Rhodié

Rhodium-plated metal: understand the finish before you buy

There's a common misconception to correct right away: rhodium-plated metal does not contain rhodium. It's a base metal, usually brass or a zinc alloy, coated with a rhodium-colored deposit, i.e. a finish that imitates the appearance of real rhodium without containing any.

True rhodium plating, as practised by jewellers, consists of depositing pure rhodium by electrolysis on 925 silver or white gold. This is a costly operation, reserved for precious metals. Here, we're talking about an affordable DIY jewelry finish, designed to give that shiny silver-white finish without the cost of a precious metal.

What this finish brings in concrete terms: a cool, intense color, a smooth, even surface, and better resistance to oxidation than conventional silver, which turns dull more quickly.

Rhodium, silver and white bronze: how to tell them apart

At first glance, these three finishes look alike. But they do not behave in the same way, and their appearance differs subtly.

• Classicsilver is the most common and accessible finish. Neutral tone, slightly matte depending on the reference. It can tarnish over time, especially in contact with humidity and perspiration.
• Rhodium-plated metal offers a cooler, more intense white than silver-plated. The surface is shiny, and the immediate effect is more upscale. Its resistance to oxidation is generally superior to that of conventional silver.
• White bronze is a light alloy with a silvery sheen, widely used in jewelry. Its shade is slightly brighter and more brilliant than that of rhodium-plated metal. Unlike rhodium, which is a surface finish, white bronze is an alloy in the mass.