help please : )

[peonies]

Hi! I am totally new to colored stones, and honestly don't understand them very well. I am currently looking for a gift for my mom and I couldn't think of a better place to get information.

I am looking for an eternity ring or five stone ring with genuine stones and a white gold setting. I am interested in sky blue stones with beautiful color and good quality. My initial thought is to go with aquamarine, but I am not sure if that is my only option.

Does anyone have any recommendations on where I could find a ring like this? The only place I have found something close to what I want has been at Tiffany (the metro) which is, of course, out of my price range. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[Largosmom]

Light blue sapphires might be a good choice. Another choice could be blue zircon.

 

[Nashville]

What is your budget?

 

[LD]

Hi Peonies.

First up, do you have a photo of what you like? That's always helpful.

Next, give us an idea of budget.

Then, let us know if the ring is an everyday ring or just an occasional ring. Some gemstones are more durable than others.

Some suggestions for light blue stones are:

1. Aquamarine (not great for everyday wear)
2. Sapphire (one of the most durable gemstones so good for everyday wear) but finding them in light blue that match (unless the ring is ready made may be a challenge.
3. Topaz - this comes in a range of colours (the treated ones). Some people like treated stones, others don't. As they're relatively cheaper than other gemstones you might be able to get a great deal on something. You can find Topaz in all shades of blue so I'm sure could find something to suit.
4. Spinel - durable but probably very difficult to find in light coloured matching stones

If I think of more I'll add them later!

 

[chrono]

I’m not sure where to start because I’ll need more details from you in order to make sound suggestions:
1. Like LD, I discourage the use of aquamarines unless it is a special occasion wear ring because they are not durable.
2. It can end up being more costly to source small stones yourself and building a ring, especially for small sized stones. As I’m also unsure of your budget, I’ll toss out a list of recommendation.
a. Sky blue sapphires are less expensive than the deeper rich blue sapphires and good for daily wear. Again, getting multiple matched stones might take a while.
b. Blue topazes are always well coloured, inexpensive and easy to source. However, 99% of the time they are treated so are you all right with them?
c. I think blue spinels are out because it is difficult enough to find a pretty blue, let alone a group of matching ones.
d. Blue zircons can be a very pretty blue (very sparkly), relatively inexpensive and might be easier to find with matching colour in small sizes. However, like aquamarine, they are only meant for special occasion wear due to their durability.