It's an old thread but I had to comment...
What a lovely story & a lovely ring!!!
Much better than Stuller. I bought earrings that came in 22 k closed back bezel settings & I wanted them set in a white metal. I had someone order palladium settings for diamond earrings for me from Stuller. They also set the diamonds for me. The posts were thin & bent when I pushed on the heavy duty 14K backings I ordered for them. I've tried to bend them straight a few times but I'm afraid of breaking them. Its a shame as I had my diamonds set in them & it was sort of a waste. Sorry Stuller disappointed me. I picked ornate settings & they looks nice but the bending/twisting of the posts should not have happened.
Palladium is harder than white gold & also hypoallergetic like platinum. Posts should not bend when you push on backings even if they are thick 14K & tight. The posts look like they went thru a garbage disposal! LOL
So I am happy he did not get Stuller. Most of those were by pass type settings & best for cocktail rings.
Palladium is also a fine choice for metal allergies.
Ring is amazing & what a lovely pearl!