At The Bench Jewellery Co., we understand that your jewellery isn’t just an accessory—it’s a cherished part of your life. Whether it’s an engagement ring, wedding band, or a treasured heirloom, your white gold ring should shine as brilliantly as the day you first wore it. However, over time, that stunning bright-white finish can start to fade, revealing a slightly yellow hue. If you’ve noticed this happening, it’s a sign that your ring may need re-plating.
What Causes Rhodium Plating to Wear Off?
White gold rings get their brilliant white appearance from a thin layer of rhodium plating, a rare, highly reflective metal that enhances the brightness and durability of your jewellery. However, this plating doesn’t last forever. Everyday activities, chemicals, and even your skin’s natural oils contribute to its gradual wearing away. Here’s what can speed up the process:
- Frequent Wear: Daily use, especially on engagement rings and wedding bands, leads to natural friction that wears down the plating over time.
- Exposure to Chemicals: Lotions, perfumes, household cleaners, and even chlorinated water can strip away the rhodium layer.
- Skin pH Levels: Some people’s skin chemistry is more acidic, which can cause the plating to fade faster.
- General Wear & Tear: Scratches and small abrasions from everyday activities can make the underlying gold more visible.
How Often Should You Re-Plate Your White Gold Ring?
The lifespan of rhodium plating varies from person to person based on wear habits and lifestyle. In general:
- Every 6 months to 2 years – This is the typical timeframe for re-plating, depending on how frequently you wear your ring and how well you care for it.
- Engagement & Wedding Rings: Since these rings are worn daily, they tend to need re-plating more often, typically once a year or more.
- Occasionally Worn Jewellery: If your ring is worn less frequently, you may only need to re-plate it every 2-3 years.
If you start noticing a dull or yellowish tint, that’s your cue to have it professionally assessed and refreshed.
How to Tell If Your White Gold Ring Needs Re-Plating
Wondering if it’s time to refresh your ring’s shine? Look for these signs:
- The ring appears dull or less reflective
- A slightly yellowish hue starts to show through (this is the natural color of white gold)
- Scratches and uneven wear become more noticeable
- Your ring looks different from when you first got it
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time for professional re-plating to restore your ring’s brilliance.
The Process of Re-Plating a White Gold Ring
At The Bench Jewellery Co., our re-plating process is designed to ensure your ring looks brand new again. Here’s what happens when you bring in your ring for professional re-plating:
- Inspection & Cleaning – We thoroughly examine your ring for any loose stones or damage, then deep clean it to remove dirt, oil, and residues.
- Polishing – To ensure a smooth, flawless finish, we polish the ring, buffing out minor scratches.
- Re-Plating with Rhodium – Using an electroplating process, we apply a fresh layer of rhodium, restoring your ring’s signature bright-white shine.
- Final Quality Check – We inspect the ring to ensure an even and long-lasting finish before returning it to you.
How to Extend the Life of Your Rhodium Plating
While rhodium plating will naturally wear down over time, you can take steps to keep your white gold ring looking brilliant for as long as possible:
- Remove Your Ring When Using Chemicals – Avoid wearing your ring while applying lotions, cleaning products, or swimming in pools with chlorine.
- Take It Off During Physical Activities – If you’re doing heavy-duty work, gardening, or exercising, remove your ring to prevent excessive friction.
- Store It Properly – Keep your jewellery in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box to minimize scratches.
- Clean It Regularly – Use a soft cloth and mild soap to gently clean your ring and maintain its shine.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance – Bringing your ring in for professional jewellery repair and restoration can help keep it in top condition.
Time to Restore Your Ring’s Brilliance?
If your white gold ring has lost its shine, don’t worry—it’s a simple fix! Re-plating is a quick way to bring back that like-new sparkle. At The Bench Jewellery Co., we specialize in expert jewellery care, repair, and restoration to keep your cherished pieces looking their best.
Visit us today in Kamloops, Kelowna, or Chilliwack to have your ring professionally re-plated and restored, or contact us to learn more about our jewellery restoration and renewal services. Let’s bring your jewellery back to life!