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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Can a ring be platinum plated selectively?

I AM WONDERING IF IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ME TO BUY A RING THAT IS WHITE GOLD AND HAVE THE INNER CIRCLE PLATINUM PLATED? I AM ALLERGIC TO ALL METALS EXCEPT OF COURSE PLATINUM OR PERHAPS TITANIUM, WHICH I HAVE NEVER TRIED...THE COST OF PLATINUM IS SO EXPENSIVE SO I WANT TO KNOW IF IT IS EVEN POSSIBLE TO HAVE THE RING COATED OR PLATED (IN THE INNER CIRLCE THAT WILL TOUCH MY SKIN) IN PLATINUM TO REDUCE COSTS?

THANKS,

JACKIE GREEN
BUYER - COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, USA
2007

In theory, yes, it can be done with a process called brush plating and using the correct platinum solution. If you can find a company that wants to do it, it will be somewhat expensive. Hopefully the ring is worth the treatment. And of course you deserve it.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2007

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Jackie,
Another method often used is: The outside of the ring is masked off with a plating resistant mask, and the inside is plated in platinum. After plating the mask off is stripped, leaving the combination you desire. As Guillermo said, it would also be expensive and difficult to find someone to do it. Not many jewelry manufacturers have platinum plating available, although many could cast a platinum ring for you - but much more expensive. Good Luck!

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
2007