Set diamond in silver temporarily?

[Jmb0181]

Hi, I have a round loose diamond and want to save up for a nice 14k setting...but I found a heavy six prong sterling silver setting that would work with my diamond. I wondered if it could be set temporarily in the sterling setting for maybe six months, while we save up. I thought since it's a six prong setting it might be secure enough for the time being. Or is sterling too soft and it would be risky. Thanks for any input you may have!

 

[ringo865]

If this were my situation, I'd probably wait if it's only going to be six months ( even a year).

You will have to pay to have the stone set into the silver setting. Then pay again to have it unset and then again till have it reset into the gold one. That's probably $100-$500 that could go toward your new setting. And silver is softer so it could cause a sad mishap, costing you even more

 

[valeria101]

.

The setting / un-setting cost is there ...

Otherwise, I wouldn't mind keeping diamonds in silver - as used to be their fate, before Pt came around. In theory, silver is harder than gold (which is not to say that a silver setting is)

2c

 

[babs23r]

If you don't mind the cost of setting and resetting then I would do it, since I'm sure you want to enjoy your stone by wearing it!!!!

 

[scarsmum]

I would get a stainless steel ring from Etsy. Customized to your diamond size. They’re around $20. My husband is printing me a stainless setting coated in rhodium while I think about my diamond for a while. If he didn’t INSIST on printing one (he’s an engineer) I would just get one off Etsy.

 

[Karl_K]

In general its not a great idea but a heavy silver setting could be stronger than a very light gold one.
Make sure it is insured if you do it.

 

[Jmb0181]

It's true I do want to have it set to enjoy it even if it's a temporary home for my diamond lol. It's a 1.5 ct aaa black diamond, irradiated. It didn't cost anywhere close to what a white one would cost so I wouldn't be completely devastated if I were to lose it, but I would be sad. Insuring it is a good idea. And it's nice to know a thick sterling setting is more durable than a thin gold one, I always wondered about that! I think I'll get it set if it's not super expensive. Anyone know how much that could cost?

 

[Jmb0181]

Stainless steel is a cool idea also!

 

[EvaEvans]

In theory, silver is harder than gold

Not true.
Pure gold (999) and pure silver (999) have same hardness. However, jewelry industry use silver alloy of 925/1000, the common gold alloys are 14K/18K. The 14K gold is at least 50% harder that 925 Sterling silver.
@Jmb0181, I would set my diamond in a study sterling silver setting with no problem.