Does rhodium jewellery tarnish?

Does rhodium jewellery tarnish?

Rhodium is a metal that is highly resistant to tarnishing, so rhodium-plated jewellery will typically not tarnish or discolour as easily as un-plated silver jewellery. The rhodium plating forms a barrier over the surface of the jewellery that protects the base metal from tarnishing caused by exposure to air and other environmental factors. However, it's worth noting that rhodium plating is not permanent and will eventually wear off. The frequency of re-plating will depend on the usage and care of the jewellery. When the plating begins to wear off, the base metal will be exposed and may begin to tarnish.

Causes of rhodium plated jewellery tarnishing

To maintain the appearance of rhodium-plated jewellery, regular cleaning and proper storage are important to minimise wear and tear. To keep your rhodium plated jewellery tarnish free, it's best to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, cosmetics, and excessive moisture. Other reasons why rhodium plated jewellery can tarnish are:

• Scratches or abrasions on the surface of the rhodium plating can expose the base metal and cause it to tarnish.
• Exposure to harsh chemicals, cosmetics, and excessive moisture can cause the plating to deteriorate, exposing the base metal to air and environmental factors.
• Improper cleaning or storage of rhodium-plated jewellery can cause the plating to wear off more quickly.

It's important to keep in mind that re-plating is needed over time to maintain the appearance of rhodium-plated jewellery.