Does White Gold Turn Yellow? What Is Rhodium Plating?

Short answer: White gold can take on a slightly yellowish tone over time; the reason is not that the gold deteriorates but that the rhodium plating on its surface wears thinner. White gold’s bright whiteness comes from this plating; the alloy’s own colour is a slightly warm white. When the rhodium plating is renewed, the piece returns to its first-day whiteness. How often this is needed depends on wear and rubbing.

What is rhodium plating?

Rhodium plating is a very thin layer of rhodium applied to the surface of white gold jewellery. Rhodium is a very white, bright and hard metal of the platinum group. The plating gives the jewellery a mirror-like white shine, brings out the whiteness of the diamond and gives the surface some protection against small scratches. In the workshop, rhodium plating is done in a special bath after the piece has been cleaned and polished.

Why does it turn yellow?

Rhodium plating is a few microns thick. Over time it wears thinner, especially on the parts that face the palm and rub. As the plating thins, the natural, slightly warm tone of the white gold alloy underneath starts to show. People call this “yellowing”. It is not a quality problem but a natural characteristic of white gold.

How long does it take?

There is no fixed time; it depends on several factors:

• Wear: a wedding band worn every day wears much faster than earrings worn now and then.
• Rubbing: working with your hands, holding bags, rings worn side by side.
• Chemicals: chlorinated water, cleaning products, perfume and cream.
• Skin chemistry: the plating can wear faster for people whose sweat is more acidic.

Rings and wedding bands wear the most; on earrings and necklaces, rhodium plating lasts much longer.

How is rhodium plating renewed?

1. The piece is cleaned and any remains of the old plating are removed.
2. If necessary, scratches are removed and the piece is polished.
3. The new plating is applied in a rhodium bath.
4. The stones’ prongs are checked at the same time.

Renewing the rhodium plating is a normal part of caring for white gold jewellery; having it done together with a prong check is a good habit.

Does white gold tarnish?

White gold does not tarnish; it does not oxidise and turn black like silver. The only change you see is the slightly warm tone that appears as the plating thins. If you see blackening, it is usually built-up dirt or cream, and it goes with cleaning.

Is there rhodium plating on yellow and rose gold?

The colour of yellow and rose gold comes from the alloy itself; no plating is needed, so there is no “yellowing” problem. However, in yellow or rose gold solitaires the prongs holding the stone can be made from white gold, and these parts may need rhodium plating over time. For choosing a colour: white gold or yellow gold? · white gold wedding bands.

Frequently asked questions