BIG green/blue stone for ering - suggestions?

[biggemlover]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post, and first I''d like to say how AMAZING this forum is - SO much great information! I stumbled across pricescope while searching online for stones for an engagement ring, and I wanted to see if you could offer any advice. I''m not a huge fan of diamonds - I love color, and I LOVE big stones. BF and I have shopped quite a bit and after looking a millions of rings, we both prefer the look of a large solitaire with maybe just a couple of small diamonds as accent stones. And when I say large, I mean something like the "huge aqua" photo I attached (thx by the way to whoever posted it - it''s gorgeous!).

We''ve looked at a ton of stones, and I find myself gravitating to green/green-blue stones, especially mint tourmaline, cuprian/paraiba, aquamarine, green beryl - anything in that family. However, from reading another thread about green e-ring stones, I have doubts about the hardiness of most of these for daily wear. Also, budget is definitely a concern - we''re looking to spend no more than $3500 on the whole ring. The setting will be simple white gold and is being designed by a friend (who I''m sure will cut us a break on price) but even so I would think we shouldn''t spend more than $2500 on a stone.

So, suggestions? Aquamarine/green beryl and green amethyst seem to be the only stones that are within reach pricewise if I want a 20ct-ish stone. I''ve seen some recommendations for chrysoberyl, but I''m having a hard time finding any online that are a color and shape I like. I would prefer a more strongly colored stone, but I know that may just be impossible - I mean, the mint tourmalines that I''ve seen that even approach the size I want are $5000+. If I do end up having to go with a paler stone for size, what do you think about using some smaller, more vibrant stones as side accents? All thoughts welcome - thanks in advance!

 

[T L]

Well forget getting a 20 carat mint or paraiba tourmaline for $2500. I think your only choice is very pale washed out aqua. Green quartz is nuked to get that color, but it is an affordable option as well if you don't mind a nuked stone. Being a 20 carat stone, you might knock it around too much. Aqua and quartz aren't durable enough for an everyday ring, especially in a large stone that is easily knocked on things.

I don't want to dissuade you, but I personally rather go for a much smaller stone, in fine color, than a huge stone in blah color. Just because a stone is huge does not mean it will guarantee looks. Smaller stones with fine color have eye catching appeal. I know, I have two very large 10+ carat aquas in rings, and I never ever wear them. One is even better color than the one you posted above. I much rather wear my smaller, but more vivid colored stones. A fine colored stone will need no accents at all if it's truly fine in color.

 

[biggemlover]

LOL, I''m not really worried about the ring catching anyone''s eye but my own, although I know BF is! I realize that a tourmaline of pretty much any color in that size is unattainable. I found a beautiful one on Gene''s site that is almost within the size and price range I''m looking for: http://www.precisiongem.com/html/html/GreenTourmaline.html stone 952, but unfortunately it''s square, and I wasn''t wild about square stones when I tried them on. I suppose it could work in the right setting, though, and I do LOVE the color. I''ve been in touch with him about other stones he might have available but right now the only rough he has is not quite so big.

I hear what you''re saying about smaller stones in fine colors but honestly, I''m just not a small jewelry type of gal. Everything else I own is big, and I have large hands and long fingers - small things just get lost on me. That said, I don''t HAVE to have a ring quite as big as the one I posted, that was just an example. And I do worry about knocking it, so obviously I would want as tough a stone as possible. Is chrysoberyl the best option? Would tourmaline be okay as long as I was careful? I don''t do anything in my daily life that requires a lot of work with my hands.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Does it have to be faceted? You could probably find a pretty green Chrysoprase or blue chalcedony in a very large size for that budget. I personally think a large carved gem quality chrysoprase would be stunning as an ering stone.

In terms of tourmaline, I think the best mix of size, price, and color I can think of is this 15.88ct tourmaline from Gene, but it's about 1k more than you're looking to spend.
link

I think it's a beauty though.

 

[T L]

Date: 4/11/2010 9:54:12 AM
Author: biggemlover
LOL, I''m not really worried about the ring catching anyone''s eye but my own, although I know BF is! I realize that a tourmaline of pretty much any color in that size is unattainable. I found a beautiful one on Gene''s site that is almost within the size and price range I''m looking for: http://www.precisiongem.com/html/html/GreenTourmaline.html stone 952, but unfortunately it''s square, and I wasn''t wild about square stones when I tried them on. I suppose it could work in the right setting, though, and I do LOVE the color. I''ve been in touch with him about other stones he might have available but right now the only rough he has is not quite so big.


I hear what you''re saying about smaller stones in fine colors but honestly, I''m just not a small jewelry type of gal. Everything else I own is big, and I have large hands and long fingers - small things just get lost on me. That said, I don''t HAVE to have a ring quite as big as the one I posted, that was just an example. And I do worry about knocking it, so obviously I would want as tough a stone as possible. Is chrysoberyl the best option? Would tourmaline be okay as long as I was careful? I don''t do anything in my daily life that requires a lot of work with my hands.

If you wear a ring every day, even if you''re careful, it''s bound to get nicked and scratched. Diamonds are popular because they don''t scratch easily, but they do chip. Chrysoberyl is pretty durable, but again, you run into a size/price issue. You also want a particular shape as well. Unfortunately looking for the perfect colored gem on a strict budget isn''t as easy and straightforward as buying a diamond. There''s also not as many to go around in a particular color, while there is a sea of colorless diamonds out there to choose from, and a sea of vendors as well. I think you need to be less strict about your budget, size or shape, if you truly want something perfect for you. The square gem on Gene''s site was a great price for that. I have to say, I know some cutters would charge at least twice as much for it.

 

[biggemlover]

Makingthegrade, that''s exactly the stone I was referring to from Gene''s site - I agree, it is GORGEOUS! A little more than we were looking to spend but we might be able to stretch the budget to accommodate. I''m just concerned about the shape - I found that when trying on rings, square stones made my fingers look stubby, which is why I was gravitating toward more rectangular shapes. A square might work if it were set on the bias, though, which is certainly an option.

I don''t HAVE to have a faceted stone necessarily, but I haven''t really seen anything unfaceted that I really love. Will go check out your suggestions now!

 

[biggemlover]

Just for reference, here are some links to other stones I like - some within our price range, some not so much. They''re all on the smaller side of what we were looking at, and some are much darker than the minty color I really covet (but gorgeous nonetheless!). The first one is actually a peachy/pink tourmaline that caught my eye even though it''s in a completely different color family. We live in NYC so getting an appointment at Paraiba International to have a look at some things should be easy, but I don''t know anything about AJS. I''ve read about some experiences with them here though - sounds like people have had mostly good luck. Any thoughts on any of these stones?

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/fancy-tourmaline/fancy-tourmaline-11.48-carats.html
http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/green-tourmaline/green-tourmaline-10.71-carats.html
http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/green-tourmaline/green-tourmaline-6.70-carats.html
http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-14-carats.html
http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-7.54-carats.html
http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-7.96-carats.html
http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=1921
http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=1824
http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=2002

 

[VapidLapid]

This sapphire?
http://www.unicorngems.com/wsecsapphire.html

I know nothing of the vendor though.

 

[biggemlover]

Thanks Vapid - that''s a lovely stone, although it''s a bit more olive/yellow than what I prefer. Very pretty!

 

[VapidLapid]

This is big for chrysoberyl. At this price you could still afford to have it re-cut without losing much face-up size, and still put some nice side stones in too.

http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=5932

 

[Barrett]

green beryl would be a viable option for large size, color, and availability..ahh..but darn..not really good for a ring as everyday wear..20cts is large for many stones in a good color..greened amethyst is also an easy one to find in that size..would be good for a ring..not for durability but if you chipped it or broke it you could just easily find a replacement..would be a pain though to mess with it all again and have another stone reset

 

[Indylady]

Date: 4/11/2010 11:21:07 AM
Author: biggemlover
Just for reference, here are some links to other stones I like - some within our price range, some not so much. They''re all on the smaller side of what we were looking at, and some are much darker than the minty color I really covet (but gorgeous nonetheless!). The first one is actually a peachy/pink tourmaline that caught my eye even though it''s in a completely different color family. We live in NYC so getting an appointment at Paraiba International to have a look at some things should be easy, but I don''t know anything about AJS. I''ve read about some experiences with them here though - sounds like people have had mostly good luck. Any thoughts on any of these stones?


http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/fancy-tourmaline/fancy-tourmaline-11.48-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/green-tourmaline/green-tourmaline-10.71-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/green-tourmaline/green-tourmaline-6.70-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-14-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-7.54-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-7.96-carats.html

http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=1921

http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=1824

http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=2002

Click-able Links:

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/fancy-tourmaline/fancy-tourmaline-11.48-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/green-tourmaline/green-tourmaline-10.71-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/green-tourmaline/green-tourmaline-6.70-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-14-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-7.54-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-7.96-carats.html

http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=1921

http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=1824

http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=2002

 

[Indylady]

Also, I think that inspiration ring might be Canuk-girl''s. Excuse me if I am wrong!

 

[Barrett]

hey indy..thanks for the clickable links..makes it much easier..much appreciated

 

[T L]

The first two you picked from paraibainternational are almost black. I would try to avoid very dark stones, and tourmalines tend to harbor darker tones, and can go very extinct. That's not to say that paraibainternational does not have nice gems. The third one you picked is pretty, but it does have a bit of yellow in it. They did source this one gem for this Leon Mege ring. I think this is beautiful. AJSgems has some nice gems, but I have never purchased anything from them, but they do get pretty rave reviews around here. Their prices are competitive as well.

http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=468


This one from AJSgems is very very similar to color (and it's untreated) to the third paraibainternational stone you chose.

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-7.96-carats.html

Out of all the links you picked, I like this one the best for the purity of true mint color, and the tonality is nice, not too dark, or too light.

http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-14-carats.html

Did you see this green beryl. It's in your price range, size range and the color (mint) you wanted.

http://www.ajsgems.com/beryl/green-beryl/green-beryl-21.69-carats.html

 

[ma re]

A 20 ct e-ring

Sweet Jesus... I don''t know if I''ve even seen many above 3 cts. But OK, people have their own preferences, I also love the look of large gems and if you can pull it off, don''t see a reason not to go for it. But this size alone really limits your choices, cause many species of gemstones don''t even come so large, especially in nice colors and with good clarity. I think your options are as mentioned tourmaline, aqua, green beryl, green amethyst and maybe zircon. This last one would only be a good idea if you''re not too hard on your rings and don''t do a lot of work with hands.

But I really like MTG''s suggestion (

) of something cabbed or carved, which is not so traditional, but then, 20 carat e-rings aren''t either...

Cabochon cuts also have an advantage of being a bit more durable than faceted stones, cause it takes much more to damage their smooth surfaces, than to damage something with flat polished faces and sharp points. Cabochons are also often cut from material of lower clarity grades which reduces prices, so you might even find something in an unexpected variety of stones if you choose that route.

BTW, here''s another contender, a bit over budget and probably not minty enough, but quite large and of a nice color:
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?/details/single/aquamarine/xaq1025aa/&1624187289

 

[biggemlover]

Thanks for making those clickable! The last one from Paraiba intl isn''t working right for me though - here it is again:

http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=2002http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=2002

This is by far my favorite of the stones I listed, and of course the most expensive, LOL! On my monitor I don''t see any yellow, but obviously we''d have to see it in person. i don''t mind a little yellow if the predominant color is green/blue, but it would have to be just a very little bit.

The more I look at Gene''s stone, the more I like it - I will have to see if I can find something in a similar size set on the bias to see how it would look on my hand.

BTW, that link to the Leon Mege ring is AMAZING - I''m green with envy!!!!!!!

 

[T L]

Date: 4/11/2010 1:29:19 PM
Author: biggemlover
Thanks for making those clickable! The last one from Paraiba intl isn't working right for me though - here it is again:


http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=2002http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=2002


This is by far my favorite of the stones I listed, and of course the most expensive, LOL! On my monitor I don't see any yellow, but obviously we'd have to see it in person. i don't mind a little yellow if the predominant color is green/blue, but it would have to be just a very little bit.


The more I look at Gene's stone, the more I like it - I will have to see if I can find something in a similar size set on the bias to see how it would look on my hand.


BTW, that link to the Leon Mege ring is AMAZING - I'm green with envy!!!!!!!

You're not going to believe this, unless you knew that, but the handle of the Pricescoper that owns that Leon ring is "GreenWithEnvy" - LOL!!

The stone you like is treated, and to tell you the truth, since I collect tourmaline, I think Afghanistan produces the prettiest mint colors. That's my biased opinion.

Here's a large (to me) seafoam green tourmaline ring, so you can see it on the hand.

http://www.myjewelrysource.com/green-tourmaline-rings/gr9155-seafoam-green-tourmaline-ring.htm

 

[biggemlover]

Date: 4/11/2010 1:12:35 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
The first two you picked from paraibainternational are almost black. I would try to avoid very dark stones, and tourmalines tend to harbor darker tones, and can go very extinct. That''s not to say that paraibainternational does not have nice gems. The third one you picked is pretty, but it does have a bit of yellow in it. They did source this one gem for this Leon Mege ring. I think this is beautiful. AJSgems has some nice gems, but I have never purchased anything from them, but they do get pretty rave reviews around here. Their prices are competitive as well.


http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=468



This one from AJSgems is very very similar to color (and it''s untreated) to the third paraibainternational stone you chose.


http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-7.96-carats.html


Out of all the links you picked, I like this one the best for the purity of true mint color, and the tonality is nice, not too dark, or too light.


http://www.ajsgems.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-14-carats.html


Did you see this green beryl. It''s in your price range, size range and the color (mint) you wanted.


http://www.ajsgems.com/beryl/green-beryl/green-beryl-21.69-carats.html

LOL, of course your favorite is the most expensive one (mine too!). I also really like the first one you commented on, though - it''s a beautiful color and not too much smaller than what we were ideally hoping for, and the price is right. Might be more practical for daily wear that way, although BF keeps saying anything smaller than 15x12 is "too small." Men!

 

[biggemlover]

Date: 4/11/2010 1:32:17 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

Date: 4/11/2010 1:29:19 PM




BTW, that link to the Leon Mege ring is AMAZING - I''m green with envy!!!!!!!

You''re not going to believe this, unless you knew that, but the handle of the Pricescoper that owns that Leon ring is ''GreenWithEnvy'' - LOL!!


The stone you like is treated, and to tell you the truth, since I collect tourmaline, I think Afghanistan produces the prettiest mint colors. That''s my biased opinion.


Here''s a large (to me) seafoam green tourmaline ring, so you can see it on the hand.


http://www.myjewelrysource.com/green-tourmaline-rings/gr9155-seafoam-green-tourmaline-ring.htm

LOL, no way! Of course, if I were sporting that ring I would probably have made my handle green with envy too - it''s AMAZING.

I really love ring in the link you posted - the center stone isn''t as big as what I was looking for but the side stones make the whole thing look bigger. Beautiful color too. I agree that the prettiest mint colors I''ve seen have all been Afghani tourmaline. As far as treated stones go, are there disadvantages? I know a lot of collectors and enthusiasts want all natural stones, but for someone who just wants a pretty ering, does it make a difference?

 

[biggemlover]

Date: 4/11/2010 1:12:35 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover


Did you see this green beryl. It''s in your price range, size range and the color (mint) you wanted.


http://www.ajsgems.com/beryl/green-beryl/green-beryl-21.69-carats.html

I hadn''t seen this one, thanks! I really love the color, although I worry that it won''t look quite as intense in person - most of the green beryl we''ve seen while out shopping has been very very pale. For instance, these two from Paraiba Intl:

http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=913

http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=2695

Both pretty, but quite pale. If I were to go with a stone like this, I would probably want to use some more intensely minty stones as accent stones.

 

[T L]

Date: 4/11/2010 1:52:14 PM
Author: biggemlover

Date: 4/11/2010 1:12:35 PM

Author: tourmaline_lover



Did you see this green beryl. It''s in your price range, size range and the color (mint) you wanted.



http://www.ajsgems.com/beryl/green-beryl/green-beryl-21.69-carats.html

I hadn''t seen this one, thanks! I really love the color, although I worry that it won''t look quite as intense in person - most of the green beryl we''ve seen while out shopping has been very very pale. For instance, these two from Paraiba Intl:


http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=913


http://www.paraibainternational.com/product_info.php?product=2695


Both pretty, but quite pale. If I were to go with a stone like this, I would probably want to use some more intensely minty stones as accent stones.

I have a mint green beryl, and it''s precision cut, and has some fascinating blue and green color play. As you stated, you weren''t into color as much as size, so it this is a option, and I think it''s a great price for such a huge green beryl. They don''t come around that often. However, now that you saw all those minty tourmalines, it''s hard to give up on the more intense color.

 

[biggemlover]

Yes, it''s hard to go back! I was lusting after some of your cuprian tourmalines and some paraibas from another site and even the Afghan mint tourmalines seem bland by comparison! The sticker shock brought me back to reality quickly though.

Interesting to know about your mint beryl. I''ve read that AJS allows returns, so maybe it would be worth the shipping costs to have a closer look at that stone. I''ll email them to see if they have more pics as well...

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Here''s a HUGE chalcedony ring. Personally I prefer cabbed stones in the larger sizes, there''s just a glow and an elegance I think. This ring is being sold for 3k.

 

[canuk-gal]

Date: 4/11/2010 1:03:57 PM
Author: IndyLady
Also, I think that inspiration ring might be Canuk-girl''s. Excuse me if I am wrong!

HI:

I knew it looked familiar!

I love that ring and wore it today--to the OP: get a big stone if that''s what your heart desires, and rock it!

cheers--Sharon

 

[T L]

Date: 4/11/2010 2:13:45 PM
Author: biggemlover
Yes, it's hard to go back! I was lusting after some of your cuprian tourmalines and some paraibas from another site and even the Afghan mint tourmalines seem bland by comparison! The sticker shock brought me back to reality quickly though.


Interesting to know about your mint beryl. I've read that AJS allows returns, so maybe it would be worth the shipping costs to have a closer look at that stone. I'll email them to see if they have more pics as well...

Thank you for the kind words BigGemLover (I love your handle name by the way).

There are good and not so good cuprians, just as there are good and not so good Afghan mints. The most amazing gem tourmalines came out of Paraiba Brazil in the late 80's, but they are no longer being mined, and the ones that are coming out of Brazil and Africa aren't as neon. However, a small stone, even less than a carat, really packs a color punch.

Here's one of the most beautiful Afghan tourmalines I've ever seen. It sold from gemlineinc.com a long time ago, and I haven't seen one like it since. I probably shouldn't show you this, but I don't want you to think all Afghan material is wishy washy next to cuprians. I apologize if I'm getting a bit off topic, but I love discussing this color gem. It's one of my favorites.

 

[T L]

Africagems has an oddity of a tourmaline, but it's pretty and an elongated gem, but not quite as large as you want. However, if you like the look of cuprians, this is a more affordable option. Supposedly it might contain copper, and I didn't think Afghans contained copper.

http://www.africagems.com/neon-tourmaline-4-84.html

 

[biggemlover]

Ooh, that one from africagems is really pretty - not sure about the marquis cut, but the color is gorgeous. And the other one you posted - OMG. Amazing!

 

[Barrett]

I have been looking for that pic forever TL..sucker is sweet..needed it for an example a while back..sure would like to know where africagems got the copper info about the tourmalines from afghanistan..don''t think i have ever read any reference material anywhere saying any afghans had any copper..or if they did it would be in parts per wahtever and not the color causing chromophore..so wouldn''t matter then..anyone have any reference material talking about copper in afghan tourms.?

 

[SB621]

I would also recommend contact Dana at Master Cut Gems- he has lots of inventory that is not on his website and I think his prices are very reasonable.