Help! I've lost my geminocity - do I buy or not?

[LD]

Hi everyone!

I need your help - I've totally lost my ability to make decisions and am second guessing myself so much that a sapphire (that I love) is sitting waiting for me to pull the trigger but I'm still faffing around! So here's my dilema ............

1. I want a blue sapphire that can be seen across the room
2. I want to put the ring on a size 7 or 8 finger.
3. The sapphire I've found is 7.5mm by 5.5mm (so not a lot of finger coverage
4. I "think" I want a 3 stone ring - diamonds either side but in order to get finger coverage I think the diamonds will have to be large (which may make this too costly)
5. If I don't have a 3 stone ring then I want baguettes on either side but again, reasonably large.
6. I don't like East/West settings.
7. I'm on a strict budget and if I buy the sapphire then I need to compromise on the setting and side stones.
8. I don't want a silver setting.

So this is my dilema - do I get the sapphire that has really made my heart sing? If yes, do you think this will be too small for my finger size - that's what I'm worried about. How would you set it to achieve maximum finger coverage on a budget?

Hit me with your suggestions/photos/ideas etc! Everything gratefully appreciated.

 

[Skyjems]

Hi everyone!

I need your help - I've totally lost my ability to make decisions and am second guessing myself so much that a sapphire (that I love) is sitting waiting for me to pull the trigger but I'm still faffing around! So here's my dilema ............

1. I want a blue sapphire that can be seen across the room
2. I want to put the ring on a size 7 or 8 finger.
3. The sapphire I've found is 7.5mm by 5.5mm (so not a lot of finger coverage
4. I "think" I want a 3 stone ring - diamonds either side but in order to get finger coverage I think the diamonds will have to be large (which may make this too costly)
5. If I don't have a 3 stone ring then I want baguettes on either side but again, reasonably large.
6. I don't like East/West settings.
7. I'm on a strict budget and if I buy the sapphire then I need to compromise on the setting and side stones.
8. I don't want a silver setting.

So this is my dilema - do I get the sapphire that has really made my heart sing? If yes, do you think this will be too small for my finger size - that's what I'm worried about. How would you set it to achieve maximum finger coverage on a budget?

Hit me with your suggestions/photos/ideas etc! Everything gratefully appreciated.

In a three stone ring or using baguettes, use white sapphires as the side stones.

Fine quality well cut White sapphire will run you $250-$400ct USD, for bigger baguettes / trapezoids /triangles /4-5mn RBC white sapphire

That should free up at least $1500-$2000 to spend elsewhere

 

[LD]

In a three stone ring or using baguettes, use white sapphires as the side stones.

Fine quality well cut White sapphire will run you $250-$400ct USD, for bigger baguettes / trapezoids /triangles /4-5mn RBC white sapphire

That should free up at least $1500-$2000 to spend elsewhere

I love your logic. I may look at white sapphires but trust me I wasn't going to spend anywhere near that on side stones! I just don't feel white sapphires sparkle - they always look a bit dull to me. Maybe that's the gem snob in me coming out!

 

[Ionysis]

Look for a bigger sapphire. Well, that’s what I would do. But I love a punchy carat size.

 

[dk168]

You did not mention the shape or cut, however, I am guessing it is a rectangular cut of some sort, however, please correct me if I am wrong.

A Sapphire as described is not going to be cheap, and suspect you already know this.

They are heavier than diamonds, and tend to be cut quite deep in order to bring out the colour and sparkles, so face up size compared to weight is not going to be great.

To increase finger coverage, I would use traps or trillions as side stones, or two rows or even 3 rows of baguettes.

The suggestion of using white Sapphires to save on cost is a good one. White Zircon is another possible substitute of diamonds, however, they are softer than Sapphires.

Another setting suggestion is an air gap halo of some sort. Attached is my green Tourmaline from Gene similar in size on my chubby 8.25.-8.5 left hand ring finger.



This is a pic of my EC and the green Tourmaline in their respective air gap halo, both about the same dimensions. My middle RH finger is about Size 11 US:



I prefer a thicker band at the top, 4mm minimum, so as to provide better finger coverage. I do not like thin bands on my chubby fingers.

I am guessing the synthetic gem and lab/MMD route is out of the question, or is it?

I opted for a synthetic Asscher cut medium blue Sapphire to be cut by Gary recently, as I don't want to spend $$$ on just one stone at this moment in time, especially when true blues are not high on my list of colour favourites.

Personal preferences and all that.

DK

 

[LD]

@dk168 I can't believe I forgot to mention the cut! It's an oval barion precision cut.

Actually I adore your setting for the green tourmaline. It's a very art deco look. I don't think it would work with an oval though. And you're right, lab stones are out of the question x

 

[LD]

I've actually just found a pair of diamond round earrings that I don't wear so I've put them next to a cheap 7 x 5 earring that my daughter has. I think the side stones overwhelm the centre (although of course it'll look different with a blue stone in the centre).

 

[dk168]

@dk168 I can't believe I forgot to mention the cut! It's an oval barion precision cut.

Actually I adore your setting for the green tourmaline. It's a very art deco look. I don't think it would work with an oval though. And you're right, lab stones are out of the question x

Ooo, my Tourmaline ring is based on a similar design for an oval stone that belong to a PSer, can't remember the details though, sorry!

See if I could find it in the big CS thread.

DK

 

[dk168]

Here it is, it is a CvB design:



And here is the thread by the owner of this lovely ring:

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...from-cvb-inspired-design.197804/#post-3602147

(Geez, I am sad or what with that kind of memory?! )

DK

 

[LD]

Ooo, my Tourmaline ring is based on a similar design for an oval stone that belong to a PSer, can't remember the details though, sorry!

See if I could find it in the big CS thread.

DK

Funnily enough I have a tanzanite ring very similar to your green tourmaline. I can't imagine it with an oval though!

I've just been playing with powerpoint and traps actually look gorgeous as side stones. For the size I need I think I may have to go down the lab route.

 

[LD]

Here it is, it is a CvB design:



And here is the thread by the owner of this lovely ring:

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...from-cvb-inspired-design.197804/#post-3602147

(Geez, I am sad or what with that kind of memory?! )

DK

That's seriously beautiful but it's not going to be right for this stone. Even though it's an oval, it has straight edges all around it. For the life of me I can't think of the technical term. Anyway, it's not a normal oval! lol

 

[dk168]

Funnily enough I have a tanzanite ring very similar to your green tourmaline. I can't imagine it with an oval though!

I've just been playing with powerpoint and traps actually look gorgeous as side stones. For the size I need I think I may have to go down the lab route.

Or chubby pears or moons with an Oval?

What fun!

DK

 

[dk168]

That's seriously beautiful but it's not going to be right for this stone. Even though it's an oval, it has straight edges all around it. For the life of me I can't think of the technical term. Anyway, it's not a normal oval! lol

You meant something like this (I Googled "Barion cut"):



DK

 

[elle_71125]

That's seriously beautiful but it's not going to be right for this stone. Even though it's an oval, it has straight edges all around it. For the life of me I can't think of the technical term. Anyway, it's not a normal oval! lol

Is it cut something like this?


Eta: oops, @dk168 beat me to it. Lol

 

[LD]

@dk168 and @elle_71125 yes you're both right.

Here's the issue - this is the cut and as you can see it has pointy bits top bottom right and left and I think this is what I'm stuggling with.

So I think this needs a modern setting but I have no idea how to emphasize the cut because of where the points land!

 

[Rfisher]

Splurge. Get it.
three small diamonds in each side - set in an angular design for a modern feel?

I know you are no CS newbie - so please take this the right way-
how do you feel about returns if you don’t like it / it doesn’t meet your expectations and desire of being seen from across the room? Return to that country aren’t the easiest? Is your environmental lighting close to theirs?

 

[LD]

Splurge. Get it.
three small diamonds in each side - set in an angular design for a modern feel?

I know you are no CS newbie - so please take this the right way-
how do you feel about returns if you don’t like it / it doesn’t meet your expectations and desire of being seen from across the room? Return to that country aren’t the easiest? Is your environmental lighting close to theirs?

You mean like this? It's a possibility - and this image is from an Etsy seller and I think this is a semi mount. Need to double check that though! The only problem is that I already have an Alexandrite set like this.

Don't worry I understand exactly what you're saying. Actually the lighting in my country and the seller's country is miles apart and it makes buying gemstones a bit of a nightmare but I'm fairly used to that. The seller has been AMAZING and takes returns AND he's taken about 92 videos for me in all different lighting conditions. So I'm fairly confident that I know what I'll get.

 

[dk168]

Just an idea, to bezel it for the bezel to follow the lines of the stone.

For side stones, 3 round ones in a triangle would fit around the pointy middle on each side.

The holly/fish tail design would work too.

Here is my cheapo Amethyst in a bezel that follows the lines of the stone as an example.



Holy/fish tail ring setting which is the inspiration for my oval blue Zircon:



Lastly 3 round stones on each side for my white oval Zircon:



(sorry, however, I have no idea why the first two big were so big!)

DK

 

[elle_71125]

What about a 5 stone setting? It would keep the side diamonds a little smaller which could help with the budget, while still giving you that finger coverage.

 

[Rfisher]

Ignore the halo.
I was thinking of some metal structure around the three side diamonds (somewhat like depicted above but different-lol) to give it a modern angular shape/ feel to go with the barion cut.
As for accentuating the barion shape - is an angular cornered bezel or partial bezel out of the question?

ive not pulled the trigger from this vendor - but have strongly considered so in the past. He is very accommodating and nice. With additional info and pics!

 

[lilmosun]

I am not buying the stone but you are killing me with anticipation!! For budget reasons, finding ways to create rings with finger coverage using smaller stones is all I can do. I think the trick is using side stone and setting design to give finger coverage without overwhelming or distracting from the center stone

With your eye and collection of amazing stones, if you have found a stone that makes your heart sing, I say BUY it!

One of my favorite stones is the "magenta' mahenge spinel I purchased when I first came to PS. It is even smaller (4.6x6.2) than your sapphire but because of the color, it totally holds it own in all lights. It is in a stock setting that gives it plenty of sparkly finger coverage without distracting from the small center stone. Many rings later, it is still a favorite often elicits admiration when I wear it despite not being a larger statement piece.

Finally, I have a size 8 finger and if you have any regrets later, sell it to me

I just took this picture to show dimensions stone (4.6x6.2mm)/setting/size 8 finger -- please IGNORE the crappy photo of the stone. This was taken quickly in poor lighting and its also a stone I have never been able to capture in photos.

 

[elle_71125]

The bezel idea isn’t a bad one. You could follow the lines of the gem as @dk168 recommended. Maybe something like my ring where the bezel is more ornate and has the 3 small diamonds on each side for extra finger coverage.

 

[LD]

@dk168 I don't think I want a bezel - mind you I could change my mind! lol I've got a holly ring also (sorry I'm not easy am I)?

@Rfisher - I've got to be honest that I adore adore adore the 3 stone/5 stone ring combos. My 2 favourite at the top two you posted (blue sapphire with diamond rounds and the Pad with half moons and baguettes). It's odd because I seem to be leaning towards a traditional design when the barion cut is yelling at me to do something more modern!

 

[LD]

I am not buying the stone but you are killing me with anticipation!! For budget reasons, finding ways to create rings with finger coverage using smaller stones is all I can do. I think the trick is using side stone and setting design to give finger coverage without overwhelming or distracting from the center stone

With your eye and collection of amazing stones, if you have found a stone that makes your heat sing, I say BUY it!

One of my favorite stones is the "magenta' mahenge spinel I purchased when I first came to PS. It is even smaller (4.6x6.2) than your sapphire but because of the color, it totally holds it own in all lights. It is in a stock setting that gives it plenty of sparkly finger coverage without distracting from the small center stone. Many rings later, it is still a favorite often elicits admiration when I wear it despite not being a larger statement piece.

Finally, I have a size 8 finger and if you have any regrets later, sell it to me

I just took this picture to show dimensions stone (4.6x6.2mm)/setting/size 8 finger -- please IGNORE the crappy photo of the stone. This was taken quickly in poor lighting and its also a stone I have never been able to capture in photos.

Now that's the finger coverage I'm after. I really like that and I think the band being a bit thicker but with diamonds helps doesn't it? I can see why you love it. Do you mind if I download your photo and try to (badly) superimpose my sapphire (looks like I'm buying it!) to see how it looks?

 

[Rfisher]

@dk168 I don't think I want a bezel - mind you I could change my mind! lol I've got a holly ring also (sorry I'm not easy am I)?

@Rfisher - I've got to be honest that I adore adore adore the 3 stone/5 stone ring combos. My 2 favourite at the top two you posted (blue sapphire with diamond rounds and the Pad with half moons and baguettes). It's odd because I seem to be leaning towards a traditional design when the barion cut is yelling at me to do something more modern!

I wish I was @elle_71125

 

[lilmosun]

Now that's the finger coverage I'm after. I really like that and I think the band being a bit thicker but with diamonds helps doesn't it? I can see why you love it. Do you mind if I download your photo and try to (badly) superimpose my sapphire (looks like I'm buying it!) to see how it looks?

So glad you are buying it!
It would be an honor and glad it was a helpful reference! Yes, extending the setting with a double row of diamonds goes a long way in providing finger coverage.

 

[dk168]

Echoing @lilmosun I have a tiny 0.60ct Baringo Ruby measuring 4.7 x 4.7mm with a colour that popped at me and I just could not say no when I saw the rough.

I intend to set it at 45 deg so as to increase the width of the band to provide better finger coverage, in something like this with round diamond side stones about 10pt each:



Just another idea, however, I appreciate it may not suit your taste as it is quite chunky and
masculine.

DK

 

[dk168]

Found these in my PS gallery:



And lastly, my own small pink-red inexpensive Spinel (6.6 x 4.95mm) from JD, with his Tsarvorite melees, in a flower design. The centre stone is so small that it would disappear if I bezel it, hence I used prongs and it is the only ring I have commissioned to date with the centre stone set with prongs:



DK

 

[LD]

@dk168 Your barion is going to look phenomenal in that setting. You are right that I'm a bit of a girly girl so don't want anything masculine unfortunately but I can't wait to see how yours turns out!

As for the flower rings - you see I love all of them BUT it's embarrassing to admit but I've probably got 5 or 6 in that design so I think it's time for a departure. The flower with the tiny baguettes is beautiful and so different isn't it. Is it one of yours or an inspiration photo?

 

[LD]

@lilmosun your ring definitely gives coverage. I've very badly superimposed my sapphire on top of your ring and it does look lovely! Don't worry, I won't copy it x