[Jewelry making - Article 01202] - Re: [Orchid] Anti-tarnish plating solution for sterling silver

[Thackeray Taylor]

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>     It is my secret wish that no one would rhodium plate sterling
>     silver. In my opinion it renders beautiful sterling into something
>     flashy and cheap and is a nightmare to repair, and refinish.
>     Whereas I think sterling is so beautiful and easy to restore.
>     That's all. I know everyone has their reasons, especially large
>     manufacturers, = but that's my 2 cents. 

    Wow I'm talkative today, sorry about that. 

    If plating sterling for anti tarnish you can use rhodium which can
    be problematic and expensive or fine silver. If rhodium plating you
    MUST nickel plate first, also repairing a rhodium piece can be a
    pain to say the least. I almost always recommend nickel plating
    sterling no matter the end plating solution as this can prevent
    "bleed through". Bleed through is when the sterling oxidizes under
    the plating and then shows through the final plating, kind of a
    splotching effect. 

    One other thing, if you want to antique your plated silver don't use
    rhodium as it just won't take. This is also a great way to test if a
    silver piece has been rhodium plated, use a little oxidizing agent
    and if won't oxidize chances are it rhodium plated or lacquered. 

Have a good weekend!

Thackeray Taylor
Rio Grande Technical Support
800-545-6566

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