QuestionMy fiance bought a ring for me from a local jeweler. He bought this setting from Stuller (http://www.stuller.com/products/product.aspx?gid=5542) and bought the diamond separately. The setting is 14k rhodium-plated white gold. The jeweler replaced the prongs with platinum ones.
After he bought my ring he asked the jeweler about getting it in platinum, and the jeweler basically made it sound like it'd be a huge hassle and not worth the effort. I think most of the reason for this is because he doesn't want to carry this setting in his store (he has a very small store and mostly only carries plain styles). I didn't feel like he laid out all the options at the beginning like he should have for my fianc�like telling him what Stuller�s return window was (3 days?) and telling him that there were other metal options to consider. I was wondering if looking into changing the engagement be worth it, or if it really would be very difficult to sell the setting and get it redone in platinum or a nonplated white gold alloy. I realize some money would probably be lost in the process, but I am just exploring the options. My fiance said the setting from Stuller cost a little less than $1000, and his jeweler said we'd get couple hundred bucks back (at best) selling the current setting and the platinum one would run $1500-$2000 or more depending on the price of platinum at the time. Do you think this is a reasonable assessment? I really would prefer a metal that is not plated, which is why I�m even pursuing this.
As a side note�is it possible to wear a platinum band next to a white gold engagement ring? Would the platinum wear away the rhodium faster?
Answer
Hi First to stop the wear between rings have your jewelr put a drop of solder at the bottom to hold them together.
Although the information you sent me seems a little complicated and I think the best answer for you is to get estimates from many jewelers if you would like an all platinum ring.
Remember the cost of a platinum ring has a lot to do with the labor charge of producing a finely made piece with a metal that can be very difficult to work with.
Your best bet is not to try to figure out the jeweler but to invest your time in shopping other jewelers that can provide the same ring and the same service this way you will know better than I if your treated fairly and at a good price.
Thanks for writting !!!
Good Luck
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