QuestionHello I sure hope that you can help me. I want a certain look for my wedding ring. The only problem is that I can't afford to get a 14k white gold citrine solitaire ring to go with my 2 channel diamond bands. Is it possible to solder these 2 types of metal together? Thanks for all your time.
Joy
AnswerJoy, are the channel diamond bands the yellow gold rings and is the new citrine solitaire the sterling silver one? If this is the case, the work can be done with in certain conditions.
There is not a problem soldering gold and silver together, such as is joining rings together. The soldering is generally done at the bottom of the rings, away from the gemstones. With stones which will take soldering heat with no problems, the rings may be soldered at the top also to provide an even more solid joining. However, diamonds will take heat and citrine will not. The heat of soldering will damage a citrine beyond repair. Most gemstones will not take the heat and generally soldering without extra protection for the stone is only done with diamond, ruby and sapphire...and then it depends on the individual stone.
You will need a sterling ring which is not rhodium plated. Why? Soldering on rhodium plated silver leave a darkened surface and discoloration. At the bottom of the rings, this may not be enough to bother you and is not the sort of problem had when a rhodium plated silver item is resized, a job we simply do not do. Raw or not plated natural silver is best and will polish beautifully once the rings are soldered together.
A jeweler can protect the citrine from heat while soldering the rings to the sides or can set the citrine into the center ring after the soldering is done. Either way will work just fine.
Joy, go for it and enjoy that look you want for your wedding rings! If I figured the metal of the rings backwards, since you did not say directly, please use the follow up and the answer may be revised a little bit. Fair enough?
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. August 2, 2008 7:28pm
