Rhodium Plating and Stone Setting: Best Practices

Question
I wish set the stone in the ring after the ring is rhodium plated.  Can I set the stones in a rhodium plated ring or is it imperative that the stones be set before the ring is rhodium plated?

Answer
Hi Laura,

You can set the stone after it is plated but unless the benchman is a miracle worker it won't look very good when its done. That is why they do it after. Plating is so thin and brittle that it will crack and peel when presure is applied. Take my word for it let them plate it after the stone is set. Unless the stone is sensative to heat like an opal, then no don't do it. If it is anything but a diamond or corundum it may be affected. Even then it is remotely possible the heat will damage the stone. Just be very careful.

Peter