Keep Your Ring Sparkling

Gold is an element and a precious metal and it is always yellow. What jewelers use as white gold is actually an alloy mixture of gold and white metal (usually nickel, silver or palladium). To make it sparkle, white gold pieces are typically treated with a thin layer of rhodium electroplating (rhodium is actually a member of the platinum family) to make that jewelry shine. White gold plated with rhodium also helps to keep the piece looking it’s best longer as rhodium will not tarnish or discolour, and since it is a harder substance, it is much less likely to scratch. Rhodium does not last forever though, and is something you should have redone once you see your ring looking less than spectacular. I just had my rings plated for the first time at my jeweler and they came back looking brand new! I could not believe the difference and when I asked how often I should have them done, every six months to a year was recommended. Many jewelers offer rhodium plating as a complimentary service to brides just before their wedding day to ensure their ring razzles and dazzles on the day, so ask yours about having the service done.