Help with odd project

[greenmoose]

Hello. This one is a kinda odd thread post....

So after about 6 months of working (research, looking, more research, looking, even more looking, then some more research) on building an engagement ring....I'm close but not quite there. Initially, it was learning as much about diamonds as possible. Then it was an evolution and refinement in my preference for the cut style I wanted to give my girlfriend until I finally decided on the perfect cut, specifically a cushion cut. And then came the search....

Only minor problem is that I am on the waitlist at GOG for an AVC and do not expect to make the timeline for when I would like to propose....in addition to the fact I'd like to propose on our upcoming trip to Costa Rica and we'll be doing a lot of hiking and I'm a bit weary of carrying around such an expensive ring (>10K)....

So....I'm thinking about giving her a simple gemstone ring for a proposal and would like help with ideas and some suggestions. I've got about 2-3 weeks to put something together but honestly not nearly enough time for someone like me to refine the options and learn as much as I normally like to learn.....I'd prefer a stone somewhere around 6.5mm and round or cushion cut. I'll leave my budget somewhat flexible but would prefer (given the expense of the engagement ring) somewhere less than 500.

If this is a completely unreasonable post, I'll disregard but I thought some people might find it fun to go shopping

This is where I'll let people's imagination go wild.....

 

[Cabochon1]

I think that's a lovely idea!

She can switch this to right hand ring when she has her engagement ring or use as travel ring or whatever!

What colors does she like? Green? Red? Yellow? Blue?


I think a custom made ring is nice. For example DanielM on etsy?

Here are some colors. These rings are in Silver but I am sure he would be willing to make one in white or yellow gold. (You can search for him here on pricescope, lots of people have used him.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68547159/rainbow-bezel-rings

 

[greenmoose]

Color....of course.....

Honestly, I am quite flexible with color....I would like to go with either blue sapphire, pink/purple of various gemstones, and my personal favorites beside the blue or fancy sapphires are the blue-green Tourmaline stones (especially Paraiba but I realize this is very expensive)

Looking forward to those thoughts

 

[lavatea]

I think DaneilM is a great idea, too. Maybe send them a convo to see how much a simple gold setting would be. That would narrow down your stone budget.

I did a quick search of a few of the cutters and didn't turn up a lot in that size range.

Here are some Barry stones that might work. A few are a tad bigger than 6.5mm but not too far off of the mark.

http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=10&idproduct=3293
http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=10&idproduct=3189
http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=10&idproduct=3604
http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=10&idproduct=3644
http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=5&idproduct=3660

Please update us on your progress (with pictures, of course )!

 

[iLander]

This probably isn't quite what you're looking for, but your timeline is really tight for custom, so I'm suggesting this one:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11603448&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|108|28447|3137&N=4019081&Mo=33&pos=6&No=31&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=3137&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10573-Cat28447&topnav=

If you don't like it, or when it's time to switch it for the real thing, you can just return it to Costco.
Keep the little appraisal paper, though. They won't take it back without that.

 

[greenmoose]

All very good ideas. Thank you.

After about six hours straight today....I think I have a much better idea of what I'm looking for. I'd still like to stay around 6.5-8mm, round brilliant to square cushion cut. I've looked at the DanielM work and it's absolutely beautiful and perfect. Thank you for the suggestion. I've emailed him and am eagerly awaiting what he has to say.

So....for the stone. I've decided that I'm most interested in teal greenish-blue stones to greenish blue such as that seen in some of the Montana Sapphires as well as some of the Spinel and Tourmalines (I suppose there are many varieties....) as well as some of the purple color spectrums.

Those are all great suggestions from acstones.com but they seem to be too much on the pure greenish to greenish yellow spectrum....

Thank you for all the help so far. I'm actually thinking this may be a good idea

Keep those thoughts coming.....

 

[Treenbean]

2-3 weeks might be a pretty tight timeline for Daniel M. They have had my Uli Opals for over a month now and just started the project.

If I were you I would purchase something from Dan and Cindy Stair, like this untreated, unheated greenish blue sapphire. http://www.customgemstones.com/SAPPHIRE/sa1352.html



I would then put it in a quick setting. Something like
http://www.dimendscaasi.com/build/step1.asp?prodID=1-1


Just my opinion but with your time crunch and budget, this would work and still be beautiful.

 

[Cabochon1]

Sorry. Hadn't thought about the tight deadline.

Anyway, maybe you want to google indicolite? It's a tourmaline variety in greenish blue colors.

Here are some color examples.

http://www.smaragd69.com/en/component/virtuemart/indigolite.html


Please note that I don't know the seller and therefore wouldn't recommend buying from him. Also he is in Germany.

 

[greenmoose]

Hello all. You guys are great. These are all fantastic leads. I've actually looked been looking at that stone at customgemstones but am just slightly curious about that spot in the picture that looks like a large inclusion. Overall though, I'd agree it looks perfect, just the right color and size....

Those Tourmaline examples are absolutely beautiful. Just the perfect color I'm looking for.

I'll spend the weekend continuing to look......Truly your suggestions are fantastic

 

[Treenbean]

Tourmaline isn't as durable as sapphire. I know this will be a temporary E-ring but if she will be wearing it for a length of time it may chip. You can always ask Dan about the inclusion. I think it makes the stone more interesting. I too love the color of indicolite but never buy it because I tend to bump my hands and stuff.