With its versatile looks, from edgy to classic, Sterling Silver has long been a popular precious metal for jewellery. But as many people know, it requires some tender loving care. That’s because Sterling Silver, also known as 925 Silver, is 92.5% pure Silver, with the remaining 7.5% made up of other metals, like copper. While these added metals improve strength and durability, they also make Sterling Silver prone to tarnishing over time.
To help reduce tarnishing, Sterling Silver pieces can be plated, either with Rhodium or with pure Silver. Understanding the differences between these two platings will help you decide which one best suits your style and needs.
Pavilion Bangle with Rhodium-plating.
What is Rhodium-plating?
Rhodium is a rare and lustrous silvery-white precious metal from the Platinum family. As it is a hard metal, Rhodium-plated pieces are enhanced with a protective layer that provides long lasting brilliance and durability. Rhodium doesn’t tarnish, so tarnishing only occurs if the Rhodium-plating wears off and the Sterling Silver underneath is exposed to air. In addition to plating Sterling Silver jewellery, Rhodium is also a common plating for White Gold jewellery.
What is Silver-plating?
Pure Silver is a precious metal with a bright, almost white colour. It is a soft metal so is less commonly used for making jewellery than Sterling Silver. However, pure Silver is less prone to tarnishing than Sterling Silver, so it is often used as plating on Sterling Silver pieces to slow down the tarnishing process. While it offers a longer-lasting shine compared to Sterling Silver alone, pure Silver-plating needs attention to be maintained.
Choosing between Rhodium-plated and Silver-plated Jewellery
Maintenance: Rhodium-plated jewellery requires minimal upkeep compared to Silver-plated pieces. If you prefer low-maintenance jewellery that retains its shine effortlessly, Rhodium-plating is the perfect choice. Silver-plated jewellery will tarnish over time, albeit more slowly than unplated Sterling Silver jewellery. However, with regular cleaning and proper care, your Silver-plated jewellery will continue to gleam beautifully.
Aesthetic preference: Both types of plating offer a gorgeous shiny, silver-coloured finish. Rhodium-plating provides a more reflective appearance, with a finish akin to a mirror. Silver-plating has a whiter appearance to begin with, then attains a warmer, more traditional silver colour over time. Decide which one which suits your style!
Durability: For everyday wear, Rhodium-plated jewellery is more durable and resistant to scratches and tarnish, so stays pristine for longer. Silver-plated jewellery is more easily scratched and requires more care to maintain its original look, though Silver’s changing hue is seen by many as part of its beauty.
Price: Rhodium is exceptionally rare and one of the most expensive precious metals, even surpassing Gold! Due to its rarity and value, jewellery plated with Rhodium typically comes at a higher price point. Alternatively, Silver-plating offers a more accessible option, providing an extra layer of protection for Sterling Silver jewellery which is friendlier on your purse strings.
If you are buying a piece of Sterling Silver jewellery, whether you choose Rhodium-plating or Silver-plating, you’re investing in quality, craftsmanship and hypoallergenic jewellery. Rhodium-plated pieces offer exceptional durability, perfect for those seeking long-lasting shine. Silver-plated jewellery provides a classic charm, though it requires maintenance to keep its lustre.
Explore both plating options in our Silk Bangle Fine Collection - with either plating choice, you will be cherishing a beautiful piece of jewellery for years to come.