Jewelry Gemstone Insiders Guide

Rhodium plating on Rings Question: Does rhodium plating a 14K gold ring with diamonds decrease the value of the ring?

The reason I ask is that I was considering having my wedding set which is set in 14K gold set in platinum.

A local jeweler suggested that I have it rhodium plated instead to avoid possible breakage of the diamonds in the ring.

What is your opinion of this process?

Answer: Hi - and welcome to my section on jewelry repair, restoration and Manufacture. This is Chris...

I think your jeweler is telling you porky-pies (lies).

Diamonds are the hardest substance known to man so suggesting they may get damaged is just wrong.

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Now I can't see the diamonds and maybe your jeweler is an expert on diamonds and can see a cleavage mark which COULD split the gemstone. This is very unlikely though in stones under half a carat or so.

Having your existing ring plated in Rhodium does no damage but is going to wear in time. Having your diamonds set in Platinum generally means they will be plated anyway, just to get that very bright Chrome shine effect.

I don't know why your jeweler doesn't want the work? Maybe he doesn't want your money as having your ring re-modeled is not cheap.

I suggest you try another jeweler - and like most things in life - try two or three and get quotes. It could save you heaps.

Also ask them to show you samples of the finished item so you can judge the finish. If you don't want the shiney plating - don't have it. Worse come to worse, you can always get it plated at a later time.

>I asked Dave what his point of view was regarding value, and he said if a yellow gold ring came to him for appraisal and some of the plating was wearing off, he would downgrade the value.

Cheers

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Tags: 14k gold ring, bright chrome, jewelry repair, shiney, wedding set