Absolute noob: How to go about having a ring made?

[otamxuan]

Hi all,

I am absolutely new to this. I don't wear jewelries that often. But with the upcoming wedding, I guess I do have to get an engagement ring. I have fallen in love with this sapphire embrace ring (found on Angara)


Browsing the forum, though, it seems like a lot of people are saying the quality of the stones offered by Angara isn't that great ("commercial grade" is the description, I think). I am waiting for the sales person there to get me a quote for what they call "Museum quality" sapphire. Not sure what the price would be.

In case that falls through, is it possible for me to buy a loose stone and have that ring made elsewhere?

My question is how should I go about doing this. I am confused starting with the kind of cut. The website says that the stone is oval, but then when I look on websites offering loose stones, like on gemfix, I see "Modified "Portuguese" Style Oval", "Sapphire "Portuguese" Style Cut Oval", "Sapphire Oval Mixed Cut", etc. How do I know which cut will be appropriate?

Then, if/when I buy a loose stone, will a local jeweler be able to create a ring like the one I like from the site? I don't want to buy a stone and be stuck with it and can't get it onto a ring that I like. And I unfortunately only like that one ring

Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Bird

 

[partgypsy]

If you have a favorite jeweler or jeweler you trust, see if they can get some loose stones for you to select from. Decide if you need a cert or not. Stuller is a big jewelry company that has designs very similar to that, that the jeweler can order settings from and set your stone. Or, if you bring your own stone, they may charge you a setting fee.

 

[Coco914]

I'm not sure what your budget is, or if you've looked at the various shades of blue sapphire on the market, but if you're looking for a darker royal blue color oval Jeff Davies has a very pretty 1.25 oval for sale right now. It has silk, but I'm partial to that look because it often makes a gem "glow" and hold its color in most lighting. This particular sapphire is already AIGS certified; heat only. Cost is under $300. If you're willing to try an online jeweler (one of those recommended on this forum), you could probably have a custom setting made to resemble the one you viewed on Angara's website. I think you may get more for your money this way.

Good luck!

 

[pregcurious]

Welcome! If you're open to the idea of assembling a ring on your own, starting with the stone, here is a good starting place for reading:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/looking-for-a-blue-sapphire-start-here.185711/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/looking-for-a-blue-sapphire-start-here.185711/[/URL]

Before purchasing, I would also try to see as many sapphires in person at a gem show, or at a store that specializes in colored stones. You can look at the "respected vendors" topic, which is here [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/can-we-start-a-new-thread-with-respected-cs-vendors.169561/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/can-we-start-a-new-thread-with-respected-cs-vendors.169561/..[/URL]. That list is subjective. You can also post where you live to get a recommendation for stores near you, if there are any that specialize in colored stones.

For the setting, I second the recommendation for a prefabricated setting to save on cost.

 

[chrono]

What is "museum quality"? If it looks like most local museum gem exhibits, I'm afraid it isn't much better than their commercial quality. I am sorry if this sounds harsh but I truly dislike in-house grading that is subjective and not clearly explained. You can definitely get the stone elsewhere and also either custom make the ring or select a stock setting.

When looking at Gemfix or any precision cutting website, they cut differently than the usual "native" cutting, with more complicated or interesting designs than the usual brilliant crown + step cut pavilion combination. At this point, forget cut and focus on the following:
1. What shape do you want?
2. What mm measurement are you aiming for?
3. Treated or untreated? If treated, heat only?
4. What is the exact shade you are looking for? Pick out a few pictures and post it here. Don't go by romantised names like Kashmir blue, cornflower blue, royal blue and etcetera because they mean different colours to different people.
5. I am very sure you have a set budget. Based on points 1 through 4, we'll be able to either point you in the right direction or advise you that what you are looking for isn't realistic.

Depending on the skill of your local jeweller, he should be able to recreate that design easily. Actually, you might be able to find a ready made stock setting that is similar.

 

[otamxuan]

Whoa, so many informative replies in such a short time. Thank you so much! I'll check out Jeff Davies's site. I am still trying to figure out the color I like the most. Also, I will need to figure out what the budget is. I have no idea how much a ring like this should cost. It's so easy to get swept up when I see pretty and shiny things. I think my next step should also be to hit local jewelry stores to look at sapphires in person and to ask them about assembling rings. I'll come back after doing more research if I have more questions. Thank you so much for giving me enough pointers to get started!!!