Everything You Need to Know About Replating Silver Costume Jewelry
Written by Annabelle
November 20, 2019

Costume jewelry is a nice way to get an affordable piece of blingโฆuntil it starts losing its color from all that wear. In order to get it looking nice and bright again, youโll have to get it plated- but thatโs not too easy to do when your jewelry is silver colored! Learn more about how to replate silver costume jewelry here.
Why Is My Costume Jewelry Changing Color?

This costume pendant is clearly showing signs of tarnishing and rust.
Costume jewelry, unlike fine jewelry, is usually made from a very cheap metal such as copper, brass, bronze, or even a mixture of metals. These metals are not like gold and platinum- theyโll tarnish and turn colors over time, like black, rust, or even green. To make the appearance of these metals look better, manufacturers will plate on top of these metals with a thin layer of fine metal, such as gold. This gives the jewelry its nice shiny color and allows the manufacturer to sell the pieces as โgold-platedโ or โsilver-plated.โ
Naturally, over time this plating will come off. Think of it like paint being rubbed off a wooden bench thatโs been sitting outside; the daily wear and tear your jewelry sustains will remove the plating. Unlike paint, however, reapplying this plating is not as easy.
Overseas manufacturers who make costume jewelry have the technical capabilities to plate on top of these cheap metals. Regular jewelers who normally deal with fine jewelry often refuse to replate costume jewelry, as they do not have the chemical experience involved with plating copper, brass, bronze, or mass production alloys. In addition, these cheap metals will contaminate any tank that is used to plate fine metals such as sterling silver, causing a costume jewelry job to be far too risky for the average jeweler.
So now you might be wondering; well, how do I replate silver costume jewelry if I want to get it looking nice again? There is a solution.
Rhodium Plating on Costume Jewelry

A costume jewelry bracelet before and after rhodium plating.
In order to give jewelry that bright and silver-colored aesthetic, many jewelers and manufacturers use rhodium plating. Rhodium is a precious metal that is used to make white gold and silver extra shiny; in fact, itโs standard to treat white gold with rhodium plating in order to make sure itโs the right color.
What you need to know is that rhodium plating is even trickier than gold plating in terms of chemical compatibility. In short, itโs harder to make something silver than yellow in color if the base metal is something strange, such as copper or brass.
In order to rhodium plate costume jewelry, the jeweler needs to remove any existing plating on the piece and polish it to a high shine. Any stones such as rhinestones or crystals are unset if possible, to avoid any damage to the gems and to prevent any glue from contaminating the plating tank.
If the metal is atypical, the jeweler will first plate the item in either nickel or palladium metal. These metals are used as a preliminary coating for two reasons. One, it helps to deter the natural tarnishing from the base metal from seeping through the plating. Two, it makes the item more chemically compatible to the rhodium plating process.
Once the item has been treated, the jeweler then puts the item into the rhodium plating tank, and removes it once the item has successfully taken to the plating process.
Things to Keep in Mind When Replating Silver Costume Jewelry
Not all metals are created equal, and that will affect the plating process. Some metals are impossible to plate without the right procedure and equipment, so if your costume jewelry is made from something like zinc, you probably wonโt find someone near you who will take on that job. That being said, you can always consider custom creation if plating is not an option and you genuinely love the piece for design or sentimental reasons. We always tell our clients that itโs a better long term investment to duplicate a piece in silver or white gold to avoid replating.

On the left is the original costume jewelry ring, on the right is a duplicate in white gold.
The Cost and Turnaround Time for Rhodium Plating
This depends on the size of the item and any necessary pre-plating treatment, but rhodium plating typically starts at $35. Turnaround time ranges from 2-7 days, based on what needs to be done to the piece.
Now youโre all set on how to replate silver costume jewelry! If you have something that needs to be done, comment below and weโll get back to you shortly.
I have a brooch from the 50-60โs that lost a stone and the mount needs silver rhodium. Can you help
Hi Kenneth, weโve sent you an email ๐
Hi, my Vivienne Westwood bracelet (brass) has gone rusty. What can I do to replate it?
Hi Ellen, weโve reached out to you via email!
Will a piece of jewelry made of
a mix of steel and brass with silver dipped plating
finish: high polish
lobster clasp closure
box chain
stamped curb chain?
Will a piece of jewelry made of
a mix of steel and brass with silver dipped plating
finish: high polish
lobster clasp closure
box chain
stamped curb chain
change colors on me. It is sold for $115.00. I do not want to receive this if it will change colors.
I have a cross necklace that need silver plating and a few stones replaced. I love this piece ca you help me?
Thank you
Jane
Hi Jane, we can definitely help you with that! If you could send a picture to Info@quickjewelryrepairs.com, that would be great. We can give more information that way!
I have a knock-off Vivienne Westwood armor ring that has lost quite a bit of silver-y plating. I would like to have it replated, but Iโm not sure what was used on it before โ and since itโs the armor ring, itโs more complicated than a typical ring. Is there a way to repair it?
Hi Hannah, please email us a few pictures of your piece to info@quickjewelryrepairs.com for further assistance!
I have a ring that is meaningful to me, and that needs replating (rhodium or silver). Would you be able to do it, and what is the cost? We live in Waterloo, ON.
Thx
Lila
Hi There, thank you for reaching out! We can definitely re-plate this for you. Rhodium plating starts around $44. Here is a link to place an order.
https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/plating/
Please note, if you are outside of the U.S. you are responsible for shipping to our facility!
It is interesting to note the cheap metals are necessary to be able to give strength to 14kt gold or sterling silver .925. Those metals are preferably copper but sometimes zinc is used. this is why some people cannot wear precious or noble metals because they are many time allergic to the copper. Good costume jewelry has a thicker plating and will last decades. Much of theโcheaperโ items are played abroad with โflashโ plating which does not last long at all. We always use playing companies out of Rhode Island as most jewelry designers do. They are the best forโฆ Read more ยป
I have a toe ring that my husband have me that is costume jewelry and itโs changed color. He just died and I would like it to be recovered in the silver rhodium if possible.
Hi there, you can use this link to place an order for this service! Let us know if you have any other questions. ๐
https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/jewlery-maintenance/plating/
I have an old bracelet that belong to my grandmother. I wanted to frame it in a shadow box, but want to clean it up first. I already tried silver polish and it actually looks worse rather than better. Can you help? How much?
Hi there, please use this link to place an order for jewelry polishing, prices are listed on this page as well! https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/polishing/
The same thing happened to me. I have a similar bracelet that was my grandmas and cleaning made it look worse.
Hi I have a Rogers spoon ring Iโd be interested in plating!
Hi there, please send us a picture to our email info@quickjewelryrepairs.com for further assistance!
I have a copper bracelet that needs resilvering. Can you do that?
Hi Sandra, Yes we can! We actually plate in rhodium for the same coloring effect. You can use this link if youโd like to move forward with our services! Please let me know if you need further assistance. ๐
https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/jewlery-maintenance/plating/
Hi there! I have a pair of silver hoop earrings that have turned a tarnished/red color. Can you help with this? Thanks!
Hi There, yes we can! Could you please provide a picture of their current state?
Who in the Jackson, MS area does rhodium plating?
Hi there, we can help you with that service! Hereโs a link to place an order with us https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/jewlery-maintenance/plating/
I have a mens silver chain that I screwed up and โcleanedโ most of the silver layer offโฆ I love this chain but want it back to shiny silver (or rhodium silver)
Hi Mike, you can use this link to place an order for rhodium plating. This will help restore your chain! ๐
https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/jewlery-maintenance/plating/
what is the thickness of the plating you add?
Anywhere between half to 1 micron!
I have a silver plated necklace that I would love rhodium plating as this necklace holds sentimental value.
Hi there, hereโs a link for rhodium plating! https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/jewlery-maintenance/plating/
Where are you located?
Hi there, we are located in New York City but have a mail-in service available for out of state and international customers! ๐
Hi! Are there any reputable places I can send a bulky but lovely necklace to have re-plated? Would I be better off doing it myself? If so, please recommend a product.
Hi Sharon, we actually gold plate and rhodium plate pieces! Can you please email info@quickjewelryrepairs.com for further assistance?
I have a large plated chain necklace that needs to be replated
Hi Pattie, someone weโll reach out with further details shortly
My piece is a circle approximately 2 inches across with engraving all around on the flattened surface.
My husband passed in July. The last thing he gave me was a silver cross that is costume jewelry. I want to have it dipped in silver so I can keep it forever. Will Rhodium last as long. Where can I go this done.
Hi Robin, weโll reach out via email with detail on our rhodium plating service!
Hello. I have my moms costume ring that she had on when she passed. It means the world to me but is discolored. Iโd like to get it dipped in silver so it wonโt tarnish. Is this possible?
Hi Melissa, weโll reach out to request photos via email! ๐
I have silver fern (part of necklace) that needs rhodium plating, 85mm x 30mm. Thank you
Hi Irene, We have reached out via email with further details!
I have a bracket that need treatment and lots of love ๐ฅฒ
Hi There, weโll reach out via email with further details!
I love this necklace and want to replace it because it has changed colors in a couple of places.
Hi Shelly, weโll reach out via email to request some photos!
I have a beautiful costume ring piece which I get comments on all the time. The plating is stripping. Anything you can do to remedy it? I cannot have any nickel in the plating.
Hi Jaime, weโll reach out via email with further details!
Can I as a private person buy rhodium myself and just dip my earrings in it?
I have a ring that I love that tarnished and needs to be silver again.
Weโd love to assist with this! Iโve followed up with next steps via email ๐
I have a ring that I absolutely love thatโs loosing its silver plating and I was wondering where I go to have this done?
We can do it here! Iโve followed up with additional details via email ๐
Hi there. I have a vintage Tiffany and Co silver plated cuff style bracelet. It has worn on most of the inside and is starting to wear off the edges. It looks to me like brass underneath but Iโm no expert. I absolutely love it and I would like to keep it. If I send a pic, could you please let me know what you think and a rough price estimate to make it look silver again. PS I donโt particularly mind if itโs not high shine as long as it doesnโt look like Iโve bought it from an oppโฆ Read more ยป
Hi Sharon, we should definitely be able to help with this โ Iโve followed up directly via email ๐
My gold Alex and ani bracelet is tarnished. How much is it to restore the finish ?
Great question, we should be able to assist with our polishing service โ Iโve followed up directly via email ๐
I have a silver onyx squash blossom necklace that lost it ms shine. The bracelet and ring that matches it and theyโre good. But the necklace is almost impossible to keep its shine and Iโd like to have it replated.
Weโd love to help with this! Iโve followed up directly via email ๐
I have a 35 inches long, Gucci link. What would it cost to get plated? Thanks for your time.
Depends on the metal! Iโve followed up via email to assist with your inquiry ๐
My mom passed and I have a ring of hers that I was wearing on a necklace but now the silver plating has rubbed off and its showing either copper or brass underneath. Can you guys repair it for me?
Hi, Craig! We followed up with the next steps via email to have your momโs ring replated ๐
I have a piece I would like plated, my email is mechilleevans@gmail.com
Hi, Mechille! We replied to your comment via email ๐
Iโd like to have a bracelet replated please
Hi, Noreen! We replied to your comment via email ๐
I have a pendant that has a shaped coin with a silver bracket (to make it into a pendant). I think the coin is nickel-plated, but am not certain. But itโs starting to tarnish and I wondered if it can be silver plated, and if so how much it would cost?
Hi, Eli. We replied to your comment via email ๐
I need help! I messed up my wifeโs ring and need to make it right.
Hi, James. We replied to your comment via email ๐
Hi, I have a Vivienne Westwood necklace that has gotten rusty and is missing a few crystals. Would you be able to help me?
Hi Daniel, Happy to help! Weโve reached out via email with further details.
HI I have a Vivienne Westwood necklace I want to get replated.
Hi, Daniel! We replied to your comment via email ๐
I have a Brighton Illinois charm bracelet I need spruced up. Can you help?
Hi Bonnie, Happy to help! Weโve reached out via email with further details.
I have a pair of brand new gold plate earrings, but I would love to have them plated in silver. Is that possible? They have never been worn- I loved the earrings but yellow metals just arenโt my aesthetic.
Hi Deb, thank you so much for your comment! Weโd love to help you out. I reached out via email to assist you further ๐
I have a pair of Greek key earrings that are very dear to me, A gift from my late grandson. Can you help, they have blackened it just breaks my heart.
Hi Marcia, thank you so much for your comment! Weโd love to help you with your earrings. I reached out via email to assist you further ๐
I have a pair of hoop earrings I would like dipped in sterrlng
Hi Charlene, thank you for your comment! Weโd love to help you with your hoop earrings. I followed up via email with the next steps ๐
I have an engagement ring I Thought I got from Kay jewelry thatโs now turning green on my wifeโs finger. Can you help?
Majorrfuller38@gmail.com
Thank you,
Mr fuller
Hi Mr. Fuller, thank you so much for reaching out! I reached out via email to help you with your wifeโs engagement ring. ๐
Hey my Vivienne Westwood bracelet has started to turn brown and was wondering what I could do in order to get it back to its silver looking self. Looks like some sort of rust but I read that its not rust. What can I do to fix this?
Hi Zeek, thanks for the comment! I reached out via email to help you out. ๐
Hello I have a tarnish metal cross I want dipped in sliver.
Hi Patricia, thank you so much for your comment! Weโd love to help you with your piece. I reached out via email to help you with the next steps ๐
I have a costume sterling silver plated ring that needs replated. It had a large green stone also.
Hi Eunice! Thank you so much for your comment. ๐ I reached out via email to help you replate your ring!
Have Versace necklace I would like to replate
Hi Nits, thanks for commenting! We reached out via email to help you with your necklace ๐
Hello, I have a Mexican silver bracelet that was recently returned to original luster. Now Iโd like to keep it that way.
To keep your Mexican silver bracelet looking great, store it in an anti-tarnish pouch or cloth when not wearing it. Regularly wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent tarnish, and avoid exposing it to moisture, perfumes, and chemicals. For added protection, you could consider an occasional light polish with a silver-cleaning cloth. This should help maintain its shine beautifully! ๐