DFrey said:
I don't want to argue with the experts on this forum but I am sorry unless white gold of any karat 10K, 14K or 18K has been rhodium plated it will not "yellow"with age. Anything that has been rhodium plated will change color, depending on the alloy that has been plated, as the rhodium wears off.
For more info regarding gold alloys etc. check out the archives of the orchid forum for those making jewelry and those interested in the making of jewelry.
DFrey
Thank you, DFrey- I was reading this thread and everytime that yellowing was mentioned, I had to think: Mmmmm.... 14K, 18K gold is actually mixed with nickle. Occassionally (if the mix isn't great), additional rhodium will be applied which can wear off over time and expose a slightly more yellowish tone. However, the reason why a 14K or 18K gold was recommended to Tobias is that gold is easier to work with overall.
Platinum, while a pure metal (well 95% pure), is very difficult to size and to maintain. Because the metal is so "pure" and hard, it is very easy to scratch; many rings that are worn on a daily basis made of platinum will quickly get an almost "brushed" look due to the frequency of scratching, and should be polished between every 3-6 months to maintain a high shine. It is not a huge deal, but something to take into account when considering a plain band such as the ideas that are being tossed about here.
I usually recommend going with gold: 14K or 18K is a matter of personal taste, as the gold isn't going to get any "whiter", the nickle content will be the same either way, but on the whole, it is cheaper, easier to maintain and easier to work with for the jeweler.
Really, the only thing that I like using platinum for is prong-settings; those prongs will never bend out of shape or break! For that reason, those 1.00ct diamond studs (and bigger!) that I drool over should always be set with platinum, and the same goes for any
basket or prong setting where it would be devastating to lose a stone.
...Okay, obviously my post is a little late here, but I say again I haven't had much chance to be on the guide lately
Tobias: Go with the Sea of Cortez pearls!!!! Absolutely gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! You can also request a specific overtone from Douglas, and a certain level of color saturation as well. Any colored stone or diamond accents should be selected after you obtain the pearl so that you can better coordinate the way the colors fit together.
And GemGeek: Thanks for sticking up for the poor Burmese! Not a ton of people really understand the situation over there and that boycotting Burmese rubies really will do more harm than good. If you gotta boycott something, boycott their Jade! The Myanmar government really has all their fingers in that pie!