White gold and rhodium: how often it needs redoing
The rhodium plating on a white gold piece lasts between one and three years depending on wear, and replating costs between thirty and seventy euros for a simple ring.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- White gold is an alloy with a pale yellowish tone under the plating.
- The rhodium layer measures 0,1 to 0,5 microns.
- A daily worn ring needs replating every 12 to 18 months.
- A pendant can go 4 or 5 years without attention.
A ring that starts to look yellow on the inside of the band is not damaged or fake. The real colour of the metal underneath is simply showing through.
What white gold actually is
An alloy of gold with metals that lighten the tone, usually palladium, nickel, silver or zinc. At 750 parts per thousand of pure gold the result is never a cold white: it lands somewhere between pale yellow and grey. To achieve the appearance associated with white gold, an electroplated layer of rhodium is applied, a very hard platinum group metal with an intense white colour.
| Piece | Wear | Replating interval |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding band or daily ring | constant, with rubbing | 12 to 18 months |
| Occasional ring | infrequent | 3 to 5 years |
| Bracelet | moderate rubbing | 2 to 3 years |
| Earrings | minimal rubbing | 4 to 6 years |
| Pendant | minimal rubbing | 4 to 5 years |
| Cost on a plain ring | 30 to 70 € | |
| Cost on a gem set piece | 60 to 140 € |
Why hands wear it first
The rhodium layer measures 0,1 to 0,5 microns, less than one hundredth of the thickness of a human hair. On a ring, constant contact with objects, keyboards, steering wheels and bags removes it first from the inner face and from the high points of the design. Earrings, which touch almost nothing, keep their plating for 5 years or more with no intervention at all.
Making it last
Take rings off to clean the house, cook with acidic ingredients, swim in a pool or exercise. Chlorine and household cleaners attack both the rhodium and the base alloy. Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap rather than abrasive products. And avoid domestic ultrasonic cleaners, which accelerate wear on plating that is already thin.
With those habits, a ring that would need attention at 12 months can reach 24 without the colour change becoming noticeable.
The alternative without upkeep
Platinum needs no plating: it is naturally white and develops a patina with wear that can be polished away whenever preferred. It costs 30 to 60 per cent more than an equivalent white gold piece, but it removes a recurring 30 € to 70 € every 18 months. Over 20 years of daily wear the difference evens out, and the piece keeps its appearance without depending on a workshop.
Frequently asked
+Why is my white gold ring turning yellow?
The rhodium plating has worn and the real colour of the alloy, a pale yellow, is showing through.
+How often does it need replating?
Every 12 to 18 months on a daily worn ring and up to 5 years on earrings or a pendant.
+What does it cost?
Thirty to seventy euros on a plain ring and 60 € to 140 € on a gem set piece.
+How do I make it last longer?
Remove the piece for cleaning, cooking, swimming and exercise, and avoid abrasives and ultrasonic cleaners.
+Is there an alternative?
Platinum, which is naturally white, at a 30 to 60 per cent higher initial cost and no recurring plating.
Sources
- 1London Bullion Market Association, LBMA (August 2026)
- 2Gemological Institute of America, GIA (August 2026)