phoenix5807
Rough_Rock
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2006
- Messages
- 19
Greetings, all. I am a newbie who''s been reading the numerous threads on this subject. Starting about a year ago, my girlfriend made it clear that while she is by no means rushing me to propose, when I do, she would very much like this ring: http://www.canadian-diamonds-wholesale.com/system/ring.asp?id=1012. Allow me to clarify: she does not want any 3-stone lucerne, or just a ring that looks like this one. She wants THIS RING. Well, I''ll be getting a nice tax refund and am ready to make my purchase in the next couple months. I must choose, however, between 14k, 18k, and 19k white gold, and platinum. (She abhors yellow gold.) Aside from the regular pros and cons, I must keep in mind that she corrodes jewelry like a toxic wasteland. Even nickel free earrings become fuzzy and discolored after a few days.
So, I''m basically looking for help in making my decision.
Here''s what I think I know so far. Correct me if I am wrong.
1. White gold in general are alloyed with other metals which make them white. The different mixtures have varying degrees of nickel, ranging from none to quite a lot. Palladium is an additive which makes it super-white, but it also makes it softer and easier to scratch.
2. 14k is generally harder and whiter than 18k since it has less gold in it.
3. Most white gold is rhodium plated. This plating wears off in time, but it doesn''t make a difference in my case because she doesn''t do well w/ rhodium either, and these rings aren''t plated.
4. White gold tends to yellow over time.
5. 19k white gold is a proprietary product manufactured in Canada. It contains nickel. It is super-white, resists scratching, does not yellow, walks the dog, takes out the trash, and never leaves the toilet seat up.
6. Platinum is more expensive, and heavier. It is more brittle, but scratches easier than WG. The shiny surface will eventually develop a uniquie "patina" (i.e. get covered with a bunch of tiny scratches). It is a shiny white at first, but eventually turns to a duller gunmetal gray. While it is much harder to polish than WG, you can take it to the jeweler once a year to have it refinished. It is usually considered safe for people with allergies, although it is alloyed with various other metals, just like WG. Platinum also won''t get eaten up by chlorine.
Now, for my questions:
1. Since 19k white gold has nickel, should I assume it''s no good for people with allergies?
2. What can you tell me about clear-coating or laminating a ring?
3. I''m leaning towards a nickel-free palladium 14k white gold, if it is available. What do you think?
4. I''m quite nervous that Canadian Diamond Wholesale only seems to warranty its product for 15 days after the shipment date. Does anyone know anything about this company?
5. What are the chances of getting another jeweler to duplicate this design to any degree of perfection? Would it cost me an arm and a leg?
6. If I don''t end up buying from this company, what can you tell me about having it made with pure palladium?
7. My girlfriend doesn''t like diamonds. Praise God! She likes the color of simulated emeralds, but they scratch too easily, so I was going to get a green simulated sapphire with white sapphire sidestones. Comments?
Thanks so much for your help. Sorry about the long post.
So, I''m basically looking for help in making my decision.
Here''s what I think I know so far. Correct me if I am wrong.
1. White gold in general are alloyed with other metals which make them white. The different mixtures have varying degrees of nickel, ranging from none to quite a lot. Palladium is an additive which makes it super-white, but it also makes it softer and easier to scratch.
2. 14k is generally harder and whiter than 18k since it has less gold in it.
3. Most white gold is rhodium plated. This plating wears off in time, but it doesn''t make a difference in my case because she doesn''t do well w/ rhodium either, and these rings aren''t plated.
4. White gold tends to yellow over time.
5. 19k white gold is a proprietary product manufactured in Canada. It contains nickel. It is super-white, resists scratching, does not yellow, walks the dog, takes out the trash, and never leaves the toilet seat up.
6. Platinum is more expensive, and heavier. It is more brittle, but scratches easier than WG. The shiny surface will eventually develop a uniquie "patina" (i.e. get covered with a bunch of tiny scratches). It is a shiny white at first, but eventually turns to a duller gunmetal gray. While it is much harder to polish than WG, you can take it to the jeweler once a year to have it refinished. It is usually considered safe for people with allergies, although it is alloyed with various other metals, just like WG. Platinum also won''t get eaten up by chlorine.
Now, for my questions:
1. Since 19k white gold has nickel, should I assume it''s no good for people with allergies?
2. What can you tell me about clear-coating or laminating a ring?
3. I''m leaning towards a nickel-free palladium 14k white gold, if it is available. What do you think?
4. I''m quite nervous that Canadian Diamond Wholesale only seems to warranty its product for 15 days after the shipment date. Does anyone know anything about this company?
5. What are the chances of getting another jeweler to duplicate this design to any degree of perfection? Would it cost me an arm and a leg?
6. If I don''t end up buying from this company, what can you tell me about having it made with pure palladium?
7. My girlfriend doesn''t like diamonds. Praise God! She likes the color of simulated emeralds, but they scratch too easily, so I was going to get a green simulated sapphire with white sapphire sidestones. Comments?
Thanks so much for your help. Sorry about the long post.
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