Platnium prongs neccessary?

[crease123]

My fiance is having a 2.0ct diamond set into the mount, and the jeweler recommend a platnium prong instead of the gold prong, saying that for a 2.0 ct diamond it will be safer. So my question is....is the platnium prongs really that neccessary or the gold prong will do the job just as well.

 

[Circe]

Platinum is more malleable, which is fantastic for prongs - where gold prongs would snap off (losing your diamond), platinum prongs will bend (more secure for the stone, and more easily repaired). I''d listen to the jeweler on this one!

 

[:)]

Not absolutely necessary, but over time they will stand up better. IMO no matter what metal you choose, it is a good idea to go with 6 prongs (if not a bezel) in case a gold one breaks, or a platinum bends.
Here is a link to an article - halfway down it talks about tensile strength, etc....

http://journal.pricescope.com/Articles/47/1/An-Overview-Of-Common-Alloys-Used-In-Jewelry.aspx

 

[luvmyhalo]

My 1st ring was a 1 carat solitaire mounted in a 4-prong white gold setting. I never had a problem with it over the 5 years I wore it. My new ring is a 1.6 carat stone mounted in a 4-prong while gold setting. I''ve had it for about 6 months and so far no problems.

Platinum prongs would be the ideal way to go, but I don''t think its absolutely necessary. Just get it insured and you''ll be fine!

 

[EricaR]

Date: 1/21/2009 12:40:22 AM
Author: luvmyhalo
My 1st ring was a 1 carat solitaire mounted in a 4-prong white gold setting. I never had a problem with it over the 5 years I wore it. My new ring is a 1.6 carat stone mounted in a 4-prong while gold setting. I''ve had it for about 6 months and so far no problems.

Platinum prongs would be the ideal way to go, but I don''t think its absolutely necessary. Just get it insured and you''ll be fine!

This sounds like some great advice!!

 

[crease123]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

While we are on the topic, the jeweler also recommends a 6-prong instead of a 4-prong, citing stability as the reason. However, my fiance-to-be mentioned that she prefers a 4-prong, as a 6-prong might give the "too-much-is-going-on" claw-like look! What would you guys recommend?

 

[Judah Gutwein]

Crease123,

Platinum prongs are not absolutely crucial in order to protect the structural integrity of the stone, same for 6 prong vs. 4 prong.

Of course, the reality is that 6 prong and plat. will better secure the stone..this is a simple fact.

However, platinum is also more expensive and 6 prongs also offers more clutter to a beautiful diamond on top and in the profile.
This being said, it always irks me ("I don''t get too "irked" over anything...

) when vendors assert their own bias/preference for these things, without remaining objective and simply presenting the facts in a way that will allow the consumer to make a (individual) decision on a diamond/ring he/she is paying for!

Why should a consumer be made to feel scared about getting a 4 prong setting (for more diamond visibility and given a preference for 4 prongs..) and spending less money on white gold?

Millions of people purchase white gold, 4 prong settings with no negative consequences. The simple reality is that a well set diamond will not simply pop out of a 4 prong white gold setting.

Of course, you must do your due dilligence to protect your expensive diamond ring from coming into harms way...no jeweler can give any kind of assurances on a diamond ring that isn''t properly cared for...that''s your job.

Therefore, if you back the car out of the driveway and over the engagement ring......even surgical grade steel or kryptonite won''t help your ring....

Bottom line is, you cannot go wrong here, unless you make a decision against your own heart and your own judgement.

Best of luck!

 

[neatfreak]

6 prong in platinum is surely the "safer" option. But that said there are plenty of 2 carat stones in 4 prongs, so just get what she likes ultimately. And make sure it is insured!

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I have only had platinum prongs once, worn for about 6 months to a year. I have had white gold prongs that have been worn for 10+ years with no problems at all. I have also had both 4 & 6 prongs, and changed the 6 prong after a while...it just looked more cluttered to me. But my stone is not a 2 carat, so that may have something to do with it.

Go with what you like and prefer!

 

[Regular Guy]

Judah, very well said, as usual.

Except...I take exception with one point...

Date: 1/21/2009 10:29:17 AM
Author: Judah Gutwein

Therefore, if you back the car out of the driveway and over the engagement ring......even surgical grade steel or kryptonite won''t help your ring....

I don''t think there''s any reason to think kryptonite would be strong. We think it makes Superman weak. Frankly, I thought it might be kind of like marzipan.

 

[crease123]

Thanks to all the replies...I LOVE THIS FORUM!

Last question (hopefully): Visually, when mounted on the ring, does a 1.86ct (with an ''excellent'' spread rating on HCA) look close enough to a 2.0 ct diamond?

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 1/21/2009 11:16:42 AM
Author: crease123
Thanks to all the replies...I LOVE THIS FORUM!

Last question (hopefully): Visually, when mounted on the ring, does a 1.86ct (with an 'excellent' spread rating on HCA) look close enough to a 2.0 ct diamond?

???

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 1/21/2009 11:16:42 AM
Author: crease123
Thanks to all the replies...I LOVE THIS FORUM!


Last question (hopefully): Visually, when mounted on the ring, does a 1.86ct (with an ''excellent'' spread rating on HCA) look close enough to a 2.0 ct diamond?

For what purpose? To try and show it off as a 2 ct? Yes. If the mounting won''t fit anything smaller than a 2 ct? Probably not, but you''d have to ask the jeweler with the mounting. Depends on the spread.

 

[strmrdr]

I think the difference is overblown.

My personal opinion is that most prong damage is the result of poor workmanship/design and or an unlucky hit that hits it just the wrong way. A surprising number of prongs are also cut by a knife while doing kitchen work.

If the seats are not cut right or the tops not properly finished or the design of the prongs is to weak it isn''t going to matter that material they are made of and the tenacity of white gold may be slightly better.
Most hits that take out a prong would have likely done so no matter that material and neither gold nor plat will stand up to a sharp knife.

With either plat or gold if the prongs are damaged enough to let go of the diamond the head if possible or the prongs if not should be replaced.
They will never be as strong as they were.

 

[DiamanteBlu]

I have always done platinum prongs for diamonds which have worked out fine. I can''t comment on gold prongs since I don''t have any experience with them.

 

[crease123]

I''m not trying to pass off the diamond as a 2.0ct (if people ask, I''m still going to say its 1.86 :p). I am just curious whether the size difference is noticeably substantial to consider a down-size for a better cut diamond.

 

[Imdanny]

No, not "necessary." People got along for decades without platinum, platinum tips included. Modern people have platinum on the brain.

 

[Judah Gutwein]

Ira,

"Marzipan"...I love that!
You have me conjuring up images of Israeli "Halva"...from back in the day (when I spent time learning in Israel, while working towards a major in obesity!!

...Halva was a major... err...contributor back in the day..)

...and I thought Kryptonite was kind of a paradox.....indestructable yet harmless to all, save for the "strongest" man on the planet

Shows how much I know...
What the heck...I always liked Peter Parker...more realistic..