Antique 8ct. Ceylon blue sapphire ring. Meet Elena, aka my mini “Blue Blob”

[Musia]

Congratulations to you! Your stone is exceptionally beautiful and deserves all your love and admiration! My older granddaughter is September baby and the color of your stone is my absolutely favorite.

 

[Bluemuse]

Oh thank you so much! It definitely is. Every day! I think my next piece will be a blue sapphire three stone (diamond sides) ring for a RHR but I know it will take me a long time to find the right shade of blue. Sigh. I wish yours could be cloned.

Awe, if I could I would! That will be an exciting project! I’ve seen so many beautiful sapphires lately. I’m always blown away by Enhoerning jewelry’s sapphires on IG. One you love will come along I’m sure.

 

[Yelena]

Hi Fellow PriceScoper’s!

I have been a long time lurker and admirer of the many beautiful pieces on this forum.
I have quietly appreciated being part of this community and enjoyed every bit of knowledge and passion you all so generously share.

I figured I should share too.


Forgive the long backstory.
Feel free to move straight to photos and specs

I’ve had a love affair with antique jewelry since my early 20’s. My engagement ring back in the 80’s was an old mine cut stone that we found in our city’s jewelry district. I came to appreciate antique stones and beautiful craftsmanship more and more. I appreciate the modern as well now thanks in large part to this forum.

Fast forward to 2019, a year of momentous occasions; turning 60, retiring and marrying my second husband, a very happy miracle since both of us were widowed and didn’t imagine finding a substantial life partner again. We feel like we hit the lottery.

On our honeymoon to London last September I fantasized that I might find an antique sapphire ring, which has been my hearts desire for a while now.
I thought just maybe I’d find something that I loved, had a strong sense of history and was also affordable. It was to be my retirement gift to myself.

I found a beautiful antique sapphire and diamond band in one of the markets which my husband sweetly insisted on getting me as a momento of our honeymoon.
It is a sentimental treasure.
But I still found myself pining for a larger stone as time went on.

This past February in my search for a modest Valentine’s gift, I visited an antique jewelry store not too far from where I live.
I was immediately taken with a sapphire ring I saw in the case and knew that it was special.

I had some reservations at first because it was more than I’ve ever spent on a piece of jewelry. Most of my jewelry has been procured from antique jewelry dealers at flea markets and lucky finds in other places. I love that sort of hunt and have found great pieces of jewelry and art in the process.

Another concern I had about the ring was why a beautiful stone would have been set in a sterling silver Georgian setting with no gold at all. It naturally gave me pause. I have a couple Georgian pieces, each a combination of silver and gold with rose cut diamonds.

I gave it a week or so, then dug into the origins of the ring with a phone call to the shop owner, a seasoned, antique jewelry veteran. She explained that the stone came from an antique Victorian brooch and the Georgian setting had previously held a garnet cabochon.

She felt that the stone and setting were a perfect marriage of beauty, era and design.
I know those marriages are made often in the antique jewelry world, but I still thought it odd that a stone so lovely wouldn’t have been placed in a gold or platinum setting.

So what to do? I was falling in love and had to make a decision.
It had an appraisal from a well regarded Independent appraiser in our city, someone I knew and trusted personally. But no report from a gem grading lab like GIA or AGL.
I visited his office and spoke with him about the ring. I decided I was going for it.
Finding a stone of that color, size and price again would be a long shot. Plus I was fully smitten...Plus they were having a sale.
I’m sorry to have broke the golden rule of the experts here, trust, but verify first....that’s on me, I went with my gut. Knowing the reputation of the appraiser I felt comfortable moving forward.

I have come to feel that the owner was right about the setting and stone being a fated match. I marvel at the beautiful, delicate handmade setting, and the gorgeous stone.
Taken apart they both are special.
When I see them together it feels meant to be, a happy, harmonious marriage.
It is not a showy ring, but it is elegant.
It’s also very comfortable to wear.

I may eventually reset to a platinum or gold setting, but for now I’m enjoying every aspect of this ring right down to its inclusions, quirks and imperfections. It has plenty of those.

There is some wear on the table facets (one corner has a small nick), some minor surface scratches, a window, some color zoning and a myriad of inclusions. It’s 150+ years old, so the wear is not a surprise. That it is unheated is a wonderful bonus.

To me the inclusions are part of the mystery and unique fingerprint of the stone.
I especially love the iridescent flashes I see at different angles, the cross hatch of rutile crystals and soft clouds. And the way light is sometimes caught within the stone or flows right through to reveal every facet.

Most importantly...my eyes LOVE this stone.
All I see when I look at it is a silky delicious mass of blue, which goes electric in the sunlight, and a royal velvet in low light.
It delights me every single time I glance down at my hand. A little ancient blue galaxy just for me.

I’ve decided to name her “Elena” after my beloved first MIL. The name means bright, shining light. She was a bright light in my life and remains very close to my heart.

The ring has brought me endless fascination and joy during this somber time we’re living in currently. In some ways it’s a symbol that beauty persists even in the face of change, uncertainty and the bumps and bruises we endure in life. Happy I can share this bit of joy with all of you.


Specs:
8cts
11.95x12.40x6
Antique cushion cut
Unheated
Ceylon origin in opinion of appraiser

At the store the day I fell in love...



Went for it...



Indoors incandescent light...
S



Sunny day car photos...



Indirect sun daytime...



Indoors in front of bright sunny window...

Wow, she is truly divine. What a beautiful shade of blue! Not too dark, not too light. Thank you so much for sharing. I love coloured gems and I love yours especially.

 

[Bluemuse]

Congratulations to you! Your stone is exceptionally beautiful and deserves all your love and admiration! My older granddaughter is September baby and the color of your stone is my absolutely favorite.

Thanks so much, @Musia! I dreamt of finding a large sapphire, but didn’t know if it would ever happen. I appreciate how fortunate I was to stumble on this one.

 

[Bluemuse]

Wow, she is truly divine. What a beautiful shade of blue! Not too dark, not too light. Thank you so much for sharing. I love coloured gems and I love yours especially.

Thank you @Yelena! That’s so nice!
It is such a nice blend of deep color, but vibrant too. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of looking at her. I’m still enthralled and feel very lucky.

 

[Yelena]

Thank you @Yelena! That’s so nice!
It is such a nice blend of deep color, but vibrant too. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of looking at her. I’m still enthralled and feel very lucky.

I’m glad you found her. I am on the lookout for an heirloom sapphire. I can wait for her to appear. I hope that I will be as lucky as you. I will just wait for my special sapphire to appear at the right time.

 

[Bluemuse]

I’m glad you found her. I am on the lookout for an heirloom sapphire. I can wait for her to appear. I hope that I will be as lucky as you. I will just wait for my special sapphire to appear at the right time.

It might take some time and patience.
Don’t be afraid to look in the small shops. Easier said than done at the moment, I know.
Mine was put together with a stone from one piece and a setting from another. I think it was undervalued and got overlooked because the whole thing was a little funky.
But I could see the color was special as soon as I laid eyes on it. Sometimes good things are hidden in plain site. Enjoy the hunt! It’s one of my favorite parts of finding treasures.

 

[Yelena]

It might take some time and patience.
Don’t be afraid to look in the small shops. Easier said than done at the moment, I know.
Mine was put together with a stone from one piece and a setting from another. I think it was undervalued and got overlooked because the whole thing was a little funky.
But I could see the color was special as soon as I laid eyes on it. Sometimes good things are hidden in plain site. Enjoy the hunt! It’s one of my favorite parts of finding treasures.

I agree, sometimes they are hidden in plain sight. Thanks so much for the advice

 

[Yelena]

It might take some time and patience.
Don’t be afraid to look in the small shops. Easier said than done at the moment, I know.
Mine was put together with a stone from one piece and a setting from another. I think it was undervalued and got overlooked because the whole thing was a little funky.
But I could see the color was special as soon as I laid eyes on it. Sometimes good things are hidden in plain site. Enjoy the hunt! It’s one of my favorite parts of finding treasures.

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.thevintagenews.com/2018/07/14/flea-market-ring/amp/

I love stories like this. Pay about $13 for a ring at a flea market and then sell it for a bit under a million when you finally realize what you have got.

 

[Bluemuse]

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.thevintagenews.com/2018/07/14/flea-market-ring/amp/

I love stories like this. Pay about $13 for a ring at a flea market and then sell it for a bit under a million when you finally realize what you have got.

Whoa!! That’s fantastic! You never know! I love stories like that too. I have done well at flea markets and consignment shops finding worthwhile fine jewelry, some antique.
I bought a retro ruby and diamond ring in a clothing consignment shop for $9.
They were having a 30% sale. It was $13 (ironic given the story you just shared) lol but it was marked down to $9.
It’s not exactly my taste, but I wasn’t going to leave it there.

 

[PreRaphaelite]

I’m so enjoying your photos of Elena and would love to see more! What a stunning color <3

 

[Polyhex]

I love this setting so much I am thinking about using it as inspiration for the setting for a large tourmaline. I am sure I would need to modify the design. How would you feel about me using it as inspiration @Bluemuse? Congrats again on your heirloom ring!

 

[Bluemuse]

I’m so enjoying your photos of Elena and would love to see more! What a stunning color <3

Thanks so much! I think our sapphires might be kindred spirits, sharing some similar character attributes. Mine also has a relatively flat top and shallow depth for its size.

It’s nice to have good company in the well lovedlived department.
I loved the historical back story to your ring. I wish I knew more about mine, but it will have to remain a mystery I’m afraid.

She continues to enchant me none the less...
Here are a few recent photos.

Have you had a chance to study Beverly in the sun? I guess like most sapphires mine has many personalities. I look forward to the continuing story of your new treasure.

 

[Bluemuse]

I love this setting so much I am thinking about using it as inspiration for the setting for a large tourmaline. I am sure I would need to modify the design. How would you feel about me using it as inspiration @Bluemuse? Congrats again on your heirloom ring!

Thank you, @Polyhex! Absolutely, I’d be honored if you take inspiration from this setting. I sometimes think if I ever place my stone in a gold or platinum setting, I’d just reproduce this one.
I love the fluid lines of it and the delicate details. Whatever you do I’m behind and will look forward to your setting design.

 

[PreRaphaelite]

Your other rings are just as astonishing


OMG


How did I miss these?!?!

 

[Cerulean]

Thanks so much! I think our sapphires might be kindred spirits, sharing some similar character attributes. Mine also has a relatively flat top and shallow depth for its size.

It’s nice to have good company in the well lovedlived department.
I loved the historical back story to your ring. I wish I knew more about mine, but it will have to remain a mystery I’m afraid.

She continues to enchant me none the less...
Here are a few recent photos.

Have you had a chance to study Beverly in the sun? I guess like most sapphires mine has many personalities. I look forward to the continuing story of your new treasure.

She is just beautiful. The watery but also vibrant blue just gets me.

You also have such a lovely collection. I have seen a few of your pieces around the forum...how delightful to see them all together. I wouldn't say no to any photos of the whole "family" if you have them!

 

[PreRaphaelite]

You also have such a lovely collection. I have seen a few of your pieces around the forum...how delightful to see them all together. I wouldn't say no to any photos of the whole "family" if you have them!

I second this motion!

 

[Bluemuse]

I second this motion!

Thank you both! I’ll definitely gather up some group shots and try to post a little later. All your kind words are much appreciated!

 

[Bluemuse]

As promised some group shots of some of my colored stones. I don’t have a comprehensive shot of all my rings unfortunately, so this is a bit of a mash up.

Sapphire group shot, including a couple star sapphires, plus a moonstone ring.



The flat cut sapphire is an older stone. I believe the 20kt setting is newer than the stone, which has a shimmery opalescent quality that I adore. Bought from the personal collection of a jewelry shop owner for not a ton.

The OMC scroll ring and oval sapphire three stone ring are both made by Caleb Meyer Studio.
I plan to wake up the James Meyer/Caleb Meyer Studio thread to post my small collection from CMS.


The ruby cluster is set in 22kt gold. I don’t know much about it, but from my research I think it might be Tajik origin ruby. Not sure about treatments. I love the vibrancy of the color. It’s very happy.
The smaller stone is a pink sapphire.

The blister pearl ring is set in 14kt which is unusual, as they’re usually set in sterling.
I love the pearl and gold combination.

I love my yellow sapphire ring, but don’t wear it too often. It is sunshine distilled on a sunny day. It’s a well designed setting, 14kt semi bezel with 3.54ct oval cushion cut sapphire. Not sure of treatment, but the gemologist at my jewelers thinks untreated. Without proper testing it’s just a guess.

The only emerald in my colored stone collection. It’s sweet and petite and I love the color and the icy white diamonds in the setting.

There are a variety of bands in the mix. An old ruby eternity band that was full of gunk when I got it and a station sapphire and diamond band. I love the interesting geometric design of that one.
Hope that’s helpful, good info. Let me know if I missed anything.
Thanks for letting me share.

 

[PreRaphaelite]

I have died and gone to heaven, thank you for sharing!

 

[Bluemuse]

I have died and gone to heaven, thank you for sharing!

You’re so kind @PreRaphaelite ! I love your ps name by the way! Dante Gabrielle Rossetti was one of my first Art loves. Not sure if it is the art or literature that you identify with or both. I identify with the beauty and romance of the period. I hope you post more pics of your beautiful sapphire ring!

 

[Cerulean]

As promised some group shots of some of my colored stones. I don’t have a comprehensive shot of all my rings unfortunately, so this is a bit of a mash up.

Sapphire group shot, including a couple star sapphires, plus a moonstone ring.



The flat cut sapphire is an older stone. I believe the 20kt setting is newer than the stone, which has a shimmery opalescent quality that I adore. Bought from the personal collection of a jewelry shop owner for not a ton.

The OMC scroll ring and oval sapphire three stone ring are both made by Caleb Meyer Studio.
I plan to wake up the James Meyer/Caleb Meyer Studio thread to post my small collection from CMS.


The ruby cluster is set in 22kt gold. I don’t know much about it, but from my research I think it might be Tajik origin ruby. Not sure about treatments. I love the vibrancy of the color. It’s very happy.
The smaller stone is a pink sapphire.

The blister pearl ring is set in 14kt which is unusual, as they’re usually set in sterling.
I love the pearl and gold combination.

I love my yellow sapphire ring, but don’t wear it too often. It is sunshine distilled on a sunny day. It’s a well designed setting, 14kt semi bezel with 3.54ct oval cushion cut sapphire. Not sure of treatment, but the gemologist at my jewelers thinks untreated. Without proper testing it’s just a guess.

The only emerald in my colored stone collection. It’s sweet and petite and I love the color and the icy white diamonds in the setting.

There are a variety of bands in the mix. An old ruby eternity band that was full of gunk when I got it and a station sapphire and diamond band. I love the interesting geometric design of that one.
Hope that’s helpful, good info. Let me know if I missed anything.
Thanks for letting me share.

Oh my GOODNESS - I absolutely adore your collection. Every piece is stunning - I love the range of colors and metals...just delicious eye candy all around! Thank you so much for indulging us!

 

[Bluemuse]

Oh my GOODNESS - I absolutely adore your collection. Every piece is stunning - I love the range of colors and metals...just delicious eye candy all around! Thank you so much for indulging us!

Thanks so much, @Celulean! I’m happy to share and I think jewel eye candy is pure sustenance at this period in time, Lol
I like mixing metals and bands. I have a hammered rose gold band that I sometimes throw in the middle of a yellow gold or platinum set just because it creates space and a nice contrast.
There’s so much to love about colored stones and all their cousins. I’m appreciating and exploring pearls more and more also.

 

[LightBright]

Thank you BlueMuse for posting your lovely collection and brightening my day. The colors and uniqueness of everything is just a joy and an inspiration. Enjoy your beautiful rings!

 

[Bluemuse]

Thank you BlueMuse for posting your lovely collection and brightening my day. The colors and uniqueness of everything is just a joy and an inspiration. Enjoy your beautiful rings!

Thanks so much, @LightBright !! So sweet of you to say! I still enjoy them each day. I rotate them depending on my mood, but I definitely have a soft spot for sapphires.