
925 silver tarnishes naturally. A precious metal plating layer both protects the base and changes the visual color.
| Plating | Material | Look | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodium (white) | Rhodium | Bright silver-white | High (1–2 years) | Higher |
| Gold | 18K gold | Warm gold | Medium (6–12 mo) | Medium |
| Rose gold | Copper-gold alloy | Pink-orange | Medium (6–12 mo) | Medium |
EU/US export standard: plating thickness ≥0.5 microns. Rhodium plating recommended at 1+ micron. Below 0.3 microns, the base shows through within a month.
Q: Why does rhodium-plated jewelry cost 3x more?
A: Rhodium is more expensive than platinum. Cheap plating uses 0.1 micron rhodium; premium uses 1 micron—5x the durability.
Q: Does rose gold plating fade?
A: It gradually lightens. Re-plating (~$0.7/piece) restores the color. Avoid perfume and sweat to extend life.
Contact us for plating customization.