[Jewelry making - Article 00051] - Re: [Orchid] Rhodium plating platinum?

[David L. Huffman]

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>         some . . choose platinum for its durability and beauty in the
>     newly finished state, but are disappointed at how quickly the
>     polish finish is lost in daily wear. 

Hello Kimberlee;

    This is a design problem, I think.  It's only lately that platinum
    has been used to the effect of having broad, high polished surfaces. 
    Most older work in platinum makes extensive use of intricate
    piercing, bright cutting and engraving.  This avoids exposing the
    metal in areas where high finish is critical to the aesthetic of the
    design.  I also dread the solution of 18K white.  It's not even as
    white as 14K, and it's miserable to work with and get's brittle with
    age, unless it's a paladium alloy, in which case it's not yellowish,
    it's grayish.  I think the solution is to carry inventory that
    exhibits an appropriate relationship between material and design,
    and then educate customers about wearability issues.  Why not?  What
    soccer-mom/dad would buy a mini-van with Corinthian leather interior?
     Every see what melted Crayons do to that stuff?  I once saw a
    customer who bought, from my former employer's store, a platinum
    eternity band set with very long baguettes all around.  I didn't sell
    it to her, I'm glad to say.  She came back, tennis racket in hand, to
    complain that one of the baguettes was broken, the second one in 2
    weeks. 

David L. Huffman

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