Gabriel and Co Platinum/Palladium setting durability

[OCD_about_angles]

Hi All,

I' originally posted this thread in the jewelry section ([URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gabriel-and-co-platinum-palladium-setting-durability.190403/#post-3468604#p3468604']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gabriel-and-co-platinum-palladium-setting-durability.190403/#post-3468604#p3468604[/URL]) but was recommended to move the thread to Rocky Talk as there are more traffic here for responses.

I'm close to purchasing a Gabriel and Co platinum setting for an engagement ring (and maybe the matching wedding band too), but I have found out that they use a 95% Platinum 5% Palladium alloy which has a Vickers hardness around 60 HV. That is slightly better than pure 24kt gold at 40HV, but softer than 22kt gold at 70 HV. Does anyone who have a Gabriel and Co platinum piece, or a platinum/palladium ring, speak about their durability and scratch resistance? I'd hate to buy a platinum setting only to have it scratch up easily over normal wear.

Ruthenium, Iridium, and even Cobalt would be a better alloy if I had a choice. Too bad Gabriel and Co won't use a different alloy (I've asked). Pt950/Pd is a soft material which is good for finer details in their designs, but I just don't want to end up with a nice looking piece that will turn to mush over time (Or worst, have the prongs open up and lose the center diamond!!! )

I could be over analyzing things and 60HV is plenty hard for jewelry. I am only going off of the info I've found regarding the other blends of platinum. Mark Morrell, one of the highly appraised designers recommended on PS, stated that even 950PT/Ir with 80HV is a very soft alloy "not resistant to scratching, bending, and being deformed and dented by impacts". (http://www.mwmjewelry.com/platinum_purity.htm) I am concerned about the 60HV, which is why I would like to ask for real world experiences with G&Co pieces and/or Platinum/Palladium alloy settings.

As a reference:

24kt pure gold is around 40HV
950Pt/Palladium is around 60HV
22kt gold is around 70HV
950Pt/Iridium is around 80HV
900Pt/Iridium is around 110HV
950Pt/ Ruthenium is around 135HV
950Pt/ Cobalt is around 135HV

Sources:
http://www.mwmjewelry.com/platinum_purity.htm
http://www.substech.com/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=platinum_alloys&DokuWiki=e4bfbcf8fafcec3d735793ad12face75#platinum-palladium_alloys
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/platinum-durability.htm
https://www.pricescope.com/journal/overview_common_alloys_used_jewelry
http://www.ebay.com/gds/Gold-karat-hardness-and-color/10000000000707860/g.html
Thank you in advance.

 

[SB621]

For me personally, yes you are overthinking it.

I have an eternity band from them. I also have a VC ring that is 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium mixture. Both rings hold up well. You will get scratches regardless but I'm in the camp that rings were meant to be worn so I don't baby mine. Overall I'm pleased with the band and I think Gabriel and Co are good value.

 

[OCD_about_angles]

SB621,

Thank you for the quick reply. How long have you had the G&Co ring? Would you be able to upload some pictures showing the level of wear and tear?

 

[SB621]

SB621,

Thank you for the quick reply. How long have you had the G&Co ring? Would you be able to upload some pictures showing the level of wear and tear?

I think I got it around the holidays, but I purchased it pre-loved from another PSer who decided she didn't want it as a wedding band. I wear it as a RHR and not full time.

If you are nervous about wear perhaps white gold might be a better option as that you can redip?