This Sterling Silver chain is first plated with a layer of grey palladium, and then finished with a final layer of grey rhodium on the outside. It is difficult to plate rhodium directly onto sterling silver, so this extra step ensures that the rhodium sticks better to the underlying metal.

There are multiple reasons to plate sterling silver with rhodium. One is that 925 silver naturally tarnishes, and rhodium keeps its color much better. Rhodium plating can save a bit of hassle if you want to avoid want to clean or polish your sterling silver pieces. 

The other reason to rhodium plate on top of sterling silver is that it looks the same as white gold. Yes, white gold isn't actually white! It's yellowish when unplated, and rhodium is often the metal of choice to finish it off. Rhodium plating on top of sterling silver gets you the same look at a small fraction of the price. 

Just keep in mind that grey rhodium is slightly darker than the natural bright 925 sterling silver color. If you have any questions about rhodium finish or this item in general, feel free to contact us. 

Can rhodium plated sterling silver be used for permanent jewelry? 

Yes, it can! When the plating wears off of this item, the underlying metal will still be white. If you choose to use these on permanent jewelry, it is probably best to use a solid gold jump ring to weld it shut. We should mention that some people love rhodium plated silver, and some people avoid it entirely. But each material has its pros and cons, so it is really up to your own preference. 

This is one of the most common questions we get for our chains. You should be seeing a few recommended sizes on this page but if you don't see them listed, fear not!

First, consider the width, length, and thickness on the links of the chain itself. Then consider the additional measurements we have for Smallest Possible Jump Ring Width and Thickest Possible Jump Ring. For most designs, the jump ring should be close in proportion to the chain links.

• Smallest Possible Jump Ring Width: This denotes the smallest outer diameter jump ring that can comfortably connect the two ends together. Keep in mind that the smallest width is often not ideal and that thicker jump rings may also affect how the chain lays. Using a jump ring that is slightly wider will allow for smoother movement of the chain when worn.
• Thickest Possible Jump Ring: This indicates the maximum diameter wire that will fit through the links of your chain. The thickest wire is often not ideal, but we list it so you have an idea of the limit of what is possible. 

Next, decide if you are closing the jump ring by welding or soldering it shut.

• If you are not closing the jump ring, then you should go with a heavier gauge than you would otherwise. 

Lastly, decide on the jump ring material.

• A rule of thumb is that it is usually best to not mix and match metal type or color. The main exception is that some people prefer welding solid gold jump rings onto gold filled chain because the solid gold tolerates heat much better.