What Is Rhodium Plating on White Gold?

In this guide

    By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio · Updated October 22, 2026

    Short answer: Rhodium plating is a thin coat of rhodium, a bright white metal, over white gold. White gold starts plated, and as the plating wears the ring can look warmer; re-plating brings the white back. Platinum is naturally white and needs no plating. On yellow gold, we can rhodium tip just the prongs so they blend into a white diamond.

    3D render of a radiant hidden halo engagement ring in white gold, angled side view

    If a white gold ring has started to look a little yellow, this is why, and it is fixable.

    Why is white gold plated?

    To make it bright white. White gold is gold mixed with white metals, and under the plating it has a slightly warmer base. Between 14K and 18K white gold we suggest 14K: it has a whiter base under the plating and is more durable.

    What happens as the plating wears?

    The ring can look warmer as its base colour shows through. Re-plating restores it. How quickly that happens depends on how the ring is worn, so when yours starts to look warm, ask us about re-plating.

    Does platinum need rhodium plating?

    No. Platinum is naturally white and stays white as it wears. It is heavier, costs more and scuffs a little more easily on the surface. 10% of our ring orders are platinum and 9% white gold. The full comparison is in 14K vs 18K gold vs platinum.

    What is rhodium tipping?

    Plating only the tips of yellow gold prongs. White tips blend into a white diamond so its edge reads white, while the whole ring still reads yellow gold. See rhodium tipped prongs, and for a full white head on a yellow band, two tone rings.

    Does metal choice change the price?

    Metal Oval classic solitaire, setting only
    14K white or 14K yellow gold $1,299
    18K white or 18K yellow gold $1,699
    Platinum $1,899

    CAD, listed October 2026, centre diamond not included.

    Choosing between white gold and platinum?

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    From our collection

    Marquise Classic Cathedral engagement ring in yellow gold, angled viewMarquise Classic CathedralOval Hidden Halo Cathedral engagement ring in yellow gold, angled viewOval Hidden Halo Cathedral

    Questions we get about this

    What is rhodium plating?

    A thin coat of rhodium, a bright white metal, over white gold to make it look bright white.

    Why is my white gold ring turning yellow?

    The rhodium plating is wearing and the warmer base colour is showing. Re-plating restores it.

    Does platinum need rhodium plating?

    No. Platinum is naturally white and stays white as it wears.

    What are rhodium tipped prongs?

    Yellow gold prongs with white tips, so they blend into a white diamond while the ring still reads yellow.

    Keep reading

    Written by Clint Casmiro, co-founder of Smiro Studio with Karina. We are second generation jewellers. Our dad Kenny has more than 40 years at the bench and oversees production, and we have built over a thousand tulip basket rings. Every ring is designed in CAD and you approve 3D renderings before production. We ship free and insured across Canada and the US.

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