The metal beneath a finish and the finish itself tell different parts of a jewellery piece’s story. S925 describes the silver alloy. Rhodium describes a surface treatment. Understanding the difference makes it easier to choose a piece and care for it.
What does S925 mean?
S925, also called sterling silver, contains 92.5% silver by weight. The remaining proportion consists of other metals that form the alloy. The term describes the base material; it does not, by itself, specify a coating, coating thickness or care routine.
What is rhodium plating?
Rhodium plating is a thin layer of rhodium applied to a metal surface. DHARIN’s silver-tone S925 pieces use approximately 0.05 μm of rhodium electroplating, followed by a vacuum-applied nano protective coating. The rhodium creates the bright white surface; the nano layer adds a further barrier against everyday exposure. Neither layer changes the underlying material into solid rhodium, platinum or white gold.
Plating is a surface layer and can wear with friction. Its appearance over time depends on how and where the piece is worn, its construction and its care. A thickness measurement alone does not establish how many years a finish will last.
A closer look at a supplier’s plating report
DHARIN’s current silver pieces are made by the same factory. A plating analysis report supplied as a manufacturing reference, dated 19 April 2024, records the following results for a tested sample:
| Layer or material | Reported result |
|---|---|
| Silver base | Identified in the report as S925 |
| Ag silver layer | 8.39 μm |
| Intermediate layer labelled PdCo | 0.52 μm |
| Rh rhodium layer | 0.062 μm |
A micrometre (μm) is one thousandth of a millimetre. These figures illustrate the separate layers recorded in this sample. PdCo is reproduced as labelled in the report; it is not described here as a pure palladium layer.
The report is a sample reference rather than a certificate for every finished piece. Its measured rhodium result of 0.062 μm is consistent with an approximate 0.05 μm production description; small differences can occur between a nominal finish and a tested sample. The vacuum-applied nano protective layer sits above the plated finish and is not represented by the rhodium measurement in this table. Neither measurement provides a fixed wear-life guarantee or suitability for every skin sensitivity.
How to care for silver jewellery
Care should suit the whole piece: its base metal, any surface finish, its stones and its settings. A cleaning method intended for uncoated silver is not automatically suitable for a plated or gem-set piece.
- Put jewellery on after applying perfume and lotions; remove it before swimming or using household cleaners.
- After wear, wipe gently with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. If needed, use a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid abrasive polishing, silver dip and prolonged soaking, which can wear the rhodium and nano finishes.
- Store pieces separately to reduce rubbing and scratching. Keep silver away from damp conditions.
- Do not assume that silver dips, prolonged soaking, steam or ultrasonic cleaning are suitable for your piece. Ask for advice that accounts for the finish and the gemstones.
If a finish changes or a setting needs attention, contact DHARIN for product-specific guidance before attempting to polish or strip the surface.
Frequently asked questions
Is rhodium-plated sterling silver still real silver?
Yes. When the base is S925 sterling silver, the silver alloy remains beneath the rhodium surface layer. The base material and the coating are separate parts of the construction.
Can sterling silver tarnish?
Sterling silver can develop tarnish through exposure to its surroundings, including sulphur-containing substances. Surface treatments affect which material is exposed. Changes in a plated finish should be assessed before applying a cleaning method intended for bare silver.
Does every silver piece have the same plating thickness?
The measurements above belong to the referenced sample. They should not be read as a collection-wide thickness specification. Refer to the selected product’s information or contact us about a particular piece.
Is a plating report the same as a gemstone certificate?
No. This plating report records coating measurements for a sample. Gemstone identification and diamond grading reports address different characteristics. One does not replace the other.
For a broader comparison, read our guide to silver, vermeil and solid gold, or visit Materials & Standards.
Further reading: GIA’s jewellery care guidance and GIA’s guide to white jewellery metals. Sample measurements are transcribed from the supplied factory report.
