A question on Metals

[Lord Summerisle]

with the big day rapidly approching thougths have turned to the weddingbands.

for various reasons, we cant go ahead with the origonal plan to get a 950 plat. ring to match the engagement ring.

What are the protencial pitfalls of having a silver wedding band for the short term (later to be made into a right hand ring and a plat. ring made)

daft questions really. is the silver or plat gonna wear or damage the other? react in anyway, then again, isnt plat supposed to be one of the less reactive metals?

 

[JohnQuixote]

Hello M'Lord.

I suppose the answer depends on what the 'short term' means to you. Silver is not recommended for rings that will be worn every day for an extended period but it is used in dress rings. Silver is softer than gold and platinum and doesn't have the hardness they do. It's also more prone to oxidise, which sometimes causes the metal to turn black. That's not a problem, just have it cleaned or use a silver jewelry cleaner yourself. If you have natural high acidity in your skin that tarnishing can cause your finger to be stained green (which is also cleanable).

I don't believe silver and platinum are harmful together, though someone who smiths these metals may have more to offer about wearing them on the skin.

 

[pinkflamingo]

My inlaws have silver rings. They were hippies in the 70s when they got married and never upgraded. my MIL still wears hers everyday, it doesn't look that different than my DH's platinum band. I was shocked at how "scuffy" platinum becomes after a year or so. I don't think there is a huge diffence, but I wouldn't ever set a diamond in silver, as it is soft and I would worry about losing the stone.

 

[Lord Summerisle]

thanks guys...

''short term'' in this instance is probly 1-2 years at the most. Caroline does tend to take her engagement ring off each day while at work, as her work is very hands on, with alot of abrasive materials. so will probly do the same with the wedding ring - take it off and wear on a necklace.

So would white gold be a better alternative to silver for longevity?

 

[pinkflamingo]

I would think white gold would be a better option. Just make sure she doesn''t have a allergy to it. I can''t do white gold as it makes me break out in a rash- something with the nickel alloy causes many people to have a reaction.
(i found out the hard way with my non-refundable engraved white gold college class ring, and now I can''t wear it longer than an evening or else I break out in hives!)

 

[JohnQuixote]

Good advice from PF on nickel allergy. I do think WG is a better choice for sake of durability. A lot of this depends on how hard one is on his/her rings. It varies between people. I used to wear an 18k gold band my father gave me that was constantly out of round (go figure, I am a drummer). Meanwhile he's worn a similar band since before I was born that looks brand new.

 

[Lord Summerisle]

ahhh now heres the bonus of being in the UK i think... since European White Gold doesnt have any nickle content. so i think she may be ok on that point, tho could be an excuse for some cheap WG earings or a RHR to check

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 2/20/2006 11:05:59 AM
Author: Lord Summerisle

...tho could be an excuse for some cheap WG earings or a RHR to check

No wonder this girl is crazy for you.

 

[Lord Summerisle]

well she is crazy...