feedback on these four colored stone rings?

[jeffd]

I posted this as well in the antique forum, not sure if double posting is ok. Would love to have any and all feedback on these rings in terms of quality, price, like/dislike. Would be a gift for my wife.

tia,
jd

https://www.artdecodiamonds.com/products.php?id=574&l=0&u=2147483647&sortway=asc
https://www.artdecodiamonds.com/products.php?id=1135&l=0&u=2147483647&sortway=asc
https://www.artdecodiamonds.com/products.php?id=2255&l=0&u=2147483647&sortway=asc

 

[chrono]

https://www.artdecodiamonds.com/products.php?id=574&l=0&u=2147483647&sortway=asc
Channel set isn't to my taste so I will not comment on a personal preference. There is an obvious gap between at least 2 sapphires but since the pictures are magnified, I don't know how obvious it is in person. The colour looks more grayish pinkish purple but again, colour is a personal preference. Being unfamiliar with the vendor, you may want to get a gemmologist to verify that the sapphires aren't synthetic. Workmanship looks acceptable. Perhaps it is the pictures but the diamonds look very dark, almost grayish.

https://www.artdecodiamonds.com/products.php?id=1135&l=0&u=2147483647&sortway=asc
The shank may need to be rebuilt as it is well worn down. Perhaps oxidization of the halo metal is causing the OMCs to look very dark. Overall, the ring is poorly made; the halo isn't level but tilted quite obviously to one side. The milgrain is lumpy and looks chewed up. The emerald looks all right, not top colour but still a pretty shade. No proof provided that it is untreated. The emerald is windowed (has a see-through center) so you might see your skin underneath when wearing the ring.

https://www.artdecodiamonds.com/products.php?id=2255&l=0&u=2147483647&sortway=asc[/quote]
Ruby has a strong purple modifier and doesn't look lively (too dark and has cut issues). On a positive note, at least it has GIA paperwork. On the downside, it is treated but there is no further information of how much flux healing it underwent, which affects pricing.

 

[minousbijoux]

I am not familiar with that site and don't know if they are considered a good value or not. On the basis of the stones, I would knock out the ruby (too dark). I would not pay almost $2k for a 1990's pink sapphire ring (not my taste and think you can find something nicer for probably less money). I like the emerald best, but for that price, would want to make sure its untreated as they claim - their link to the GIA report is not working.

If I were you though, I would check out Lang Antiques and Dover Jewelry for rings. Lang typically has gorgeous drool worthy emerald rings (and many other stones as well). I'm sure others will have suggestions for you as well. You also might want to check Loupetroop and Diamondbistro for used pieces as well.

 

[movie zombie]

oddly, I like the first one best......
and I wouldn't look twice at the other two.

expect sticker shock with Lang's but know that you are getting the real deal.

 

[pregcurious]

I think you may be able to find better elsewhere.

I have never bought from here, but the rings are beautiful:
http://www.georgianjewelry.com/jewelry/category/rings

 

[jeffd]

thanks all for the great, great feedback, i think it best to purchase from a trusted source, let me take a look at langs.

 

[fel]

Must you get a antique ring? Have you looked at the work of James Meyer? His work is often inspired by antique metalsmithing.

Here's a ruby ring, but it may be too arty for what you are looking for: http://jamesmeyerjewelry.com/wordpress/1447-2/#.UpV2_pF5tpo

 

[chrono]

Ditto. Must it be a true antique or are you open to ruby set in ring with an antique design?

 

[jeffd]

thanks, doesn't have to be an antique. any suggestions welcome!

 

[chrono]

Anything catches your eye here?
http://www.gemfix.com/ruby.html
http://www.africagems.com/ruby.html