Jewelry has always been popular with women. Whether they like gold or silver, there has always been a great selection available, in all different price ranges. Jewelry, whether it is new or antique, always holds a special place for women and is always a staple in gift giving. It is also something used to pass along to other generations as a remembrance.

For years, silver has been the one of the most popular in less expensive jewelry. Gold has been he most popular, however with the rising cost, many people choose silver instead. What most don’t know is that not all silver toned jewelry is made from silver. Often, there are many other metals used instead of silver to achieve a silver toned piece of jewelry. Materials such as white gold, platinum and rhodium are all used as well.

Rhodium is often used to plate silver, making the metal stronger and less prone to tarnish. Rhodium earrings are many times silver ones that are plated in the rhodium. Because silver easily tarnishes if it is not cared for and polished properly, the rhodium plate prevents this from happening.

Accessory companies have used rhodium in some of their high end pieces like hobo handbags. Because the metal has a high resistance to corrosion, it is perfect for metal pieces on handbags and other accessories. Typically the metal pieces will be coated in rhodium plate to keep their brilliance and strength.

It has many other unusual uses as well. Electrical contacts are made from rhodium because they have a low electrical resistance. Rhodium plate is used as well in optical equipment and in mammography systems as a filter. High quality writing pens also contain the metal. The most popular use however is for cars catalytic converters in the exhaust system.

Rhodium is different not only because of the mining process, which the metal is extracted from other metals that are mined, but also because it can be pulled out of used nuclear fuel. Rhodium is a transition metal found in the periodic table as Rh.

Many people enjoy silver products, but actual silver isn’t used as much as many people think. When people see silver toned jewelry, they often assume it is silver. But more times than not, it is a different material or even silver coated in rhodium. Gold can be boring, but the striking look of silver toned jewelry accentuates any outfit. Whether you are wearing girls shirts and jeans or a cute black dress and high heels, it makes a great accent.

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Clothing & Apparel