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

[deorwine]

If the Finewater sapphire isn't exactly what you want, I'd also ask Dana of Mastercutgems, he might have something that would fit the bill with you -- several years ago I bought the most gorgeous clear-and-blue sapphire from him. I've sold it since, but still think of it from time to time, it was gorgeous. He's got a sale running right now, with some nice light-colored gems that might fit the bill for you?? I went through his sale items and picked out a few that might work for you. His cutting is really lovely.

Not sleepy exactly, but very bright and with color change:

Tanzania natural Unheated Sapphire 1.76 carat ** VIDEO ** in * MOST Recent CUT

This looks promising, a bit sleepy with secondary green:

Natural Unheated Tanzania Sapphire 1.68 carat * VIDEO * in Ruby and Sapphire

This one is pink and I kind of want someone to buy it so I'm not tempted aaaaaaa

Natural Pastel Pink Sapphire 2.27 carat ** VIDEO ** in Ruby and Sapphire

I don't think this one will be sleepy but I bet it is super changeable which you might really like:

Natural Tanzania Sapphire unheated 1.27 carat ** VIDEO ** in Ruby and Sapphire

Ooh, this one will be sleepy!

Tanzania Natural Unheated Tanga Sapphire 3.70 carat ** VIDEO** in Ruby and Sapphire

Another silky one with lots of interesting color combos, it looks like

Tanzania Natural Unheated Sapphire 2.0 carat in Ruby and Sapphire

This is probably brighter than you want and I can't see the blue very well from the top but wanted to include it because it is parti. Ha, now I kind of want this one, it's a cheery yellow

Sri Lanka Natural Yellow-Blue Sapphire 1.16 carat ** VIDEO ** in Ruby and Sapphire

 

[Cerulean]

If the Finewater sapphire isn't exactly what you want, I'd also ask Dana of Mastercutgems, he might have something that would fit the bill with you -- several years ago I bought the most gorgeous clear-and-blue sapphire from him. I've sold it since, but still think of it from time to time, it was gorgeous. He's got a sale running right now, with some nice light-colored gems that might fit the bill for you?? I went through his sale items and picked out a few that might work for you. His cutting is really lovely.

Not sleepy exactly, but very bright and with color change:

Tanzania natural Unheated Sapphire 1.76 carat ** VIDEO ** in * MOST Recent CUT

This looks promising, a bit sleepy with secondary green:

Natural Unheated Tanzania Sapphire 1.68 carat * VIDEO * in Ruby and Sapphire

This one is pink and I kind of want someone to buy it so I'm not tempted aaaaaaa

Natural Pastel Pink Sapphire 2.27 carat ** VIDEO ** in Ruby and Sapphire

I don't think this one will be sleepy but I bet it is super changeable which you might really like:

Natural Tanzania Sapphire unheated 1.27 carat ** VIDEO ** in Ruby and Sapphire

Ooh, this one will be sleepy!

Tanzania Natural Unheated Tanga Sapphire 3.70 carat ** VIDEO** in Ruby and Sapphire

Another silky one with lots of interesting color combos, it looks like

Tanzania Natural Unheated Sapphire 2.0 carat in Ruby and Sapphire

This is probably brighter than you want and I can't see the blue very well from the top but wanted to include it because it is parti. Ha, now I kind of want this one, it's a cheery yellow

Sri Lanka Natural Yellow-Blue Sapphire 1.16 carat ** VIDEO ** in Ruby and Sapphire

Mastercut is a grey rec! I’m with you on that baby pink one - it is a cute color!

 

[silkystarlight]

If the Finewater sapphire isn't exactly what you want, I'd also ask Dana of Mastercutgems, he might have something that would fit the bill with you -- several years ago I bought the most gorgeous clear-and-blue sapphire from him. I've sold it since, but still think of it from time to time, it was gorgeous. He's got a sale running right now, with some nice light-colored gems that might fit the bill for you?? I went through his sale items and picked out a few that might work for you. His cutting is really lovely.

Not sleepy exactly, but very bright and with color change:

Tanzania natural Unheated Sapphire 1.76 carat ** VIDEO ** in * MOST Recent CUT

This looks promising, a bit sleepy with secondary green:

Natural Unheated Tanzania Sapphire 1.68 carat * VIDEO * in Ruby and Sapphire

This one is pink and I kind of want someone to buy it so I'm not tempted aaaaaaa

Natural Pastel Pink Sapphire 2.27 carat ** VIDEO ** in Ruby and Sapphire

I don't think this one will be sleepy but I bet it is super changeable which you might really like:

Natural Tanzania Sapphire unheated 1.27 carat ** VIDEO ** in Ruby and Sapphire

Ooh, this one will be sleepy!

Tanzania Natural Unheated Tanga Sapphire 3.70 carat ** VIDEO** in Ruby and Sapphire

Another silky one with lots of interesting color combos, it looks like

Tanzania Natural Unheated Sapphire 2.0 carat in Ruby and Sapphire

This is probably brighter than you want and I can't see the blue very well from the top but wanted to include it because it is parti. Ha, now I kind of want this one, it's a cheery yellow

Sri Lanka Natural Yellow-Blue Sapphire 1.16 carat ** VIDEO ** in Ruby and Sapphire

Those are a lot of nice-looking sapphires!! I am definitely most interested in the first; the pics really catch my eye! It's also my favorite because it's round. But, that pretty pink oval and the sleepy 3.70ct oval are also very pretty! I will definitely keep Mastercut Gems in mind while I'm searching!

 

[silkystarlight]

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!

Okay, I'm recalling this, because I emailed Gary and asked if he could include one with my order, and this is what he replied with:

"I don't recommend the use of those temporary ring mounts or metal tweezers, as they can cause chipping or scratches. Even worse, they could shoot the gem off into the distance and it might never be found again. It's best to keep gemstones in their gem cases until set; if you need to handle it please do it carefully with your fingers over a soft surface."

So now I am kind of nervous about getting one... I would only be using it to observe the stone on my finger for short periods of time; I would never actually just wear it with a temp setting like that. Would it be okay if I was only using it sparingly? Or should I just wait, see if I like/want to keep the stone, and if so just wait until then to look for an actual setting for it?

 

[Cerulean]

Okay, I'm recalling this, because I emailed Gary and asked if he could include one with my order, and this is what he replied with:

"I don't recommend the use of those temporary ring mounts or metal tweezers, as they can cause chipping or scratches. Even worse, they could shoot the gem off into the distance and it might never be found again. It's best to keep gemstones in their gem cases until set; if you need to handle it please do it carefully with your fingers over a soft surface."

So now I am kind of nervous about getting one... I would only be using it to observe the stone on my finger for short periods of time; I would never actually just wear it with a temp setting like that. Would it be okay if I was only using it sparingly? Or should I just wait, see if I like/want to keep the stone, and if so just wait until then to look for an actual setting for it?

I wouldn't overthink it. If you are a HUGE klutz...maybe avoid? But if you want to handle it at all...same risks I guess.

I use them for every stone...I think you'd have to really whack it to damage the stone. You can also just keep it in your hands - I just get grubby fingerprints etc. and like the temp mounts to avoid that and get a sense for how the stone looks on my hand.

 

[silkystarlight]

I wouldn't overthink it. If you are a HUGE klutz...maybe avoid? But if you want to handle it at all...same risks I guess.

I use them for every stone...I think you'd have to really whack it to damage the stone. You can also just keep it in your hands - I just get grubby fingerprints etc. and like the temp mounts to avoid that and get a sense for how the stone looks on my hand.

I'd like to think I'm not too clumsy... so I'll just be very very careful and mindful of how I handle it. I'll order a temp mount over amazon then, because I do like the idea of seeing how it'll look on a ring. I'll probably be handling this stone like a newborn baby anyways lol

 

[silkystarlight]

AAAHH... WE HAVE AN ARRIVAL ETA!! Coming from Georgia up to Pennsylvania, my stone should be here by Friday! I don't know how I am going to make it through the next few days without constantly checking the mailbox..... I guess I can bide my time by looking up potential settings (in case I don't end up using it in my engagement ring)

 

[Cerulean]

AAAHH... WE HAVE AN ARRIVAL ETA!! Coming from Georgia up to Pennsylvania, my stone should be here by Friday! I don't know how I am going to make it through the next few days without constantly checking the mailbox..... I guess I can bide my time by looking up potential settings (in case I don't end up using it in my engagement ring)

Squeeeeeee soooo excited for you.

Get a tracking number and obsessively refresh the page instead - it's the lazy version of checking the mailbox

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

Omg the "follow your delivery" feature with UPS is such a blessing and a curse btw. Like, past experience tells me even when it's around-your-area or whatever, it's still going to be hours before delivery. But I still obsessively refresh the page lol.

 

[silkystarlight]

Squeeeeeee soooo excited for you.

Get a tracking number and obsessively refresh the page instead - it's the lazy version of checking the mailbox

I was doing that all of yesterday, and the only thing the tracker would tell me is that the label had been created but there was no other info! It was driving me CRAZY!! That's why I was so happy to wake up this morning and see that I actually had a shipping date.

 

[silkystarlight]

Omg the "follow your delivery" feature with UPS is such a blessing and a curse btw. Like, past experience tells me even when it's around-your-area or whatever, it's still going to be hours before delivery. But I still obsessively refresh the page lol.

Oh man, it really is!! Honestly the worst part for me is going to be Friday, because at least today, tomorrow, and Thursday I have work to keep me busy... but I feel like I'm going to just be checking my phone and waiting by the door all day on Friday!

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

Oh man, it really is!! Honestly the worst part for me is going to be Friday, because at least today, tomorrow, and Thursday I have work to keep me busy... but I feel like I'm going to just be checking my phone and waiting by the door all day on Friday!

Oh no, lol. Yes, Friday is going to be a sloooow day. Hope the delivery happens earlier in the day at least *fingers crossed*

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

It's okay, you can spend that time to stretch your picture finger.

 

[silkystarlight]

SURPRISE!! YOU GUYS, SHE’S ALREADY HERE!!!! And she is LOVELY!!


So of course, first thing I had to get in front of some sunlight and get some pictures!! I hope these photos are okay, they’re just taken with my iPhone... although I have to say, they don't quite do this pretty baby justice. I have videos too but I'm not really sure how to upload them.

So for now, PICTURES!!












Background courtesy of my slippers!






Weirdly enough, when I removed the lid of the little box, the sapphire was stuck to the plastic! I left it there for those hand shots because I figured it would be good not to get fingerprints on the stone itself from handling.


And lastly here, I took this pic at my desk with the flash of my phone (the room itself is kinda dark so this is totally different lighting from the other photos). I think this one showcases the soft yellow-y iridescence. Sooo dreamy...


What do you all think?? I am really quite enamored with how it shifts in the light... the silkiness is GORGEOUS and definitely shows through.... and she is such a lovely soft shade of blue!! Ugh I could go on and on!!!

 

[Cerulean]

SURPRISE!! YOU GUYS, SHE’S ALREADY HERE!!!! And she is LOVELY!!


So of course, first thing I had to get in front of some sunlight and get some pictures!! I hope these photos are okay, they’re just taken with my iPhone... although I have to say, they don't quite do this pretty baby justice. I have videos too but I'm not really sure how to upload them.

So for now, PICTURES!!












Background courtesy of my slippers!






Weirdly enough, when I removed the lid of the little box, the sapphire was stuck to the plastic! I left it there for those hand shots because I figured it would be good not to get fingerprints on the stone itself from handling.


And lastly here, I took this pic at my desk with the flash of my phone (the room itself is kinda dark so this is totally different lighting from the other photos). I think this one showcases the soft yellow-y iridescence. Sooo dreamy...


What do you all think?? I am really quite enamored with how it shifts in the light... the silkiness is GORGEOUS and definitely shows through.... and she is such a lovely soft shade of blue!! Ugh I could go on and on!!!

Honestly - it is a very beautiful, ethereal stone. It compliments your skin tone too and such a nice size - is it what you were envisioning? Is it different, but winning you over? I'm curious to know!

It sounds like a keeper to me.

 

[hkm25]

SURPRISE!! YOU GUYS, SHE’S ALREADY HERE!!!! And she is LOVELY!!


So of course, first thing I had to get in front of some sunlight and get some pictures!! I hope these photos are okay, they’re just taken with my iPhone... although I have to say, they don't quite do this pretty baby justice. I have videos too but I'm not really sure how to upload them.

So for now, PICTURES!!












Background courtesy of my slippers!






Weirdly enough, when I removed the lid of the little box, the sapphire was stuck to the plastic! I left it there for those hand shots because I figured it would be good not to get fingerprints on the stone itself from handling.


And lastly here, I took this pic at my desk with the flash of my phone (the room itself is kinda dark so this is totally different lighting from the other photos). I think this one showcases the soft yellow-y iridescence. Sooo dreamy...


What do you all think?? I am really quite enamored with how it shifts in the light... the silkiness is GORGEOUS and definitely shows through.... and she is such a lovely soft shade of blue!! Ugh I could go on and on!!!

That is so pretty and looks absolutely lovely on your skin tone!

 

[silkystarlight]

Honestly - it is a very beautiful, ethereal stone. It compliments your skin tone too and such a nice size - is it what you were envisioning? Is it different, but winning you over? I'm curious to know!

It sounds like a keeper to me.

Aaaahhh thank you!! While I was waiting for it to arrive, I started having doubts, like "is it really going to be that great in person? is it really worth getting so excited over this??" but like, all of those doubts vanished once I opened the package.

I'll say this first: I am absolutely won over by how shimmery it is, so it is DEFINITELY a keeper! That's for sure! I'm just undecided as to whether I want this in my engagement ring or if I'll make it into its own ring... I've had the vision of a whiter center stone for my ering in my head for so long, so mentally putting this stone in my envisioned setting is kinda breaking my brain a lil bit right now.

I think by now I decidedly have my heart on a 3 ring setting (center round with pears on the side), and since I really really love those opalescent fancy white diamonds, I definitely want to incorporate them into the ering and wband! So, while I feel that little opalescent pear diamonds would look dreamy next to this sapphire... would it be weird to put (what I imagine will be) much more expensive stones next to an under $200 center stone? Is that "proper etiquette" for ring design?? Or should I just follow the "if it looks nice and you love it, go for it" idea? These are questions probably more suited for the separate ering project thread I want to create here lol but I would love your thoughts on this, since you were the one who mentioned fancy white diamonds and TheNorthWay Studio in the first place!

That is so pretty and looks absolutely lovely on your skin tone!

Thank you, thank you!! I've never really gotten compliments on my skin tone before, but it is nice to know that others think this stone looks nice on my hand! My main challenge now, is figuring out what to do with it!

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

It's awesome, and if you download your video to YouTube or Vimeo, etc. you can paste a link into a comment!
There is no etiquette; you make what you love and it will be priceless to you.
I love it's sleepy aspect and I bet it just shimmers.
Annnd I love your slippers.

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

Aaaahhh thank you!! While I was waiting for it to arrive, I started having doubts, like "is it really going to be that great in person? is it really worth getting so excited over this??" but like, all of those doubts vanished once I opened the package.

I'll say this first: I am absolutely won over by how shimmery it is, so it is DEFINITELY a keeper! That's for sure! I'm just undecided as to whether I want this in my engagement ring or if I'll make it into its own ring... I've had the vision of a whiter center stone for my ering in my head for so long, so mentally putting this stone in my envisioned setting is kinda breaking my brain a lil bit right now.

I think by now I decidedly have my heart on a 3 ring setting (center round with pears on the side), and since I really really love those opalescent fancy white diamonds, I definitely want to incorporate them into the ering and wband! So, while I feel that little opalescent pear diamonds would look dreamy next to this sapphire... would it be weird to put (what I imagine will be) much more expensive stones next to an under $200 center stone? Is that "proper etiquette" for ring design?? Or should I just follow the "if it looks nice and you love it, go for it" idea? These are questions probably more suited for the separate ering project thread I want to create here lol but I would love your thoughts on this, since you were the one who mentioned fancy white diamonds and TheNorthWay Studio in the first place!



Thank you, thank you!! I've never really gotten compliments on my skin tone before, but it is nice to know that others think this stone looks nice on my hand! My main challenge now, is figuring out what to do with it!

Such a dreamy stone! Very unique

 

[silkystarlight]

It's awesome, and if you download your video to YouTube or Vimeo, etc. you can paste a link into a comment!
There is no etiquette; you make what you love and it will be priceless to you.
I love it's sleepy aspect and I bet it just shimmers.
Annnd I love your slippers.

Okay, thank you for that tip! I took two videos earlier, one of it in its little box, and another of it over my hand. I apologize for any shakiness and the occasional out-of-focus shots... I was very excited, plus I've never really taken a video of something so up close before lol

What's amazing is, I still feel that these videos do not truly capture the magic of how it shimmers... but I know you get the idea!

and hahaha thanks!! I got them at Barnes & Nobel last weekend half off... they are very cozy!

Such a dreamy stone! Very unique

I am honestly just so pleased with it. And, dreamy is the perfect descriptor... this stone just feels so special!

 

[PreRaphaelite]

Awww it is lovely!

 

[Cerulean]

Aaaahhh thank you!! While I was waiting for it to arrive, I started having doubts, like "is it really going to be that great in person? is it really worth getting so excited over this??" but like, all of those doubts vanished once I opened the package.

I'll say this first: I am absolutely won over by how shimmery it is, so it is DEFINITELY a keeper! That's for sure! I'm just undecided as to whether I want this in my engagement ring or if I'll make it into its own ring... I've had the vision of a whiter center stone for my ering in my head for so long, so mentally putting this stone in my envisioned setting is kinda breaking my brain a lil bit right now.

I think by now I decidedly have my heart on a 3 ring setting (center round with pears on the side), and since I really really love those opalescent fancy white diamonds, I definitely want to incorporate them into the ering and wband! So, while I feel that little opalescent pear diamonds would look dreamy next to this sapphire... would it be weird to put (what I imagine will be) much more expensive stones next to an under $200 center stone? Is that "proper etiquette" for ring design?? Or should I just follow the "if it looks nice and you love it, go for it" idea? These are questions probably more suited for the separate ering project thread I want to create here lol but I would love your thoughts on this, since you were the one who mentioned fancy white diamonds and TheNorthWay Studio in the first place!



Thank you, thank you!! I've never really gotten compliments on my skin tone before, but it is nice to know that others think this stone looks nice on my hand! My main challenge now, is figuring out what to do with it!

So, I wanted to say sorry if I gave an awkward comment (skin tone) - I am a painter and think about color combinations a lot divorced from any social implications. Definitely need to be mindful of that!

SO - I totally get what you mean RE imaging a white stone - I think if that is the case, go with your gut. But give it time to figure it out. For myself - I dove in head first without giving much thought to what I had "in my head" and ultimately got a stone that didn't really scratch the itch. I settled for the first stone that I thought I liked, and it turned out, I should have been more patient. It was a very different set of criteria but my advice is - don't settle. I was also just SO excited to get engaged and set aside my OCD nature (whoops, turns out when the excitement subsides, she rears her head!) You may love this stone (and I don't blame you) - but I think you should get exactly what you want for your e-ring and not compromise. There are always more stones that have yet to be discovered (unless what you are after is a total anomaly...then is a matter of patience, time, money and dumb luck) I also think this stone is gorgeous and would love to see it in a ring regardless! If you choose to not use it as a an e-ring stone - you can also get more playful with the design, as the stakes are lower!

I also love the idea of fancy white diamond side stones - I will say - my hunch is that that will be a very rare pairing - especially a matching pair of pears. (Pair of pears...what a tongue twister!) I would start your hunt ASAP and be prepared to wait or possibly reach out to the designer(s) you intend to work with to inquire about the likelihood of finding such a pair of pears. I had similarly wanted unusual pair of side stones - instead of fancy white - I wanted colorless antique cut pears. I inquired with multiple vendors, both designers and "diamond-only" vendors - never found a pair, as they were too rare and I would have been waiting potentially 1-2 years and perhaps never found them, or would have spent a small fortune on custom cut ones. I could be wrong as I don't know much about fancy colored diamonds - but have a sneaking suspicion that this might be quite a pursuit.

I also think scrap any notion of etiquette and do what pleases you. Honestly. I have seen relatively inexpensive stones in glorious and even over-the-top settings. Unless the very idea of spending so much less on the center stone bugs you....(what PSers refer to as mind clean) - that is another story. I think some folks would balk at spending much more on accoutrement - but it is entirely subjective IMO.

 

[ShinyPink]

It's lovely, but what's best about it is how it makes your heart sing!

 

[silkystarlight]

So, I wanted to say sorry if I gave an awkward comment (skin tone) - I am a painter and think about color combinations a lot divorced from any social implications. Definitely need to be mindful of that!

SO - I totally get what you mean RE imaging a white stone - I think if that is the case, go with your gut. But give it time to figure it out. For myself - I dove in head first without giving much thought to what I had "in my head" and ultimately got a stone that didn't really scratch the itch. I settled for the first stone that I thought I liked, and it turned out, I should have been more patient. It was a very different set of criteria but my advice is - don't settle. I was also just SO excited to get engaged and set aside my OCD nature (whoops, turns out when the excitement subsides, she rears her head!) You may love this stone (and I don't blame you) - but I think you should get exactly what you want for your e-ring and not compromise. There are always more stones that have yet to be discovered (unless what you are after is a total anomaly...then is a matter of patience, time, money and dumb luck) I also think this stone is gorgeous and would love to see it in a ring regardless! If you choose to not use it as a an e-ring stone - you can also get more playful with the design, as the stakes are lower!

I also love the idea of fancy white diamond side stones - I will say - my hunch is that that will be a very rare pairing - especially a matching pair of pears. (Pair of pears...what a tongue twister!) I would start your hunt ASAP and be prepared to wait or possibly reach out to the designer(s) you intend to work with to inquire about the likelihood of finding such a pair of pears. I had similarly wanted unusual pair of side stones - instead of fancy white - I wanted colorless antique cut pears. I inquired with multiple vendors, both designers and "diamond-only" vendors - never found a pair, as they were too rare and I would have been waiting potentially 1-2 years and perhaps never found them, or would have spent a small fortune on custom cut ones. I could be wrong as I don't know much about fancy colored diamonds - but have a sneaking suspicion that this might be quite a pursuit.

I also think scrap any notion of etiquette and do what pleases you. Honestly. I have seen relatively inexpensive stones in glorious and even over-the-top settings. Unless the very idea of spending so much less on the center stone bugs you....(what PSers refer to as mind clean) - that is another story. I think some folks would balk at spending much more on accoutrement - but it is entirely subjective IMO.

Okay, I'm going to stop you right there: your comment was not awkward AT ALL!! I'm an artist (digital and traditional illustration, mostly), plus I was an art minor in college... so I totally get it! I had to take live figure drawing courses, so I got used to looking at naked people pretty quickly in a very professional manner, completely devoid of the usual naked connotation (nowadays I'm still often just like "oh yep look, another body. nice contour lines!" ) so I very much understand your mindset. We can talk colors any time you want; my boyfriend always says he doesn't have the best eye for colors and stuff and will just ask for my opinion. So it's nice to hear from other artistically-inclined minds! Honestly, I was just taken a bit by surprise, thinking "wait... you're talking about my skin?? but... it's just my skin! not that special!" and if anything, I thought it was really nice!


Your words and advice mean a lot... I really appreciate the time you've spent here on this thread helping me out! Initially I thought I might not purchase one of those temp ring settings, y'know just stick it out and wait until I have an actual setting... but I think I am going to get one so I can really see the visual of having this stone on my finger. I have already decided that this little beauty is going to go into a ring... just not 100% sure if it is the stone for my engagement ring. Thankfully, right now, I have time... lots of life factors mean that a formal engagement and even marriage is probably a bit of a ways into the future (not because lack of intention, though! we are both fully on board with this commitment) so I can definitely afford to be patient.

I'm hoping since I think the pear shapes I want are not going to be that big, that I'll have an easier time gathering what I need... so far outside of asking various salt and pepper diamond sellers on Esty, I think my biggest two leads are going to be Leibish and Misfit Diamonds. TheNorthWay Studio shared some gorgeous opalescent diamonds on her Instagram story the other day, so I decided to ask her if she gets all of those diamonds from Misfit, to which she said "yes". And as much as I love her work, I had reached out to Michellia Fine Jewelry on Esty previously about taking on my custom designs because I have followed her work for years and I loooove all of her work so I think I am going to stick with her. Since I saw that Misfit Diamonds only works with jewelers and not directly with customers, I guess I will have to ask Michelle if she can reach out to them. Not sure about other diamond vendors though, so I'll have to either ask about other sources or just do more research. Of course I've made this whole process more difficult by having such particular tastes... it can never be easy!

At the end of the day... these would be MY rings being worn on MY hand 24/7, so I think you're right about just doing what I end up liking the most. I am weirdly (or maybe not that weirdly) a bit worried about what my mother will think... she already knows that I'm not a fan of regular colorless diamonds, and that I am probably going to go with an alternative gemstone ering (and she's fine with that), but one time I had passingly brought up ering ideas and she had mentioned something about saving room for diamonds she would give me?? But she wouldn't tell me WHAT diamonds so I have no idea what she's talking about! That's another problem for another day, though.
But yeah, I know I shouldn't let her opinion overshadow my desires, and I'm not even sure she would try. So while I don't think I would be bothered by a less expensive center stone... idk, I'm hesitant to even share with my mom that I even got this stone! She recently upgraded her original classy (and quite big) solitaire diamond ering into a 3-stone ring, with the pair of diamond studs she got from my dad when I was born put into the sides... it's a beautiful ring, but the stone are so big, and so not me. So I guess I'm worried she will compare?? Ugh. Just need to keep reminding myself: it's MY ring, and it's going to be what *I* want!!


Oof, sorry for writing out a book! Long and short of it - I appreciate you sharing your personal experience... I definitely have some things to keep in mind now, and some soul-searching questions to figure out before setting things in stone (yes, pun intended! ). I've always thought about others, "if it makes you happy and it doesn't hurt anyone, then go for it!" and I guess I just have to more diligently apply that idea to myself.

 

[OdetteOdile]

It's beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing pictures and videos. I can't believe it arrived this quickly!

 

[silkystarlight]

Awww it is lovely!

It's lovely, but what's best about it is how it makes your heart sing!

It's beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing pictures and videos. I can't believe it arrived this quickly!

You guys are all so sweet! I may or may not have just taken a few minutes walking around with the little box, turning the sapphire around under different lights in my bedroom and in the hallway... I just get this big ol' smile every time I watch the silk shimmer and dance! I am so so SO happy that I trusted my gut and jumped on this stone. For "baby's first gemstone purchase", it really feels like a winner!!

I also can't believe it arrived this quickly... that was the icing on the cake! I just hope this positive energy carries on throughout the rest of this week; that would be really nice.

 

[peacechick]

It’s a beautiful, special sapphire! Whether or not you use it for your ering, I think it is a lovely buy. Your first proper gemstone always has a special place in your heart.

Don’t be intimidated by your mom’s diamonds, what she wants and likes is different from you. I enjoy lurking on RockyTalk and admiring all the gorgeous huge diamonds there without craving them for myself. Now I wouldn’t say no if someone offered me an antique old mine cut diamond but it would never replace my original little sapphire ering which has so much meaning to me.

 

[Cerulean]

Okay, I'm going to stop you right there: your comment was not awkward AT ALL!! I'm an artist (digital and traditional illustration, mostly), plus I was an art minor in college... so I totally get it! I had to take live figure drawing courses, so I got used to looking at naked people pretty quickly in a very professional manner, completely devoid of the usual naked connotation (nowadays I'm still often just like "oh yep look, another body. nice contour lines!" ) so I very much understand your mindset. We can talk colors any time you want; my boyfriend always says he doesn't have the best eye for colors and stuff and will just ask for my opinion. So it's nice to hear from other artistically-inclined minds! Honestly, I was just taken a bit by surprise, thinking "wait... you're talking about my skin?? but... it's just my skin! not that special!" and if anything, I thought it was really nice!


Your words and advice mean a lot... I really appreciate the time you've spent here on this thread helping me out! Initially I thought I might not purchase one of those temp ring settings, y'know just stick it out and wait until I have an actual setting... but I think I am going to get one so I can really see the visual of having this stone on my finger. I have already decided that this little beauty is going to go into a ring... just not 100% sure if it is the stone for my engagement ring. Thankfully, right now, I have time... lots of life factors mean that a formal engagement and even marriage is probably a bit of a ways into the future (not because lack of intention, though! we are both fully on board with this commitment) so I can definitely afford to be patient.

I'm hoping since I think the pear shapes I want are not going to be that big, that I'll have an easier time gathering what I need... so far outside of asking various salt and pepper diamond sellers on Esty, I think my biggest two leads are going to be Leibish and Misfit Diamonds. TheNorthWay Studio shared some gorgeous opalescent diamonds on her Instagram story the other day, so I decided to ask her if she gets all of those diamonds from Misfit, to which she said "yes". And as much as I love her work, I had reached out to Michellia Fine Jewelry on Esty previously about taking on my custom designs because I have followed her work for years and I loooove all of her work so I think I am going to stick with her. Since I saw that Misfit Diamonds only works with jewelers and not directly with customers, I guess I will have to ask Michelle if she can reach out to them. Not sure about other diamond vendors though, so I'll have to either ask about other sources or just do more research. Of course I've made this whole process more difficult by having such particular tastes... it can never be easy!

At the end of the day... these would be MY rings being worn on MY hand 24/7, so I think you're right about just doing what I end up liking the most. I am weirdly (or maybe not that weirdly) a bit worried about what my mother will think... she already knows that I'm not a fan of regular colorless diamonds, and that I am probably going to go with an alternative gemstone ering (and she's fine with that), but one time I had passingly brought up ering ideas and she had mentioned something about saving room for diamonds she would give me?? But she wouldn't tell me WHAT diamonds so I have no idea what she's talking about! That's another problem for another day, though.
But yeah, I know I shouldn't let her opinion overshadow my desires, and I'm not even sure she would try. So while I don't think I would be bothered by a less expensive center stone... idk, I'm hesitant to even share with my mom that I even got this stone! She recently upgraded her original classy (and quite big) solitaire diamond ering into a 3-stone ring, with the pair of diamond studs she got from my dad when I was born put into the sides... it's a beautiful ring, but the stone are so big, and so not me. So I guess I'm worried she will compare?? Ugh. Just need to keep reminding myself: it's MY ring, and it's going to be what *I* want!!


Oof, sorry for writing out a book! Long and short of it - I appreciate you sharing your personal experience... I definitely have some things to keep in mind now, and some soul-searching questions to figure out before setting things in stone (yes, pun intended! ). I've always thought about others, "if it makes you happy and it doesn't hurt anyone, then go for it!" and I guess I just have to more diligently apply that idea to myself.

I am so glad you understand and TOTALLY get what you mean about drawing nude models! I started as early as a sophomore in H.S. which definitely normalized it for me in a way that I forget is not the case for others. LOL! Also glad to see a fellow artist on PS!

And honestly, being such a visual person...the temp stone holder was super helpful for me - it might help you either grow attached to the idea of it as your e-ring stone, or help you realize it isn't exactly what you want for that purpose even though you love it all the same. It sounds like now is the perfect time to hem and haw about it too - not like there is much else to do! Also sending you good vibes on all of the exciting life changes you have coming for you! It's a strange time to feel celebratory, but it's also a really interesting time to embrace milestones come hell or high water.

I am glad you already have a designer in mind that you love - that is half of the battle! I am sure that Michelle could reach out to Misfit and help you narrow down size / proportions. Heck, they may also have other contacts too! Especially if you are open to salt and pepper - that might be simpler to find than a FCD that is "clean" (again - just guessing). Only one way to find out! Leibish is also a good place to look - might be a long shot but I know Diamonds by Lauren gets in a fair number of fancy colored diamonds too!

I understand the sensitivity RE momma. It's funny - I had the inverse scenario. I wanted something more traditional compared to my mother. My parents are both artists, and my dad didn't even really appreciate what an e-ring really meant and sees it as materialistic - and I knew my mother would consider my diamond quite large and maybe even ostentatious (over 1 carat) - I was nervous about showing either of them...and sharing my delight in fine jewelry because I didn't want them to judge me. I also have many anti-diamond peers (more about morals than aesthetic although it varies) and felt fuddy duddy or old school for not wanting something funkier. It is funny how wanting a colorless diamond might seem radical in some circles. Alas, I am extremely happy with my "traditional" 3-stone and get so much joy out of it everyday. I think that joy was palpable and my mother was very supportive. You may find the same to be true, and even if it isn't her style, it's about you and your relationship! I still have moments of insecurity, but I know each time that I look at it, I feel like Goldilocks and it's just my 3-little bear-ring and feels just right.

 

[silkystarlight]

I am so glad you understand and TOTALLY get what you mean about drawing nude models! I started as early as a sophomore in H.S. which definitely normalized it for me in a way that I forget is not the case for others. LOL! Also glad to see a fellow artist on PS!

And honestly, being such a visual person...the temp stone holder was super helpful for me - it might help you either grow attached to the idea of it as your e-ring stone, or help you realize it isn't exactly what you want for that purpose even though you love it all the same. It sounds like now is the perfect time to hem and haw about it too - not like there is much else to do! Also sending you good vibes on all of the exciting life changes you have coming for you! It's a strange time to feel celebratory, but it's also a really interesting time to embrace milestones come hell or high water.

I am glad you already have a designer in mind that you love - that is half of the battle! I am sure that Michelle could reach out to Misfit and help you narrow down size / proportions. Heck, they may also have other contacts too! Especially if you are open to salt and pepper - that might be simpler to find than a FCD that is "clean" (again - just guessing). Only one way to find out! Leibish is also a good place to look - might be a long shot but I know Diamonds by Lauren gets in a fair number of fancy colored diamonds too!

I understand the sensitivity RE momma. It's funny - I had the inverse scenario. I wanted something more traditional compared to my mother. My parents are both artists, and my dad didn't even really appreciate what an e-ring really meant and sees it as materialistic - and I knew my mother would consider my diamond quite large and maybe even ostentatious (over 1 carat) - I was nervous about showing either of them...and sharing my delight in fine jewelry because I didn't want them to judge me. I also have many anti-diamond peers (more about morals than aesthetic although it varies) and felt fuddy duddy or old school for not wanting something funkier. It is funny how wanting a colorless diamond might seem radical in some circles. Alas, I am extremely happy with my "traditional" 3-stone and get so much joy out of it everyday. I think that joy was palpable and my mother was very supportive. You may find the same to be true, and even if it isn't her style, it's about you and your relationship! I still have moments of insecurity, but I know each time that I look at it, I feel like Goldilocks and it's just my 3-little bear-ring and feels just right.

Haha yes! Fellow artists, unite! Honestly, it's been really fun for me to take my "art eyes" and pour over different ring designs, trying to break down what I like and don't like, finding historical style influences, etc. and learning lots of new stuff!

I'm mostly just bummed that all of the stone holders I looked at will take a while to ship... the one I ordered isn't expected to be here until the 18th! I'm trying to just think of it as an early birthday treat (my bday is on the 19th!) and put it out of my mind for now. But it's hard when all I want to do is look at my pretty new gem! Ah and in a way, having time to sit and think is a blessing and a curse... I don't feel pressured to rush, but also sometimes I find myself thinking "why isn't anything happening yet?!?" so I'm just trying to remind myself to enjoy the process. Thank you for the good vibes!! Biggest thing coming hopefully is my boyfriend hearing back from the state job he applied and interviewed for... that would be a huge blessing in our lives! Unfortunately everyone says those kind of jobs take FOREVER to hear back from... and their estimate was not until probably the end of this month..... so again we fall back on more waiting! Funny enough, the very end of the month will be our 5-year dating anniversary... so that will be something to celebrate either way!

Funny enough, I've been sharing my ideas with Michelle and she said they might just have to do a custom for a semi-mount and I'll have to provide the stones, since I'm being so particular... but I will definitely ask if she can reach out to Misfit and/or other vendors for the diamonds! I just took a peek over at Diamonds by Lauren and while I didn't find any fancy whites... I saw this beautiful blue fluorescent diamond and immediately clicked on it (oooh shiny!!) and was smacked in the face with its $14,000 price tag and whopping 3 carats! If only it was smaller... (how many PSers would even say that?!) But anyways, I definitely need to make my ering project thread so I can hopefully get lots of help and direction on where to look! Gather all my resources into one place and whatnot.

I'm sorry that you've dealt with that uncertainty and insecurity, although it is nice to not be alone in that regard. I think your ring is gorgeous!! My mom and I have spent lots and lots of bonding time over fashion and jewelry, even though our tastes have definitely diverged as I grew up, she still comes to me and asks for fashion advice, and I do the same! So I think you're on the right track when it comes down to it, I'm sure she will be happy as long as I'm happy. With her ring, it's hard for me to gauge how big her stones are because her fingers are tiny... I'm preeetyy sure the center stone (the one that was her original solitaire) is at least 1.5 carats, and the side stones are not that much smaller. It really is a beautiful blingy setting, but I have a feeling that my designs are going to be beautiful and blingy in their own special way! And thankfully, when it comes to my peers, they all pretty much have the same attitude I do of "if it makes you happy, then great!", although out of my couple-friends, only one other couple has really openly talked about their intentions to get married (and she wants a blue sapphire ering, no diamonds), so I'm a bit hesitant at the moment to share my new love for and dive into the fine jewelry world, if that makes sense? I'm probably just overthining it lol

I am so happy to hear that you feel such joy and wholeness when you look at your ring... I know that's what I'm hoping to achieve!

It’s a beautiful, special sapphire! Whether or not you use it for your ering, I think it is a lovely buy. Your first proper gemstone always has a special place in your heart.

Don’t be intimidated by your mom’s diamonds, what she wants and likes is different from you. I enjoy lurking on RockyTalk and admiring all the gorgeous huge diamonds there without craving them for myself. Now I wouldn’t say no if someone offered me an antique old mine cut diamond but it would never replace my original little sapphire ering which has so much meaning to me.

Aww thank you! And you are definitely right... this sapphire has stolen my heart and I know I will find something special to do with it, if it doesn't go into my ering.

I feel the same exact way... I love the visuals of sparkly huge diamonds, but they're not really something I see for myself. and I would also not say no to an antique diamond... they have some beautiful charm! I've been trying hard in lots of different areas of my life to not be so caught up by my parents' opinions, but it's a hard habit to shake. Having people here reminding me that it's okay for me to like what I like is a big help, so I really appreciate your input!

 

[lovedogs]

Wowwwww I love it!!! So ethereal and lovely. It's perfect on you. And definitely set it exactly the way you want to. If you want fancy white/opalescent diamond side stones then GO FOR IT! I think the combo would be stunning. There are no rules about how to build your dream ring beyond buying what you love. Congrats!!


Keep us updated on your search for side stones and ring creation. I know someone already mentioned leibish for fancy colored diamonds, but I 2nd that idea and bet they can help you find something perfect. If nothing on their website works for you I'd email them. In my experience they are incredibly nice and helpful.