Blue Diamond Ring Discoloration: What to Do & How to Protect Yourself

Question
Peter,
My daughter purchased a blue diamond ring from a major chain retail store. She loved the ring. It had to be sent out for sizing. When she picked up the ring, it did not look the same at all. In fact, it looked so different that she wondered why she had liked it. Luckily, she had taken pictures before sending in.
She looked at the pictures and could clearly see that the diamonds now looked sky blue instead of dramatic royal blue. She went back into the store and it was explained to her about the black rhodium coating under the diamonds. It had been completely removed by their "deep cleaning" process after sizing.
We have a few questions. Was this something that should have been explained to her? I feel this was almost false advertising because the did not say anything about the true color of the diamonds. They require cleanings to guarantee their rings, so sooner or later the finish would have come off. She asked to have it replaced and they are doing that. But it will wear off again. She loves the ring, but wonders if she should return it. She also wants to Know if there is something she can do to make it permanent. Any help that you can give us would be greatly appreciated. Thank you from both of us.
Sue

Answer
Hi Sue,

First of all there is no "deep cleaning" process that will remove plating on metal. So here is what I suspect they did. They sized the ring with all the stones in it not realizing that the colored diamonds could change color with the high heat needed to solder the gold. They were hoping that you wouldn't care that the diamonds were lighter in color and made up this ridiculous excuse. The finish will not wear off under the diamonds, it may on the exterior parts where the ring touches clothing but never under a stone. To make sure the color remains the same you have to instruct them not to size or repair the ring without removing the diamonds. This is a more costly way to do it but the colored diamonds cannot usually take high heat. They should have known better and the diamonds should have been either more stabalized for heat or have a warning from the manufacturer that the diamonds may fade with high heat. This has nothing to do with the black plating. Thanks for asking and I hope this helps,

Peter