amethyst question

[pad3006]

Hi everyone;
I dont know if this is something that can be answered but I figured if any group of people would know it would be you all. I have a setting that held a 3.90 carat spinel, but I am interested in buying a 4.6 carat Amethyst to have put in the mounting. My question is, would that stone most likely fit in the mounting? If not I want to wait til I can find a stone that will fit b/c I dont want to have to have the mounting changed. thanks very much.

Phil

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Hi Phil. What shape is your spinel, and what shape is the amethyst?

Do you happen to have the millimeter measurements of either?

What type of setting is it? Four prong, six prong, bezel?

And what type of metal?

 

[pad3006]

Hi Richard;
The setting is in white gold and it is a four prong setting. the spinel was about 8 X 10 millimeters and is a emerald cut I think (thats the shape it is in). The Amethyst is 10 X 10 millimeters and is square shaped with the corners cut, if that makes sense. Thanks very much.

Phil

 

[Richard Sherwood]

There's four factors to consider:

1. Whether the prongs would spread far enough to accommodate the extra 2mm width.

2. Whether the amethyst has a large "bulging" belly which the present prongs couldn't handle.

3. Whether there is enough clearance to accommodate the greater depth of the amethyst.

4. Whether the present notching of the prongs can accommodate or be re-notched to accommodate the different girdle of the amethyst.

The answer to number (1) is probably yes.

The answer to number (2) could be determined by eyeballing the amethyst's "belly" (pavilion profile).

The answer to number (3) could be determined by eyeballing the airspace between the bottom of your spinel and the floor of the setting.

Your spinel probably has a depth of about 4.9-5.0 millimeters. The amethyst probably has a depth of 6.1-6.2 millimeters.

Does that airspace you presently have look like it would accomodate a 1.2 millimeter deeper stone? Does the present setting have an open bottom? If not, does it look like the setter could drill a hole in the floor of the setting to accommodate the amethyst?

The answer to number (4) could be determined by eyeballing the relative girdle thickness of the two stones. If the spinel's girdle is much thicker than the amethyst's, then you might have a problem. Probably though the amethyst's girdle is thicker (I'm assuming the spinel is a synthetic, with a more streamlined cut), which means the prongs could be re-notched.

If it doesn't work as it is (sounds like 50/50 chance), you could have the ring re-pronged or another head inserted.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

duplicate post...

 

[pad3006]

Thanks Rich;
The thing is, I dont have the amethyst stone with me to look at. I saw it on Ebay and was interested in buying it.
But the bottom of the ring basket is open, so I guess the depth of the stone would not be a problem. Is that probably safe to assume then that is can be done? thanks very much again

Phil

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Yes, 50/50 chance it can be done as is, or 100% chance it can be done with a new head.

What the hell, go for it.