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Bling wishlist/projects for 2025

2024 was an excellent bling year, but I also spent a TON, so 2025 needs to be a bit toned down imo!

I really only have two things on my list, one of which is a holdover from the previous year:

- an emerald cocktail ring, I’ve got some ideas of designs I’ve been sketching out. I want something really interesting with a lot of presence!

- a tahitian pearl tin-cup necklace - I obtained a Tahitian pearl bracelet for an absolute song, and I want to turn it into a necklace because I know I won’t wear the bracelet. Maybe with some fun diamond stations, perhaps also a pair of earrings to match.

So far that’s it, but let’s see if something else makes it on the list! I don’t always complete the projects I put on my list lol - I remember last year I had ideas of a wide RG cigar band for example, that never materialised.

Haha I think you're not the only one with a slimmed down list for 2025. Those emerald cut hoops you got were the highlight this year! So it's only fair that you didn't tick off everything on the list this year. Lol we should have a halfway check in point to reassess our list.

I can't wait to see your emerald cocktail ring. I'm so envious of all the emeralds on PS lately! And a fun pearl and diamond station necklace would be a nice piece that you can dress up or down.
 
Haha I think you're not the only one with a slimmed down list for 2025. Those emerald cut hoops you got were the highlight this year! So it's only fair that you didn't tick off everything on the list this year. Lol we should have a halfway check in point to reassess our list.

I can't wait to see your emerald cocktail ring. I'm so envious of all the emeralds on PS lately! And a fun pearl and diamond station necklace would be a nice piece that you can dress up or down.

Oooh I’m so flattered you remember my hoops! They really are my favourite piece of jewellery and I wear them all the time.

This will be my first “real” pearl jewellery (aside from an akoya pendant I rarely wear and some seed pearl stuff) so I’m quite excited to make it happen. Everything else I have is costume.

Emeralds are my favourite stone but I also like them large so what will complicate matters is that I’m going to hunt for a secondhand emerald first and then design a ring around it. That strikes me as the best way to get something at a reasonable price. Wish me luck!
 
Oooh I’m so flattered you remember my hoops! They really are my favourite piece of jewellery and I wear them all the time.

This will be my first “real” pearl jewellery (aside from an akoya pendant I rarely wear and some seed pearl stuff) so I’m quite excited to make it happen. Everything else I have is costume.

Emeralds are my favourite stone but I also like them large so what will complicate matters is that I’m going to hunt for a secondhand emerald first and then design a ring around it. That strikes me as the best way to get something at a reasonable price. Wish me luck!

Haha how could we not remember those hoops!! We were begging for days for ear shots lol. And you wear them so well

I only have a Tahitian pearl strand that I rarely wear, only for weddings and things lol. I would like to add more pearl items in my collection too but alas the diamonds are the priority right now.

Ah yes definitely a large and in charge emerald which is quite pricey. I've seen some go under the hammer at auctions. I actually think that once I set all my stones, I probably would refrain from buying things that need setting. The cost to set is so high right now which might not be a problem for you as labour charges are minimal. But definitely save where you can!
 
Haha how could we not remember those hoops!! We were begging for days for ear shots lol. And you wear them so well

I only have a Tahitian pearl strand that I rarely wear, only for weddings and things lol. I would like to add more pearl items in my collection too but alas the diamonds are the priority right now.

Ah yes definitely a large and in charge emerald which is quite pricey. I've seen some go under the hammer at auctions. I actually think that once I set all my stones, I probably would refrain from buying things that need setting. The cost to set is so high right now which might not be a problem for you as labour charges are minimal. But definitely save where you can!

You’re so sweet!! Thank you!!

Yup the labour charges are saving me but gold prices have me hammered!! It’s like please STAHP especially since my jeweler is old school and will make things in 14kt only with extreme reluctance :lol:

I haven’t started the hunt yet for the emerald - I’m indifferent about the origin (and to an extent about the level of oiling as well, I would be ok with minor to moderate as long as the price reflects it); just want something really pretty. Let’s see what happens.
 
You’re so sweet!! Thank you!!

Yup the labour charges are saving me but gold prices have me hammered!! It’s like please STAHP especially since my jeweler is old school and will make things in 14kt only with extreme reluctance :lol:

I haven’t started the hunt yet for the emerald - I’m indifferent about the origin (and to an extent about the level of oiling as well, I would be ok with minor to moderate as long as the price reflects it); just want something really pretty. Let’s see what happens.

Hahaha yeah the gold prices! My SE Asian genes are churning cause I'm considering making a 9ct bangle lol it's not very mind clean and I'd much prefer 14ct if I can't get 18ct.

I think I would be the same as you in regards to origin and oiling of an emerald so long as the colour and glow blow me away. I'm really excited for you.
 
Hahaha yeah the gold prices! My SE Asian genes are churning cause I'm considering making a 9ct bangle lol it's not very mind clean and I'd much prefer 14ct if I can't get 18ct.

I think I would be the same as you in regards to origin and oiling of an emerald so long as the colour and glow blow me away. I'm really excited for you.

Oh I know exactly what you mean. I’m ok with 14kt but 9kt just seems way low. I was telling my mom that I think I’ll do my pearl tin cup in silver because I don’t want to pay that much gold and it’s just going to be a fun thing; and she was like “oh if you’re doing costume just do 9kt gold” and it’s like, no mom, 9kt gold is technically still gold you know. It’s not costume. But then I’d rather do silver - why pay for the gold at all lol.

What’s the cost difference between 9kt and 14kt for your bangle? It should really only be $20 per gram, right? So depending on how heavy the bangle is it might not be too much of a difference. I assume labour cost wouldn’t change either way.
 
Oh I know exactly what you mean. I’m ok with 14kt but 9kt just seems way low. I was telling my mom that I think I’ll do my pearl tin cup in silver because I don’t want to pay that much gold and it’s just going to be a fun thing; and she was like “oh if you’re doing costume just do 9kt gold” and it’s like, no mom, 9kt gold is technically still gold you know. It’s not costume. But then I’d rather do silver - why pay for the gold at all lol.

What’s the cost difference between 9kt and 14kt for your bangle? It should really only be $20 per gram, right? So depending on how heavy the bangle is it might not be too much of a difference. I assume labour cost wouldn’t change either way.

Haha omg how times have changed. I used to think the same as your mum, only costume jewellery would be set in 9ct. But if it's a fun piece and you're not wearing it much then silver is fine.

My jeweller is away for the next month so I'll have to wait to get quotes. I think she quoted roughly $2200 AUD for 9ct depending on how much gold we'd need but I'll check again lol. You're so right 9ct is really low for an everyday piece haha I'll aim for 14ct then. Gold prices are making me depressed boo.
 
Haha omg how times have changed. I used to think the same as your mum, only costume jewellery would be set in 9ct. But if it's a fun piece and you're not wearing it much then silver is fine.

My jeweller is away for the next month so I'll have to wait to get quotes. I think she quoted roughly $2200 AUD for 9ct depending on how much gold we'd need but I'll check again lol. You're so right 9ct is really low for an everyday piece haha I'll aim for 14ct then. Gold prices are making me depressed boo.

Honestly silver is almost MORE mind-clean than 9kt gold for me. It’s like silver is firmly in the “fun” category, and 14+ is the “fine” category. 9 is sort of the odd one out, doesn’t fit either category and it makes me a little uncomfortable.

I’d definitely at least explore the option of 14 and see the price difference. There’s also ways of reducing gold content by making it a bit thinner, hollow etc. my jeweller allows me to scrap existing jewellery that I have and use the gold towards other projects too.

I don’t mean to put a bug in your ear btw, it’s not like 9kt gold “isn’t gold”, but when you said you’re SE Asian and 9kt isn’t mind clean for you I thought I should say something because unfortunately I’ve found if something isn’t mind clean for me, I never reach for it! And that would be a shame.
 
Honestly silver is almost MORE mind-clean than 9kt gold for me. It’s like silver is firmly in the “fun” category, and 14+ is the “fine” category. 9 is sort of the odd one out, doesn’t fit either category and it makes me a little uncomfortable.

I’d definitely at least explore the option of 14 and see the price difference. There’s also ways of reducing gold content by making it a bit thinner, hollow etc. my jeweller allows me to scrap existing jewellery that I have and use the gold towards other projects too.

I don’t mean to put a bug in your ear btw, it’s not like 9kt gold “isn’t gold”, but when you said you’re SE Asian and 9kt isn’t mind clean for you I thought I should say something because unfortunately I’ve found if something isn’t mind clean for me, I never reach for it! And that would be a shame.

Thank you and you do make a good point! If I'm going to make something custom I might as well go for 14ct instead of 9ct. I would consider finished pieces in 9ct but yeah you're right it's really not worth the trouble of paying someone to make something and not being happy with it because it's not mind clean. I'm so tempted to scrap other pieces but unfortunately I don't have enough to cover one let alone two bangles. Someone suggested I make one bangle in silver but that would also be a shame cause it's not supposed to be a fun piece of jewellery lol.
 
I will say I have no bling projects for 2025...unless an amazbling antique emerald cut lab diamond comes available that is...lol. No seriously, no bling projects. But you know what "they" say about the best laid plans :lol:
 
Thank you and you do make a good point! If I'm going to make something custom I might as well go for 14ct instead of 9ct. I would consider finished pieces in 9ct but yeah you're right it's really not worth the trouble of paying someone to make something and not being happy with it because it's not mind clean. I'm so tempted to scrap other pieces but unfortunately I don't have enough to cover one let alone two bangles. Someone suggested I make one bangle in silver but that would also be a shame cause it's not supposed to be a fun piece of jewellery lol.

Ok here’s another idea - do you have enough gold to cover the difference between 9 and 14kt if you scrap it? Because since you’ve already become comfortable with spending the amount on a 9kt bangle, you can “upgrade” with scrap gold.
 
Ok here’s another idea - do you have enough gold to cover the difference between 9 and 14kt if you scrap it? Because since you’ve already become comfortable with spending the amount on a 9kt bangle, you can “upgrade” with scrap gold.

Hahaha okay I'm digging through my jewellery box and I've got some gold.. probably enough for 18g of 14ct lol. Yay. I think this could work. I'll start with one bangle and come back for the other when I start working again.

I will say I have no bling projects for 2025...unless an amazbling antique emerald cut lab diamond comes available that is...lol. No seriously, no bling projects. But you know what "they" say about the best laid plans :lol:

Haha Missy are you even a PS'er lol. I'm envious of you because you've got everything you wanted hence nothing on your list or you've got some great restraint. But I'm sure you always find things when you least expect it. It's a good way to go I think. I definitely see a big emerald cut lab in your future haha.
 
The Tsavorite has been posted to the bench I use in China, and it will be made with natural earth-mined diamonds (EMD), as price difference between LGD and EMD in small melee stones is not significant, compared with the 4.5mm stones that were used in my pink Sapphire ring!

This is the ring design I have chosen, with an added air gap/line, Rose Gold bezel, no millgrain and a plain comfort shank 4mm at the top. I believe the design will do the Tsavorite justice!

990468

DK :))
 
The Tsavorite has been posted to the bench I use in China, and it will be made with natural earth-mined diamonds (EMD), as price difference between LGD and EMD in small melee stones is not significant, compared with the 4.5mm stones that were used in my pink Sapphire ring!

This is the ring design I have chosen, with an added air gap/line, Rose Gold bezel, no millgrain and a plain comfort shank 4mm at the top. I believe the design will do the Tsavorite justice!

Screenshot 2024-08-12 105841.png

DK :))

Oh DK I'm so excited for you. You'll be starting off the new year with a bang literally. How long would they take to make the setting?
 
Oh DK I'm so excited for you. You'll be starting off the new year with a bang literally. How long would they take to make the setting?

Don't know yet, however, I am hoping it will be ready for me to wear for my 60th birthday celebrations in February 2025. It would be nice if it is ready by then, however, not too fussed if it is not, as I have other rings that I can wear.

The paved diamond pendant bail is unlikely to be ready by then, which is fine, no rush.

DK :))
 
Don't know yet, however, I am hoping it will be ready for me to wear for my 60th birthday celebrations in February 2025. It would be nice if it is ready by then, however, not too fussed if it is not, as I have other rings that I can wear.

The paved diamond pendant bail is unlikely to be ready by then, which is fine, no rush.

DK :))

I'm pretty sure it'll be done by then lol don't they take like two weeks off for lunar new year. I'll have my fingers crossed that you'll get it in time for Feb!! What a way to celebrate a milestone birthday. Then we have ten months left for your bail hahaha.
 
I'm pretty sure it'll be done by then lol don't they take like two weeks off for lunar new year. I'll have my fingers crossed that you'll get it in time for Feb!! What a way to celebrate a milestone birthday. Then we have ten months left for your bail hahaha.

Chinese New Year is very important for them for certain, and they normally take at least a week if not 2 weeks off to enable their staff to travel back home away from the cities to visit their families.

CNY next year is quite early on 29 January 2025 next year, so hopefully, the ring will be made before they break up for their holidays. Hence I rushed to post the CS to them yesterday.

DK :))
 
Ok here’s another idea - do you have enough gold to cover the difference between 9 and 14kt if you scrap it? Because since you’ve already become comfortable with spending the amount on a 9kt bangle, you can “upgrade” with scrap gold.

Just to add to this conversation, nine karat gold was really common in the early 1900s in fine jewelry. Silver was also really common in the 17 and 1800s and even into the early 1900s in fine jewelry. So it’s all just a matter of perspective.
 
I'll play!

1) Engraved cuff bracelet - I have a whole thread rounding up great engraving vendors and I'm itching to get a cuff bracelet engraved. It'll either be David Klass or Croghan's and I'm hopeful to place the order very soon!

1734625049380.png

2) Lab or mined riviera tennis necklace. Not sure if this'll come home with me in 2025 but I would really like one.
1734625112827.png
3) Large trinity Cartier hoops.
1734625151378.png
4) 5ctw or 6ctw lab diamond studs
1734625205151.png

5) Other bracelets to add to my stack.

6) Searching for Tsavorite garnet pieces...
 
Going into 2024 I was considering selling both of my old mine cut diamonds and combining towards one larger 5 ct stone- I ended up deciding against that because I just couldn’t let either of them go. I have a milestone anniversary coming up in 2026 so I think that will be the year for my 5+ ct. I also hoped to find a brown diamond- preferably an antique Moval or marquise. I ended up getting both a brown diamond (peruzzi) and an antique Moval! I also purchased an end of the alphabet radiant!

On to 2025: I hope to set a bunch of my loose stones.

1- I have commissioned a massive aquamarine with Jeff that should be done in the next few weeks! I hope to set that sometime this coming year

2- I plan to set my 3ct WX radiant. I’m already working on CADs with David and hope to get the ball rolling on that next month.

3- I hope to set at least one more of the loose stones that I have. Hopefully my brown peruzzi. I also have an antique pear, an OEC lab diamond and a bunch of loose gemstones in queue.
 
I'll play!

1) Engraved cuff bracelet - I have a whole thread rounding up great engraving vendors and I'm itching to get a cuff bracelet engraved. It'll either be David Klass or Croghan's and I'm hopeful to place the order very soon!

1734625049380.png

2) Lab or mined riviera tennis necklace. Not sure if this'll come home with me in 2025 but I would really like one.
1734625112827.png
3) Large trinity Cartier hoops.
1734625151378.png
4) 5ctw or 6ctw lab diamond studs
1734625205151.png

5) Other bracelets to add to my stack.

6) Searching for Tsavorite garnet pieces...

Oh I love the engraved cuff!! Can't wait to see it. I love anything with engraving!

I also had a Riviere on my wishlist this year but instead I got my HG ring. I think natural ones and lab diamonds aren't that much different in terms of pricing.

Love the hoops and omg the studs haha I totally know what you mean and I think you need 6ctw!
 
Going into 2024 I was considering selling both of my old mine cut diamonds and combining towards one larger 5 ct stone- I ended up deciding against that because I just couldn’t let either of them go. I have a milestone anniversary coming up in 2026 so I think that will be the year for my 5+ ct. I also hoped to find a brown diamond- preferably an antique Moval or marquise. I ended up getting both a brown diamond (peruzzi) and an antique Moval! I also purchased an end of the alphabet radiant!

On to 2025: I hope to set a bunch of my loose stones.

1- I have commissioned a massive aquamarine with Jeff that should be done in the next few weeks! I hope to set that sometime this coming year

2- I plan to set my 3ct WX radiant. I’m already working on CADs with David and hope to get the ball rolling on that next month.

3- I hope to set at least one more of the loose stones that I have. Hopefully my brown peruzzi. I also have an antique pear, an OEC lab diamond and a bunch of loose gemstones in queue.

I'm glad you didn't sell your omc to upgrade. You'll definitely get your 5+ carat soon! You had a pretty successful year I think in ticking off your coveted items. I love your moval ring!

It seems like 2025 is already another busy year for you and lots of new pieces. I can't wait to see them all. I'm interested in your antique pear and oec, what kind of settings are you thinking of for them?
 
Honestly silver is almost MORE mind-clean than 9kt gold for me. It’s like silver is firmly in the “fun” category, and 14+ is the “fine” category. 9 is sort of the odd one out, doesn’t fit either category and it makes me a little uncomfortable.

In UK, 14K is the odd one out! 9K is the norm, and high end pieces would be in 18K.

14K are normally imported jewellery made elsewhere.

I have had pieces made in 9K WG to bring down the cost.

To cut down the cost even further for the fun pieces, e.g. settings for lab CSs, I used Silver and had them Rhodium-plated and LGD melees or even Moissanites - same look as 14/18K WG and natural mined diamonds yet significantly cheaper.

DK :))
 
Well, 2024 was a bust. I neither reined in my impulsive buying, nor sorted out the moval cluster, which was basically the only thing on my list.
1734838499252.png

So here's my list going into 2025, with a few pics for tax:
A. Sort out the moval cluster. It's been sitting in my jewelry box, unworn, since 2022. Enough already.
B. To my simultaneous enjoyment and dismay, I've managed to amass a nice collection of loose diamonds over the last few years. I'm leaning toward the following projects:
1. Graduated OEC 5 stone band (0.42/0.62/0.80/.0.60/0.46) - I need to decide on the setting style - definitely antique-style, but prong set or collet set? Not the best photo, but the stones are well-matched, and nice makes, H/I/J/K.
20241001_112651.jpg

2. OMC 3-stone using this 1.56 K SI1 stone for the center - I need to figure out side stones for this one.
20240903_160046-EDIT.jpg

3. OEC half-hoop - 8 x 3.5mm salvaged from this brooch.
s-l1600.jpg

If I get any of these done, even just one, I'll be thrilled.
 
Just a handful of things for 2025 and beyond for me:

1. I'm still obsessing over paperclip chains, so I'm hoping to acquire a necklace in rose gold, with 3-4mm links, and perhaps 20 inches or so in length, so I can vary what length I wear it at.
2. I recently lost my grandmother and last surviving grandparent, so I'd like to get something to honour her memory. I've always wanted a solitaire RHR in rose gold with a MRB or OEC, so that's a possibility. She was a cracker of a lady - part italian, so often referred to herself as an 'old European'.
3. I need to replace the chain on my diamond pendant, the old one just keeps breaking so I think is past it. Boring but necessary!
4. I'd like to get a new rose gold barbell style earring for my rook ear piercing, the hoop in it currently is a bit annoying.
 
It's almost 2025 and reading everyone's plans is exciting!

Some of 2024's to-do list was completed. I did set 2 opals into pendants as I planned. I did not buy any new faceted colored stones although I did splurge on the old mine cut diamond I put in a ring. Whoops. :oops:

I still peruse gems but the high cost of precious metals for custom works makes obtaining loose stones less appealing to me. So I don't know if I will add any new gems to my collection.

1) I have an Australian opal with a flaw, a white "sand" inclusion, that I intend to put in a custom project with Nick Noyes. I admire his style and attached a screencap of some of his pieces from his Instagram (@noyesdesign there).

2) I have a trio of antique or vintage pieces of jewelry that I have scoped out and revisited for a while. With the cost of gold being what it is I am considering springing for one or two of those instead of completing an additional custom project in 2025. Each one hinges on finding a balance between my desire to expand my collection versus the amount of wear I would get out of the piece though. Hmmm. :whistle:

3) Although I put it on last year's list, I still have yet to set my jade cabochon into a ring, so I will make that project a priority. Something simple along the lines of these vintage rings sold at Lang.

24starring3.jpg08starring3.jpg

NickNoyesPendantsIG.jpeg
 
1- I have commissioned a massive aquamarine with Jeff that should be done in the next few weeks! I hope to set that sometime this coming year

:kiss2:

I have not seen him posting any big Aqua roughs except the deep blue ones as seen in his recent Gem Scoop which only go up to about 2ct.

Therefore, please share a photo of your rough if possible, pretty please, thanks in advance. And I can't wait to see the finished gem.

DK :))
 
Well, 2024 was a bust. I neither reined in my impulsive buying, nor sorted out the moval cluster, which was basically the only thing on my list.
1734838499252.png

So here's my list going into 2025, with a few pics for tax:
A. Sort out the moval cluster. It's been sitting in my jewelry box, unworn, since 2022. Enough already.
B. To my simultaneous enjoyment and dismay, I've managed to amass a nice collection of loose diamonds over the last few years. I'm leaning toward the following projects:
1. Graduated OEC 5 stone band (0.42/0.62/0.80/.0.60/0.46) - I need to decide on the setting style - definitely antique-style, but prong set or collet set? Not the best photo, but the stones are well-matched, and nice makes, H/I/J/K.
20241001_112651.jpg

2. OMC 3-stone using this 1.56 K SI1 stone for the center - I need to figure out side stones for this one.
20240903_160046-EDIT.jpg

3. OEC half-hoop - 8 x 3.5mm salvaged from this brooch.
s-l1600.jpg

If I get any of these done, even just one, I'll be thrilled.

Haha I must say @lala646 I love that you pay tax. I'm such a visual person that seeing these photos makes me so excited. Lol so it's not just me and @Dreamer_D that are collecting stones.

Yes reset that moval please! That moval cluster was one of the reasons I wanted a cluster lol. And everyone is getting a 5 stone and half hoop I'm getting so fomo!

Can't wait till we tick off these items and finally set our loose stones.
 
Just a handful of things for 2025 and beyond for me:

1. I'm still obsessing over paperclip chains, so I'm hoping to acquire a necklace in rose gold, with 3-4mm links, and perhaps 20 inches or so in length, so I can vary what length I wear it at.
2. I recently lost my grandmother and last surviving grandparent, so I'd like to get something to honour her memory. I've always wanted a solitaire RHR in rose gold with a MRB or OEC, so that's a possibility. She was a cracker of a lady - part italian, so often referred to herself as an 'old European'.
3. I need to replace the chain on my diamond pendant, the old one just keeps breaking so I think is past it. Boring but necessary!
4. I'd like to get a new rose gold barbell style earring for my rook ear piercing, the hoop in it currently is a bit annoying.

I'm so sorry for your loss! I hope you find a piece that reminds you of your Nona.

I think a necklace is so versatile. I've been looking for an antique Albert chain as well! I have been looking at preloved items especially on Cash Converters lol and they're negotiable so you might be able to find a chain there.
 
It's almost 2025 and reading everyone's plans is exciting!

Some of 2024's to-do list was completed. I did set 2 opals into pendants as I planned. I did not buy any new faceted colored stones although I did splurge on the old mine cut diamond I put in a ring. Whoops. :oops:

I still peruse gems but the high cost of precious metals for custom works makes obtaining loose stones less appealing to me. So I don't know if I will add any new gems to my collection.

1) I have an Australian opal with a flaw, a white "sand" inclusion, that I intend to put in a custom project with Nick Noyes. I admire his style and attached a screencap of some of his pieces from his Instagram (@noyesdesign there).

2) I have a trio of antique or vintage pieces of jewelry that I have scoped out and revisited for a while. With the cost of gold being what it is I am considering springing for one or two of those instead of completing an additional custom project in 2025. Each one hinges on finding a balance between my desire to expand my collection versus the amount of wear I would get out of the piece though. Hmmm. :whistle:

3) Although I put it on last year's list, I still have yet to set my jade cabochon into a ring, so I will make that project a priority. Something simple along the lines of these vintage rings sold at Lang.

24starring3.jpg08starring3.jpg

NickNoyesPendantsIG.jpeg

Oh wow yes definitely get some gems set before acquiring more. I totally feel your pain because gold is so expensive. So nowadays I tend to try and find completed pieces.

You need to show me the opal with the flaw and what your inspiration is haha I love photos. And I love antique pieces so please send me some eye candy! And I love that design for your a Jade cab ring! But it would be a pretty penny in gold. You must set the Jade cab!
 
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