[Jewelry making - Article 00619] - Re: [Orchid] Mokume rings materials issue

[Pam Chott]

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>         Now a question-- would you still avoid all copper-based alloys
>     if the ring is to be lined with silver or gold? 


Hi Noel,

    I had the same question. 

    The Mokume bands that Joe bought for us this summer were apparently
    gold-lined inside before shaping for a 'comfort fit' contour.  Part
    of the mokume gane was exposed at both inside edges. 

    The first couple of weeks we wore them, we noticed some green
    discoloration on our fingers.  Duh! I immediately recognized that
    since the shakudo contained copper, it had to be leaching out of the
    alloy!  I contacted the jewelry store where the rings were purchased
    and told the owner what was happening.  He said that it shouldn92t be
    a problem because the alloys are 18 Kt. gold.  I suggested that the
    copper in the shakudo was the issue and asked that he check with the
    artist about it. 

    I did not like the look of the bands that had a full sleeve liner
    with the gold edge showing on each side of the band but we loved the
    rings (a 'lightning bolt' pattern) so I was hoping that the artist
    could suggest another fix to correct the problem, perhaps a thick
    electroplating on the entire inner surface. 

    When the jewelry store owner called back about 10 days later, he
    said that the artist's studio replied that the discoloration usually
    abated after the rings were worn awhile and indeed, by then, it had. 
    I was still a little skeptical but decided to ride it a couple months
    longer before pursuing anything further. 

    Recently, I noticed that the OUTER surface is showing some etching
    as well.  I'm certain of this because my band has a diamond mounting
    and the etching is not apparent adjacent to the head but only on the
    back of the shank where it contacts my palm and fingers. 

    I wish this very timely and helpful thread had been posted months
    ago, but better late than never.  At least now I know that the
    process will lead to the eventual self-destruction of our lovely
    bands! 

    Looks like I will have to become a tactful 'difficult customer'
    about it.  I'd really appreciate any suggestions on how to handle
    this. Anyone? 

Thanks,

Pam Chott
www.songofthephoenix.com

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