2 very different sapphire options...Help me decide!

[EEM]

I’ve long wanted a sapphire RHR to wear with my round solitaire/diamond eternity band. I’ve found 2 very different options (style, retailer, price point) & was interested in your thoughts & advice.

1. East-Weat ring
(On hold $6900...on sale $5900)

Natural No-Heat Emerald-Cut Sapphire and Diamond Ring

This sleek, chic, unique and stunning jewel gleams front and center with a gemmy elongated emerald-cut sapphire, weighing 1.80 carats, imbued with a gorgeous, bright royal blue hue. The striking gemstone, accompanied by a gemological report from Stone Group Laboratory stating: Natural. No-Heat...

www.langantiques.com

2. Rectangular ring https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.be...coronet-cluster-ring-English-circa-1920-.html

Thank you...would love to hear for any input!!

 

[elizat]

First one says sold. Is that your hold or is it sold?

For what it is worth, I think that the first one is a little expensive for the price. That is a pretty dark sapphire and even though it's unheated, I think that it's more than I'd still spend. I think you could find a stone and replicate that setting for less money possibly. The stone looks like it also has some inclusions, but it could just be the angle.

 

[Bron357]

Hi.
No 1 - love the visual impact of the ring BUT the top of the ring is quite broad so it might feel weird between your fingers. Also, resizing that ring more than half a size either way will be problematic due to the curved, diamond set top section. The sapphire seems to have some colour toning and is reasonably dark, nicer than no 2.
No 2 - don’t like this one. The sapphire is very dark, it will probably look almost black in most light situations. The square shape of the halo gives it a chunky rather than refined look. The shank also seems pretty thin so it might need some gold added.
Both rings are at the top end price wise for the carat weight of gemstones in the ring ie not “great” buys.

 

[Bron357]

I’m an eBay shopper.
By way of comparison for you, currently listed on eBay around £7500 - business sellers.
Both rings have sapphires over 3 carats (unheated) AND over 2 carats of diamonds.
A lot more sapphire and Diamond for your money.
Both these sapphires (certified) are the blue colour most people prefer ie a bright blue.

 

[EEM]

I have it on hold. Good info...I really hadn’t noted inclusions nor did I realize pricing was high! Super helpful inflight. TY

First one says sold. Is that your hold or is it sold?

For what it is worth, I think that the first one is a little expensive for the price. That is a pretty dark sapphire and even though it's unheated, I think that it's more than I'd still spend. I think you could find a stone and replicate that setting for less money possibly. The stone looks like it also has some inclusions, but it could just be the angle.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

i want to love the east west
but im not sure about the colour being a bit dark ?
do both rings have easy return policies?

 

[EEM]

Hi.
No 1 - love the visual impact of the ring BUT the top of the ring is quite broad so it might feel weird between your fingers. Also, resizing that ring more than half a size either way will be problematic due to the curved, diamond set top section. The sapphire seems to have some colour toning and is reasonably dark, nicer than no 2.
No 2 - don’t like this one. The sapphire is very dark, it will probably look almost black in most light situations. The square shape of the halo gives it a chunky rather than refined look. The shank also seems pretty thin so it might need some gold added.
Both rings are at the top end price wise for the carat weight of gemstones in the ring ie not “great” buys.

I thought #1 was unique & interesting...but just don’t have the knowledge on the stones, pricing or details. I can’t tell you how helpful this is...so glad I decided to seek input from PSers! TY

 

[EEM]

I’m an eBay shopper.
By way of comparison for you, currently listed on eBay around £7500 - business sellers.
Both rings have sapphires over 3 carats (unheated) AND over 2 carats of diamonds.
A lot more sapphire and Diamond for your money.
Both these sapphires (certified) are the blue colour most people prefer ie a bright blue.

Bright blues! TY

 

[EEM]

i want to love the east west
but im not sure about the colour being a bit dark ?
do both rings have easy return policies?

Yes...both can be returned...the EW would be simpler given its in the US. I asked for additional photos...I’ll attach. TY!

 

[Pinkmartini87]

I really love the first one.

I may be alone here in my personal bias: The price of a vintage/antique piece is not dependent on stone quality alone. Design, provenance, etc are key factors also. I look for the whole asthetic and I would much prefer #1 with a less than perfect stone, than a better quality sapphire with a humdrum design.

For me, it’s rarer to find a true vintage/antique design that speaks to me, than slightly higher quality sapphires (aka not top quality—those are rarer than Hen’s teeth unless one has an ample budget) set in generic/easily reproducible settings.

Do agree with @Bron357 that the price is not a steal. Lang’s is a reputable well established store: you are essentially paying a bit of a premium for their curating ability, good taste, and trustworthy reputation. Which to me is worth the price and peace of mind. I get too nervous shopping on eBay and such.

 

[Bron357]

THIS is the ring I recommend.
look at that blue, look at all those sparkly diamonds!
its in the US, a business seller 100% positive feedback.
it’s a Ringdant. That’s a piece that easily converts from a ring to a pendant! Twice the wearing opportunities!
AGL certified as unheated, 2.60 carats sapphire, approx 2 carat diamonds.
$8,900 US or offer, I’d offer $8,500.

 

[elizat]

Fwiw, the first is not antique. That's a modern ring. I would say it is probably an estate piece, modern, 1980 and newer. They carry antique and general estate. I agree on premium for antique, but for modern second hand, I don't think it has the same draw. However, it is a bold, unique look.

I don't like the second at all, which @Bron357 explained well.

 

[EEM]

I really love the first one.

I may be alone here in my personal bias: The price of a vintage/antique piece is not dependent on stone quality alone. Design, provenance, etc are key factors also. I look for the whole asthetic and I would much prefer #1 with a less than perfect stone, than a better quality sapphire with a humdrum design.

For me, it’s rarer to find a true vintage/antique design that speaks to me, than slightly higher quality sapphires (aka not top quality—those are rarer than Hen’s teeth unless one has an ample budget) set in generic/easily reproducible settings.

Do agree with @Bron357 that the price is not a steal. Lang’s is a reputable well established store: you are essentially paying a bit of a premium for their curating ability, good taste, and trustworthy reputation. Which to me is worth the price and peace of mind. I get too nervous shopping on eBay and such.

#this...I don't necessarily need the best deal...just reasonable and something of quality that is wearable and not mass produced. I'm no expert so all of the feedback is really interesting and an education for me, truly. TY for taking the time to respond!

 

[EEM]

Fwiw, the first is not antique. That's a modern ring. I would say it is probably an estate piece, modern, 1980 and newer. They carry antique and general estate. I agree on premium for antique, but for modern second hand, I don't think it has the same draw. However, it is a bold, unique look.

I don't like the second at all, which @Bron357 explained well.

Yes...it's not an antique. They estimated the same timeframe you relayed. All good points! TY

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Yes...both can be returned...the EW would be simpler given its in the US. I asked for additional photos...I’ll attach. TY!

i really really love this one

 

[motownmama]

I like look of the first one. Is it your size or is it able to be sized safely?

 

[EEM]

I like look of the first one. Is it your size or is it able to be sized safely?

It is 1/4 size off and I was told it could be resized given it was a slight difference. TY

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

It is 1/4 size off and I was told it could be resized given it was a slight difference. TY

1/4 size doesn't sound so bad (although i don't understand US sizes)
is it 1/4 too big ?
because you could get sizing beads or even just stack it with a plain band and in the summer on a hot day it might just fit perfectly

 

[Bluemuse]

I’m intrigued by the East-West ring. I like the unique, sleek design. The price seems a bit high for the size of stone, but as others have said you’re paying a premium for the good reputation of the shop. It will be a matter of what you think when you have it on hand. Do you love it? Does the style spark a special feeling in you? Is it comfortable or does it feel too wide? All things you can better evaluate in person. You may find you want a more classic north-south setting or this may be the one. Best of luck in your search. The right one is out there.

 

[partgypsy]

I think the first ring looks cool. Can't advise re price/value, but really like it. It's a statement piece.

 

[EEM]

1/4 size doesn't sound so bad (although i don't understand US sizes)
is it 1/4 too big ?
because you could get sizing beads or even just stack it with a plain band and in the summer on a hot day it might just fit perfectly

It’s a slight difference...very slight. I think you’re right...I could probably my forego!

 

[EEM]

I’m intrigued by the East-West ring. I like the unique, sleek design. The price seems a bit high for the size of stone, but as others have said you’re paying a premium for the good reputation of the shop. It will be a matter of what you think when you have it on hand. Do you love it? Does the style spark a special feeling in you? Is it comfortable or does it feel too wide? All things you can better evaluate in person. You may find you want a more classic north-south setting or this may be the one. Best of luck in your search. The right one is out there.

I agree...& feel like I need to find out. They are sending a few more photos tomorrow & I will likely purchase to see if it’s the one for me! TY!

 

[EEM]

I think the first ring looks cool. Can't advise re price/value, but really like it. It's a statement piece.

TY! I appreciate your input & agree!

 

[LilAlex]

Vividness of the blue colors in eBay photos is completely worthless imo (and experience) and really is not a fair comparison for "what you could get for the same money."

Lang is very reputable with fair photos (glamor shots for sure, but still representative and honest) and a solid return policy. We bought a couple things from them over the years -- returned the cheap one and kept the spendy one. They are a pleasure to deal with.

Never bought from Berganza but their photos look honest to the point of underselling. All the sapphires are untreated. I don't know which ring is a better value but the N/S one looks a little more pedestrian, imo.

I am a sucker for E/W.

 

[Ionysis]

Number one is a very nice rich, close to “royal” style blue (rather than the cornflower colour which those whose tastes run towards a brighter tone prefer).

Unusual style which I think would look lovely on the right hand. The second set of photos look much better than what is on their website. Give it a whirl and see what you feel when it’s on the finger.

 

[EEM]

Vividness of the blue colors in eBay photos is completely worthless imo (and experience) and really is not a fair comparison for "what you could get for the same money."

Lang is very reputable with fair photos (glamor shots for sure, but still representative and honest) and a solid return policy. We bought a couple things from them over the years -- returned the cheap one and kept the spendy one. They are a pleasure to deal with.

Never bought from Berganza but their photos look honest to the point of underselling. All the sapphires are untreated. I don't know which ring is a better value but the N/S one looks a little more pedestrian, imo.

I am a sucker for E/W.

Thanks for weighing in...good to hear your experience with Lang’s & appreciate your opinion....I’m almost certain I’ll go the E/W route! TY!

 

[EEM]

K

Number one is a very nice rich, close to “royal” style blue (rather than the cornflower colour which those whose tastes run towards a brighter tone prefer).

Unusual style which I think would look lovely on the right hand. The second set of photos look much better than what is on their website. Give it a whirl and see what you feel when it’s on the finger.

Glad you mentioned what you did about the color. Oddly, I think I prefer the deeper blue vs the brighter cornflower blue.

I plan to! TY!