Does your jewelry ever feel small?

[pregcurious]

I was over in SMTB, and I looked at the 5+ ct thread. Now my jewelry looks tiny. I think I am having CSSS (akin to DSS).

 

[endless_summer]

When I spend too much time there (and, I love spending time there too, recognizing that I'll never be in a position to start collecting diamonds, as much fun as that would be too! ), I start to feel like 3-5 carat diamonds or fill-in-the-blank CS's are the norm, and then I remember we're all very lucky to have the pieces that we have - be they a quarter carat of colorless/saturated goodness or a massive rock!

 

[FrekeChild]

Yes. Then I look at my collection as a whole and think to myself, "But if I sold all of these, I could probably get a big old diamond...but then I wouldn't have all of these."

So, it's a trade off.

 

[mochiko42]

I've seen a couple of 7 cts ones on smtb even but then I think about my mortgage etc..

I try not to think about CSSS too much (maybe in denial) but for someone whose first CS was the sapphire in her ering, I realize now how little I knew about prices, sizes, and choosing CS just five months ago. Lately I've picked up a few larger pieces (at least 8mm and I want to get a 10mm spinel or tourm for a ring since I can't afford a sapphire of that size, let alone diamond.. ) and they seem a much more suitable size than the 6.3mm sapphire in my ering, though I haven't found anything with similar color, cut and overall quality for the price.

 

[dk168]

I am happy with my lot, as every item has a history attached to it and mean something dear to me.

Would I like to have bigger gems and diamonds? Of course! However, what would I do with a 5ct+ except to keep it in a safe deposit box somewhere, as I shan't have the opportunity/occasion to wear it?!

Having said that, I play the lottery as I live in hope.

DK

 

[pregcurious]

Wise words ladies. I just haloed something that ended up being 7.8 mm (halo dimensions), and now it looks "normal" sized. I don't want to halo everything because
1) I will get tired of halos,
2) halos are not durable and
3) halos are expensive settings.

I am going to have to start buying larger stones than I have been. My two keeper stones are approximately 6 x 9, so that's good, but now I want a minimum of 7 mm for both dimensions.

When you go up in size, I think I will have to sacrifice clarity. I cannot sacrifice color or cut. I can be flexible on shape to a degree.

 

[SouthernSunset]

I usually rotate a few clusters in and out to get my size fix. I also have a 7(?) Carat sapphire rough ring that I wear that is massive.

I love looking at all the 5+ carat diamonds! But something that big and expensive would make me feel nervous. I don't think I'd be confident or secure enough to wear a diamond that big. I'm only in my twenties. And other younger girls are already rather rude about about the jewelry I have(with nothing sparkly over 1 carat except one CZ ring that's 3ish) so I'd be way too self-conscious to wear something that big. I'd get judged six ways to Sunday and probably never wear it because of that.

I've looked at a lot of large sapphires though. For some reason the color I covet comes in quite a few stone of 8+ carat weight but not 2-5...

I'd still probably buy a 10-14 mm CS before a diamond though. I mean those honkers are gorgeous! But for some reason it doesn't make my heart sing like a giant pinkish purple sapphire or fire engine red spinel would. I'm crazy I know, lol.

It could also be price. 18-30 grand for a completed 8+ carat sapphire ring is a lot easier on the pocketbook than a 150-200 grand diamond, you know with my hypothetical money haha. I just think 'I could buy and set 3 or 4 dream CS's for that!!!'

 

[endless_summer]

I completely agree about the halos - I see them in other people's pieces and think that they are beautiful, and then I think about wearing one and realize that I wouldn't ever wear it, in large part because it adds a formality that I love on others but that doesn't really suit my daily life. I like each piece that I have to be wearable from casual to evening wear, so that I can wear them to pieces

Re: size and then thinking about the mortgage - I imagine some, if not all, of those 3-5 carat diamonds translates to wearing a down payment on your finger, or depending on whether your fortunate enough to live in an area without an astronomical cost of living, a whole house even…a lottery win sure would be nice!

7mm x 9mm is definitely a really nice size - definitely large enough to make a statement (my e-ring is about this, and I forget how large it is until I catch a glimpse of it from a window or a mirror across a room, or even in photos that people have taken of me) but not so large that it would sit too high on your hand for daily wear. I think 8mm is a super-nice sweet spot - I'm trying for all CS pieces going forward to be at least around 3 carats or 8mm on the width, with longer length as a bonus for elongated shapes. As an example, for the dream square cut sapphire, I'm going for between 8 and 8.5mm - I think its a size that makes for a great hand presence that wouldn't need to be played up more with side stones or halos, not so large that I would be uncomfortable wearing it more than often, and while worth a stretch, still within a budget that it is in reach, so as to not have to compromise on color or cut. Clarity is an easier thing for me to compromise on, but I do prefer eye clean - in either a diamond or a CS, if I can't see it with my eyes, then I don't see why I care, absent a feather or something that would be a durability issue

 

[endless_summer]

I usually rotate a few clusters in and out to get my size fix. I also have a 7(?) Carat sapphire rough ring that I wear that is massive.

I love looking at all the 5+ carat diamonds! But something that big and expensive would make me feel nervous. I don't think I'd be confident or secure enough to wear a diamond that big. I'm only in my twenties. And other younger girls are already rather rude about about the jewelry I have(with nothing sparkly over 1 carat except one CZ ring that's 3ish) so I'd be way too self-conscious to wear something that big. I'd get judged six ways to Sunday and probably never wear it because of that.

I've looked at a lot of large sapphires though. For some reason the color I covet comes in quite a few stone of 8+ carat weight but not 2-5...

I'd still probably buy a 10-14 mm CS before a diamond though. I mean those honkers are gorgeous! But for some reason it doesn't make my heart sing like a giant pinkish purple sapphire or fire engine red spinel would. I'm crazy I know, lol.

It could also be price. 18-30 grand for a completed 8+ carat sapphire ring is a lot easier on the pocketbook than a 150-200 grand diamond, you know with my hypothetical money haha. I just think 'I could buy and set 3 or 4 dream CS's for that!!!'

I agree with you on being nervous to wear something like that! I've certainly gotten a sideways look from a couple folks wearing my e-ring and the yellow pear sapphire - it really is not often that it occurs, but it still doesn't feel good when it does. The other issue is safety - I walk absolutely everywhere at whatever time. When I'm walking home late at night whether from work or being out, I always turn the e-ring and the pear stones underneath my hand, such that the band only shows from the top, and slightly close my hands, so as to avoid unwanted attention, to say it nicely. It may sound overly cautious, but random crap just happens where I live - doesn't mean I'm going to change the way that I exist, but it's worth taking the precaution.

 

[movie zombie]

no, but then I buy larger stones and wear large rings.........

and I recently bought a 20 carat smokey quartz that I'm going to have made into an enhancer to wear on a pearl strand.

 

[FrekeChild]

If I could get the color I wanted in large sizes within an affordable range, you betcha I'd go big! Most of my stones are 6mm+, and I've made a rule for myself that they have to be at least 6.5mm unless the color is amazing/exactly what I want.

I forgot about my big ol' 8ct topaz. I don't keep it with the rest of my rings, because it dwarfs them, but it's still in my jewelry box!

 

[endless_summer]

If I could get the color I wanted in large sizes within an affordable range, you betcha I'd go big! Most of my stones are 6mm+, and I've made a rule for myself that they have to be at least 6.5mm unless the color is amazing/exactly what I want.

I forgot about my big ol' 8ct topaz. I don't keep it with the rest of my rings, because it dwarfs them, but it's still in my jewelry box!

Love the color of that stone!!! It's beautiful!

 

[pregcurious]

Thanks endlesssummer, MZ and SouthernSunset.

Freke, I love your topaz. You've inspired me. I am going to try to make my next gem purchase a honker (if smaller stones don't distract me), and see if I wear it.

 

[minousbijoux]

I guess I'm really and truly in the minority here. While I do have some large stone rings and some large stones that are still unset, I don't think bigger is better. To me, its about the kind of ring/jewelry you want, and its proportion to the hand/ears/neck and what looks good. I love stones that are big enough to catch the light and show their magnificent color, but not so big that they scream. At some point, they end up looking like costume jewelry to me - like too much of a good thing. That said, I am most certainly not one of those people blessed with long, graceful fingers and elegant hands who can pull off a statement ring with panache.

 

[lavatea]

Sometimes, but I don't think I'd feel normal wearing rings with stones much bigger. And I know I'd get looks/comments from some people. I think 8 - 8.5 mm is probably as big as I'll ever go.

I do intend to stack until I run out of finger room, though! It's more my style to wear several bands together (some with smaller stones) than one ring with one large stone.

 

[endless_summer]

I guess I'm really and truly in the minority here. While I do have some large stone rings and some large stones that are still unset, I don't think bigger is better. To me, its about the kind of ring/jewelry you want, and its proportion to the hand/ears/neck and what looks good. I love stones that are big enough to catch the light and show their magnificent color, but not so big that they scream. At some point, they end up looking like costume jewelry to me - like too much of a good thing. That said, I am most certainly not one of those people blessed with long, graceful fingers and elegant hands who can pull off a statement ring with panache.

I definitely don't think you're in the minority at all - I agree with what you're saying completely - I'd just be curious to know what you're threshold for too big is/approaching costume jewelry

 

[endless_summer]

Sometimes, but I don't think I'd feel normal wearing rings with stones much bigger. And I know I'd get looks/comments from some people. I think 8 - 8.5 mm is probably as big as I'll ever go.

I do intend to stack until I run out of finger room, though! It's more my style to wear several bands together (some with smaller stones) than one ring with one large stone.

I've never done stackers, but some of the ones of this forum and SMTB are amazing (there's a whole recent thread of them!) - more finger real estate would be awesome!

 

[ilovegemstones]

That topaz is dreamy and stunning! It would be right at home here with all this snow!

 

[lavatea]

Sometimes, but I don't think I'd feel normal wearing rings with stones much bigger. And I know I'd get looks/comments from some people. I think 8 - 8.5 mm is probably as big as I'll ever go.

I do intend to stack until I run out of finger room, though! It's more my style to wear several bands together (some with smaller stones) than one ring with one large stone.

I've never done stackers, but some of the ones of this forum and SMTB are amazing (there's a whole recent thread of them!) - more finger real estate would be awesome!

The most I've done so far is 3, lol. I just don't have the ring collection built up yet. I'd like to do 4-6 on a couple of fingers. But my fingers aren't very long so the rings will have to be fairly thin. And I have to actually buy them, lol. They're in my "someday" plans.

 

[endless_summer]

Sometimes, but I don't think I'd feel normal wearing rings with stones much bigger. And I know I'd get looks/comments from some people. I think 8 - 8.5 mm is probably as big as I'll ever go.

I do intend to stack until I run out of finger room, though! It's more my style to wear several bands together (some with smaller stones) than one ring with one large stone.

I've never done stackers, but some of the ones of this forum and SMTB are amazing (there's a whole recent thread of them!) - more finger real estate would be awesome!

The most I've done so far is 3, lol. I just don't have the ring collection built up yet. I'd like to do 4-6 on a couple of fingers. But my fingers aren't very long so the rings will have to be fairly thin. And I have to actually buy them, lol. They're in my "someday" plans.

"Someday" plans are the best! I have many

 

[pregcurious]

All your responses have been really helpful. I'm not a flashy person, so I realized when reading this thread (especially your response Minou that broke the ice) that I don't need all my rings to be big. But, I would like 1 big cocktail ring, just to have one. It will have to a less expensive stone (not diamond/ruby/sapphire/emerald etc), but that's okay because I can get a less durable stone as I'll only wear it on occasion (I hope).

Where would I be without you all as a sounding board?

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

Not really. I don't venture to SMTB anymore. CC's and jewelry was my main hobby for a couple of years and someone will always have something bigger and better. I still love my CC's but find they are quite expensive and I have so many other things I like to spend money on.

 

[JewelFreak]

Everything Preg said is me! I am not buying small stones any longer, have too many that I probably won't set as it is & should sell them. Stackers are a possibility w/a couple that are too yummy to part with, but otherwise, 7 mm is the minimum I look for at this point. My bank account won't allow me to buy often at that rate, but that's ok.

A friend sent me a photo of her new ring -- various-shaped white diamonds set in an open pattern, with a HUGE step-cut brown diamond in the middle. The ring is about 10 or 12 mm wide & I'm dying of pea-green envy. Happy for her, though. She went big as the right size for her hands, which are large & elegant. Way to go!

--- Laurie

 

[missy]

If I could get the color I wanted in large sizes within an affordable range, you betcha I'd go big! Most of my stones are 6mm+, and I've made a rule for myself that they have to be at least 6.5mm unless the color is amazing/exactly what I want.

I forgot about my big ol' 8ct topaz. I don't keep it with the rest of my rings, because it dwarfs them, but it's still in my jewelry box!

OK I am in love Freke...gorgeous!!! Umm, not sure if anyone else has called dibs yet but DIBS! if you ever decide you can part with this baby... The color is so soft and pretty and blue is my favorite color.

 

[missy]

I guess I'm really and truly in the minority here. While I do have some large stone rings and some large stones that are still unset, I don't think bigger is better. To me, its about the kind of ring/jewelry you want, and its proportion to the hand/ears/neck and what looks good. I love stones that are big enough to catch the light and show their magnificent color, but not so big that they scream. At some point, they end up looking like costume jewelry to me - like too much of a good thing. That said, I am most certainly not one of those people blessed with long, graceful fingers and elegant hands who can pull off a statement ring with panache.

I agree with you minou. It is all about proportion and the person wearing the jewelry. Not everyone looks good in huge stones and big jewelry. It depends on the individual. And I also don't think bigger is always better. Sometimes delicate works best depending on the piece.

 

[FrekeChild]

If I could get the color I wanted in large sizes within an affordable range, you betcha I'd go big! Most of my stones are 6mm+, and I've made a rule for myself that they have to be at least 6.5mm unless the color is amazing/exactly what I want.

I forgot about my big ol' 8ct topaz. I don't keep it with the rest of my rings, because it dwarfs them, but it's still in my jewelry box!

OK I am in love Freke...gorgeous!!! Umm, not sure if anyone else has called dibs yet but DIBS! if you ever decide you can part with this baby... The color is so soft and pretty and blue is my favorite color.

Odds are good that I'll keep it forever - it's the ring that we had made as a push present/my daughter's birthstone.

Here are some more pictures. Including one with a rarely seen blue topaz eternity that was a Christmas gift from my husband once upon a time. Talk about big stones and overloading...This combo totals out at about 13cts total.

 

[missy]

Freke, thanks for the extra pics! Great present celebrating the birth of your daughter. I love the color of the ring and that eternity is so pretty with it. and so is your color polish in that pic...pretty! 13 carats of blue heaven.

 

[minousbijoux]

I guess I'm really and truly in the minority here. While I do have some large stone rings and some large stones that are still unset, I don't think bigger is better. To me, its about the kind of ring/jewelry you want, and its proportion to the hand/ears/neck and what looks good. I love stones that are big enough to catch the light and show their magnificent color, but not so big that they scream. At some point, they end up looking like costume jewelry to me - like too much of a good thing. That said, I am most certainly not one of those people blessed with long, graceful fingers and elegant hands who can pull off a statement ring with panache.

I definitely don't think you're in the minority at all - I agree with what you're saying completely - I'd just be curious to know what you're threshold for too big is/approaching costume jewelry

I just went and checked. I know anything over about 7mm in a round stone is too big for me; the darker the color the bigger I can go and I have one sapphire that I measured last night which is a rectangular cushion that I think is 10mm on the length. I love it, but size-wise, is my limit. HTH.

 

[JaneSmith]

Oh my, Freke, I love that combo! Gorgeous!



I am a lover of size, I admit. I always want the biggest I can get if the colour is good.
That said, I have some pieces (pre-PS) that are quite small and delicate, and I still enjoy wearing them when I need just a little something for an understated look.

 

[swissmiss]

Freke, that ring is so gorgeous! The blue pops like the Caribbean ocean.

I LOVE admiring big rings. Those 5ct+ are stunning. Unfortunately my fingers are narrow and long and very large rings/center stones end up looking costume-y on me when they look spectacular on someone else. For instance, I love ogling Edwardian repro pieces, but when I try them in store, they end up "wearing" me.

And then, I think of the $$... and I think, for a 5CT diamond (which I cannot afford if I want to eat, have a roof over my head, and transportation besides my feet), I could get A TON of other jewelry with color!