Platinum Setting Discoloration Problem?

[CloveMan3]

Hello,

I''ve been having with my fiance''s platinum engagement ring.

I asked for and was told I recieved a 950 Platinum setting (they made the setting themselves). The problem is that the ring started to "yellow" at the point where the prongs attach to the band base (its a princess cut diamond with side baguettes). What would cause this to happen? We''ve since brought it in twice to address the problem. They replated the area with Rhodium (I think), but eon each occasion, a few days later the yellowish color eventually reappeared. This doesn''t occur anywhere else on the ring, just at the base of the mounting. It is very disconcerning to me, especially since I purchased an E color stone which only seems to "amplify" the yellow discoloration.

Any idea as to what is causing this and what I should request be done to remedy it with the jeweler? Are any of the 950 Platinum mixes more prone to a yellow discoloration? Should I request a new 950 Platinum setting with a different mix (the band does seem to scratch rather easily which leads me to think its some sort of Tungsten or Cobalt mix)?

Thanks for your help.
---CloveMan3

 

[CloveMan3]

Date: 5/25/2005 8:13:35 AM
Author: Feydakin
This is because they used gold solder to solder together a platinum mounting.. It is fairly common to use gold solder on heads to make them easier to remove and replace later.. But they probably should have used platinum solder to assemble the ring..

That said, what is she doing to the ring?? That is a hard place to wear away any plating..

The only thing she''s done has been to get them (the jeweler) to clean it in a sloution... could the cleaning solution they are using be affecting the solder?

 

[CloveMan3]

Date: 5/25/2005 12:16:05 PM
Author: Feydakin
More like, does she wash her hands with them on, and use an abrasive soap like Lava for example???

Something has to cause the wear to make it come off.. But, like Dave said, gold soldering in platinum is not the preferred method of soldering.. It can lead to many issues if the wrong solder is used plus the color issue..

The harshest thing she would ever use on her hands with the ring on would be something along the lines of dish washing detergent and regular hand soap. Other than that, she is very dilligent about taking the ring off when using any sort of household cleansers or chemicals. Also haven''t used the pool at all so far since getting engaged so that''s ruled out as well.

It might just be that when we got it back last time from them (after re-plating the area) that she didn''t notice it right away under the showroom''s lights. She only noticed it a couple days afte as she was in the car (sunlight).