Aquamarine engagement ring on a budget. Any suggestions?

[vito89]

Hello,

This is my first post on this forum, that I have recently discovered, and I have to say that it is really informative and helpful.

Now, I'd like to buy a solitaire aquamarine engagement ring for my girlfriend, in order to propose, but since I am still a student (italian) and about to start my Masters abroad (Uk) I can't afford to buy an expensive ring. Thankfully, my girlfriend is really easy on this matter and she knows I can't spend too much so we have set a maximum of 300€(including VAT and customs) for the gemstone and then I'll ask a goldsmith to make a white gold ring to go with the aquamarine (We will upgrade the ring when we are in a more financially comfortable situation).

These are the qualities that the gemstone should have:

Aquamarine
Emerald cut
0.9-1.5 carat
VVS-VS clarity
Light coloured (Heated is ok but not BE heated because I don't like chimicals)

The three stones I like the most are Aquamarine, Sapphire and Emerald but eventually I decided to go for the Aquamarine because cheaper and it has got fewer inclusions (correct me if I'm wrong please).

By browsing the net, I came across your forum and the long list of reliable sellers and, among them, I found Africagems that, for now, seems to have what I am looking for:

http://www.africagems.com/calibrated-aquamarine-emerald-a.html

Since I am not an expert at all, I'd like to know if you consider it a smart buy and I would also like to know what "calibrated" means and if is ok to buy a calibrated gemstone.

Thanks a lot for your help!

 

[T L]

Aqua is too soft and brittle for an ering. I don't recommend it at all. I own several, and I have experience with them, even if you're careful not to chip them.

I only can recommend stones that are an 8 or harder on the Moh's scale for erings, unless you don't wear it all the time. These include, spinel, chrysoberyl (regular chrysoberyl, cat's eye or alexandrite), corundum (sapphire and ruby) and of course, diamond. Even then, I only recommend sapphire and diamond for people that are harder on jewelry.

 

[chrono]

As far as I know, aquamarine is not diffused, so no worries there. My top most concern, like TL, is that aquamarine is not durable enough for daily wear as an engagement ring. Beryl is a "chippy" stone and it is likely to get damaged if worn that often. You are unlikely to get a decent emerald for your budget which leaves sapphire. If you opt for a less popular colour, you might be able to get a decent heated one.

Calibrated means it is a standard size that does not require a custom setting because it should fit most standard sized settings, e.g. 4 x 6 mm, 5 x 7 mm, etc.

 

[vito89]

Thanks for your replies.

Let's consider sapphires as well then but the blue colour is the one I prefer ( yes I know, I'm poor and picky...but that's the way I am )

I've just found this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-02ct-UNHEATED-Breathtaking-Museum-Sized-Blue-Sapphire-/261257168520?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd4240688

It is 1 carat so it is fine, it is unheated (better), it is not emerald cut but octagon but it's fine to me. Unfortunately the clarity is not VS, do you think it would be noticeable on a gemstone that small? To me it should be all right.

And one more question, do you think that the Aqua I posted before is of a decent quality?

Thanks.

 

[SB621]

Do you mind second hand?

I think that would be the best for your budget.

 

[vito89]

Do you mind second hand?

I think that would be the best for your budget.

I'd rather buy something smaller but new, if at some point I find it impossible, I'll take a look at what the used market has to offer. For now I'll just concentrate on brand new products.

I also have to add that Aquamarine is not just one of my favourite stones, it is also her favourite one... So in case I bought it, is that one from africagems decent?

 

[chrono]

The picture posted is a generic or sample picture of one out of a parcel of similar aquamarines so expect variable cutting, colouration and etc. It is light, if that's what you are looking for. In aquamarine, the deeper the blue, the more it is prized. Because it is a generic picture, I cannot comment on it.

You might want to consider spinel as well as they are almost always untreated. If you don't mind a touch of purple, I recall seeing Freke put up her 1 ct-ish bluish purplish step cut / emerald cut spinel in Pre-loved. I don't think I'm allowed to link it here nor do I even know if it's still for sale.

ETA
Looks like it is sold.

 

[vito89]

The picture posted is a generic or sample picture of one out of a parcel of similar aquamarines so expect variable cutting, colouration and etc. It is light, if that's what you are looking for. In aquamarine, the deeper the blue, the more it is prized. Because it is a generic picture, I cannot comment on it.

Fair enough. Do you think they would send me some "real life" pictures? Do you have any idea on how good or bad is their cutting?

What about the sapphire on ebay? The pictures show the actual sapphire, what do you make of it?

 

[chrono]

You'll have to ask AfricaGems as I do not know if they will accept your request.

The eBay sapphire is all right; colouration is decent and the shape is more baguette-like than emerald cut. Cutting is not that great because the lapidary is trying to do the best he can with a shallow piece of material. I think the inclusion will be eye visible as well.

 

[vito89]

As far as sapphires are concerned, do you think that the ebay one could be classified within the Grade AA of Africagems?

http://www.africagems.com/blue-sapphire-emerald-gemstones.html

Africagems sells their emerald cut sapphire Grade AA for:

about 0.75 carat - 6x4mm - traditionally heated ( not BE, right?) 332$
about 1.2 carat - 7x5mm - traditionally heated ( not BE, right?) 860$

So if the ebay one can be placed within that Grade AA category, it's 329$ price is quite good for:

about 1 carat - 6.8x4.4mm - Unheated


Let me know what you think. Are the Africagems on the pricey side or isn't the ebay one up to those standards?

 

[chrono]

I am sorry I don't have the time to explain properly but will say this quickly:
1. AfricaGems is generally on the expensive side but they have a large and varied inventory. They are upstanding vendors though.
2. eBay tends to have stones that are not cut that well but there are always exceptions.
3. Those who know their gemstones do not put stock in A, AA and AAA ratings because it isn't a widely recognized standard. These designations are set by each individual vendor and oftentimes we are not privy to what makes each grade level. One store's AA could be worse than another store's A. It does, however, provide some sort of quality idea when it comes to buying parcels of melees which are impossible to grade individually due to time constraints and price point.

 

[carmen1]

Maybe check out Jeff Davies for blue sapphires: http://pinterest.com/jeffdaviesgems/sapphire/

This one is 0.82ct and $265 shipped: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5QXr2Fz8ko&feature=youtu.be

 

[chrono]

Maybe check out Jeff Davies for blue sapphires: http://pinterest.com/jeffdaviesgems/sapphire/
This one is 0.82ct and $265 shipped: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5QXr2Fz8ko&feature=youtu.be

It looks to be cut beautifully even though it isn't a step cut. Colouration also looks nice but I don't know how visible that "blue slash" is. I don't see it in the video which is a good sign.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PREMIUM-EMERALD-CUT-BLUE-SAPPHIRE-CEYLON-SEE-VIDEO-/370857613313?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item5658d61801

This one is a tad larger but also cut in the same style. It is also very clean but costs a bit more. If purchased off eBay, I am sure he will come down on the price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PREMIUM-EMERALD-CUT-1-12ct-BLUE-SAPPHIRE-CEYLON-SEE-VIDEO-/370857634000?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item5658d668d0

 

[JewelFreak]

I like the 2nd one Chrono linked to. Clean, a bit larger, nicely cut. For the price, especially if he will lower it at all, it's a good buy. Jeff D. is reliable, too.

 

[vito89]

Thanks for your help.

I talked to my girlfriend and she is in love with the Aquamarine, she says she likes the pale colour and she's not into the sapphire blue, not even the lighter ones. But thanks for those beautiful links, I do like both those sapphires.
So I think I may have to go for an Aquamarine in the end, even if it is more fragile than a sapphire, she said she would look after it as if it were a child.

Anyway, back on to the Aquamarine track. Her ring size is 4 and she is minute (5' 1") so I suppose that a 5x7mm gemstone should suit her better than a 6x8mm right? I don't want it to look tacky at all.

How much do you think, roughly, a 14-18 carat white gold setting could cost? Also, If i don't buy the Africagems Aquamarine, do you have other suggestions in the same size and price league?

 

[chrono]

Aquamarine it is then. As long as you are aware of the risks, that is all that matters to me. I do caution that because aquamarine is a stone with low refraction, coupled with a step cut and pale colouration, it will appear glassy often and quite see-through even if well cut.

As for size, it is a personal preference. My ring size is 4.5 and have no issues wearing stones that are 12 x 12 mm and don't feel that it is tacky. To me, tackiness happens when one selects a design that doesn't look right for the occasion. Cost of the setting will depend on how ornate or simple it is. A plain 14k solitaire should run you around $200 or so.

This is not an emerald cut aquamarine but the outline is reminiscent of one. 1.06 ct for $155, measuring 9 x 5 mm. It will look paler once viewed on a neutral background instead of a dark background.
http://www.gemrite.com/collections/gems/products/medium-blue-aquamarine-1-06-cts

Bigger than your requirements but I like it. It's more of a baguette cut rather than emerald cut. It's also probably not pale enough for you too. You'll have to contact Roger for pricing.
http://www.spectralgems.net/aquamarine/lg-aquarect2_88ct/

 

[vito89]

Aquamarine it is then. As long as you are aware of the risks, that is all that matters to me. I do caution that because aquamarine is a stone with low refraction, coupled with a step cut and pale colouration, it will appear glassy often and quite see-through even if well cut.

As for size, it is a personal preference. My ring size is 4.5 and have no issues wearing stones that are 12 x 12 mm and don't feel that it is tacky. To me, tackiness happens when one selects a design that doesn't look right for the occasion. Cost of the setting will depend on how ornate or simple it is. A plain 14k solitaire should run you around $200 or so.

I didn't know that it was a low refraction stone. And now that you have made me think about that, I agree with you and it looks glassy. I will probably buy a deeper colour then. Now that I'm using Africagems as a reference, I think something in the range of their AA or between AA and AAA example pictures:

http://www.africagems.com/aquamarine-emerald-gemstones.html

As far as the adjective "tacky" is concerned, I didn't mean to offend anyone! I just said that because she always says that she doesn't like big stones. However, I suppose that once she gets accustomed to wearing a gemstone, she will want a bigger one soon (and so on).

As for the setting, yes I'd like it to be very simple in order to focus the attention on the stone. Any suggestions on the models (I'm ignorant on this subject, but I'm doing my best to learn!)

Last thing, please feel free to suggest other aquamarine gemstones from other sellers that you may know, possibly always emerald cut or "emeraldish" cut.

 

[vito89]

Aquamarine it is then. As long as you are aware of the risks, that is all that matters to me. I do caution that because aquamarine is a stone with low refraction, coupled with a step cut and pale colouration, it will appear glassy often and quite see-through even if well cut.

As for size, it is a personal preference. My ring size is 4.5 and have no issues wearing stones that are 12 x 12 mm and don't feel that it is tacky. To me, tackiness happens when one selects a design that doesn't look right for the occasion. Cost of the setting will depend on how ornate or simple it is. A plain 14k solitaire should run you around $200 or so.

This is not an emerald cut aquamarine but the outline is reminiscent of one. 1.06 ct for $155, measuring 9 x 5 mm. It will look paler once viewed on a neutral background instead of a dark background.
http://www.gemrite.com/collections/gems/products/medium-blue-aquamarine-1-06-cts

Bigger than your requirements but I like it. It's more of a baguette cut rather than emerald cut. It's also probably not pale enough for you too. You'll have to contact Roger for pricing.
http://www.spectralgems.net/aquamarine/lg-aquarect2_88ct/

The second one is beautiful and I've just written to Roger in order to have more information about it. The first one seems to have too many inclusions? Am i correct?

What do you think of the following:

http://www.ebay.it/itm/IF-SANTA-MARIA-UNHEATED-NATURAL-AAA-2-70ct-EMERALD-CUT-BRAZIL-AQUAMARINE-GG-GIA-/171099442363?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item27d6524cbb&_uhb=1

 

[Merefrank]

I am also new to this site and am SO not as gem savvy as most of these amazing regular posters, but I have to say : I did the same thing and regretted it ! My story in short is I didn't want to spend too much and also love the "ocean" color of aquamarine, so got that as an E-ring. WELL, within 2 weeks it looked like a cheap piece of bubble gum glass ! I switched it to my right hand and just wore my plain white gold band, rather than be embarrassed. A year later for our Anniversary I started a serious e-bay HUNT !

I educated myself here and other places and ended up with a gorgeous .49 carat princess cut F color diamond center, with six side stones (.35 carats for the side stones) that I won in an auction for $380 US !!!

It is GORGEOUS, it shoots colorful fire in almost any light and a month later I still can NOT stop looking at it !

Now out of habit, I still look for other similar rings in my price range ( mostly on e-bay) and see quite a few that would make me happy.

There is a reason they say diamonds are forever : they hold up and never lose their sparkle.

Since you are already in that price range I highly suggest you do what I did and maybe get an aquamarine as a gift for another time ( I overpaid, there are a lot of pretty rings for less and aquamarine will only hold up as much as the stones properties allow anyway). Mine WAS second hand. she actually picked out the main stone ( I have the EGL certificate, had another jeweler look at it and he agreed it was an F) and had a jeweler match the settings so it is unique, but there was no bad mojo behind it : she wore it for a few months and then decided she wanted something bigger.

Anyway, my FIRST post and my 2 cents ! Good luck !

 

[vito89]

This last post left me a bit concerned. I definitely don't want to give her a ring that she feels uncomfortable with and that she has to leave at home because she might damage it. Also, Roger's aquamarine unfortunately costs about 450$ and, while it could be within my budget, it will definitely be too much after VAT and customs in the UK.

So for now the safest bet seems to be the 0.82 carat sapphire from Jeff:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PREMIUM-EMERALD-CUT-BLUE-SAPPHIRE-CEYLON-SEE-VIDEO-/370857613313?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item5658d61801

If bought off ebay it costs 265$ so it will be within my budget even after customs and VAT. My girlfriend will understand if I end up buying a sapphire instead of an Aquamarine. I will buy an aquamarine later to apologise...

I just want to make sure that that sapphire is of a good quality and that you recommend that seller. Also, is there anything better than that for the same price? I just want to be sure to have found the best stone for my budget.

Thank you for your help.

 

[chrono]

Ask Adam if he is willing to split this pair. If so, pricing should be under $300 which is within budget. She doesn't have to leave the ring at home but it should be removed for most activities and definitely not worn at home (you'd be surprised how often rings get knocked about washing dishes, doing laundry and etc).
http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=4032

Jeff Davies is a reputable vendor. The sapphire isn't the best around but it is the best one that fits your requirements that I can find at this time.

 

[partgypsy]

I understand having your heart set on a particular stone. What I would do, is buy her the best aquamarine stone/ring you can for the price. I would go a little larger than smaller because bigger stones hold their color.

What you may find, is that she will end up wearing it as more of an occasional ring than an every day ring. But might as well get her what she want. They can be very lovely stones with their own characteristics. Do not be surprised if a few years down the road you do decide to get her a more durable stone. My story, I got an emerald ring (my choice) for an engagement ring. I lost the ring : (. For 9th anniversary got a diamond anniversary ring that I wear every day. However I am planning on replacing and getting an emerald ring to wear occasionally as well.

Aquas come in two basic "shades" the unheated blue green tones, and the heated "blue" tone. Definitely find out which color she prefers (I prefer the unheated shades but I'm in the minority). Try to get the more saturated colors, avoid gray or overly light tones.

I would also look out for vintage aquamarine rings, there are rings, in addition to the stone, have beautiful workmanship to them which adds to their beauty.

 

[vito89]

Thanks again for your replies.

With an Aquamarine I could, more or less, buy half a carat more than a sapphire within the same budget. So, in case Adam at paraibainternational accepted to split the pair, are those aquamarine the best around for about 300$ shipped?

 

[chrono]

One of the reasons why sapphires cost more is that the colour is stronger and the stone is one of the most durable stones around as it is durable enough to be worn 365/24/7, hence their demand and popularity. Get what she wants (as long as she knows it's not an everyday ring stone), not because you can get a bigger stone or whatever else.

The PI aquamarines are light but they seem to be the only ones around that are emerald cut and fits your budget.

 

[partgypsy]

the first two are not really budget rings, just thought the first the proportions are really lovely, the 2nd the color and style of ring was very nice.

http://www.rubylane.com/item/569833-33286/Art-Deco-14kt-Gold-Aquamarine
http://www.rubylane.com/item/754537-R27/Aquamarine-Ring-Gold-Aquamarine-Ring

http://www.rubylane.com/item/804940-000132/Art-Deco-1-5-Carat
http://www.rubylane.com/item/955362-06592013-B4071/14K-WG-Benchmark-Aquamarine-Band

sorry I didn't see the emerald cut shape requirement. What I would do is search for "emerald aquamarine" and see what comes up. My search was for white gold aquamarine, so depending on what you enter you will see different things.

 

[vito89]

One of the reasons why sapphires cost more is that the colour is stronger and the stone is one of the most durable stones around as it is durable enough to be worn 365/24/7, hence their demand and popularity. Get what she wants (as long as she knows it's not an everyday ring stone), not because you can get a bigger stone or whatever else.

The PI aquamarines are light but they seem to be the only ones around that are emerald cut and fits your budget.

What does "PI" mean? What about africagems? Are those stones worse than the paraibainternational ones?

Also, thanks for the links of the vintage rings but it is not her style. She likes very simple rings.

Edit: Oh yes, PI = Paraibainternational!

 

[chrono]

I often shorten names so PI stands for Paraiba International. With PI's stones, you have the video which is usually more accurate in terms of what you can expect to receive and see for yourself. AfricaGems used a generic picture so I have no idea what you will receive.

 

[vito89]

Hello!

I've been thinkng that maybe I shouldn't restrict the possibilities only to the emerald cut and baguette cut but I could also try and look for the princess cut. Don't get me wrong, I would love to buy an emerald cut stone but unfortunately the market doesn't seem to be saturated and also, probably, a princess cut aquamarine is more shiny?

I've just found this:

http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=2608

Do you think it is a good good stone, with a good cut? As I understand, a decent stone with a perfect cut is better than a flawless stone with a mediocre cut.

 

[chrono]

A princess cut stone is very different from a step cut stone. Are you absolutely sure she will like this?
Secondly, princess cuts have 4 pointy corners that are prone to chipping or damage. Add the fact that it is a softer aquamarine and you are increasing the risk factor of damaging it as an engagement ring stone.
Colour wise, it looks about equal to PI's emerald cut pair.

 

[vito89]

Yes you are right.

I've just sent an email to osirisgems in order to ask about his their available gemstones and if it is possible to have an emerald cut aquamarine. I came across this one:

http://www.osirisgems.com/images/BraAqu16.21_1

Apart from the inclusions, I love its colour and the way he cuts gems (I wouldn't mind that cut either, they all look so modern and beautiful). Do you know by any chance if they ship from Germany? Because in that case that would be ideal since I wouldn't pay for customs and VAT.

Have you ever bought from osirisgems or do you know anyone who did? Are their gems on the pricey side?