Rhodium, a chemical element generally obtained commercially from platinum or nickel ores as a by product of the extraction of nickel and copper from their respective ores, has the chemical symbol Rh and the atomic number 45, in the periodic table. Discovered in 1803 by the British scientist, William H Wollaston, it is often utilised as an alloying agent to harden platinum.

Also, rhodium is frequently used to electroplate jewellery and interestingly even more frequently, as the catalyst in catalytic converters for cars with around 85% of the world rhodium production being used in this way. The idea behind rhodium electroplating, or rhodium flashing as it is known usually within the jewellery business, is to try to enhance the reflectivity of the ring in order to make the diamonds appear more brilliant and more reflective. This may well work initially, but do beware that the rhodium plating will tire and wear off over time and will then need to be reapplied. This will be most noticeable on the portions of the ring which receive the most wear and which will then start to look pale yellow in colour instead of the bright white which it should be.

It is an industry standard procedure to rhodium-plate white gold rings and wedding bands because the ‘white’ of white gold is not a pure white (read more). THe rings are electroplated with a thin rhodium layer in an attempt to improve their general optical impression and it is also sometimes used on sterling silver to help to reduce tarnishing as rhodium is known to resist corrosion by the atmosphere at room temperature. When applied, the rhodium plating leaves a temporary protective coating of about the thickness of a micron on standard white gold, but at almost twice the price of platinum and three to four times the cost of gold, rhodium is a very expensive and rare metal.

We manufacture mainly in platinum, however we do make in 18ct. white gold  and that requires rhodium plating, but we do strongly recommend the selection of firstly platinum and secondly palladium over rhodium plating.

Especially when there is a better way at DiamondGeezer.com!

When people think of diamonds, the most common thing to pop into their minds are colourless diamonds (white diamonds). Obviously colourless diamonds are the most common & most popular to buy, but not for long.

Coloured diamonds are slowly making their way into pieces of jewellery & being classed as “excellent alternative investments” and the “trendiest asset class to invest in”. Last year the collection of Argyle Pink Diamonds made their way into Kensington Palace to be displayed as some of the rarest & most beautiful diamonds ever to be seen. Another coloured diamond to make it to the news last year was the 12 carat Martian Pink diamond which sold for an astonishing $17.4 million.

The price of pink diamonds has increased by 443% over the past 10 years. With this being said; pink diamonds cost millions, meaning it is only a fortunate few who can actually take these diamonds home. The majority of pink diamonds are sold at auction, making them a rare (and very expensive) find.

Buying the perfect diamond online can be extremely difficult, especially when you know nothing about them. You’ll most probably question whether spending such a large amount of money on something so sentimental online is a good idea. The online diamond market knows the same & possibly more than a high street jeweller.

DiamondGeezer.com have spent 40 years in the diamond industry, working with diamond suppliers from all over the world to source the best possible diamonds they can. With 70 years of experience between them, the DiamondGeezer.com team know everything there is to know about recommending the perfect diamond just for you.

DiamondGeezer.com’s top 5 tips on buying a diamond online:

1. Talk, don’t type. A conversation over the phone is much more in depth & reassuring than discussing queries through email

2. Make sure you understand the 3 C’s: colour, clarity & carat. This will help you in understanding & knowing your diamond

3. If you’re going to apply your diamond to a ring, ask for advice on the perfect setting to make the most of your stone

4. Make sure you know your budget. No matter what your budget is, DiamondGeezer.com will be able to help you with choosing the best quality diamond in your price range

5. Don’t panic! DiamondGeezer.com are here to help you, once you have chosen a stone & a setting you have nothing more to worry about, we take the pressure away from here on

 
If you have any queries & need some advice, call DiamondGeezer.com for free on 08080 342666 & speak to a diamond specialist today

On the 20^th November 2012 Lucy Mecklenburgh, star of the hit ITV2 show The Only Way is Essex, launched her online jewellery collection LucyMecklenburghJewellery.com, mentored & manufactured by DiamondGeezer.com. The collection holds a sparkling & exciting collection of Lucy’s own Swarovski Crystal cocktail stacking rings, beautiful sterling silver jewellery including Argentium silver; pave set crystal balls jewellery, Max XL watches & statement jewellery. The launch was held at The Worx Studios in London with a beautiful set-up; Lucy entered wearing a stunning, long red dress & a gorgeous pair of Christian Louboutin’s along with her statement sterling silver & Swarovski Crystal ‘Mecklace’. The Mecklace, designed & manufactured by DiamondGeezer.com, is to be auctioned off & the proceeds will be donated to The MS Society.

Lucy’s cocktail stacking rings, made in sterling silver or faux metal & set with genuine Swarovski Elements Crystals are definitely a highlight of the collection. Lucy has created ready mixed sets of cocktails, designed around her favourite cocktails & colour coordinated to match. Cocktail stacking rings are a new & exciting concept, taking a different view on modern jewellery. Stack ‘em, rack ‘em, pile ‘em, pack ‘em , cocktail stacking rings are the perfect accessory for big nights out or cosy nights in.

Lucy is incredibly excited to be launching her new collection & take her first big step into the jewellery industry. With Lucy owning her own fashion boutique & now an online jewellery shop, this is just the beginning of Lucy’s career in the fashion industry.

Keep up to date:

Browse the collection – www.lucymecklenburghjewellery.com

Follow on Twitter – www.twitter.com/lucys_jewellery

Like on Facebook – www.facebook.com/lucymeckjewellery