Silver, when used in jewelry, is usually in the form of sterling silver. Rhodium is a hard, durable, silvery-white metallic element that is used to form high-temperature alloys with platinum and is plated on other metals to produce a durable corrosion-resistant coating. Sterling silver jewelry that is plated with rhodium is resistant to scratching, abrasion, and corrosion.
Sterling silver jewelry has a tendency to form tarnish rather quickly if exposed to harsh contaminants, such as sulfur and many others that are found all around us. Also, contact with skin oils, lotions, perfumes may discolor the silver, which requires frequent cleaning and polishing. This makes sterling silver the best candidate for rhodium plating. However, it should be noted that rhodium plating will not tarnish proof the silver jewelry and eventually, the rhodium plating will wear- off. Some people may find this aesthetically unpleasing, as it may wear-off unevenly. Most people understand that silver is silver, and silver does tarnish.
The rhodium plating on your sterling silver can last anywhere from one year, to ten years or more. It all depends on how often you wear, and the care you give your sterling silver jewelry. Earrings and necklaces tend to keep their plating longer, since they take a lot less wear than rings.
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