topic Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question in Jewelry

Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

NickNack — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 13:41:57 GMT

I noticed that a couple of Bixby pieces are called sterling/18k rhodium. I'm not sure what rhodium is, even after looking it up. It sounds as though it's cheapening the pieces. Almost $600 for a necklace with rhodium. Does rhodium cheapen the piece? I'm not interested in buying anything today but am curious about this.

Edited to add: I just searched again, and it sounds like rhodium plating is expensive. I'm still interested in comments on this though.

Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

Penellope — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 13:46:14 GMT

Rhodium is an expensive metal used to plate white metals in jewelry (white gold, silver and sometimes platinum). It is used to improve the shine and color, and also to prevent tarnish. It does not cheapen a piece.

Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

NickNack — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 13:49:43 GMT

@Penellope wrote:
Rhodium is an expensive metal used to plate white metals in jewelry (white gold, silver and sometimes platinum). It is used to improve the shine and color, and also to prevent tarnish. It does not cheapen a piece.

Thanks @Penellope. I had never heard that before. I guess that explains the high price for the necklace.

Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

Penellope — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:13:37 GMT

I think Barbara Bixby's jewelry is just overpriced in general, even with the rhodium.

Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

NickNack — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:33:12 GMT

@Penellope I agree. I paid $100 for a cross with white topaz when she first brought it. Now it's $253. I've noticed a huge increase with several of her pieces. I sold a lot of my Bixby pieces on Ebay and just kept a few pieces that I do love.

Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

LTT1 — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:39:40 GMT

@NickNack@Penellope

My Bixby pieces have never tarnished... well, if stored unprotected they do a little bit...not noticably tho.

Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

NickNack — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:45:20 GMT

@LTT1 I haven't noticed my Bixby pieces tarnishing either, but I always store them with those little pieces of tarnish protector paper (not sure what it's called).

Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

LTT1 — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:50:16 GMT

@NickNack

I have started being diligent about this also in the last few months.

I have my rings in a wooden jewelry box with no protectors, and they do not tarnish. I have two of these.

I LOVE the (black) faux-leather opening circle necklace. Would love to have the turquoise also....

The pendant and charms that go on it were all items that needed to stay in with the silver paper.

Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

NickNack — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:54:07 GMT

@LTT1 I just looked at that necklace, and it doesn't say it's faux leather. It says it's leather. I like it, too.

Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

Shelbelle — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:55:02 GMT

Most sterling pieces today are also rhodium plated.

Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

LTT1 — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:59:43 GMT

@NickNack...ooops! My bad! hmmm... no WONDER I love it so much! LOL

Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

mimilucy — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 20:06:01 GMT

With Bixby pieces you are paying for the designs and , of course , the designer herself as well. She uses fine stones in her pieces. Rhodium adds very little to the price. Don't be fooled just because presenters love to say that it is in the "platinum family ". That's like calling sterling a "noble , precious " metal. That only started when less 14k and 18k shows were on air!

Re: Bixby Sterling/18k Rhodium Question

Kachina624 — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:51:08 GMT

I think Ms. Bixby has pretty much priced herself out of the market, along with other QVC "designers". I spend my jewelry $$$ at Evine and don't even bother watching most of the Q shows.