All about rhodium plating silver
Silver is one of the most popular types of precious metals. It is actively used for the manufacture of jewelry, medical instruments and even technical elements. Pure silver is not capable of retaining shine and color for a long time. And since this metal is considered soft, it is prone to deformation.
Comes to the rescue processing method called rhodium plating. It is in great demand and has a number of advantages. There are some differences between ordinary silver and rhodium-plated. To the question of whether it is possible to carry out the procedure at home, you can get an answer below.
What it is?
Rhodium plating of silver used by many manufacturers. This processing method designed to preserve the beauty of precious metal products... Over time, silver becomes almost black, as it undergoes a rather active oxidation process, which begins after a certain time. Processing will make a metal product more resistant to environmental influences, which means that its presentable appearance will last much longer.
It should be noted that rhodium belongs to the platinum group and is also considered a noble metal. In appearance, it resembles silver with a cold tint. Its properties allow it to resist corrosion, so the metal does not darken, and scratches do not appear on the surface.
Due to its fragility, rhodium is not used as a raw material for jewelry, since it does not have sufficient strength. But as a coating it is suitable for many precious metals.
Why do you need it?
To improve the performance characteristics of silver, copper and other impurities are added to it. As a result, the anti-corrosion properties are reduced. This suggests that copper is able to reduce the function of resisting alloys to the external environment, so the metal begins to darken over time. The blackness on silver jewelry looks pretty unattractive, so you have to go to the jeweler to have it cleaned.
But in order not to waste time and money on this, you can rhodium silver, due to which the metal will become harder, will be reflective and chemically resistant, and metal needs these qualities most of all. It is in order to extend the service life of the product that it is necessary to make the processing of silver by a representative of the platinum group. The result will be noticeable immediately, besides, the obtained properties are preserved for a long time.
How is it different from the usual?
The difference between rhodium plated and regular silver can be seen even with the naked eye. If you look at the decorations, then processed products look shiny, while simple ones look rather dull. Of course, it all depends on the taste and preference of each person. There are people who prefer the characteristic shade of metal to shine.
But rhodium plating affects not only the appearance. If you process a silver piece with this method, it will be more resistant to corrosion, and also its wear resistance will increase. In addition, the metal itself becomes hypoallergenic. The service life of the products is significantly increased, which is another important advantage.
How to do it at home?
Jewelry workshops offer rhodium plating services for silver items. And although the process is quite simple and does not take much time, everything must be done carefully in order for the result to be positive. The essence of the work is to apply a thin protective layer by electroplating... Electric charges of rhodium are evenly distributed on the surface of the silver jewelry.
If you decide to do this yourself, follow the step-by-step instructions.
- The product must be degreased, removed from dirt and rinsed well.
- Liquid is poured into the container, then rhodium sulfate solution is added.
- After that, an electric current is passed with the force required for a certain layer thickness. However, there is one condition: the procedure requires galvanic apparatus.
Rhodium is not poisonous, so it is used even when applied to tableware. And you can also ask for help from the master, who will carry out the processing in a few minutes.
Where is it applied?
Rhodium plating silver is used not only for processing jewelry, tableware and similar products. The inertness and hardness of the metal attracts other specialists as well. For instrument mirrors this method is also used. In addition, experts use it during the production of reflective elements for floodlights, liquid crystal devices and even detectors for nuclear installations. Thus, it can be safely noted that this process is in demand. in the industry by professionals of different directions.
How to care?
Rhodium plating also needs maintenance, so it's helpful to know a few rules.
Do not clean any treated silver jewelry with abrasive substances.as they can damage the surface. When in contact with household chemicals, it is better to take off your products (rings, rings, bracelets, and so on).
To clean the product, you must rinse it with warm water, wipe it off, and then polish it using a jewelry napkin.
It is recommended to show rhodium plated silver items to a specialist from time to time: re-coating may be required.
Articles made of precious metals attract with their diversity and uniqueness.In addition, no woman will deny herself the pleasure of putting a silver ring on her finger or complementing the image with a delicate bracelet. When choosing products from this metal, it is necessary to pay attention to the characteristics and strength indicators. But if the silver is rhodium plated, you don't have to worry about it.
The following video covers the process of rhodium plating of jewelry.
