I thought that I'd stick in a goldsmith's point of view:
~Though soft, pearls are relatively tough, due to their layered construction and perhaps help from their conchiolin. Just remember that hardness is defined as "resistence to scratching." Also, you might make note of the fact that pearls are very susceptible to many chemicals--mostly acids and liquids that could soak into them and stain them. Remembering that can help you to get longer life out of it. (Keep it out of the vinegar!)
~Another thing to keep in mind when considering wear is simply that whatever sticks out the farthest hits things first. That goes for the sides as well as the top.
~Although I've known people to do OK with impractical designs and have even made some (with stern warnings, of course!) The simpler and more solid that a ring is, the better it will fare over the years, generally. I personally think that moving parts such as a removeable cage are not at all practical for a ring that is going to be worn 24-7 for many years. Moving parts are much more prone to wear and breakage.
~Bezels are a very secure way to set pearls, yet they have a couple of drawbacks. If a bezel alone is used to set a pearl, then it must come up over half of the diameter to be able to grip the pearl securely, leaving less than half the pearl to be admired. Another drawback comes when you try to replace your worn pearl. The bezel must then be stretched to remove the old pearl and compressed to reset the new pearl. This invariably results in weakening and often damaging the bezel, and by the third or fourth replacement it will probably need replacing or at least repair and may never again look as good as the original. I would suggest that a better solution would be to use a "cup" that came up at least one third or a little more of the diameter--below the curve--with a center post (soldered in from
drawn, gold wire, NOT CAST) and glued mounting
properly done. I don't mean one of the thin, little, shallow cups sold for earrings or pendants. The cup will help to prevent the pearl from moving, thereby weakening and perhaps eventually breaking the post if it is struck. The pearl may be removed with heat or sovent without damaging the mounting.
~I like the idea of buying a number of matched, Freshadama, all-nacre pearls for replacements over the years. I don't know how often they might need to be replaced, but perhaps some of the other members of this forum might have knowledge and input about that. I would suggest that whatever number you settle on, you add at least a couple more to that. Accidents happen unexpectedly, and are therefore to be expected.
Good luck and may you enjoy many happy years of connubial bliss!
Marc
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