Defeated in search of blue sapphire ring

[Dolepe]

Hello everyone,
I need help or guidance buying "royal blue" sapphire ring for my SO. What started as a fun journey in search of unique ring and not just another diamond engagement ring, turned into a nightmare of browsing different shops, jewelers, etsie's etc. Hue, color, heated/not, is it too dark? is it royal? or cornflower? Too many options....

After visiting few local jewelries I soon discovered that sapphire ring is such a small niche for them that I will have to look online if I want anything decent.
After returning a ring from Etsy, because the gemstone had a purple shade instead of being royal blue like on the photos I finally came across leibish, james allen and earthtreasury. Which should be a reputable sources of sapphire jewelry?
But now I am more torn then ever, which to pick and which is good value for money?

My budget is max 5000$ for the whole ring, so my idea was looking around 1-1.5ct range and 2000$ price per carat of royal blue sapphire. I like cushion cut.
I am currently considering these from leibish - because i can get a setting made from them:
https://www.leibish.com/blue-gemstones/blue-sri-lanka-sapphire-cushion-1400 - inclusions??
https://www.leibish.com/blue-gemstones/blue-sri-lanka-sapphire-cushion-1397
Is it any good considering they also sell sapphires worth 10x more?

Or should I just buy a sapphire and try to find local jeweler who will do the setting for me? For example these look 'good':
https://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-01-carat-royal-blue-ceylon-sapphire-heated/
https://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-21-carat-royal-blue-madagascar-sapphire-heated/

Appreciating any help or pointers how not to get burned again.

 

[lovedogs]

earths treasury also does settings. Leibish is more known for diamonds, so I'd stick to vendors that specialize in sapphires. Earths treasury is great, and you can also ask Jeff for advice. There are many other vendors on the "Trusted vendor" sticky to consider as well.

In general, it's important to avoid sapphires that are too dark, as they will all darken once set. I think the ceylon one you posted is good, but the Madagascar one is too dark. This is the color I personally think is ideal for "royal blue", but I know it's not a cushion: https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1324

 

[pokerface]

If your budget is $5000 total, I recommend spending $3000 on the stone and $2000 on the setting. That should give you better options for the sapphire while preserving enough for a nice setting from David Klass or similar.

 

[pokerface]

Jewels by Grace has an amazing option for just your budget! It looks even better in the video.

3.10ctw Antique Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring

Gorgeous cluster ring, set with a beautiful deep blue sapphire in a surround of chunky old mine cut diamonds in a traditional fishtail setting. The sapphire offers up a gorgeous contrast against the sparkly diamonds. Set low and oh-so elegant on the finger. 14kt yellow gold, size 5.75, and fully...

www.jewelsbygrace.com

 

[Cerulean]

I’d also really encourage you to reach out to these guys:

https://instagram.com/enhoerningjewelry?utm_medium=copy_link

Inken can you find a beautiful sapphire for your budget and they have their own jeweler to make settings. She had a great eye and I think can help you find the best you can afford if you are overwhelmed

What kind of setting are you after?

This is not royal blue and it’s over your budget, but just to share with you - they made the setting. you can get something beautiful from them!

1.61 ct Unheated Madagascar Sapphire Platinum Ring, AGL — Enhoerning Jewelry

www.enhoerning-jewelry.com

 

[whitewave]

Did you check diamonds by Lauren?

 

[Bron357]

I’m the ebay queen.
some of these are preloved but it is possible to buy a lovely ready made sapphire and diamond ring under $5,000.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

How much should I be expecting for this setting in 14K, the link says $1309 for the ring in 14K, my sapphire would be smaller and some of the quoted costs would go into lab-grown sapphire, so under $1000 tops?

Gold VILYA - The Ring of ELROND™

Vilya, The Mightiest of the Three, is the Elven Ring of Power belonging to Elrond. Vilya is described as a gold ring holding a great blue stone. The officially licensed Vilya is available in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold in US sizes 5 to 20.

badalijewelry.com

 

[T L]

The second Leibish stone you picked out looks like a tanzanite to me, I see violet.

Just be careful you don’t end up getting a gem that is so dark that it looks more like black onyx than a blue sapphire. That’s the problem with Royal blues. Princess Diana made that shade famous, but it’s often too dark. Ask to see photos in various light sources if purchasing online, and make sure it comes with a reputable lab report so that you’re not getting a chemically enhanced color treated gem.

 

[whitewave]

Diamond by Lauren has a Diana ring for $5500 but I don’t know what style you are looking for.

 

[whitewave]

The second Leibish stone you picked out looks like a tanzanite to me, I see violet.

Just be careful you don’t end up getting a gem that is so dark that it looks more like black onyx than a blue sapphire. That’s the problem with Royal blues. Princess Diana made that shade famous, but it’s often too dark. Ask to see photos in various light sources if purchasing online, and make sure it comes with a reputable lab report so that you’re not getting a chemically enhanced color treated gem.

I don’t like the second one, but I also don’t see much violet. definitely doesnt look like tanzanite, but it could be the differences in our monitors.

 

[whitewave]

I was on my iPad and didn’t see the violet but I do see what you are talking about now on my iPhone.

 

[T L]

I was on my iPad and didn’t see the violet but I do see what you are talking about now on my iPhone.

I’m using an iPhone to view.

 

[Kitten35]

Did you check diamonds by Lauren?

Definitely check DBL.