What is the different between Silver Rhodium and 925 Sliver? Will rhodium tanish?

Question

As i have sensative skin, and can only wear silver that will not tanish.

yes its tarnish.

Answer 1

Your skin sensitivity is NOT due to the tarnishing of the sterling silver. It is a metal allergy.

Metal allergies to silver/sterling silver are unusual, but possible. However, some silver/sterling silver is plated with Nickel to help prevent tarnishing. Nickel allergies are very common.

Because there are currently no FTC standards on how to properly label sterling silver alloyed with Rhodium and sterling silver plated with Rhodium, the trade is labelling these items in various ways.

Silver Rhodium is one of two things and the answer as to whether it will tarnish is dependent on which it is.

Silver Rhodium that is an alloy of silver and Rhodium (a member of the platinum family) means that that silver and Rhodium have been combined (alloyed) to produce sterling silver that is .925 silver and the remaining .075 rhodium and possibly other metals. It is probable that the alloy did not include metals that will promote tarnishing. Therefore, this Silver Rhodium will not tarnish. Because of the Rhodium, it WILL be considerably more expensive than standard sterling silver.

However, some manufacturers are labelling sterling silver "Silver Rhodium" to indicated that a sterling silver piece was plated/coated with rhodium. The rhodium plate will help to prevent tarnishing. The coating of rhodium will wear off with use, exposing the sterling silver to the air. Once exposed, the sterling silver will tarnish.

Since you have exhibited a sensitivity to metals, always be careful to watch for reactions with any metal. People can develop sensitivities over time and begin having reactions to metals they have worn for years with no problems. Do not wear jewelry to bed and when possible, limit jewelry exposure to the skin. Necklaces and pendants worn over clothing is a great choice for you.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Tanish or Tarnish?