Jewelry made of silver is becoming increasingly popular. They are beautiful, refined, elegant. But silver has one significant drawback - from contact with the skin it darkens. This problem of such jewelry is solved by rhodium-plated silver. We will talk about methods for making jewelry and the intricacies of silver alloys in this article. Acquired rings and earrings made of rhodium-plated silver will preserve shine and beauty for a long time.
Why youth chooses silver
- White silver products are suitable for all skin types and do not distract attention from their mistress.
- Gold - a celebration, haute couture clothes and expensive perfume. Silver - restraint, versatility and everyday chic.
- Individuality and versatility - from massive bracelets to thin rings.
- Importantly, pricing policy.
- Even the great-grandmother's ring of silver remains a stylish accessory.
- Gender equality - gender issues do not limit the wearing of silver jewelry.
- Application in alternative medicine. "Lunar metal" rejuvenates the body.
- Silver is on friendly terms with corals, gems, ivory, pearls and even gold.
- High plasticity of silver allows you to create unusual design jewelry.
A or O matters
On the Internet you can find two similar, but completely different concepts: radiated and rhodium-plated silver. A thin layer that is plated onto a silver jewelry consists of rhodium. Rhodium is a platinum group metal, one of the rarest on our planet. By the way, its price per ounce is 10 times higher than the cost of gold.
Why are there no rhodium jewelry like gold and platinum? After all, rhodium is the most brilliant of platinum metals, it has a white-blue color with a silver tint. The peculiarity of this metal is its extreme strength, which is ensured by bonds in the crystal lattice of the substance. But such hardness also gives great fragility to products from pure rhodium.
Another element - radium (Radium) - is also a shiny metal, but from the group of alkaline earth. It has high atomic activity (radioactive) and quickly fades in air. At the beginning of the last century, it was believed that the addition of this metal to food, cosmetics, jewelry has a beneficial effect on human health. However, studies have shown the exact opposite result, and since the 70s of the last century, the use of this radioactive element has been generally prohibited.
Why silver plating
If you had a ring of “lunar metal”, then you know that you have to clean it from time to time - it darkens. This oxidizes the alloying metal in the composition of the jewelry and silver sulfide is formed, which deprives the jewelry of its luster.
In gold alloys, it is gold that gives strength to the second and third components (silver, copper, platinum) in various proportions. In silver alloys, in addition to silver, only one additional component is always used - copper. It is she who determines the sample of the product (800, 830, 875, and the highest - 999) and the color of the decoration. In addition, silver itself is a very ductile and soft metal and in its pure form practically does not hold its shape.
And, trying to improve the anticorrosive properties and give shine to jewelry, cunning jewelers thought, is it possible to rhodium silver? And the method was found.
How it's done
The essence of the process is as simple as a carrot. A layer of rhodium is applied to the finished product in a galvanic manner (spraying). Its thickness does not exceed 25 micrometers, but the thinner the cheaper.
As a result, for example, a ring of rhodium-plated silver can turn black, white (you can’t tell platinum!) Or color — it all depends on the processing method. And besides, the products acquire brightness and luster, which lasts up to 3 years without changes.
All jewelry of the SL class (Sport Leicht - sporty and light, like a Mercedes) is made of rhodium-plated silver. And this, for a moment, brands such as Tiffany, Gucci, Christian Dior and Pandora's products so beloved by youth.
Wired silver, platinum or white gold?
Indeed, outwardly distinguishing products from these metals is quite difficult. And taking into account the fact that jewelry made of such silver is on average 3.5 times cheaper than white gold and 5.5 times cheaper than platinum, one can understand the interest in such products.
Distinguishing is difficult, but possible. Option one is the stigma. In platinum, it looks like a stretched octagon. A spatula-shaped rectangular stamp stands on white gold. For silver, a mark in the form of a barrel (an oval with a cut top and bottom) is used.
Option two and more complex. These metals have completely different samples. Platinum - 950, 900 and 850. Gold - 500, 585 or 583 (the most common), 750. For silver, the following options are possible: 925, 875, 830 and 800.
Keep in mind that often ordinary gold is coated with a layer of rhodium and is presented as white gold, and only a professional can distinguish it.
And yet
Despite the obvious advantages of this method, which we have already talked about, reviews about rhodium silver are ambiguous. Among the disadvantages, consumers distinguish the following:
- You will not be able to repair a torn bracelet or chain in a regular jewelry workshop. To restore the rhodium layer is possible only with special equipment.
- Outwardly, a chain of rhodium-plated silver will always be too shiny and whiter. What not all fashionistas like.
- On bracelets made of rhodium-plated silver with prolonged wear, wear, chipping, and chipping appear.
- Well and the last - wired jewelry are more expensive than just silver. This is outrageous!
If you have a Tiffany ring on your hand
Such a ring is difficult for a layman to distinguish from platinum, just do not buy it with a very large fionite. But it is necessary to protect the product, namely:
- Rhodium does not really like contact with aggressive physiological fluids, namely later. Therefore, it is better to remove jewelry when visiting the gym and sauna.
- Chlorinated pool water is also quite aggressive for rhodium silver.
- A product can darken with constant exposure to alcohol-containing liquids - lotions and perfumes.
- We don’t even have to talk about aggressive chemicals for cleaning - they even corrode your hands.
Features of cleaning and storage
This is not silver for you! And ordinary folk remedies, such as tooth powder or ammonia, are categorically contraindicated in this case.
When darkening a product from rhodium-plated silver, it must be washed in warm water without the addition of soap or detergents and thoroughly wiped with a soft cloth until dry.
You can use special napkins that are sold in jewelry stores. You must carefully read the instructions.
It is best to store silver rhodium-plated items wrapped in cloth and in a wooden casket. Sulfur is contained in cardboard boxes, and it contributes to the loss of luster of jewelry.
To summarize
Silver today remains a branded metal in the jewelry industry. It continues to heal, refresh, ennoble people and their way of life. And worn silver gives its owners a positive emotional mood, silver shine and moderately restrained beauty.
Leading fashion design brands are increasingly turning their attention to just such silver. It is available for active and athletic youth of all genders, unpretentious in the office and in the restaurant. A shiny and durable wired silver item is a wonderful present, and some brands even make it possible to assemble a collection.