A setting poll, help me decide!

[MakingTheGrade]

I recently acquired a unheated, au natural star sapphire which I just adore. It's 7.5mm by 6.5mm, and it needs a home!




I think I've narrowed it down to two options based on all the input I've gotten from my Colored Stone family!
It seems most people think a simple bezel style would show off the stone best so here are my top two options:

1. Sally's etched-base ring, bezel version, in 18k rose gold. It'll be about 500$ when all is said and done. I'll have to wait 6-8 months, and mail my stone overseas and back which is always nail biting.


2. Daniel M's smooth cab bezel ring, very flowy, 14k rose gold, about 250$ total. It'll probably be 2-3 weeks at most, and I can insure the mailing.



I know I"ve mailed to Sally before and never a glitch, but every time I do it I'm a wreck. But I trust her, have seen her work, and her work is beautiful. On the other hand, I also love the smoothness and flow of Daniel's bezel piece, it's about half the price, will be finished faster, and I can breathe easier over the shipping. But I've never ordered from him before, and just based on the photos, I'm tempted to say Sally does a cleaner bezel. Arg! Such a hard decision! Help me!! I'd also really love any comments about people who have bezeled pieces from Daniel!

Thanks guys!

More photos of the star sapphire can be found here:
http://www.pricescope.com/forum/colored-stones/violet-star-sapphire-photos-t150649-30.html

 

[Candice]

I chose sallys setting, this is a special star sapphire and i think sallys settings are unique and special. maybe a sally with some diamond work?
I feel DanielM's work might be a tad too minimalist for this gorgeous sapphire.
good luck deciding

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Thanks Candice!

It is a special star sapphire, which is one of the reasons I'm nervous about overseas shipping. It's 20 days of nail biting! (10 there and 10 back!) And I've never shipped something this expensive to her before either, so I'm trying to figure out if the anxiety/risk is worth it, or if I should save myself some anxiety and money and get the Daniel which is beautiful in it's own right. Hmm...

 

[davi_el_mejor]

I chose Daniel M for the reasons you fear MTG. I am more of a sleek slimline kinda guy so it appealed to me more anyways. Either choices are great and have great reps here.

 

[vespergirl]

Gorgeous stone - I voted for the Sally.

 

[Lula]

I voted Sally because the regal-ness of that setting matches your gorgeous cab so well. That is truly an incredible sapphire!

 

[makemepretty]

I like Sallys because Daniel's reminds me of an eye, not pleasing visually to me at all.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Here are some more pics of the two settings.

 

[Indylady]

Sally!

Is it possible to order the setting and have it set here?

 

[MakingTheGrade]

OOPS! I made a huge boo boo. Sally takes 6-8 WEEKS, not months!! Haha.

And no, i don't think I could. It's a bezel setting for a cab which I"m pretty sure they need to have the stone for.

 

[lizzyann]

I have never done business with either of the vendors and I am not very educated in colored stones, however from just a personal preference on style of settings, I *personally* prefer the aesthetic of the Daniel M more. I feel it is less elaborate than the Sally one and showcases the stone better, allowing it to steal the show in a modern way! Just my two cents! Good Luck! Lovely stone!

 

[starryeyed]

Would you consider a setting like this ring? It's a Roberto Coin that I bought at a trunk show. It's a cabochon amethyst with a mother-of-pearl underliner, pave pink sapphires, set in 18K rose gold.

For your sapphire, you could do the same or use diamonds in rose gold, or blue sapphires in white gold, or diamonds in white gold with a black rhodium plating, or.... Endless possibilities.

It really depends what style you are after. This ring has "transitional" styling, so it can go with lot of other things.

What is your other jewelry like? (I don't mean to force you back to the drawing board. Sorry I missed your previous posts in Colored Stones!)

 

[MakingTheGrade]

This one is similar to Daniel's, but with a brushed satin finish. It's by Janish Jewels on etsy.
I would love input on who you think makes a better bezel!

 

[Miss Sparkly]

from the photos - Daniel M. I like all the settings. It's hard to pick when they're so different!

 

[yssie]

I voted Sally because the regal-ness of that setting matches your gorgeous cab so well. That is truly an incredible sapphire!

DItto Sally (in rose gold!!), if you can make yourself mail it out, for exactly this reason

 

[Perlas10]

Long time visitor, but first time posting. I just had to reply when I saw this thread because I worked with Sally on those two rings! I may be biased, but I voted for the Sally setting. The etching is very pretty, unique and doesn't take away attention from the stone at all. My original inspiration were the Tiffany Sugar Stacks and we put our own spin on it. Sally was very nice and easy to work with. Super fast with responding to email considering the time difference. Hopefully I've properly attached 2 additional pictures that may help to give you a better idea of what the rings look like from other angles. If you have any questions about the setting, please feel free to ask. Your sapphire is gorgeous!

 

[AnneinGA]

I voted for Sally because it is just a stunning setting and more substantial to match that gorgeous sapphire. The Daniel M is pretty, but not near the punch that the Sall has to me.

by starryeyed » 09 Oct 2010 14:33
Would you consider a setting like this ring? It's a Roberto Coin that I bought at a trunk show. It's a cabochon amethyst with a mother-of-pearl underliner, pave pink sapphires, set in 18K rose gold.

If you don't want to send it overseas, the one tha starry posted is dreamy. I love the ideas of stones around the shank.

 

[Lislis89]

I prefer the smooth one purely because it doesnt take away from the stone!

 

[oranges]

I prefer the smooth one purely because it doesnt take away from the stone!

Ditto!

 

[SparklyOEC]

I voted Sally. Her settings are lovely and don't think the one you chose will take away from your beautiful cab at all.

 

[pancake]

I love the Daniel M. But I am a minimalist through and through.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Thanks all! I went with Daniel M. I should have it back in a few weeks!

 

[Cehrabehra]

Thanks all! I went with Daniel M. I should have it back in a few weeks!

hehehe I just saw this thread, bet you know which one I voted for! lol I think you made the right choice.