BenGerodin
Rough_Rock
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2018
- Messages
- 8
Hi everyone. I've been browsing PS on and off for about six years, but this is my first post. I'm looking at getting my SO a sapphire anniversary ring, probably a diamond halo, which would be a big step up from any past purchases I have made (mostly lower-cost CS of different kinds, to dip toe in the water and because CS are awesome!). The plan is to buy the stone first and then get a setting, and I'm wondering if you guys can help me find some sapphires that might be good options. Any thoughts or input would be awesome.
(Although: I'm not sure about the best way to do this since I've seen some similar posts in the past where lurkers come in and buy stones that people suggest...any thoughts? In any case, of course I plan to keep a close eye on the forum.)
Here are some details about what I think I want, although I'm not 100% fixed on anything just yet except good color.
-Budget is probably ~$3-4k for the stone plus maybe 1k-1.5k for the setting. I have some flexibility, both higher and lower.
-Color is most important, and unsurprisingly I like vivid blue. Seems to be the most expensive kind, unfortunately. Gemfix has good photos/videos, so as an example, color like https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1322 would be great. Lighter is maybe ok, like the color of https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1284. Lighter is far better than dark/black. https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1288 seems pretty nice color too.
-Avoid blacking out, which always feels like a common issue with sapphires. I worry some about how a stone's color will darken up in the setting. Minimal violet or grey tones. I live in the N.W. United States so no tropical sun here.
-Shape is ideally rectangular cushion or oval. Maybe round? I don't love square cuts as much, though maybe if everything else is perfect and the price is awesome...
-Treatment. Heat is fine but no other types of treatment. I'd plan to have any stone I bought lab analyzed to make sure it's what it claims to be.
-Clarity and cut are important for sparkly-ness, but we won't be looking at it with a loupe every day or anything. Precision cutting would be nice but isn't my top concern as long as there are no major problems; same with a small inclusion or two. No clouding though.
-I'd be ok with buying a couple different stones that look good online and seeing which is the best in person, and returning the others. No huge rush for timing, for example it doesn't have to be before Christmas or anything.
I'm happy to buy on the internet as long as the vendor is rock solid (heh heh) and has a good return policy - I'd be nervous buying from anyone that doesn't have an established reputation. I'm in the U.S. but open to buying from established sellers overseas if that becomes helpful.
As long as we're here, I'd be happy for thoughts on settings too. We don't need a custom setting. I have been looking at the ones at James Allen, as someone here posted their falling edge halo with a sapphire and I thought it was very nice. I've been looking at the platinum version of that, maybe something like https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...tline-falling-edge-engagement-ring-item-53039, though I'm open to other options as well.
Anyway, my main focus is on finding a good stone and would love any thoughts about the above, or suggestions to consider, or anything else that might be helpful. Thanks so much in advance!
(Although: I'm not sure about the best way to do this since I've seen some similar posts in the past where lurkers come in and buy stones that people suggest...any thoughts? In any case, of course I plan to keep a close eye on the forum.)
Here are some details about what I think I want, although I'm not 100% fixed on anything just yet except good color.
-Budget is probably ~$3-4k for the stone plus maybe 1k-1.5k for the setting. I have some flexibility, both higher and lower.
-Color is most important, and unsurprisingly I like vivid blue. Seems to be the most expensive kind, unfortunately. Gemfix has good photos/videos, so as an example, color like https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1322 would be great. Lighter is maybe ok, like the color of https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1284. Lighter is far better than dark/black. https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1288 seems pretty nice color too.
-Avoid blacking out, which always feels like a common issue with sapphires. I worry some about how a stone's color will darken up in the setting. Minimal violet or grey tones. I live in the N.W. United States so no tropical sun here.
-Shape is ideally rectangular cushion or oval. Maybe round? I don't love square cuts as much, though maybe if everything else is perfect and the price is awesome...
-Treatment. Heat is fine but no other types of treatment. I'd plan to have any stone I bought lab analyzed to make sure it's what it claims to be.
-Clarity and cut are important for sparkly-ness, but we won't be looking at it with a loupe every day or anything. Precision cutting would be nice but isn't my top concern as long as there are no major problems; same with a small inclusion or two. No clouding though.
-I'd be ok with buying a couple different stones that look good online and seeing which is the best in person, and returning the others. No huge rush for timing, for example it doesn't have to be before Christmas or anything.
I'm happy to buy on the internet as long as the vendor is rock solid (heh heh) and has a good return policy - I'd be nervous buying from anyone that doesn't have an established reputation. I'm in the U.S. but open to buying from established sellers overseas if that becomes helpful.
As long as we're here, I'd be happy for thoughts on settings too. We don't need a custom setting. I have been looking at the ones at James Allen, as someone here posted their falling edge halo with a sapphire and I thought it was very nice. I've been looking at the platinum version of that, maybe something like https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...tline-falling-edge-engagement-ring-item-53039, though I'm open to other options as well.
Anyway, my main focus is on finding a good stone and would love any thoughts about the above, or suggestions to consider, or anything else that might be helpful. Thanks so much in advance!
Last edited:
...so easy to rationalize "just a little bit more"!
300x240.png)