Demantoid E-ring Research

[tshearman]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post; however, most of my research has spawned from this forum somehow (great forum).

I want to play a significant part in designing the E-ring I propose with. So far, I''ve decided that Demantoid is the stone, it''s gorgeous and green. And, the valued inclusions just seem so fitting.

Where do I get it?! (the basic question) I live in a rural area, so getting to a jeweler (let along 3 or 4) is difficult.

Can you suggest some trusted online suppliers with high quality pieces?

So far, I have found:

www.palagems.com (I can''t buy from them... yet, I''ll have to find help)
wildfishgems.com

This is the first question of many as I continue my research!

tshearman

 

[ebmfck]

How big, what shape, how good, does it have to be Russian with a horse-tail or can it be a nice clear Namibian? These are all questions you need to ask yourself. When you''ve figured this out, I''ll guide you toward some possibilities.

 

[tshearman]

These are all questions I've considered haha, so here goes!

Size: As with most, and certainly myself, budget plays a large roll on every aspect of the stone, particularly weight. After perusing - just shy of 1ct

Origin: Russian has some sentimental value... so yes, Russian.

[EDIT - Shape]
Shape: Round, Square, or anything in the middle (rounded corners)

Horsetail: Once again this goes back to the budget; a beautiful demantoid with the famous horsetail would be great, but this generally increases the price. Therefore, it wouldn't be necessary but I would really like them, but not essential.

Proposed budget (for stone): Tell me if this sounds reasonable. Shy of 2000, closer to 1500. If this isn't possible, I'll have to reweigh my options.

Thanks

 

[Pandora II]

Demantoids are gorgeous - I just wanted to check that you are aware how soft they are? It's only a 6.5 on the Mohs, and they are fragile and abrade easily so not really recommended for rings.

I was looking at one a few weeks ago that was just over a carat, it wasn't great colour but did have the horsetail inclusion. It was quite a bit over $4k

I would definitely contact a few vendors and see what they can find - or if they can find out Pala's prices.

Good Luck!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Try RW Wise.

cheers--Sharon

 

[COT]

I have been collecting Russian demantoid for some time now. That and tsavorite are my favorite stones (can you tell I like green

). I think its a great choice for an e-ring, although as mentioned above, hardness is a concern. But a cleverly crafted setting could both protect and display this wonderful gem. Based on the prices I have seen lately, it might be hard to find a 1 ct. stone for the $2000/ct. budget you are shooting for. While the horsetail might be important to you, its not something most people will notice, so, imho, go for color, the best you can get. Its a stone you will have for a long time and again, imho, won''t be getting any less expensive. Cheers....

 

[partgypsy]

I purchased a (namibian) demantoid garnet from Judi''s gems on ebay. I know, ebay sounds bad but she is reputable. Her stock changes so I don''t what she has, but worth checking out.

The stone is rare, so you just have to research what is in your price range. Good luck!

 

[tshearman]

I don't understand how Palagems can have so many more than everywhere else I've looked haha. It's like they are hoarding them... so I can't buy them! haha.

Anyways, so here is question: How small is too small for an engagement ring? She has small to average-size fingers, but of course thats subjective haha. I don't know her ring size off hand (pun... anyone?) Is 0.6ct too small?

I actually really like this ring:
http://www.faycullen.com/antique_rings/800/f207r6d.html
or (but a bit less)
http://www.faycullen.com/rings/800/e514r5dd.html

Both are nice - funky, and definitely not your traditional engagement ring - and i think thats the color I'm looking for (of course, it's hard to tell through the monitor). It's lighter than the "perfect" emerald green.

Also, how do I contact vendors? Like online-vendors?

Thanks,
ts

 

[chrono]

You can email but the best way is to call because emails sometimes get "lost" in cyberspace.

 

[partgypsy]

look at "thegemtrader.com"

they have 2 in your price and size range.

 

[COT]

The reason that Pala has so many demantoid garnets is that a number of years ago, Bill Larson partnered with the organization that managed the claim for a period of time. Shortly after Pala had acquired their 'hoard', I was fortunate enough to be able to buy a parcel from them. They are indeed, gorgeous examples of what this claim could offer. Some time back, as I understand it, an 'element' of the government 'repossessed' the claim and from what I understand, has been poorly managing it. The stones you posted links to are nice, but as you said, the color is not representative of top color.

Here is a pic of a 1.76 ct. demantoid from that parcel for your reference.

 

[Hest88]

I worked with Palagems and used Wink Jones as my retail rep to purchase my demantoids. Given how their selection and given how knowledgeable they are about demantoids, I had no interest in going anywhere else. I had rather strict parameters (Russian, horsetail, fire, deeper emerald green for one; and then a brighter emerald green, but still Russian, and still fiery for the other matched set I bought) so I found it much easier to work with someone with a large enough selection to fulfill my criteria. Plus, between Pala and Wink, I had another few experts eyes to help me. Even so, I did send back one, and the inspection period posed no problem either.

 

[Pandora II]

Wink got my tsavorite - and one for another friend''s e-ring from Pala.

www.winkjones.com