Can You Replate an Engagement Ring? Experts Explain the Process

Even with the utmost care, your engagement ring can lose its color and sparkle over time. Luckily, you can replate an engagement ring to restore it to its original look. Unlike regular ring cleaning, engagement ring replating restores the shine and color that can wear off over time as the thin layer of plating wears down.

We spoke to Stephanie Gottlieb, founder and creative director of Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry, and Michelle Berlinger, designer and owner of Berlinger, for their expert advice on engagement ring replating. From what kinds of rings can be replated, how often rings should be replated, to how much ring replating costs, we've covered everything you need to know if you're considering getting a ring replated.

In this article:

• What is Ring Replating?
• Can You Replate an Engagement Ring?
• Why Should You Replate an Engagement Ring?
• How Often Should You Replate Your Engagement Ring?
• How Much Does It Cost to Replate an Engagement Ring?
• Where Can You Get Your Engagement Ring Replated?

What is Ring Replating?

Ring replating is a process that is most commonly done on white gold jewelry to help it retain its shine and color. Over time, white gold can turn yellow and the replating process helps to reverse this color change.

"White gold in its natural state has a dull grayish hue with yellowish undertones. To achieve its signature bright white appearance, it's coated with rhodium—a process known as plating," Gottlieb explains. "Over time, with regular wear and tear, this rhodium layer can fade, revealing the original color of the white gold underneath. Replating restores the rhodium coating, bringing your ring back to its brilliant, bright-white shine."

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Berlinger explains that the plating process is also helpful for alleviating the allergic reaction to nickel that many people experience, which can turn their skin green or black in color under their jewelry. "This not only allows the white gold to be as bright white and shiny as possible, but it also helps the metal to be less allergenic," Berlinger says.

Can You Replate an Engagement Ring?

Yes, you can replate an engagement ring! While this is most commonly done for white gold engagement rings, all types of gold and many engagement ring metals can be replated to achieve their original appearance.

"If your ring is made in a precious metal like gold it can always be re-plated," Berlinger says. "Platinum never needs plating. Certain types of jewelry techniques like enamel or inlay are more fragile and would need an expert jeweler or plating expert to do the re-plating to avoid damaging the enamel."

Gottlieb echoes this sentiment and suggests platinum as a white gold alternative to those seeking a low-maintenance ring. "If you're seeking a permanent white finish for your engagement ring, we recommend platinum—it's a stronger metal and its base grey color won't fade," Gottlieb shares. "There is no yellow undertone to platinum."

Why Should You Replate an Engagement Ring?

You should replate a ring if you are unhappy with how the color changes over time. "For white gold, replating is recommended whenever you notice the color starting to dull," Gottlieb advises.

Replating can help restore your engagement ring's original shine and color in a way that simply cleaning your engagement ring cannot. While regular cleanings remove dust, oil and debris from everyday wear, replating will restore the rhodium plating that has worn away over time. It's important to take care of your engagement ring so it looks its best for years to come.

It's important to note that not everyone will be bothered by the aging of their ring over time, and some brides may even like the nostalgia of a well-worn ring. We recommend replating your engagement ring if you truly are bothered by its change in appearance and want to restore its original look.

How Often Should You Replate Your Engagement Ring?

Both Gottlieb and Berlinger recommend replating your engagement ring every five years, though the timeline can vary. "The rhodium plating on your engagement ring can rub off/wear over time. How quickly this happens can depend on the wearer and things like how often you wash your hands, how rough you are on your jewelry, etc.," Berlinger tells us. "We usually suggest replacing every five years but some people need it sooner, some later."

Photo: Berlinger

Gottlieb agrees. While she suggests replating your white gold engagement ring as soon as you notice the color starting to change, she shares that "rhodium plating on yellow gold, however, is more durable and can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years (or even longer), depending on how often you wear your rings."

How Much Does It Cost to Replate an Engagement Ring?

"The cost of replating can vary depending on the jeweler, the quality of the plating and the thickness of the ring, but typically, it ranges from $100 to $500," Gottlieb says.

While you could pay for this on your own, Berlinger urges you to check if replating is covered under your ring warranty before you pay out of pocket. If you're engagement ring shopping and looking at white gold rings, this is a great thing to ask about upfront.

"This is a service that is also covered by many warranties from jewelers," Berlinger shares. "Check with your jeweler or manufacturer to see if this is covered beforehand in your warranty if you are planning to purchase a white gold engagement ring!"

Where Can You Get Your Engagement Ring Replated?

Many different jewelers offer replating services, as this is a common request. Search local jewelers on The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find ring replating near you.