Disclose Rhodium Plating

Rhodium is a precious metal in the platinum family. Rhodium plating is used on white gold jewelry to provide a protective coating and to give it a white reflective appearance. Many customers do not know that all white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium and that the plating will eventually wear away, giving the jewelry a slightly yellowish appearance.

The Federal Trade Commission now requires retailers to disclose to customers that all white gold jewelry is rhodium plated.

Therefore, we must ensure that any customer purchasing white gold jewelry understands that the jewelry has been plated with rhodium that will eventually wear off. They should also be informed that the rhodium plating can be reapplied as often as needed in order to bring the finish of the jewelry back to its original whiter appearance. The salesperson is to explain this to the customer before the purchase is made.