Change Finish on Carved E-Ring?

I have a lovely hand carved 14K white gold setting, but it is too shiny. Can you do anything to change that without altering the integrity of the ring/metal? The diamond has not been set yet.

Hi,

I suspect that the reason the white gold setting looks too shiny is because it received a new rhodium plate. If you find that the setting as it is now is too distracting, there are a few options but before I mention those - keep in mind that the setting may look overly bright right now because it is new and because the diamond has not yet been set.

It is common for settings without a set stone to look a bit overwhelming on the rest of the ring. Once the stone is set though, only a few aspects of the setting will be visible.

The other thing to consider is that you want a bright setting to enhance the diamond's brilliance and fire. A bright, white setting will definitely compliment the diamond's overall sparkle and flash - so you may want to wait until the diamond is set before making a decision, or ask the jeweler to show you a similar ring - with a set stone - so you can get more of an idea of how your completed e-ring will look.

That being said, if the metal on the setting is just too distracting from the rest of the ring, here is what you can do:

1. Wait. Eventually the rhodium plate will wear away and the metal will gradually begin to dull. You may choose not to have that area of the ring treated again with rhodium plate. Although, because a setting is not an area that comes into contact regularly with the skin it can take more than a year for the rhodium plate to wear away. (Removing the rhodium plate quickly through grit buffing could permanently affect hand-carved details on the setting).

2. Plate the setting. The setting can be plated again with 14k white gold or even another metal like platinum, to dull its appearance. As long as another rhodium plate is not applied you will not get that extra bright reflective white color. Any type of plate over the ring though will need to be reapplied every few years.

These are really your best options that will protect the overall integrity of the ring and any hand-carved details. While it may not be ideal, waiting is usually the best option - then you will not need to worry about having the engagement ring setting re-plated down the road, if you like the color of the 14k white gold setting without the rhodium plate.

I hope this info helps - and we would love to hear an update on whatever you decide to do and the results to help our future visitors who may have a similar issue!

Suzanne Gardner
Everything Wedding Rings

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