If you own a white gold ring and have noticed it starting to look slightly yellow or dull over time, you are not imagining it — and there is nothing wrong with your jewellery. This is completely normal, and it is easily fixed with a process called rhodium plating. Here is everything you need to know.

What is White Gold?

White gold is not a naturally occurring metal. It is created by alloying yellow gold with white metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver. The resulting alloy has a slightly warm, yellowish undertone. To achieve that bright, mirror-like white finish, white gold is plated with rhodium — a rare, platinum-group metal with a brilliant white colour and exceptional hardness.

Why Does White Gold Turn Yellow?

Rhodium plating is a thin coating, typically 0.75 to 1.5 microns thick. Over time, everyday wear — contact with skin, lotions, perfumes, cleaning products, and general abrasion — gradually wears this layer away. As the rhodium fades, the underlying gold alloy becomes visible, giving the ring a warmer, more yellow appearance.

This is not a sign of poor quality. It happens to all white gold jewellery. The good news is that replating is quick, affordable, and transforms the ring back to its original finish.

How Often Does White Gold Need Replating?

  • Rings (especially engagement and wedding bands): typically every 12 to 24 months
  • Pendants and earrings: every 2 to 3 years, as they experience less friction
  • Rings worn during exercise, swimming, or manual work: more frequently

The Rhodium Plating Process

Our onsite jewellery repairs workshop in Durbanville handles rhodium plating in-house. The process involves thorough cleaning and polishing, surface preparation to ensure the rhodium bonds correctly, electroplating with a fresh rhodium coat, and a final inspection and polish. For most pieces, this can be done while you wait.

What About Yellow or Rose Gold?

Yellow gold doesn’t need rhodium plating, but it can benefit from gilding — a gold plating treatment that restores a rich, vibrant finish to dull pieces. Rose gold pieces can similarly be restored. Our jewellery repairs team handles all of the above at our Durbanville workshop.

CONTACT US to arrange an appointment and we’ll have your ring sparkling again in no time.

Coming Soon — Shop Online: Gold and Diamond Traders is launching an online shop very soon, where you will be able to book workshop services and browse our jewellery range from home. Watch this space!