Decided on setting - one last question on 95/5 Ru mix...

[lookingforever]

Hi,

I decided to go with the Vatche Felicity for my setting shown here:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/felicity-solitaire-engagement-ring-by-vatche-1614.htm

I have the choice to do it in the 95/5 Ruthenium mix (instead of 95/5 ir). The 90/10 Ir mix is not an option. From many of the threads I have read, it seems like I should definitely go with the 95/5 Ru mix because it's harder and will be less likely to scratch and patina.

My only question i want to run by you all for thoughts, is should I have any concerns about switching to 95/5 Ru given that my setting is on the thinner side. The width of the setting is 1.3mm and which I am thinking might make the setting and prongs more delicate than some of the wider settings. My initial thought is that the 95/5 Ru would even be better because it is harder and would actually make the thin setting more durable, so less likely to bend... Does anyone have any opinions on this?

Thanks!

 

[Laila619]

950 Plat with Ruthenium is definitely the best alloy IMO. I think you are smart to get that one.

 

[John P]

My only question i want to run by you all for thoughts, is should I have any concerns about switching to 95/5 Ru given that my setting is on the thinner side.

No worries. Pt950/Ru has been the historic platinum of preference for Tiffany & Co. It's quite workable and only 18% harder than Pt900/Ir, which is another great alloy.

I'm probably stating the obvious, but for the record I'd just add that the wearer's daily activities will be more significant to how a ring holds up over time than any other factor, including the choice of alloy. This is especially true for thin or delicate pieces.

 

[Karl_K]

I'm probably stating the obvious, but for the record I'd just add that the wearer's daily activities will be more significant to how a ring holds up over time than any other factor, including the choice of alloy. This is especially true for thin or delicate pieces.

Great comment!
Personally I don't feel there is enough real world difference between 95/5ru and 900ir that the alloy is going to make any difference, forces that will damage one will damage the other.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, I absolutely would go with the 95/5ruthenium.

However, I honestly would think twice about going with a setting that is only 1.3mm. I am not sure why they even made that line other than the fact that platinum and gold have been so high. I personally wouldn't go that thin for a daily wear ring. 1.8mm is my minimum and that is really thin.

 

[teobdl]

Yes, I absolutely would go with the 95/5ruthenium.

However, I honestly would think twice about going with a setting that is only 1.3mm. I am not sure why they even made that line other than the fact that platinum and gold have been so high. I personally wouldn't go that thin for a daily wear ring. 1.8mm is my minimum and that is really thin.

Agreed.

LookingForever, have you seen actually seen a band that's 1.3 mm wide? The wire of a standard paperclip (2 inches or 5 cm, wherever you live) is very close to 1 mm wide.

 

[lookingforever]

Thank you for all the comments!

Regarding the width of the band....

I actually have seen the Vatche Felicity in real life. While I did think the 1.3mm was a bit on the thin side, I actually did not like the bands that I saw that were 2mm. I know 2mm is a bit more "standard" but I just didn't think it looked good on my fingers. I actually would probably prefer 1.5-1.8 mm for the width of the band, but I haven't been able to find anything with a similar style to the Felicity and that is around the same price ($1200-1300). I also looked at tapered bands because it looks thinner than 2mm from the top view, but I ruled those out because I didn't like the gap between the ring and the wedding band. If you have any suggestions of something around 1.8mm, I would definitely be open to them....

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, I read that the taper near the stone is 1.3mm and the bottom of the shank is 1.9mm, so that is better.