To answer some of the queries.
1. I know that the settings around sapphires and rubies can be rhodium plated. I have friends who had that done when fashions changed to favour white gold settings for engagement rings. I, personally, favour a gold setting for strong coloured gemstones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds. But I know from friends that jewellers have refused to rhodium plate emerald rings -- I suspect that is because emeralds are a much more fragile gemstone.
The other issue which I should have addressed days ago is the the issue of tarnish.
I don't know about conditions in Europe, but in my part of the world some ladies will not wear silver jewels because of the problems tarnishing causes. I think it is a problem caused (in hot, humid climates) because of the humidity, which intensifies tarnish, and a reaction with the skin of the wearer. What ever the cause, silver jewellery when tarnished can leave marks on a person's skin and on clothing. For those whose skin reacts to silver, the marks can be a nuisance, leaving marks which, although they can be washed off, can need vigorous washing for some people. On some types of clothing, the black tarnish can be difficult to remove. It really depends on the type of fabric, how robust the fibers are, etc. The other factor which I know increases the propensity of silver jewellery to tarnish very quickly (in Australia) is proximity to the sea. The salt in the air ensures that those whose skin reacts to silver combined with humidity means that tarnishing happens very quickly, often within a couple of hours.
But, I suspect that those conditions wouldn't be a major problem in most parts of Europe.
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