Black Rhodium Plating

Thank you for visiting Marei New York. Please see below for information regarding rhodium plating.

What is Black Rhodium, Black Ruthenium, & Black Gold Plating?
Black rhodium, black ruthenium, and black gold plating is an electroplated surface treatment used to darken the surface of a base metal such as gold or silver. Using a chemical bath process, a liquid plating solution is bonded to the surface of the base metal, giving it a shiny dark gunmetal color.  

Please note that all plated finishes are not permanent. It is important to note that plating treatment may eventually wear off or fade due to natural wear, exposure to hard and abrasive surfaces, direct contact with skin, and moisture and liquids such as sweat, oils, and lotions. This will reveal the underlying base metal - usually gold or silver.

After natural wear and tear, black rhodium-plated jewelry will develop its own unique patina over time. 

The Lifespan of Black Rhodium, Black Ruthenium, & Black Gold Plating:
The lifespan of the rhodium plating will depend on how often the piece is worn and how it is worn. With normal wear, the black rhodium and ruthenium-plated jewelry will develop its own unique patina as it wears off - and will look similar to an antique blackened finish. Generally, black rhodium plating will wear off more quickly on jewelry worn daily and exposed to rough surfaces. For example, rings and bracelets may go through more natural wear and tear due to their constant exposure and contact with textured surfaces, than a piece that is worn on other parts of the body, such as earrings and necklaces which will rarely come into contact with surfaces. Areas on jewelry that are raised will possibly come into close contact with surfaces and may wear off more quickly than areas that are indented or engraved.

Plated Jewelry Must Be Worn With Extra Care:
All plated surface treatments are delicate and should be worn with extra care to help preserve the integrity of the plated surface.

Plated jewelry is not waterproof therefore all plated jewelry should be kept dry at all times. Please keep away from all liquids such as water, lotions, oils, sweat, perfumes, alcohol, acetone, hand sanitizers, hair products, makeup, chemical cleaners, etc... Exposure to liquids can weaken, damage, and may eventually even remove the plated surface treatment.

Plated jewelry is not scratch-proof. Please keep your plated jewelry away from all abrasive surfaces and objects that may scratch, dent, or chip the plating. Take care not to rub your plated jewels on rough textiles such as leather and denim, as this may rub off or damage the plating. 

PLATED JEWELRY CARE

Store your jewelry safely in a soft-lined jewelry box. Jewelry boxes that feature individually padded slots for rings and posts for hanging necklaces and bracelets are also ideal. Jewelry pouches are suitable too but take care and keep your jewelry pouch somewhere safe so that the jewelry does not get crushed.

Know when to take your jewelry off. 
Please avoid wearing jewelry while showering, cleaning, gardening, performing manual labor, engaging in sports activities such as hitting the gym, lifting weights, doing yoga, swimming, rock climbing, carrying heavy items, etc... this will damage your jewelry. We also strongly recommend removing all your jewelry before going to sleep. 

Avoid abrasive surfaces. 
Keep jewelry away from all hard, rough, and abrasive surfaces such as sand, cement, glass, stone, as well as other types of metal objects, including other pieces of jewelry, etc...

Avoid heat. 
Avoid placing your plated jewelry near heat as this can cause discoloration and deformation. 

Avoid exposure to liquids.
Keep it clean by gently wiping it with a soft and dry, non-abrasive cloth. Do not expose to water. Never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners on plated jewelry. Do not use abrasive polishing cloths or liquid jewelry cleaners on your plated jewelry as this will remove the plating.

Avoid exposure to hand sanitizers. 
Please keep your hands clean but avoid exposing your jewelry to hand sanitizers and chemical disinfectants. These liquids contain chemicals that can eat away at precious metals and plating. Chemicals used in hand sanitizers may also cause irreversible damage to your gemstones - especially pearls. Take off your jewelry before applying hand sanitizers or chemical disinfectants.