What is rhodium in jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 24 August 2026
Definition
Rhodium is a rare precious metal belonging to the platinum group, valued for its brilliant white colour, high reflectivity and hardness. In jewellery it is usually applied as a very thin plating layer rather than used as the main structural metal. Many white gold pieces are rhodium plated to give the naturally warmer alloy a crisp white surface. The coating can wear with use and can be renewed by a jeweller.
Frequently asked questions
- Does rhodium plating wear off?
- Yes, rhodium plating wears away gradually through friction and contact with skin, soap and chemicals. How quickly it becomes noticeable depends on the piece, plating thickness and wear. Replate when the warmer white gold underneath is visible and you want the brighter finish restored.
- Is rhodium more expensive than gold?
- Rhodium is one of the most expensive metals on earth by weight, frequently trading far above gold. However, because it is applied in such a thin plating layer, the cost of rhodium plating a single piece of jewellery is modest, usually a small service charge.
- Is rhodium safe to wear?
- Yes, rhodium is biocompatible and hypoallergenic, which is partly why it is used to plate white gold, since the alloy metals in white gold can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. The rhodium layer sits between the skin and the alloy.
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