925 silver, gold-plated or rhodium-plated: which finish is right for you?

Holding the gold and the white version of the same jhumka side by side, it can be hard to choose. There's no wrong answer, but the finishes do look and wear differently.

Plain 925 silver

Unplated sterling silver has a soft white shine. It's the most understated of the three. The thing to know is that silver darkens over time when it meets air and moisture. Some people like that aged look; if you don't, a silver polishing cloth brings it back in a minute. Plain silver suits everyday wear and pieces you'll reach for often.

Gold-plated

A gold-plated piece has a thin layer of gold over the silver, so it's still 925 silver underneath. This is the warm, traditional look most people want for weddings and Eid, and it sits well with rich colours and heavy embroidery.

The plating is thin, so it does wear with time. Earrings and pendants keep their colour for a long while; rings and bangles, which rub against tables and bags all day, show wear sooner. Keep perfume and water away from it and don't scrub it with polish.

Rhodium-plated

Rhodium is a bright white metal from the platinum family. A layer of it over silver gives that mirror-like white you see in white gold. It also protects the silver from going dark, for as long as the layer lasts. It's the one to pick if you like a modern look and want your silver to stay bright with little effort. Just avoid scratching it and skip harsh cleaners.

Same design, both finishes

The easiest way to see the difference is our Ratan Polki Jhumkay, which come in gold-plated and rhodium-plated. Same piece, very different feel: one belongs with a red lehenga, the other with a pastel or white outfit.

So which one?

Look at what you'll wear it with. Gold for warm, deep colours and traditional clothes; rhodium or plain silver for pastels, whites and western wear.

Think about how often you'll wear it. For something you'll have on every day, especially a ring or bangle, plain silver or rhodium will look newer for longer.

Match what you already own. If your other everyday pieces are gold, a gold-plated piece will sit better next to them.

Plating can always be redone by a jeweler when it wears. Our care guide explains how to make it last, and how to check real 925 silver explains what's underneath.