Gemstone newbie needs help for engagement ring!

[dc20063]

After looking at diamond after diamond e-ring and not truly being impressed, I started thinking that maybe I'd go the unconventional route & go with a gemstone center stone. Gemstones are not a common choice were I live AT ALL. Thank goodness for PS.

We have a fairly modest allowance of $600 for the ring, as we are saving up for other things right now. Going with a gemstone instead of a diamond may let me get more finger coverage than I would with a diamond too, I'm hoping..

I like dark green, and navy and royal blues.

What stones are affordable and where do I start looking??

 

[chrono]

$600 for stone and setting or just the stone?
Do you plan to wear it 24/7 or remove it at home?
What mm size you hope to get?
Are you all right with treated as long as the treatment is stable and permanent?

 

[dc20063]

$600 for stone and setting or just the stone?
Do you plan to wear it 24/7 or remove it at home?
What mm size you hope to get?
Are you all right with treated as long as the treatment is stable and permanent?

$600 ring and stone, if this is possible.
I plan to only remove it while at home.
At least 7mm (but bigger is better, for me anyway)
Treated would be ok, but yes as long as it is perm+stable for the stone

 

[chrono]

$600 for a complete set is tight. Are you all right with a plain solitaire setting in gold?
Not wearing the ring to do housework or "hard" work opens up the possibilities.
I hope there is no shape limitation?
So irradiation and diffusion are acceptable?

 

[dc20063]

$600 for a complete set is tight. Are you all right with a plain solitaire setting in gold?
Not wearing the ring to do housework or "hard" work opens up the possibilities.
I hope there is no shape limitation?
So irradiation and diffusion are acceptable?

No shape limitation, both treatments are acceptable, and absolutely a plain solitaire is acceptable. That is my favorite
I'm a stacking girl...I plan on stacking blingy bands with it.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

I like this blue sapphire. Thoughts?

.64 carats
5 mm (I know it's not 7mm, but I thought I'd throw it out there)
VS1
Heat only
$256 (you might see if there's any wiggle room)

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7917

 

[chrono]

Not quite what you want as it is closer to 6 mm than 7 mm but the colour looks good for the price.
http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7712

Probably too light?
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?1286295147
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?-1350847512

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Oh, this one made me think of you too since it has some blue and green.

1.61 carats
5.7 x 7.7 x 4.3 mm
VS
Heat
$330

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=8286

 

[chrono]

SL,
I like your second option. It is both blue and green, almost 8 x 6 mm AND for $330, leaving her the rest for the setting.

OP,
Please reserve this ASAP whilst mulling whether to buy it or not! Often times, well priced stones get snatched up quickly.

 

[dc20063]

Thank you all for your helpful replies!

The 1.61 blue-green sapphire is definitely a stunner!

I'm taking a look at the others as well..

 

[Niel]

Not dark green but well cut, large, daily wear

http://www.mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=8341

Now this would stretch the budget, but I'd maybe see if you could offer both on the stone and setting, so its closer to your budget. This setting has been for sale a while.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=171390398050&alt=web

 

[regina3737]

Here are some green tourmalines I think could work

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-31cts-Natural-Mozambique-Lustrous-Pastel-Green-Tourmaline-Unheat-Round-6835-/291006031558?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43c14fa6c6

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-03ct-GENUINE-LUSTROUS-BLUE-GREEN-COLOUR-NATURAL-TOURMALINE-ROUND-/371316986882?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5674379402

(Very big)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Luster-3-43Cts-10mm-Gorgeous-100-Natural-Top-Nice-Green-Tourmaline-Rd-NR-/371322672327?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56748e54c7

darker green

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-40-Ct-NATURAL-NIGERIAN-GREEN-TOURMALINE-/111197888788?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19e3e92114

my favorite and very affordable:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-61-cts-Round-Shape-Green-To-Yellow-Hue-Bi-Color-Tourmaline-BC293-/321652924763?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ae402215b

 

[Niel]

If this is still for sale id def offer, I know, not blue or green, but I think a complete ring from one of the PSers who know color isn't a bad idea.
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/18k-white-gold-unheated-pink-sapphire-ring

 

[Niel]

Not as good for everyday as a sapphire but a darker green
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/star-star-reduced-star-star-1-dot-45ct-barry-bridgestock-tourmaline-in-platinum;3446


Eta: I'd offer 600, but even 650 would be great, its 7mm she says, seems perfect if you'll baby it a little ! Hopefully its still available, the setting is platinum and with diamonds! Haha can you tell I love this idea