what makes stones turn dark?

[WindyCitySparkle]

My wedding ring is channel-set tiny princess stones in platinum. I just got it professionally polished today, and tonight I am noticing that some of the stones in one area look darker than the rest. I ultrasonic-ed it but no change. When I turn it over, I can sort of see a difference when I look in the little light holes; it looks like there''s some grey dust in there or something (but clearly it''s not dust if the US didn''t get it out). Any ideas on what could be causing this? I tried taking photos but it doesn''t show up very well. Is it possible that the polishing melted some of the platinum onto the back of the stones?

 

[Ellen]

It could possibly be polishing compound. Take a jewelry brush or soft tooth brush and scrub it really well, then US it again in hot soapy water and see what happens.

 

[RockDoc]

Polish can be really STUBBORN to remove. It also has a way of getting in the tightest, most inaccessable spots too.

Take it back to who polished it, and ask them to steam those areas out. I doubt the toothbrush method would be very effective. They should be happy to do that for you.

Examine it using a loupe.... that should help.

Afterwards, make sure the stones are tight in the channel.

Rockdoc

 

[avlis]

platinum melts at 3200F. i think its probably just compound or something

 

[denverappraiser]

Most home ultrasonics aren’t really very powerful. Professional jewelers generally have much more robust cleaning tools at their disposal. Take it back and point out the problem. If the shop is on site, they should be able to clean it up while you wait.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver