Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Do Latex Gloves wear down or break down Gold rings?

Hi, my name is Joyce and I am a Medical Technologist, so I wear a lot of gloves on my job.I have had a problem with my gold wedding ring losing diamonds because the prongs become weak.I was told that it may be the latex from the gloves at work.Do you have any idea if that is true,or is there somewhere I can find this so I can read about it.

Joyce Farrell
- Gray, Georgia
December 13, 2009

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December 16, 2009

Hi, Joyce

There is no posssibility of latex chemically attacking gold.

There is, however, a reasonable possibility of latex snagging on the diamond setting prongs and bending them.

If this happens, there is a good chance of compromising the glove's sterylity.

Unless you are willing to remove the ring at work (and wear it on a chain as a neclace) the simple solution is a stip of surgical tape over the ring

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England