3,500 sapphire e-ring

[velouriaL]

Hi - I am helping two of my bestfriends get engaged. Here''s the deal:

Gem:
A sapphire, blue, probably on the light side, definitely err on the side of too light rather than too dark. I think she even likes pale blues. Should face up to about the same size as a 1 ct diamond, give or take. She likes cushion-ish shapes, but that''s less important. Really, a great sparkly cut is the most important thing.

Setting:
Although she wants a sapphire, she definitely wants some bling in the setting. She likes micropave and halos. Antique-ish designs are also nice. She love Leon''s sparkly encrusted extravaganzas, but I don''t think that''s in the price range.

Budget:
$3500 max.

Timeframe:
Before August

Here''s some leads:
We like this setting from James Allen. We can probably source a nice sapphire or get from a PS jewelry. Michael E. from gemshoppe.com has some nice, reasonably-priced australian sapphires that he and cut beautifully. I think this would come well within the price range.

Any other suggestions? I''d like to show him a broad range of options to get him started.


This ring from Fay Cullen is a great price and definitely has a lot of thr right attributes, but I think he can do better with cut of sapphire and workmanship. How does it look to you guys?

 

[velouriaL]

Also, I was just informed that she''d also like a ruby or a red spinel. I told him that I think that might be harder to source/more expensive for something really good. I think she''s equally into reds and blues. Any input there?

 

[akmiss]

The ring from Fay Cullen's is gorgeous. You can purchase the setting for $1880

www.faycullen.com/ring_settings/500/3067m2d.html

thats only $70 cheaper than the fully assembled ring. Hm-mm, could that say something about the quality of the sapphire.

I love Fay Cullen's website and probably spent a whole day looking through it but apparently she has a bad return policy.

also, check Knox Jewelers. The have some really nice antique looking setting also.

www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=203&start=5

 

[Harriet]

Date: 6/29/2008 2:12:52 PM
Author: velouriaL
Also, I was just informed that she''d also like a ruby or a red spinel. I told him that I think that might be harder to source/more expensive for something really good. I think she''s equally into reds and blues. Any input there?

You''re correct, especially given her penchant for the lighter blues.
P.S. I thought you were going to show us a 3,500 ct. ring!

 

[velouriaL]

haha whoops! I guess I should''ve paid attention to that! Though that would be a bit much for an e-ring, if you ask me! Thanks for the input guys. I''ll definitely show them the knox, too.

 

[akmiss]

Somehow I missed the link for the Danhov halo. It is a fabulous setting! 2danes recently had this setting in SMTR. I would definitely go with James Allen because there would be no real question as to the quality.

 

[Selkie]

This pre-set ring from Cross Jewelers is a little different, not a halo, but it does have an antique look and side diamonds. The sapphire is 1.5ct oval. I can''t link directly to it, but if you go to this page it''s the last one in the 5th row down:
Princess Victoria.

 

[velouriaL]

Oooh that''s nice, too, selkie.

Also, do you guys have suggestions for sourcing a sapphire? Ideally, it would be perfectly custom cut to a standard shape to fit a decided-upone setting. That is, if they didn''t do a custom setting.

 

[akmiss]

you could try
www.ajsgems.com/

they seem to have a variety of sapphires that would fit your budget.

or

http://wildfishgems.com/

and there''s the natural sapphire company

www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/

and a few more
www.acstones.com/
www.customgemstones.com/
www.whitesgems.com/
www.cherrypicked.com/

there are some beautiful stones on this site but no prices. Must mean lots of $$$
www.rwwise.com/index_content.html

 

[parrot tulips]

I''m not sure what this would look like in person (I''m definitely not a sapphire expert), but it seems like a pretty lighter blue sapphire that would leave room in the budget for a setting:

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Blue/Cushion/stoneid=B2675

I ordered this setting for an oval sapphire. With the extra cost for customization (uniform sized stones in the halo, set east-west), it will be right in your friend''s budget (along with the stone above):

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-designers/beverley-k-jewelry/rings/101PP1/24/

I wish your friends luck. You are very sweet to offer your help.

 

[psichedout]

I would shoot for a Paraiba Tourmaline with an ornate setting.
Sue