White Gold Prongs

[Kath]

Hi everyone....

I''m getting a white gold 1/2 eternity e-ring with a .42 carat center diamond in a 4-prong head. I''m pretty sure the prongs that hold the center diamond are white gold as well. With a small .42 carat diamond, should I request a platinum head instead? (I have no idea if the store will actually be able to switch the heads since it''s a Christopher Designs ring and might be only sold as is). Is platinum that much better for prongs, or is it not worth the effort of getting the heads switched since the diamond is on the small side?

Thanks for any input!

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Kath and welcome

This is a matter of opinion and comfort level here...... many prefer platinum for heads and prongs as they feel their diamond is more secure, but I and many others have had WG for prongs with that size and bigger diamonds for many years without problems. Apparently should repairs be needed such as retipping the prongs etc, platinums melting point is much higher than gold so I have read from the experts this could cause burning of the diamond, however a skilled craftsman - bad luck aside - would take all the precautions and be used to doing this work. I think it really depends, if you are set on platinum have it, but I am sure the WG will be fine. Whatever you choose, check your diamond regularly to check it is secure and have a pro check the prongs yearly to be on the safe side. HTH.

 

[blodthecat]

Hello there, and welcome,

As my good friend Lorelei has already said, it is a matter of personal preference. But I wouldn't be overly concerned.

It is a good idea though to have the setting checked regularly. I would also remove at bedtime too, as the claws can catch on the bedding.

Blod

Bloody hell...I almost forgot, we would love to see some pictures

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/7/2006 9:40:46 AM
Author: blodthecat
Hello there, and welcome

Blod

Bloody hell...I almost forgot, we would love to see some pictures

Bloody Hell is right Bloddie! YIKES! Fancy forgetting to ask for pics, we must be slipping......

 

[Patty]

I don''t know that platinum prongs are any more secure than white gold prongs. In fact, I think some would say that the opposite is true.

I got platinum prongs put on my yellow gold ring because I did not want to ever have to worry about them yellowing.

In a white gold ring, if the white gold yellows, you will have the whole ring dipped (rhodium plated).

I''d stick with the white gold prongs for sure.

 

[Lorelei]

I think I may have read somewhere here that platinum prongs are more likely to shear off than WG which has a bit more " give" in the metal, WG is more likely to bend instead.

ETA - yep Rascal I got it the wrong way round, plat will bend more instead of breaking. Good catch!

 

[Kath]

It is very similar to this but with a total carat weight of .3 from the small stones (this one is .5 I think). It''s by Christopher Designs. Do you all know where I could find more Christopher Designs ring pictures? It''s not on their web site and I haven''t had luck with Soloman Bros either.

 

[singer]

I would stick with the WG prongs! I have had my ring for almost three years and I have never had a problem. Plus, it costs more money to get work done on platinum. I wouldn''t worry about it. Just get your ring insured and don''t worry about it.

I found Christopher Designs'' website. It is http://christopherdesigns.com

Go to "Product Line" and click on rings OR go to "Catalogs" and you can download them and look at those as well! Hope this helps!

 

[AndyRosse]

Date: 1/7/2006 10:19:33 AM
Author: Lorelei
I think I may have read somewhere here that platinum prongs are more likely to shear off than WG which has a bit more '' give'' in the metal, WG is more likely to bend instead.

Lorelei, I always thought WG was more rigid, hence a WG prong would more likely snap off. And platinum is a bit softer metal, so a platinum prong could just bend back. Of course, both WG and platinum prongs could snap off if hit with enough force

.

 

[Janis]

The white gold prongs on my 1 ct. solitaire are still shiny white after 29 years. They have not yellowed. One time I did catch the ring on something and loosened a prong but saw it before the diamond became loose or fell out. Other than that, the white gold prongs have been fine.