Black Rhodium Plating

[Alison B. Antelman]

I use liver of sulphur to turn my silver jewelry black (gunmetal gray really) while not affecting the gold settings. Many people have come up to me at shows mentioning that I could plate the jewelry in Rhodium that is black and which would be much more permanent. Does anyone have some insight, resources or a general yes you can do it or definitely not...regarding this process?

[The Justified Sinner]

You certainly can! You can either buy Black Rhodium salts from a supplier (Otto Frei stock it: http://www.ottofrei.com/store/product.php?productid=20145&cat=0...) or you can use a really old Rhodium bath that has become dirty and overheated! Obviously, the bought stuff is reliable.

I also found this ages ago:

http://www.patentgenius.com/patent/4486513.html

Which might help.

[Alison B. Antelman]

wow, I never knew...is it just a bath? somehow I thought plating always involved electricity. 

Have you ever used this?

thank you.

[Ann Davis]

I've only used Rio's Flat Black, which is probably a Midas solution, on gold. it antiques it. I always use a rectifier.

Never thought about trying it on Silver but I would guess as with gold plating on sterling you should put down a layer of nickle first. If it's fine silver then there shouldn't be a problem with copper migration. But it comes off with rubbing so you would need to seal it.  Have you tried Midas Black Max? I hold my pieces under the hottest running water possible to heat them up then apply..it's wonderful stuff, no need to seal.

[Angela Bubash]

I have been researching this exact process! I have been told that ruthenium plating may be a more durable option from Dave at artisanplating.com. I have also found a place in the UK that does both black rhodium and ruthenium but I haven't heard back from them yet. I am going to send a small sample to Dave to see what he can do. I will keep you posted.

[Alison B. Antelman]

when you get your samples if you don't mind posting pictures, I'd be very interested to see the results.

thanks,

alison

[Angelina Ciulik]

Depending on what volume you are plating, a "plating pen" might be a good option. I got mine from A&a jewelry supply. It's a mini handheld rectifier with a felt tip. Put in the battery dip it in the black rhodium solution and paint on the black. If you are just using it for making things look aged, then the quality of the plate would be fine, better than other blackening patinas, but if you want overall black, it might be better to send it out to a plater, as they will plate a thicker layer than you will achieve evenly with a pen. I paint it on and then sand what I dont want off. Great for blackening recesses and things that don't get excessive rubbing. Black rhodium plating adheres best to a layer of pure gold. Happy Plating!