordinary silver, so not all lovers of silver bracelets, earrings, rings and brooches will like it.

Care Tips

Despite rhodium’s resistance to corrosion, mechanical damage and acids, wearing silver jewelry with such a protective layer has some features:

• they do not tolerate the effects of the secretion of the sweat and sebaceous glands well: this has a destructive effect on rhodium. Therefore, do not wear such jewelry when going to the gym, fitness center, bathhouse or sauna, and be sure to take it off at night;

• They also don’t like the presence of alcohol on your skin, and therefore, when applying alcohol-containing lotions, perfumes and tonics, first wait until they are absorbed, and only then decorate yourself with rhodium-plated jewelry;

• Cleaning agents and detergents can also damage the protective layer of jewelry, so we do not recommend washing dishes in them. You can clean the house without harmful chemicals, but it’s still better to leave the jewelry in the box;

• To clean rhodium-plated silver, you should not use products that contain ammonia (ammonia), or use mechanical force using toothbrushes, tooth powder and other abrasive products that are often used to clean ordinary silver. This will cause tarnishing and destruction of the top protective layer;

• Cleaning rhodium-plated silver is quite simple: just rinse it in regular warm water, then wipe it dry with a piece of soft cloth and polish it with a special cloth designed for cleaning jewelry;

• Precious and semi-precious stones decorating rhodium-plated silver items should be washed with soapy water using a cotton swab, and then wiped with a soft cloth. This way you will not harm either the stones or their setting.

We hope we were able to help you. And remember: on our website you will find many more useful tips that can ease your household chores.

Source: http://megapoisk.com/kak-pochistit-serebro-rodievoe-pokrytie

What is rhodium plating in jewelry and its features?

One of the technologies widely used in the manufacture of silver and gold jewelry is rhodium plating. What it is? Why do jewelers hide traditional metals? Let's look at these and other points in the article.

Rhodium is a rare and noble metal. It is used in the automotive and metallurgical industries, as well as in jewelry to improve the performance properties of finished products. The price of the metal is comparable to gold.

Why is rhodium applied to gold and silver items?

Jewelry has a significant drawback that craftsmen have been struggling with for many centuries. Accessories made from these noble metals are easily susceptible to physical, chemical and mechanical stress. For example, one of the qualities of gold is its high softness, which can lead to scratches and abrasions during use.

Silver is also not without this drawback. In addition, this metal quickly reacts with various substances, including fats and water. Within a few years after purchase, items made from silver alloys darken and are difficult to clean.

Rhodium, on the contrary, is highly resistant to chemical and physical influences. This metal has a higher coating temperature than gold and silver, practically does not change when in contact with chemicals, and perfectly reflects electromagnetic rays. Among the disadvantages that prevent the production of jewelry exclusively from rhodium, one can note the low resistance to impacts.

If you use the application of rhodium on the surface using the rhodium plating method, the metals seem to complement each other. Rhodium protects gold and silver jewelry from abrasions and blackening, and they, in turn, increase its resistance to rough physical impact. As a result, rings, earrings, bracelets and other accessories serve their owners for years and do not lose their original appearance.

Where is rhodium plating used?

Jewelers most often treat white gold items with rhodium. The reason is simple: white gold does not exist in nature in its pure form. This material is obtained by alloying ordinary gold with another metal, for example, silver. Alloys are most susceptible to chemical attack, so they do not last long without protection.

In addition to gold jewelry, silver items are also treated with rhodium. This is necessary to protect the surface from blackening, scratches and abrasions. Currently, rhodium plating of silver is so popular among jewelers that about 90% of all products are made using this technology.

Another metal that is coated with a layer of rhodium in jewelry is platinum. Despite the high quality, platinum products have an aesthetic drawback: in its pure form it is dull and attracts little buyers. Applying rhodium plating to the surface allows you to give platinum jewelry and accessories the familiar white and shiny color.

Does rhodium plating have any disadvantages?

Like any modern technology, rhodium plating has a significant drawback. With daily use, a thin layer of rhodium wears off after 2-3 years and the product requires re-processing. Depending on the qualifications of the jeweler, such a service can cost 500-1000 rubles.  

Therefore, when buying rings, earrings, bracelets and other rhodium-plated items, consider the cost of restoration work. However, if you don't plan to wear the jewelry every day, it can last for several decades while maintaining its original appearance.  

Source: https://www.lux-fair.ru/chto-takoe-rodievoe-pokrytie-v-yuvelirnom-dele-i-ego-osobennosti/

Silver: properties, grades, coatings and features of the precious metal

In a previous article, TD Serebro talked about why some metals are considered precious. It turned out that there is a simple explanation for this: they have unique chemical, physical and aesthetic properties.

Each metal is unique in its own way, but our company treats noble silver with special respect. It became the basis of the trading house’s assortment, is one of the main metals in jewelry and is very widely in demand in light and heavy industry. There are amazing facts and several myths associated with silver - we will confirm some, dispel others, and all of this will be interesting.

Disclaimer: We do not try to tell everything, but want to give you a general understanding of those things that will be useful when choosing jewelry. We are a jewelry company. If you want to understand these issues in depth, you might want to consider special education.

Physics

Silver is a white precious metal. Its density is 10.5 g/cm³, temperature 960.5°C, boiling point 2210°C, Brinell hardness in the annealed state (after annealing) 25 kgf/mm². These numbers mean little to a non-specialist, but they are very important for those involved in processing the material. Depending on these indicators, different forces and methods are applied to the metal to give the finished products the desired properties.

Annealing is a high-temperature treatment to give the metal a more stable state, eliminate inhomogeneities, and relieve stress due to deformation. Silver alloys are annealed at a temperature of 600–650°C for up to ten minutes, depending on the mass, and with rapid cooling. Almost all silver jewelry is annealed.

Silver polishes well, is highly reflective, has good malleability and the highest thermal and electrical conductivity of all metals.

Chemistry

Silver is stable in water, practically does not react with oxygen in the air at room temperature, but due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the air, over time it becomes covered with a thin dark coating of silver sulfide. Silver also reacts with ozone, forming a coating of silver oxide. This is the very darkening that is considered the main drawback of this metal.

Copper, which is the most common alloy for silver alloys, also forms a coating of copper sulfide. The higher the copper content in the alloy, the faster the product will darken, and the lower, the less susceptible the alloy is to tarnishing, so alloys from 875 to 960 are considered the most stable.

Ligature is an alloy of two or more components that is added to a precious metal to bring the jewelry alloy to a certain standard, change the color of the alloy, and also impart various useful properties. The process of adding a ligature is called doping.

Silver dissolves in nitric and hot concentrated sulfuric acid. Like gold, it reacts with alkaline solutions of cyanide. You will probably never encounter these things. And if you do, be very careful.

Silver alloys

Pure silver is a heavy (lighter than lead, but heavier than copper and harder than gold), unusually ductile silvery-white metal with a light reflectance of about 100%, therefore, in its pure form, silver is usually used only to cover jewelry made from silver alloys, base metals, etc. component of gold and silver alloys and solders.

In the manufacture of jewelry, in order to increase the hardness and strength of the material, silver is processed in alloys with other metals. Most often these are two-component alloys of silver and copper in varying percentages and with a small amount of impurities.

Silver alloys vary slightly in shade and have approximately the same mechanical properties. Tableware items and decorative table decorations are made from alloys with low silver content. High quality alloys are used to produce jewelry. They are quite flexible and go well with colored stones, pearls and enamel.

Silver samples

The Russian Federation has adopted the metric system of samples. Metric fineness is the number of milligrams of the base noble metal that one gram of the alloy contains.

For example, in a 925 silver alloy, there are 925 milligrams of silver per gram. For simplicity, we can assume that at 925 purity the alloy contains 92.5% silver.

• 800. An alloy with a high copper content, which is why it has a yellowish tint. Suitable for cutlery.
• 830. Properties are identical to the 800th sample. Used for decorative decorations.
• 875. It is used in the industrial production of jewelry and household products - for example, pens.  
• 916. Used for the production of tableware items coated with enamel.
• 925. In color and anti-corrosion properties it does not differ from pure silver. This alloy is widely used for making jewelry.
• 960. Used for making filigree products.
• 999. Suitable for storing metal in ingots and silvering, that is, covering jewelry with a thin layer of silver to protect and improve decorative properties.

In jewelry production, 875 and 925 are the most common. Modern Russian GOST 30649-99 describes five grades of silver-based alloys. In all, the alloy is copper.

Coatings of silver products

Currently, the most technologically advanced types and methods of coating silver products are:

1. “White” boiling is boiling in sulfuric or hydrochloric acid to reduce the content of copper reacting with hydrogen sulfide in the thin surface layer of the product. The surface acquires a matte tint.
2. Electroplating — applying a thin layer of precious metal using the electroplating method. Currently, electroplating is the most popular way to protect and decorate silver jewelry. Depending on the metal that performs the function of the protective layer, the following types of coatings are used:
   • Silvering is a coating with a thin layer of pure silver, which reacts weaker than alloys with hydrogen sulfide in the air.
   • Rhodium plating is coating with a layer of white and, less commonly, black or yellow rhodium. Rhodium is a precious platinum group metal. It is wear-resistant, does not darken, and has a beautiful mirror-like light-steel shine, which is why in the last 10–15 years it has become one of the most popular coatings on the jewelry market. If repaired by soldering, the rhodium plating turns black and cracks. In this case, the old coating must be removed and a new one applied.
   • Gilding is gold plating. It is actively used for complete or partial decoration of silver products.
3. Passivation (passivation) — transfer of the top layer of the alloy into a passive state, which sharply slows down corrosion processes. Performs a purely protective function.
   • Oxidation is a type of passivation, the creation on the surface of a metal of a dense film of oxides that protects it from corrosion. It is both a decorative and protective coating method.
4. Electrophoresis deposition - coating with organic polyurethane foam or acrylic by immersion in an aqueous solution of epoxy or acrylic resin under the influence of tension. Performs only a protective function.

Application

Jewelry, watches, tableware, interior decorations, writing instruments, and decorative elements of weapons are made from silver.

Silver can be combined with gold, enamel, niello, precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, corals, and ivory. The metal is widely in demand in the chemical industry, in the production of mirrors, and also as a protective and decorative coating.

High thermal and electrical conductivity make silver useful in the production of electronics and electrical equipment.

Myths about silver

1. Fake silver turns black, but real (old, high-quality) silver does not turn black

A fake can also turn black for a variety of reasons, but if you carefully read our article, you realized that the formation of a thin layer of silver oxide or sulfide is normal for this metal; this is its chemical feature. And in old jewelry, not copper, but palladium and platinum were used as ligatures. This alloy did not really darken, but it was much more expensive. It's chemistry, nothing personal.

This is true, silver has bacteriostatic properties, slowing down the development of bacteria, and a bactericidal effect, killing bacteria with the help of silver ions. But this manifests itself only in concentration, which can be harmful for you and me, because silver is a heavy metal, it is deposited in the body and can cause poisoning. It is safe to wear, but we do not recommend eating it.

You can also remove spoons, rings and pendants from the water: in this case, so few silver ions are released that they are not able to disinfect anything. This also means you don't have to worry about silverware and cutlery. If you use a special ionizer, there will be an effect, but with it it is easy to exceed the permissible concentration and again get poisoned.

If you are reading in English, here is a WHO report on the use of silver for disinfection, which generally repeats the above conclusions and speaks of the lack of information for far-reaching conclusions in most studies on this topic.

1. Silver drives away evil spirits

We invite you to check this myth yourself. Find a vampire and stab him with a silver sword, but take precautions: if the sword is rhodium-plated, the effect may be disappointing.

Source: https://uvelir.info/articles/serebro-svojstva-probyi-pokryitiya-i-osobennosti-dragotsennogo-metalla/

How to care for rhodium-plated jewelry

Unfortunately, white gold jewelry in reality is not as luminous and white as we would like, and polished silver oxidizes and turns black over time. The familiar dazzling shine and shine is the merit of rhodium plating.

Rhodium is the most precious and lustrous metal of the platinum group. At the same time, it is whiter and harder than platinum and several times more expensive than gold. In jewelry production, rhodium is used to impart special shine and durability to jewelry.

The rhodium plating, several microns thick, is applied by electroplating .

This procedure slightly increases the cost of the product, but the amount spent is returned a hundredfold: your favorite jewelry does not scratch or wear out for several years, maintaining a luxurious appearance.

Rhodium plated: not only white

In reality, rhodium has a bluish-white hue similar to aluminum. But with certain additives the color can be simulated. The most popular and almost classic rhodium plating is white, although there is also purple and even black.

Rhodium and gold jewelry

There is an opinion that the bright white shine is inherent in white gold. In reality, jewelry that is not rhodium plated appears more gray than white. And when using a cheaper ligature, it may even have a yellowish or pinkish tint.

The shine of rhodium-plated white gold perfectly highlights the color of the stones

To give whiteness and dazzling shine, the products are coated with rhodium. But over time, like any other coating, like gilding, it tends to wear off. With prolonged wear, which is especially true for rings, the rhodium layer becomes thinner and a true shade of white gold appears through it. In addition, scratches on a smooth, shiny surface are more noticeable than on classic yellow gold.

At the same time, rhodium-plated jewelry always has an ace up its sleeve - the ability to re-plate it. This procedure is inexpensive, takes about an hour, and is performed by almost all jewelry workshops.

How often it will be needed depends on the area where the jewelry interacts with the body, the frequency of wear and the texture of the product. On average, this period is several years, but it is impossible to say more precisely - it all depends on you.

At the same time, rhodium-plated earrings are, in principle, very difficult to wear due to the small contact with the body.

“Eternal” rhodium plated silver

Lovers of silver jewelry probably know how sensitive this metal is to external factors. Detergents, cosmetics, certain medications, dust and sweat - this is an incomplete list of what silver is not friendly with - it oxidizes and darkens.

And if in some jewelry blackening is appropriate and applied artificially, you often want to preserve the whiteness and shine of the metal. Rhodium is the best helper here. The coating is applied in the same way as on gold products.

At the same time, silver jewelry sparkles no worse, and the whiteness and shine remain with you for decades.

Rhodium plated silver looks bright and luxurious

Unlike silver, rhodium does not oxidize in air or water, and does not react with acids, fluorine, sulfur or chlorine. The thin rhodium plating provides your silver with a mirror-like shine and protection from oxidation for many years.

How to preserve rhodium plating on your favorite jewelry

Despite its natural hardness, rhodium plating requires special care. To keep its shine with you longer, follow a few rules.

1. Do not clean jewelry with abrasive products (such as toothpaste and tooth powder) or ammonia-containing products.

2. Wear jewelry after alcohol-containing cosmetics and perfume have been absorbed into the skin.

3. Avoid contact of rhodium-plated products with household chemicals.

4. Remove jewelry before going to bed, going to the sauna or gym.

5. To clean a rhodium-plated item, rinse it in warm water, wipe dry and polish with a jewelry cloth.

6. Once every few years, it is worth having your jewelry polished, re-plated with rhodium, and check the firmness of the stones.

As you can see, everything is quite simple. At a low cost, rhodium plating is an extremely useful procedure that will definitely please your jewelry, and your image will shine with renewed vigor.

Source: https://Zlato.ua/news/care-tips/rhodium-in-jewelry-care-coverage/