What metal would you guys recommend to melt into an engagement ring?

[Mr Skeptic]

I know the maths mate, i was wondering if anyone knew what the average gold ring weight is. Thanks though, now you have insinuated that both me AND my girlfriend are dumb...

 

I also know all the maths, and also don't know how much an average gold ring weighs Guess we are more alike than you'd think.

 

This website sells rings and says about how much they weigh: http://www.goldenmine.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=28

Take your pick and do the calculations.

 

I'd say that your average ring would be about half a cubic centimeter volume, but it could be double that or half that depending on if you want a big or small one.

[Gilded]

Also, GILDED, i wasnt going to rhodium plate the osmium, im not using osmium as it could be dangerous.

 

I was talking about iridium, not osmium.

[thethule]

I also know all the maths, and also don't know how much an average gold ring weighs Guess we are more alike than you'd think.

 

This website sells rings and says about how much they weigh: http://www.goldenmine.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=28

Take your pick and do the calculations.

 

I'd say that your average ring would be about half a cubic centimeter volume, but it could be double that or half that depending on if you want a big or small one.

 

Fortunately, she has tiny fingers...no man-hands on her and its cheaper!

 

Thanks for the link mate.

 

Marc

 

I also know all the maths, and also don't know how much an average gold ring weighs Guess we are more alike than you'd think.

 

This website sells rings and says about how much they weigh: http://www.goldenmine.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=28

Take your pick and do the calculations.

 

I'd say that your average ring would be about half a cubic centimeter volume, but it could be double that or half that depending on if you want a big or small one.

 

Ah. Sorry, from what i read anyway, iridium is toxic too. Bah!

[big314mp]

Perhaps you could do an iridium (or osmium) ring, and plate the inner surfaces with gold some other metal that has no chance of forming toxic oxides. From what I can see, the chance of an iridium or osmium ring forming toxic levels of oxides is quite remote. But you could plate the inside of the ring as a safety precaution.

[Gilded]

Ah. Sorry, from what i read anyway, iridium is toxic too. Bah!

 

Where did you read that? The only possibly toxic compound I could find is iridium chloride or some other halide, but that's also the case with rhodium yet it's a common jewelry plating material.

[alan2here]

Whats that dark shiny ferro-magnetic one?

[SkepticLance]

Iridium metal is non toxic, but is a non starter because

1. It is incredibly rare and thus extremely expensive

2. It has an extremely high melting point, making it almost impossible to work. Your local jeweller aint got a dogs show!

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iridium

[big314mp]

Maybe electroplating a ring with iridium would be possible?

[Gilded]

Iridium being extremely expensive is BS as far as jewelry metals go. Although it's one of the rarest metals it isn't that expensive. $28/g is a price I encountered on eBay. 132$/5g on http://www.elementsales.com.

 

While those are random examples of small individual amounts let's look at current metal market prices. Iridium is at about $14/g. Platinum is at $38/g. Rhodium is at $137/g.

 

I'll agree on the difficulty of machining iridium. Most jewellers can't do it and that is exactly where companies like http://www.americanelements.com step in. The only problem I see here is the possible resizing the ring later if desired. It's going to be essentially impossible. Possible solutions:

-Maintain a fairly constant finger circumference

-Iridium ring worn on a necklace if it doesn't fit anymore

-Get a gold engagement ring AND an iridium ring to go with it. I think the brilliant silvery luster of iridium would compliment gold nicely

[jdurg]

I still think a Scandium ring would be neat. It does tarnish, but not to a horrifically horrible color. It becomes a golden purple type color and the tarnish doesn't build and build and build. It evens out and the metal is somewhat exotic and would make a great looking base.

[thethule]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the suggestions guys. Ill keep you posted as to what i choose and what she says!

 

Marc

[Phi for All]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the suggestions guys. Ill keep you posted as to what i choose and what she says!

 

Marc

And pictures please, if your fiance doesn't mind the world looking at her ring.

[xnebulalordx676]

Suggestion:

http://www.fancydiamondinc.com/cushion_cut_antique_style_diamond_ring_C65.htm

 

The traditional cut you spoke of. Add some copper as once was the corresponding to alchemists ancient metal of love. Shame copper's one of the softest metals. I dunno if you want to merge metals only or gemstones. If gems I recommend emerald or Jade. Neat to think about though.

Edited October 5, 2008 by Sayonara³
postcount whoring merged

[thethule]

Hmmm...not really my or her style. Im not into anything ancient looking or medieval looking. I much prefer simple, clean modern looks. Nothing fussy.

 

 

At the moment, im seriously considering: pure rhodium, scandium, tungsten. POSSIBLY with something more exotic inlayed in it (something that wont necessarily be in touch with her skin...we'll see. I still havent asked her yet, so i got time. LOL)

 

Thanks again for all the great suggestions guys. i really appreciate it and i will keep you all informed.

 

marc