Help with a nickel-free pave/bead-set setting on a budget

[loheiman]

Hey all,

First i just want to this site has been an immense resource so thank you.

I'm looking for a cathedral pave/bead-set to set a synthetic blue sapphire that Michael Edgett (gemshoppe.com) is cutting for me into a 6.25mm Jubilee. I REALLY like this James Allen setting but the issue is my fiancee has a nickel allergy, James Allen can't/won't make their white gold without nickel, and 1150 for platinum is a bit hard for me to swallow in my current situation (I also feel like James Allen charges a HUGE premium for platinum compared to other vendors). Am I fooling myself to think i can find something suitable for ~900? Do you guys have any suggestions for other vendors? I've also been looking into palladium but it's been hard to find jewelers that will work with it. Thanks in advance!

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-double-claw-prong-0.16ct-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-22644

 

[ChristineRose]

Re: Help with a nickel-free pave/bead-set setting on a budge

This is going to be tough. The only line I found that even pretends to have hypoallergenic setting was Scott Kay, and they are out of your price range. I'd actually talk to the folks on Etsy as there are shops that make a point of working in hypoallergenic whites.

 

[loheiman]

Re: Help with a nickel-free pave/bead-set setting on a budge

I've managed to find a local jeweler who is able to make a custom setting for in 14K white gold that's alloyed with palladium. Should be ready in a few weeks!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Help with a nickel-free pave/bead-set setting on a budge

I would ask about Stuller X1 metal. It may work for you if it is nickle free.

 

[distracts]

Re: Help with a nickel-free pave/bead-set setting on a budge

I would ask about Stuller X1 metal. It may work for you if it is nickle free.

X1 is not nickel-free but meets the EU standards for nickel release. I have a nickel allergy and it works for me, even in earrings. Stainless steel/surgical steel also contain nickel and they are also fine for me, but "cheap" nickel-containing jewelry and regular white gold are not. This is a whole heap of anecdotal evidence, lol, so make of it what you will.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_Directive
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9330816

 

[loheiman]

Re: Help with a nickel-free pave/bead-set setting on a budge

The head of the setting will be from Stuller. I'm not sure that the head will be nickel-free. Is that something I should worry about??