I’m thinking of getting this sapphire... thoughts?

[silkystarlight]

Hi there! This is my very first post (besides an intro post I made over in the Who’s Who section), so I apologize in advance for any fumbling while I’m learning the ropes. I’m also typing this up on my phone, so hopefully when I get back to my computer browser the format isn’t wonky.


I have been on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring center stone, and I believe I’ve settled on most likely sapphires or also maybe spinels, because they can possess the silky/sleepy qualities I’m looking for in a stone. I’m also looking for something multi-colored and/or color-shifting. Basically, a while ago I thought I had my heart set on having a faceted opal or moonstone for my center stone, but I eventually convinced myself to let go of that dream since realizing they are such delicate stones not really suited for daily wear. So basically I’m looking for a stone that can come generally similar in terms of opalescence and shimmer. I know no stone can compare to the fire of an opal, BUT I have seen quite a few silky sapphires in beautiful pastel shifting colors, that remind me enough of opals and just catch my eye!

So that leads me to this: a sapphire I found on Finewater Gems last night. Now I have been searching for months and months, as it seems my preferences are pretty niche... so my heart almost stopped when I saw this listed on Gary’s website:


(I hope this is okay for me to share, I think I’ve seen others post photos from web listings, but let me know if this isn’t okay. Obviously this photo and the ones I’ll show below belong to Gary of Finewater Gems; I would never claim them as my own.)

I know this kind of look isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But from that photo above this stone looks like everything I could want: a silky shimmery light-colored stone with a mixing of light blues, peaches, pinks, and lavenders. And round, not too large to-boot! I thought I was finally done searching! However, the other photo he had on the listing (to me at least) looks very little like the studio photo.



So I decided to shoot Gary an email and ask for more photos and videos, which he kindly and promptly provided!

Now I understand that any stone can look quite different on camera vs. in-person, especially with multi-colored stones. And that an artificial environment like a studio with bright lights and magnified camera lenses, could definitely make a stone appear even more different. But even with the additional photos and videos he provided, it still doesn’t really look anything remotely like the initial photo. It’s a beautiful blue stone, but it’s hard to pick up on any of the peachy yellows at all. It also just looks a fair amount darker on a hand, than in the studio photo.

However, this stone is just shy of $200... which in my eyes, I can’t help but wonder if I should take a chance on it? What if it is more like what I’m looking for when I finally see it with my own eyes? Finewater Gems does seem to have a decent return policy. So I am really quite tempted to pick up this stone. Worse comes to worse, I could always return it, or heck even save it for another project!

So... anyone who has made it this far: what do you think? Should I go for it? This would be my very first stone purchase, which also adds some excitement to the whole thing.

Also, if anyone has experience purchasing from Finewater Gems, can you share your experience with what the stone looked like online vs. what you got when you saw it in-person?

Let me know if you want me to share the additional photos and videos Gary sent (if I’m allowed to, ofc!) and thank you for any advice/recommendations!

 

[Cerulean]

Montana sapphires are notoriously shifty little buggers and can change personality substantially from what I understand depending on lighting and environment.

share the other pictures! If you love it - it can’t hurt seeing it in person and returning it if it isn’t your cup of tea. I have a feeling that you won’t know how it “behaves” until you see it in person.

i like stones like this. I would not expect this stone too look peach or yellow TBH, the yellow seems very subtle - it really is a mostly blue stone.

 

[silkystarlight]

Montana sapphires are notoriously shifty little buggers and can change personality substantially from what I understand depending on lighting and environment.

share the other pictures! If you love it - it can’t hurt seeing it in person and returning it if it isn’t your cup of tea. I have a feeling that you won’t know how it “behaves” until you see it in person.

i like stones like this. I would not expect this stone too look peach or yellow TBH, the yellow seems very subtle - it really is a mostly blue stone.

Thank you for your input!! I honestly wasn’t expecting to get a response from anyone this quickly!


Also interestingly, the stone is actually a Columbian sapphire! But it is said to act a lot like a Montana sapphire. I think that’s one of the reasons why I was drawn to it - I have found myself liking a fair amount of Montana sapphires in my search! The next contenders are often Ceylon sapphires.

As for not expecting the stone to not look so yellow/peach... yeah, you are probably right. I think I was just trying to convince myself that it would look more like the studio photo, but I think more realistically it’s like you said: it’s mostly a blue stone. Which, isn’t inherently bad! But depending on HOW blue it turns out to be in-person, it wouldn’t work for what I’m envisioning for my engagement ring. I actually really want light colors. Not so light that it looks almost colorless, but definitely very pastel.

I’ll include the other pictures below, and the videos too if I am able!


An indoor photo


An outdoor photo


And a side photo that I requested; Gary mentioned that “The pavilion and crown depth are optimized for the hearts and arrows cut so they are "just right" as opposed to being too shallow or too deep.”

It really is quite pretty... it does seem to have a bit of color shifting going on, and I think that what keeps me interested!

 

[ShinyPink]

Gary's handshots are almost always closer to what you will see than his studio shot. He is extremely knowledgeable and helpful, too. It's very pretty and different!

 

[PreRaphaelite]

Very pretty!

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Why not?
It's really pretty and the only way your going to know if it's yours is to get it in hand. It's kind of how this stuff goes.
I have a love of sleepy stones as well so I totally get the appeal.

 

[Bron357]

The gem you would love would be whats called a fancy white diamond. They are a very intriguing milky, opalescent colour. Quite rare and quite pricey so possible not in budget.
Sapphire is a great choice for an engagement ring, have you looked at “colourless” sapphires?
Most “colourless” sapphires have a faint blue or yellow undertone. They can be slightly blue or lemon “tinted” but not enough to fall into “blue” or “yellow” sapphire.
My “white” sapphire has a very faint blue undertone.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Hi there! This is my very first post (besides an intro post I made over in the Who’s Who section), so I apologize in advance for any fumbling while I’m learning the ropes. I’m also typing this up on my phone, so hopefully when I get back to my computer browser the format isn’t wonky.


I have been on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring center stone, and I believe I’ve settled on most likely sapphires or also maybe spinels, because they can possess the silky/sleepy qualities I’m looking for in a stone. I’m also looking for something multi-colored and/or color-shifting. Basically, a while ago I thought I had my heart set on having a faceted opal or moonstone for my center stone, but I eventually convinced myself to let go of that dream since realizing they are such delicate stones not really suited for daily wear. So basically I’m looking for a stone that can come generally similar in terms of opalescence and shimmer. I know no stone can compare to the fire of an opal, BUT I have seen quite a few silky sapphires in beautiful pastel shifting colors, that remind me enough of opals and just catch my eye!

So that leads me to this: a sapphire I found on Finewater Gems last night. Now I have been searching for months and months, as it seems my preferences are pretty niche... so my heart almost stopped when I saw this listed on Gary’s website:


(I hope this is okay for me to share, I think I’ve seen others post photos from web listings, but let me know if this isn’t okay. Obviously this photo and the ones I’ll show below belong to Gary of Finewater Gems; I would never claim them as my own.)

I know this kind of look isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But from that photo above this stone looks like everything I could want: a silky shimmery light-colored stone with a mixing of light blues, peaches, pinks, and lavenders. And round, not too large to-boot! I thought I was finally done searching! However, the other photo he had on the listing (to me at least) looks very little like the studio photo.



So I decided to shoot Gary an email and ask for more photos and videos, which he kindly and promptly provided!

Now I understand that any stone can look quite different on camera vs. in-person, especially with multi-colored stones. And that an artificial environment like a studio with bright lights and magnified camera lenses, could definitely make a stone appear even more different. But even with the additional photos and videos he provided, it still doesn’t really look anything remotely like the initial photo. It’s a beautiful blue stone, but it’s hard to pick up on any of the peachy yellows at all. It also just looks a fair amount darker on a hand, than in the studio photo.

However, this stone is just shy of $200... which in my eyes, I can’t help but wonder if I should take a chance on it? What if it is more like what I’m looking for when I finally see it with my own eyes? Finewater Gems does seem to have a decent return policy. So I am really quite tempted to pick up this stone. Worse comes to worse, I could always return it, or heck even save it for another project!

So... anyone who has made it this far: what do you think? Should I go for it? This would be my very first stone purchase, which also adds some excitement to the whole thing.

Also, if anyone has experience purchasing from Finewater Gems, can you share your experience with what the stone looked like online vs. what you got when you saw it in-person?

Let me know if you want me to share the additional photos and videos Gary sent (if I’m allowed to, ofc!) and thank you for any advice/recommendations!

Its such a lovelly delicate blue
Reminds me of forget me nots

 

[dk168]

Delicate colour and excellent cutting as expected from a stone cut by Gary himself.

DK

 

[Mrs_Strizzle]

I like the Finewater sapphire you posted very much too. I am with you loving the color shifting sapphires, but I tend to like big and gaudy, lol. My avatar is one. Last night I saw these on IG and they caught my eye too, being a very unique color.

 

[rcjtraveler]

I think the stone is lovely. I bought my sapphire from Gary and it definitely looked like his hand shots. He was fantastic to work with. My stone darkened a little when set which was perfect for me. Good luck. Hope it is just what you were looking for if you get it.

 

[Cerulean]

The gem you would love would be whats called a fancy white diamond. They are a very intriguing milky, opalescent colour. Quite rare and quite pricey so possible not in budget.
Sapphire is a great choice for an engagement ring, have you looked at “colourless” sapphires?
Most “colourless” sapphires have a faint blue or yellow undertone. They can be slightly blue or lemon “tinted” but not enough to fall into “blue” or “yellow” sapphire.
My “white” sapphire has a very faint blue undertone.

I was thinking the same thing - I immediately thought of fancy white diamonds.

OP - there is a vendor called Misfit diamonds that gets in a lot of imperfect diamonds and I’ve seen them carry fancy white diamonds or opalescent diamonds. They do not sell direct to consumer, but work with many jewelers designers. I’m not sure what your budget is - but I’d look on their Instagram - they regularly promote the jewelers they like so shouldn’t be too hard. One that comes to mind is Northway Studio - I’ve seen her work with diamonds that fit your criteria. Here’s an example:

The Last Unicorn Ring

A forgotten tale of moonlit woods, the Last Unicorn ring is an opulent yet demure eulogy to a time long since passed. Intricately hand-engraved 18 karat yellow gold nestles a natural opalescent grey diamond in tapered claw prongs, while a rivulet of brilliant white diamonds trails below in the...

thenorthwaystudio.com

She has a few opalescent diamonds in stock (I’ve also seen her use sapphires too) and may be able to source one to fit a different budget..

 

[Cerulean]

Caleb quashen is another who comes to mind. I’ve never worked with either vendor but see many talented designers work with both. Here’s an example of some colorful sapphires (I believe he works with consumers directly):

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHYjqs1hB8v/?igshid=zkesivbsdit6

 

[peacechick]

I think it is terribly pretty and you would have to see it in person to know if you love it. Gene has a good return policy. A sapphire behaves differently from opals and moonstones (which I also love) and I hope you can find a happy blend of qualities. I think it would be very fun to have a color-shifting sapphire alongside with the opal and moonstone rings you have in the futue.

 

[silkystarlight]

Wow, okay... so I decided to sleep on things, and I have to say I am ABSOLUTELY BLOWN AWAY by the amount of responses I woke up to! I am going to do my best to respond to all of this new info!

I think the stone is lovely. I bought my sapphire from Gary and it definitely looked like his hand shots. He was fantastic to work with. My stone darkened a little when set which was perfect for me. Good luck. Hope it is just what you were looking for if you get it.

Gary's handshots are almost always closer to what you will see than his studio shot. He is extremely knowledgeable and helpful, too. It's very pretty and different!

Thank you both for the info, it is good to know that I should expect it to look more like the hand shots! Gary has been very helpful so far with all of my questions and requests.

Why not?
It's really pretty and the only way your going to know if it's yours is to get it in hand. It's kind of how this stuff goes.
I have a love of sleepy stones as well so I totally get the appeal.

Glad to know I am not the only one who likes sleepy stones! I didn’t really know they existed until about a year ago, maybe less. So they have opened my eyes to a whole world of sparkly shimmery possibilities! Having slept on it, I am leaning much more toward just getting the stone to see it for myself.

The gem you would love would be whats called a fancy white diamond. They are a very intriguing milky, opalescent colour. Quite rare and quite pricey so possible not in budget.
Sapphire is a great choice for an engagement ring, have you looked at “colourless” sapphires?
Most “colourless” sapphires have a faint blue or yellow undertone. They can be slightly blue or lemon “tinted” but not enough to fall into “blue” or “yellow” sapphire.
My “white” sapphire has a very faint blue undertone.

I actually discovered the existence of Fancy White diamonds about a month ago! I had seen various Salt and Pepper diamonds that seem to capture that shimmery opalescence, and while many of them are beautiful, I have always been more drawn to the cleaner S&P’s, which eventually led me to find Fancy Whites. I really love them and was thinking of probably incorporating them into my e-ring and wedding band! Was planning on creating a thread over on the diamond section to ask more about them, actually!

I have considered “colorless” sapphires, but I feel that more often than not, they are not as silky as I would like, and seem to only have one hinted color undertone. The blue-tinted ones are very pretty (yours is gorgeous!) but I am definitely looking for something with a bit of color play. I won’t entirely rule them out, though!

I like the Finewater sapphire you posted very much too. I am with you loving the color shifting sapphires, but I tend to like big and gaudy, lol. My avatar is one. Last night I saw these on IG and they caught my eye too, being a very unique color.

I have scoured Earth’s Treasury‘s website a few times... and a few sapphires have caught my eye, but not enough to make me say “yes” (usually either they’re too big or too dark or not silky enough). But those lavender sapphires you shared are very pretty! I haven’t followed ET on Instagram yet, but I feel like that would be a good idea.

Caleb quashen is another who comes to mind. I’ve never worked with either vendor but see many talented designers work with both. Here’s an example of some colorful sapphires (I believe he works with consumers directly):

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHYjqs1hB8v/?igshid=zkesivbsdit6

I actually already follow Caleb Quashen! A lot of his stones have caught my eye... I think quite a few of ones he’s already sold are on my inspiration collage.

You also mentioned Misfit Diamonds and The Northway Studio... the former I’ve known about for a few months, and the latter I stumbled upon a few days ago! Both have some really lovely stones, and I am in looove with TNS’s whole aesthetic! Her engraving work is truly spectacular!

I feel like I should have mentioned from the beginning that my current job is being a product researcher for an invention company... so I basically spend my days being paid to search the internet high and low for really obscure stuff! It’s definitely come in handy for my search so far, but the reason I finally decided to sign up for PS is because I’ve been feeling like I’m running in circles and into dead ends, and that lots of the people here have me beat on just raw years of experience with this particular niche. There are definitely many new things that I have learned (and have yet to learn!) on PS, and you all have such a breadth and depth of knowledge that I knew I’d be able to find help and support here! I mean, I only found Finewater Gems after seeing someone in a different thread recommend them, so I know my research abilities are not able to cover all of the potential resources out there.

Gosh, I feel bad because I’m really not trying to toot my own horn or anything; I’m just trying to explain why I know about most of the suggestions y‘all have shared. I am sincerely so grateful for all of your input and suggestions, I promise!

I think it is terribly pretty and you would have to see it in person to know if you love it. Gene has a good return policy. A sapphire behaves differently from opals and moonstones (which I also love) and I hope you can find a happy blend of qualities. I think it would be very fun to have a color-shifting sapphire alongside with the opal and moonstone rings you have in the futue.

Thank you, and yes I would loooove to have some opal and moonstone rings to pair with some pretty color-shifting sapphires!



Whoof, that all took forever to write out! Thank you again for everyone who commented.... I do think I am going to go ahead and purchase the stone! Of course, I will take lots of pictures once it arrives!

I also think it would be a good idea to make a separate thread specifically for detailing out my engagement and wedding ring ideas, since they expand far beyond finding just ONE stone... (hint: three-stone and crown!)

 

[lovedogs]

I would definitely buy it and see for yourself. I think it's beautiful and unique, and IRL will have the 'ethereal ' quality often seen in sleepy stones.

 

[RockOnReen]

I recently had a wonderful experience buying a lab grown sapphire from Gary and I don't think you'll regret taking a chance on this stone since he does have a good return policy and is great about answering questions.

 

[silkystarlight]

I recently had a wonderful experience buying a lab grown sapphire from Gary and I don't think you'll regret taking a chance on this stone since he does have a good return policy and is great about answering questions.

Oooohh, any chance you could share some pictures? I’d love to see how some of his other stones look once they reach their new owners!

 

[silkystarlight]

Also! The order has been placed!! I am so excited, I can’t WAIT to have this sapphire in my hands!

I have never bought a loose stone before, and I know I just placed the order but I am already dying to see it and hold it!

 

[Cerulean]

I’m an obsessive researcher too so I really relate. I compile research for fun on anything that interests me and I also have to do it a lot for my job! Trust me - researching gems is a rabbit hole

I’m so glad you took a chance and bought it. The stone spoke to you immediately, it’s exquisitely cut, a fantastic price, and I still suspect it will have many “moods” which seems to be what you want. When you get it - look at it in ALL lighting and expect that not all lighting will be most flattering, just so you aren’t discouraged in case it isn’t showing all of its qualities immediately.

My first colored stone purchase was also a blue sapphire - and seriously, I just spent ages walking it around the house to see it in different light exposure, including natural and artificial. I took it out on a gloomy day, twilight, in a dimly lit hallway, bright hot sun, you name it. Getting to “know” a stone is a really fun process especially for someone who likes to analyze things! I’d get a cheap stone mount or ask if Gary can throw one in for you so you can really see what it’ll look like on your hand!

 

[silkystarlight]

I’m an obsessive researcher too so I really relate. I compile research for fun on anything that interests me and I also have to do it a lot for my job! Trust me - researching gems is a rabbit hole

I’m so glad you took a chance and bought it. The stone spoke to you immediately, it’s exquisitely cut, a fantastic price, and I still suspect it will have many “moods” which seems to be what you want. When you get it - look at it in ALL lighting and expect that not all lighting will be most flattering, just so you aren’t discouraged in case it isn’t showing all of its qualities immediately.

My first colored stone purchase was also a blue sapphire - and seriously, I just spent ages walking it around the house to see it in different light exposure, including natural and artificial. I took it out on a gloomy day, twilight, in a dimly lit hallway, bright hot sun, you name it. Getting to “know” a stone is a really fun process especially for someone who likes to analyze things! I’d get a cheap stone mount or ask if Gary can throw one in for you so you can really see what it’ll look like on your hand!

Heck yeah, researchers unite! And yeah, the amount of time I’ve spent looking at different gems has really become a time sink. It’s so fun to see all of the variety that exists out there!

I am definitely looking forward to trying out all sorts of different lighting once I get it... I just have a feeling that it’s going to show me lots of different looks!

Also oh man, I never thought about a stone mount! Now that is something I really don’t know much about... could I really just ask for one? Would you have any recommendations? I think I’m like a ring size 8ish if that matters at all.

 

[rcjtraveler]

Here is my set stone from Gary. The cut was superb.

 

[OdetteOdile]

@silkystarlight I'm happy to see your update! I think the stone is special and beautiful. I like light colored sapphires too. And I think you picked a great user name

 

[Cerulean]

Heck yeah, researchers unite! And yeah, the amount of time I’ve spent looking at different gems has really become a time sink. It’s so fun to see all of the variety that exists out there!

I am definitely looking forward to trying out all sorts of different lighting once I get it... I just have a feeling that it’s going to show me lots of different looks!

Also oh man, I never thought about a stone mount! Now that is something I really don’t know much about... could I really just ask for one? Would you have any recommendations? I think I’m like a ring size 8ish if that matters at all.

Something like this...they cost nothing wholesale, if Gary hasn’t shipped it he could probably throw one in!

these are overpriced but this is what you want...I’m about a size 8 too and they are adjustable

Amazon.com: Spring-Type Stone Gemstone Diamond Holder Display Jewelry Tool in Chrome/Silver

Shop PMC Supplies LLC at the Amazon Arts, Crafts & Sewing store. Free Shipping on eligible items. Save on everyday low prices.

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[silkystarlight]

Here is my set stone from Gary. The cut was superb.

OOH LA LAA! That is one gorgeous stone! I love the sparkle! And such a beautiful setting too... I love the hint of engraving I’m seeing on the band!

@silkystarlight I'm happy to see your update! I think the stone is special and beautiful. I like light colored sapphires too. And I think you picked a great user name

Ahh thank you! I spent a decent amount of time deliberating over my username... but then I realized after registering that I could change it later if need be. Either way, I don't think I will be changing my username any time soon!

 

[silkystarlight]

Something like this...they cost nothing wholesale, if Gary hasn’t shipped it he could probably throw one in!

these are overpriced but this is what you want...I’m about a size 8 too and they are adjustable

Amazon.com: Spring-Type Stone Gemstone Diamond Holder Display Jewelry Tool in Chrome/Silver

Shop PMC Supplies LLC at the Amazon Arts, Crafts & Sewing store. Free Shipping on eligible items. Save on everyday low prices.

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Alucy Ring Blank Support, Ring Stone Holder, Ring Diamond Tools, Gemstone Prong Holder Ring Stone Holder Easily Holder The Naked Diamond, Naked Gemstone Diamond Claw Display Prong Jewelry Making Tool : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

Buy Alucy Ring Blank Support, Ring Stone Holder, Ring Diamond Tools, Gemstone Prong Holder Ring Stone Holder Easily Holder The Naked Diamond, Naked Gemstone Diamond Claw Display Prong Jewelry Making Tool: Shop top fashion brands Jewelry Making Kits at Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY and Returns...

www.amazon.com

Alright, thank you for the examples! I’ll go shoot him an email now and ask, and if he isn’t able then I can definitely spare $10 to get one myself.

 

[whitewave]

My aqua and my sapphire stone rings from Gary.

 

[silkystarlight]

My aqua and my sapphire stone rings from Gary.

What beautiful stones! I love that three-stone setting! Thanks for sharing... seeing all these photos of other people’s gems is getting me so excited to get mine!

 

[T L]

There are pale white or slightly tinged lavender/blue/purple spinels that look like that too.

As for the sapphire, it could be a color shifter, but I think it just looks brighter in the studio shot because it’s against a darker background.

 

[whitewave]

What beautiful stones! I love that three-stone setting! Thanks for sharing... seeing all these photos of other people’s gems is getting me so excited to get mine!

I can’t wait to see what you think of yours