What is the ''best''/''strongest'' material for tension settings?

[rorn]

Honest, I looked and can''t find the answer in the forums.

I imagine there is no right answer for the ''best material''.


But which is the least to lose a stone? White gold, platinum, or some alloy I am unfamiliar with?
(I am looking to buy a standard tension setting for a princess cut)


If someone could point me in the right forum/thread direction I would be much obliged.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

the lowest carat nickel white gold, 9, 10 and 14K

 

[strmrdr]

ti aka Titanium

great source for em:
http://www.boonerings.com/

 

[valeria101]

I am no expert, but would agree with Strmdr.

The usual precious metals are not naturally springhy enough to make tension rings - they get so by special treatments. Titanium doesn''t need special intervention to be appropriate for tension rings.

The well known brands of tension rings present these metalurgic treatments as quite diffcult. This is obviously self-serving, but there seems to be some truth to the statement. Otherwise every jewelry shop would be making knock-offs... Up to you to judge this, as usual.

 

[denverappraiser]

The manufacturers of tension settings regularly use proprietary alloys that they concoct for this purpose. IMO, the most important ingredient is insurance. If this is done properly, the details of the other ingredients become a problem between the manufacturer and the insurance company. It’s still academically interesting but far less critical.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[lindsal]

Date: 3/22/2005 9:41:48 AM
Author: denverappraiser

The manufacturers of tension settings regularly use proprietary alloys that they concoct for this purpose. IMO, the most important ingredient is insurance. If this is done properly, the details of the other ingredients become a problem between the manufacturer and the insurance company. It’s still academically interesting but far less critical.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

I agree with Neil. Most important value in the equation is an insurance policy good enough that you don''t worry about what MIGHT ever happen. I personally do not know a thing about which material is best... but, I have been the very proud wearer of a tension setting in 18k alloyed white gold for nearly a year now with no problems at all.

The only other thing I think is important to keep at the forefront of any discussion on tension settings is be absolutly sure to get a ring from a TRUSTED, WELL KNOWN, LONG TIME creator of tension settings, not your best friends buddies jeweler who says, "sure, yeah, I can do that." You can do a search here on tension settings and find several discussions on vendors both from larger shops and some isolated local jewlers.

Good luck. I love mine and it never ceases to draw compliments like "... how did they do that... it looks like it''s floating."