Help newbie buy $500 ruby ring pls

[rubyshoes]

Hello PriceScope people, I've lurked here before but never posted.

For my birthday this year, my husband wanted to give me a ring. I love rubies so that's what I want. His budget is $500. I've been looking at ruby rings online but have no clue what type of ring to get. My taste leans towards the opulent and chunky. I do not want something minimalist looking.

Here are 2 rings that are way outside my budget but whose 'look' I absolutely adore-

http://www.ross-simons.com/products/558843.html
http://www.makemyjewelrynew.com/catalog5.html

Can someone give me pointers on how to shop for what I want? Should I be buying online, and if I do, which stores are trustworthy? I am intimidated by stores because I find the salespeople to be very pushy but if that's the best way to go, that's what I'll do. I am guessing with rubies the 4 Cs thing counts as it does with diamonds?

Thanks in advance people

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Honestly it's going to be tough to find an "opulent" looking ruby ring for $500, especially with gold prices being so high.
Rubies themselves are also very very pricey if you want ones that have not been diffused and of good color/cut/clarity.

On the other hand, if you're ok with diffusion and dyeing types of treatments, or synthetic rubies, and really just want a certain size and look that might be easier to do within budget.

 

[rubyshoes]

Thanks for replying, MakingTheGrade. I forgot to mention n my post that I also really love tourmalines and spinels. Basically, I love anything pink or dark pink or red. So if I can get a nice spinel in my budget rather than a ruby, I wouldn't mind. It's the color I'm after

 

[rubybeth]

Thanks for replying, MakingTheGrade. I forgot to mention n my post that I also really love tourmalines and spinels. Basically, I love anything pink or dark pink or red. So if I can get a nice spinel in my budget rather than a ruby, I wouldn't mind. It's the color I'm after

What about a garnet? Dan Stair has one he just posted: http://customgemstones.com/NewStone.html

And a couple others:
http://customgemstones.com/GARNET/ga1214.html
http://customgemstones.com/GARNET/ga1438.html

Then you could put most of your budget toward a 14k white gold setting with diamond halo from LOGR, jewelryhoo, etc.

I love rubies and red gems, too!

ETA: the oval in the top row also looks yummy: http://www.gemfix.com/garnet_red_pink.html

 

[briolette]

I agree, a nicely cut red garnet would be the way I'd go.
How do you feel about andesine? You could also cut costs down by going with a lower karat gold like 9, 10 or 12k.
I like this andesine ring:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Red-Andesine-Labradorite-and-Diamond-Ring-10K-Gold-/220766297204?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3366b25c74
http://cgi.ebay.com/GORGEOUS-14K-GOLD-FLAWLESS-RED-ANDESINE-DIAMOND-RING-/110425518778?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item19b5dfb2ba

I saw some decent red spinels in rings on ebay. Not great but decent:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SOLID-9CT-GOLD-NATURAL-RED-SPINEL-DRESS-RING-/150590804187?pt=AU_Womens_Jewellery&hash=item230fe950db
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-63Ct-Red-Spinel-VVS-30Ct-Diamond-14k-Solid-Gold-Ring-/150505589758?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item230ad50bfe

 

[rubyshoes]

I think I'm in love with this stone-

http://www.finewatergems.com/spinel.html

Also craving most of the stones on this page - http://www.gemfix.com/tourmaline_red_pink.html

Does anyone have an approx idea of how much getting a ring made comes to? (just so I know the price breakdown of stone + setting regarding my budget)

I'm not sure I like the redder (warm) stones much. I am leaning much more towards colder colors like fuchsia/magenta/pinks rather than an orangey or true red...

 

[LD]

Ok I'm going to be honest. Finding a good quality ruby that will be large is impossible within budget. However, if you're happy to accept a heavily treated ruby then it may be possible.

So, are you concerned about treatment? If not, then look at the shopping channels because typically they have large cocktail rings with rubies that may fit your need.

If you are concerned with treatments then a Ruby isn't going to be possible within budget and for the look you want. Similarly, spinels of that size - and especially red spinels - will also be impossible.

You may be able to find a garnet but might have to compromise on how red it will be. Unfortunately in gemstone world, red is one of the most expensive and difficult to find colours in most gemstones! There may be exceptions but I'm racking to brains to think what they may be! Moving to the pink spectrum may be easier and you may be able to find a Tourmaline within budget HOWEVER it's not recommended for everyday wear and so you should take that into consideration.

 

[innerkitten]

Anythings possible if you want it enough. have you checked gemfix? I remember them having some smaller rubies that might be in your budget.

 

[rubyshoes]

LovingDiamonds, what about the links I posted above? I realise a ruby will probably be impossible so I am looking at the stones in those two links- mostly spinels/tourmalines.

innerkitten, yes I looked at gemfix and some of their stones I am quite enamored by

 

[innerkitten]

What size are you looking for? I saw someone had a pink spinel for sale on diamondbistro.

 

[LD]

LovingDiamonds, what about the links I posted above? I realise a ruby will probably be impossible so I am looking at the stones in those two links- mostly spinels/tourmalines.

innerkitten, yes I looked at gemfix and some of their stones I am quite enamored by

If you want "big" then the gem from Finewatergems isn't going to be nearly big enough. It's only 0.71ct.

Not sure which you like from the Gemfix link but there are some nice sized gems within budget BUT check out the mm coverage because a 2ct tourmaline may not be as big as you think. It sounds big but actually if you want a statement piece you MAY need something bigger. Have you thought about a setting? That of course could make a visual difference. Is the setting included in the budget of $500?

 

[rubybeth]

A couple setting suggestions:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Unique-5-5mm-Round-14K-Gold-Diamond-Semi-Mount-Ring-/370500532402?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item56438d78b2
For the finewater gems spinel (http://www.finewatergems.com/spinel.html)
$244 setting, $$275 stone,just $19 over budget, though you'll have to have the stone set locally (I got my spinel set for $30).

http://cgi.ebay.com/8x10mm-Oval-14K-White-Gold-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-/250801317671?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3a64ec6727
(for the the stone in the 3rd row in the middle, the 9.5 x 7.9 mm oval tourmaline: http://www.gemfix.com/tourmaline_red_pink.html)
Setting $285, stone $195, plus setting costs. ETA: This is the one I'd go with for, BIG and in the vivid pink color.

http://cgi.ebay.com/6mm-Round-14K-White-Gold-Diamond-Semi-Mount-Ring-/250802353127?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3a64fc33e7 (for the .71 tourmaline round, 6th row down on the left: http://www.gemfix.com/tourmaline_red_pink.html)
Setting $349, stone $60, plus setting costs.

 

[stargurl78]

http://cgi.ebay.com/8x10mm-Oval-14K-White-Gold-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-/250801317671?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3a64ec6727
(for the the stone in the 3rd row in the middle, the 9.5 x 7.9 mm oval tourmaline: http://www.gemfix.com/tourmaline_red_pink.html)
Setting $285, stone $195, plus setting costs. ETA: This is the one I'd go with for, BIG and in the vivid pink color.

This! I agree with rubybeth! Her second option will be gorgeous Awesome suggestions!

 

[rubyshoes]

You guys are just AMAZING Fab suggestions, I will look at these settings and look at the stones as well. And I will try to keep in mind how big the stone will actually be vs how big it seems

 

[rubyshoes]

Quick question: do you guys feel comfortable buying settings from ebay sellers? Maybe I am a wuss but it makes me a little nervous. Are there jewelry store chains that I could just buy a setting from in person? Like if I went into say a Zales and said hey, here's my stone, what can you do with it? Or even online but from their own website. I love those two ebay settings though...

 

[T L]

Quick question: do you guys feel comfortable buying settings from ebay sellers? Maybe I am a wuss but it makes me a little nervous. Are there jewelry store chains that I could just buy a setting from in person? Like if I went into say a Zales and said hey, here's my stone, what can you do with it? Or even online but from their own website. I love those two ebay settings though...

I have 30+ settings from ebay. I love them. They are a great value, and nicer than what you get at Zales.

 

[JewelFreak]

You can do well on eBay if you check vendor feedback & return policies. Included in the prices at B&M stores like Zales, Kay's, or even Tiffany, are costs for rent, salespeople to stand around all day, etc., so their prices are likely to be higher for similar pieces, compared to internet vendors.

--- Laurie

 

[rubybeth]

Quick question: do you guys feel comfortable buying settings from ebay sellers? Maybe I am a wuss but it makes me a little nervous. Are there jewelry store chains that I could just buy a setting from in person? Like if I went into say a Zales and said hey, here's my stone, what can you do with it? Or even online but from their own website. I love those two ebay settings though...

Definitely. Lord of Gem Rings is a seller many, many people on Pricescope have used with great results. Search LOGR on here and you will find tons of good feedback on their product. I feel like eBay ellers can only impress you with their products and feedback, they cannot rely on fancy stores or salespeople in suits or commercials , etc. I wouldn't have linked to those settings if I didn't think they would be a good value and meet your expectations.

 

[rubybeth]

Here's another setting option, with a double halo for more finger coverage (I think this is the same seller as jewelryhoo--eBay experts?):

http://cgi.ebay.com/Oval-7-9mm-SOLID-14k-White-GOLD-DIAMOND-SEMI-MOUNT-RING-/170627689073?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item27ba33ea71

For the 9.4 x 7mm, 5th row down on the right: http://www.gemfix.com/tourmaline_red_pink.html

Setting $259, stone $209.

Setting experts, would a a 7x9.4 mm stone fit in a 7x9 setting?

 

[stargurl78]

Here's another setting option, with a double halo for more finger coverage (I think this is the same seller as jewelryhoo--eBay experts?):

http://cgi.ebay.com/Oval-7-9mm-SOLID-14k-White-GOLD-DIAMOND-SEMI-MOUNT-RING-/170627689073?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item27ba33ea71

For the 9.4 x 7mm, 5th row down on the right: http://www.gemfix.com/tourmaline_red_pink.html

Setting $259, stone $209.

Setting experts, would a a 7x9.4 mm stone fit in a 7x9 setting?

I'm definitely not an expert, but I think that would work. A lot of the eBay sellers that are recommended on here will adjust the setting to your stone for a fee, if the current one isn't perfect.

 

[rubyshoes]

Ok, you've convinced me. I am looking at ebay sellers. While I was originally leaning towards buying a stone separately from a setting, I really like this particular ring Lord Of Rings is selling. What do you think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-27ct-PINK-TOURMALINE-14K-WHITE-GOLD-65c-DIAMOND-RING-/250801944416?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3a64f5f760

It's $175 more but none of the hassle of doing everything separate...

I also liked this-

http://cgi.ebay.com/7x9mm-PINK-TOURMALINE-9K-WHITE-GOLD-32ct-DIAMOND-RING-/250801943046?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3a64f5f206

P.S. I am also looking at the different stones yall have suggested as well as settings, just that these rings (esp the first one) seemed like something I would design

 

[rubybeth]

Ok, you've convinced me. I am looking at ebay sellers. While I was originally leaning towards buying a stone separately from a setting, I really like this particular ring Lord Of Rings is selling. What do you think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-27ct-PINK-TOURMALINE-14K-WHITE-GOLD-65c-DIAMOND-RING-/250801944416?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3a64f5f760

It's $175 more but none of the hassle of doing everything separate...

I also liked this-

http://cgi.ebay.com/7x9mm-PINK-TOURMALINE-9K-WHITE-GOLD-32ct-DIAMOND-RING-/250801943046?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3a64f5f206

P.S. I am also looking at the different stones yall have suggested as well as settings, just that these rings (esp the first one) seemed like something I would design

I haven't ordered a setting with a gemstone before, so I can't give you advice on that, but both settings are very pretty. I'd venture a guess that the cut quality of the gemstones would vary, but I think if you love something, you should get it. Part of the fun of getting my spinel ring was finding the stone and then finding the perfect setting, and seeing them come together. But, to each her own!

 

[rubyshoes]

So yesterday I showed my husband all the options and he gravitated towards the LoGR ring (with gemstone in it).

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-27ct-PINK-TOURMALINE-14K-WHITE-GOLD-65c-DIAMOND-RING-/250801944416?_trksid=p3911.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8453539689653726928

I emailed the seller and he said the tourmaline dimension is 9x7 mm. Carat is 3.27. He will charge me 10 bucks to resize it to my size 5 finger.

Option 1) Should I go this route? Have any of you bought a setting *with stone* from him and been pleased with it?

Option 2) My other option is http://cgi.ebay.com/7x9mm-OVAL-14K-WHITE-GOLD-65ct-DIAMOND-RING-SETTINGS-7_W0QQitemZ370497136711QQcategoryZ164309QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3911.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8437619337348617344

which is same design but buying the 9.4 x 7 tourmaline from GemFix and having my local jeweler set it. That way I get the setting I'm craving but also a stone of my choice. P.S. even if the stone is .4 extra on one side, it will fit, right? Or no?

If you were in my shoes, which option would you pick? Opt 1 or Opt 2?

Also, once I get my ring or stone+ring, do I need to get it appraised or anything? Do you guys do that? I am hoping to decide today and buy Thanks so much in advance

 

[rubybeth]

I haven't ordered a ring from Lord of Gem with a stone, hope others chime in with comments on that.

I would personally go with the GemFix tourmaline since it's such a lovely, unique cut, and then you can have the setting you love (which is beautiful, btw!).

I haven't added my ring to my jewelery insurance so didn't have it appraised, but if you like the peace of mind of having your jewelry insurance, definitely get it appraised and insured along with your other fine jewelery. I was just happy when the benchman who set my stone said it was a lovely ring and the snooty saleslady who tried to sell me a 10k gold setting for my stone saw how pretty it was.

 

[rubyshoes]

Re: Help newbie buy $500 ruby ring pls - Update

Update!

So guess what. I fell head over heels in love, bit the bullet and sprung for a 7.52 carat garnet from OdysseyGem on ebay

You can see the gem here -

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&hash=item4cf64fd802&item=330549942274&nma=true&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&rt=nc&si=NWizB3QAulQ2A3Z601sMpxm6K0Y%253D

It is VVS2 and size is 11.9 x 10.1 x 7.5 mm. I am so excited I also bid on a not-expensive but nice setting from lan.b04 so as to stay somewhat within budget

I am over the moon right now and just wanted to share. I will keep you all updated!

 

[T L]

It seems rather dark, and not very red at all. Are you sure about this one? If you don't like it, he has a good return policy.

If you want to ask him to trade stones, this rhodolite is a nicer color and much "brighter" (lighter in tone). It's not red either, but it's not overly extinct like the one you picked out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-13ct-Breathta...ultDomain_0&hash=item3a64e5af2d#ht_2246wt_958

 

[rubyshoes]

Eeks! I thought it looked very nice. Do you think there is a problem?

 

[T L]

Eeks! I thought it looked very nice. Do you think there is a problem?

It's very extinct, and lacks saturation of color. Check out the stone I recommended above, if you're still interested in a large rhodolite garnet. Untreated red or hot pink stones are typically on the expensive side, so if you're looking for a sizable gem (over 1.5 carats), it will be over budget for you.

 

[T L]

This one is from Tan, and it's the same price as the one you bought, but I like the cutting much better, and it shows some nice sparkle. It may face up a little dark, but it has some potential, and it's also very large. LOGR or lanbo will also customize just about any setting for a round stone.

http://cgi.ebay.com/6-07ct-Crazy-Ro...ultDomain_0&hash=item4cf5e1e456#ht_2275wt_958

 

[rubyshoes]

Thanks for helping TL. I see what you mean. What do you think of this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-97ct-Mind-blowing-Oval-Portuguese-Cut-Pink-Tourmaline-/330443910093?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item4ceffdebcd