How to Clean Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver Jewelry Pieces

Rhodium-plated sterling silver is lovely but requires special maintenance and care. Here's how to clean your rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry.

Keyword(s): rhodium-plated sterling silver

Do you struggle with figuring out how to clean your rhodium-plated jewelry? Are you afraid you'll accidentally use the wrong product or ruin your brand new necklace's shiny finish?

Rhodium-plated sterling silver is becoming more and more popular for its durability, resistance to scratches, and beautiful white shine. 

But just like any high-quality jewelry, it needs to be properly taken care of so that it lasts as long as possible. 

Luckily, cleaning rhodium-plated jewelry requires only a few simple tools and techniques to keep your jewelry collection looking high-end for as long as possible. Keep reading for our guide on how to clean rhodium-plated sterling silver. 

What Is Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver?

If you're not quite sure of what rhodium is, you might ask, "Is rhodium-plated sterling silver good?" If you're looking for luxury at an affordable cost, then rhodium-plated jewelry is for you.

Rhodium is a precious metal that comes from the family of platinum. It's durable, reflective, and scratch-resistant, as well as hypoallergenic. It gives a beautiful white sheen to your jewelry and can make gemstones stand out more than plain silver can. 

If you're unsure about cleaning rhodium-plated vs sterling silver, then you'll be glad to know that rhodium is easier to clean. Although sterling silver is a common jewelry material, it's well known that it tarnishes upon exposure to air. Even worse, high humidity and moist products like hairspray or perfume speed up the tarnishing process. 

Rhodium, on the other hand, doesn't tarnish. It's scratch-resistant, keeps its shine, and doesn't corrode or dent. Best of all, it won't leave your hands green after handling it.  

When in doubt, always consult an expert if you're scared that you'll damage your jewelry while cleaning it.

Cleaning Products To Avoid

Before you actually go ahead and start cleaning your rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry, let's bring up the cleaning products you should avoid using on this jewelry at all costs. 

• Harsh chemicals
• Anything abrasive
• Toothbrushes or toothpaste
• Polishing cloths for silver or gold

Harsh chemicals should never be used on your jewelry, whether it's sterling silver or rhodium-plated. Although rhodium is durable against scratches, you don't want to damage the plating by using the wrong materials on it.

Supplies You'll Need

Don't be alarmed at this list of supplies as most of them can already be found in your home. You may need to get a polishing cloth if you don't have one already, but otherwise, you should have everything in your kitchen cabinet. You'll need:

• Two bowls
• Mild detergent
• A soft towel or a microfiber cloth
• A soft polishing cloth (optional)

If you have multiple pieces of rhodium-plated jewelry to clean, consider waiting to clean them all at once to save time.

Additionally, if you decide to use a microfiber cloth, make sure it hasn't been treated with any chemicals. The goal is to avoid using anything harsh on your rhodium-plated jewelry, whether that's a chemical or an abrasive material.

Steps To Clean Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver Jewelry

Now that you have your supplies and your jewelry ready, let's start cleaning. If you're unfamiliar with the steps, just take it slow so that you don't damage anything by accident. You'll get used to the cleaning process eventually and your jewelry will look all the better for it.

Prepare Your Bowls

First, fill one of the bowls with 1 cup of warm water.

Then, add 1/3 of a cup of mild detergent to the bowl with warm water. Mix to combine. This will be your washing bowl. 

You'll use one of the bowls to wash your jewelry and the other bowl to rinse it, so remember which is which. Fill the other bowl with room temperature water. Don't add anything else to this bowl, as it will be your rinsing bowl.

Wash

Put your rhodium-plated silver jewelry in the washing bowl. It's important to let it soak for ten minutes to remove any dirt that may have gotten stuck on the surface.

Then, gently rub the jewelry with your fingers to clean it. As mentioned above, do not use toothbrushes or any abrasive materials. Rhodium doesn't tarnish, so your fingers will be able to do the job.

Make sure that you don't leave your jewelry in the detergent mixture for longer than 15 minutes. This includes cleaning time, so consider using a timer.

Rinse

Now, transfer your washed jewelry to the rinsing bowl. Rinse your jewelry in the water. You can replace the water in the bowl as many times as you want, but just make sure to keep using room temperature water.

The important thing in this step is to remove all the soap residue, and a good indicator is whether your rinsing water looks soapy or clear. Always be gentle even when rinsing so you don't damage the plating on your jewelry.

Dry

Place your jewelry on a soft towel or a microfiber cloth. The softer the towel the better, so if you have something made of Egyptian cotton, then use that. 

Gently pat the jewelry dry. Remember that friction is what causes the plating to come off, so the gentler you are, the longer the rhodium plating will last.

Let the jewelry dry overnight if needed. It's better to let it air dry than to rub it too much and wear off the plating. If you need to wear the jewelry to a special occasion, consider washing it a few days beforehand so that you're not hurriedly rubbing the jewelry dry.

Store

Before storing your jewelry, you can optionally polish it. If you're using a polishing cloth, make sure to use one that's gentle. Often, this would be a cloth that's used for diamonds or other luxurious gems.

Carefully store your jewelry in a jewelry box. To prevent more friction or rubbing, consider wrapping the jewelry in a layer of tissue paper. You could also store it in a separate compartment of your jewelry box or in a soft velvet jewelry bag.

Treat Yourself To Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver Today

As you can see, rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry is durable, beautiful, and easy to maintain, as long as you take the right steps to care for it. When cleaning your rhodium-plated jewelry, always remember to avoid harsh chemicals, don't rub your jewelry too much, and always be gentle. These steps will keep your jewelry looking shiny and brand new for as long as possible. 

Are you ready to add some luxurious rhodium jewelry to your collection? From earrings to necklaces, take a look at our beautiful selection of rhodium-plated sterling silver today. 

Whether you are a charismatic Leo or an inventive Aquarius, the wehoautodetail Zodiac jewelry collection has all 12 signs in Gold and Sterling Silver.

Keyword(s): zodiac jewelry

While researchers are still debating how many people actually believe in astrology,over 90% of adults know their zodiac signs. Well over half of them seem to also agree that their signs fit them well. Whether it's fact or fiction, it's clear that zodiac signs have a meaningful place in the lives of many Americans.

Zodiac jewelry is a great way to showcase your interest in astrology. It's a great conversation starter with others that have the same sign as you (or have high compatibility with your sign). It also is amazingly fashionable and timeless.

Read on to learn about how zodiac pendant jewelry is perfect for every specific sign!

Aries (3/21-4/19)

Aries are bold and ambitious people, so it should come as no surprise that they're pioneers of statement pieces. They love large and loud necklaces that are the focal point of any outfit. If you're an Aries, you also may be a fan of bangle bracelets and anklets paired with large geometric earrings.

While round zodiac medallions work well as bracelet and anklet charms, Aries tend to love rectangular pendants. Gold's a great color for your wardrobe, too, since it'll stand out when you wear it on a long, bulky chain. Because of your brash style, you're also one of the few signs that can get away with mixing metals, so a rose gold chain will look awesome with this piece.

Taurus (4/20-5/20)

Taurus have a bull as their celestial animal, which makes sense since these animals like to relax in calm locations. If you're a Taurus, you likely like softer jewelry pieces with rounded edges, which makes round medallions the perfect choice for your personality.

Pairing this charm with smaller pieces is a great choice. You can get it in silver and match it with cooler colors- aquamarine earrings or a sapphire charm bracelet are awesome choices. Gold lovers will want to put their pendants with fire-red rubies and thin rose chains.

Gemini (5/21-6/21)

Much like their personality, Gemini have two sides to their fashion sense. You have a lot of pursuits, and the personal ones may go best with a rectangular charm. However, you might also want to show off your star sign in professional settings, so getting a smaller round medallion also is a good choice.

Make sure that your jewelry box is filled with a diverse array of unique timeless jewelry. After all, you never know which version of yourself you'll be tomorrow and which of your faces you'll need to present to the world.

Cancer (6/22-7/22)

If you're a Cancer, you're a water sign, so your style sense is an eternally changing wave. Like your spirit animal, the crab, you're extremely in touch with both the physical and spiritual realms. Silver medallions are perfect for showcasing this since the metal is extremely versatile (much like your personality).

Adjustable chains that can be used in all situations are also perfect for your wardrobe. You can take the pieces that you love and adapt to any situation, which is perfect for adaptable roll-with-the-tide Cancers.

Leo (7/23-8/22)

Leos tend to be as fierce and passionate as the lion that serves as their spirit animal. Like Aries, you'll want to wear large, bold statement jewelry. Put your favorite rectangular Leo medallion on a thick chain and pair it with large Milan earrings.

Virgo (8/23-9/22)

Since Virgo are deeply enmeshed with the material world, they tend to be perfectionists. This is amazing when you're working with fashion and accessories since there are tons of opportunities for experimentation.

Perfection is different for each person, so try out jewelry in all sizes, colors, and shapes. But whatever you do, don't forget to make your medallion a signature piece: it's a logical choice, after all, and Virgos love logic.

Libra (9/23-10/23)

Libras are all about balance and harmony in all things, so all of your jewelry needs to be on point. Symmetry is a must for you, so make sure that you always wear jewelry in equal balance. When you wear your zodiac pendant around your neck, it needs to sit right in the center of your collarbone.

You also don't want to wear the mismatched jewelry that's so popular right now. Make sure that you match your metals and wear two of the same earrings. This will ensure that you keep your natural equilibrium.

Scorpio (10/24-11/22)

Scorpio is a fiery, passionate, and powerful sign that gets strength from the emotional realm. Like Virgos, they'll want to wear something that makes them look perfect, but this perfection needs to be powerful. Try out heavy pieces and put your medallion on a thick chain or strap- you'll feel in control.

Sagittarius (11/23-12/21)

Sagittarius are always thirsty for knowledge and love trying new things, so they're always chasing adventure. You'll need to wear jewelry that clings tightly around your neck, wrist, and ankle so that you have as much movement as possible when exploring. Try making your gold pendant into a choker or putting it into a leather armband.

Capricorn (12/22-1/19)

Capricorn, another air sign, are skilled at moving through both the metaphysical and material realms. This makes their taste in jewelry and style similar to Cancers. You're going to want to get multiple types of pieces including both round and rectangular medallions and adjustable chains.

Aquarius (1/20-2/18)

Aquarius is deceptive because it isn't the water sign that most people think it is. It's an air sign that describes a healer that bestows water and life. This means that you'll likely need something subtle to wear during humanitarian pursuits both large and small.

A thin beaded pearl necklace is the perfect piece to wear to showcase that you're approachable and want to help. Place your zodiac pendant around a thin bracelet or anklet chain so that people notice you while still seeing you as kind and selfless.

Pisces (2/19-3/20)

Saving the best for last (no offense), Pisces is symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions to one another. This represents the way that Pisces are always divided by reality and a fantasy world of their own creation.

You likely love ethereal pieces such as rounded silver zodiac medallions. Translucent gemstones are also a great part of a Pisces' style because you can see through them as though they're an ever-changing dream. Aquamarine, garnet, and amber are perfect choices for your jewelry pieces.

Get Gorgeous Zodiac Jewelry Today

Now that you know what zodiac jewelry is perfect for your sign, it's time to start shopping. Browse our zodiac collection to get affordable pendants that showcase your star sign symbol.

From our intricate sun-and-moon Virgo pendant to our Pisces fish medallion, we have a wide range of accessories that you're sure to love. Remember to pair it with other pieces that bring out its beauty!