What is the difference between silver and rhodium?

Silver and rhodium are both metals that are commonly used in jewellery making. However, there are some key differences between the two.

1. Composition: Silver is a naturally occurring metal, while rhodium is a precious metal that is a member of the platinum group.

2. Colour: Silver is a white-grayish metal, while rhodium is a white metal with a high shine and reflective finish.

3. Durability: Silver is a relatively soft metal and can be easily scratched or dented. Rhodium is a harder metal and is more resistant to wear and tear.

4. Plating: Silver jewellery can be plated with rhodium to give it a shiny, white finish, similar to white gold. This is a common practice in the jewellery industry.

5. Allergic reactions: Silver jewellery can cause allergic reactions for some people with sensitive skin, while rhodium is less likely to cause any allergic reactions.

6. Cost: Rhodium is a more expensive metal than silver, as it is more rare and harder to extract.

While both silver and rhodium are used in jewellery making, they have different properties and are used for different purposes. Rhodium is often used to plate silver jewellery to give it a shiny, white finish and increase its durability and resistance to wear and tear.