Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadline

[ColinT]

Hi all,
I've been pouring over this forum for a few weeks now. I've read the guidelines and learned a lot, but still feel woefully uniformed about gemstones. And now I'm under a deadline to make a purchase (I have about 2 weeks).

On the positive side, I've got a good idea of what I'm looking for: a light blue sapphire, emerald cut, 1.5 ct or better. I have a budget of $3K-ish. I found the closest example of what I'm looking for at Finewater Gems, a 1.48 ct Burmese Sapphire,(http://www.finewatergems.com/new-gemstones.html) and was curious to get some feedback from you all on whether this is a good buy or not.

Thanks so much for your help.

 

[endless_summer]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

Personally, I love the color of the sapphire that you've picked, and Gary Braun of Finewater has excellent cut stones. Honestly, the most helpful person to talk to about it would be him. He is very responsive to the Finewater email (you'll need to use the contact form initially), is thoughtful, and I'm sure would answer any questions that you may have about this potential purchase. Good luck, and whatever you decide, please let us know - with pics, of course, if you make the purchase!

 

[ColinT]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

Thanks.
I contacted Gary, he got back to me right away. He put the stone on reserve for me and is going to send some more pics to look at over the weekend. It's very tempting.
I still need to work on a setting. I'm leaning towards a platinum cathedral solitaire setting, which would keep everything nice and simple. Any thoughts on that are also welcome.

 

[FrekeChild]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

I think that stone is gorgeous. Do you have a picture of the kind of setting you'd like?

 

[Niel]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

Stone looks lovely.

I'll just say about the setting that just my personal preference is to have some diamonds on a colored stone e ring. Like even just a few down the band.

But that's just my preference, again.

 

[ColinT]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

Stone looks lovely.

I'll just say about the setting that just my personal preference is to have some diamonds on a colored stone e ring. Like even just a few down the band.

But that's just my preference, again.

See I was leaning that way too. Initially, she said she didn't like the pave setting, so that's out (but that was also, before I switched to a sapphire - shhhhh). I was thinking of a channel or side-stones (maybe?) or just keeping it simple with the solitaire.

She really like the cathedral setting, so I'm good there. Heading in this direction:

 

[endless_summer]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

Stone looks lovely.

I'll just say about the setting that just my personal preference is to have some diamonds on a colored stone e ring. Like even just a few down the band.

But that's just my preference, again.

See I was leaning that way too. Initially, she said she didn't like the pave setting, so that's out (but that was also, before I switched to a sapphire - shhhhh). I was thinking of a channel or side-stones (maybe?) or just keeping it simple with the solitaire.

She really like the cathedral setting, so I'm good there. Heading in this direction:

I also am not the biggest fan of pave (for myself - some folks have beautiful pave pieces), but channel set baguettes or tapered baguettes are a classic, elegant beauty with an emerald shaped stone, or any stone for that matter. I have channel set princess cuts down the sides of my e-ring setting, and I love that option too for the added brilliance. In fact, my setting is pretty gosh darn close to the picture that you've posted just with the added stones

 

[Niel]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

See, if I got a solitaire diamond is think a solitaire is fine. Their is something about a solitaire colored stone that seems like its missing something to me

I like a simple three stone with a colored center. Was your full budget 3k or just for the stone.

They would be lovely and simple with baguettes like mentioned above.

 

[Niel]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

Enjoy my terrible Photoshop from my phone

 

[movie zombie]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

to my eye the stone is too narrow for North/South orientation, especially in the photoshop picture Niel provided.
I think it would be a lovely East/West stone and would look good in such a setting if done East/West.
however, I don't think a good color stone needs any diamonds at all....even as an e-ring....unless your fiancée desires them.
part of my reasons for also thinking East/West works better for this stone is it looks like it will catch on things.....which could be painful to her finger.

 

[Niel]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

to my eye the stone is too narrow for North/South orientation, especially in the photoshop picture Niel provided.
I think it would be a lovely East/West stone and would look good in such a setting if done East/West.
however, I don't think a good color stone needs any diamonds at all....even as an e-ring....unless your fiancée desires them.
part of my reasons for also thinking East/West works better for this stone is it looks like it will catch on things.....which could be painful to her finger.

I agree e/w seems quite appropriate for this stone. However, some might think it a bit too "out there"


Especially if its a surprise. I wear a marquise which has the same thin and long shape. I don't have much problem with it being n/s. So you could do it I think.

And MZ is right. If you're GF doesn't want side diamonds honor that. But if she just didn't want pave, I think baguettes are a nice option. But at the end of the day it's what you and your gf thinks a colored stone e ring looks like. Not me lol

 

[kiwiflea]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

I think the sapphire you have found is gorgeous, and I personally think it could hold its own as a solitaire - especially if you decide to set it east/west.

 

[ColinT]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

I'm starting to agree with both of you that it needs something.

Great idea on the photoshop Niel, now I know what I'll be doing the rest of the night. I can probably do 3.5k on the whole package.

Would trillions be a good idea here? I worry about things getting bulky, cause that's really not what I'm going for.

Maybe something like this? (hasty mockup)

 

[ColinT]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

Whoops, didn't see the newest replies.

East/west is interesting. I'll try to take a look at those.
I'm also slightly concerned about the narrowness of the stone, but she said she likes that shape. She has tiny fingers, does that matter?

Anyway thanks again for everyone's input. Keep sending ideas if you have them.

 

[carmen1]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

I don't think it is too narrow for north-south in the right setting. Rather than a solitaire though, I'd recommend a three stone with more substantial sidestones like these (sorry for the bad photoshop):

 

[ColinT]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

I like the second one. A 3-stone setting doesn't seem like it's 'overcompensating' right?

 

[kiwiflea]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

I agree - north south if you find the right setting. If you want to stay away from diamonds side stones you could do a split shank? You could always go with a simple solitaire with the intention of upgrading further down the track.

 

[Niel]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

I like the second one. A 3-stone setting doesn't seem like it's 'overcompensating' right?

No not at all. If they are sized to look flattering to the center stone, they accent and add to the look

Now I dont know if anyone has brought this up yet, but two weeks isn't going to be a lot of time to get a setting finished. And three stones are hard to do with a tight budget....
Now there's some loose traps over at Leibish but they wouldn't leave too much for a setting.

http://www.fancydiamonds.net/view_diamonds/11226.htm

 

[ColinT]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

You are correct, two weeks is tight.
I'm in New York, I'm going to head down to the diamond district tomorrow and see what they have.

 

[sonyachancs]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

Whoops, didn't see the newest replies.

East/west is interesting. I'll try to take a look at those.
I'm also slightly concerned about the narrowness of the stone, but she said she likes that shape. She has tiny fingers, does that matter?

Anyway thanks again for everyone's input. Keep sending ideas if you have them.

I second the east=west! it feels too narrow north-south alone (this is personal preference, but I would not like a NS orientation for oblong shapes anyway so it's best to get a feel..) a three stone with diamonds on the side, or setting like Niel just got made for her SIL might give it more coverage! https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sil-ring-sapphire-chapter.195472/

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

HI:

Check out Diamond by Lauren in the District...they would have many side stones.....

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/

cheers--Sharon

 

[Niel]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

You are correct, two weeks is tight.
I'm in New York, I'm going to head down to the diamond district tomorrow and see what they have.

Oh good.

I wonder if the group knows, is IDjewelry in the DD?

if anyone could get a three stone for 1k and by xmas, I'd think it would be them

 

[kiwiflea]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

If you decide on a 3 stone ring I think traps like the ones Neil posted would be the best shape for your sapphire.

 

[carmen1]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

I agree with Niel - if you are in NYC, ID Jewelry would be a great place to look for a setting with your parameters.

I love east-west settings, but I think this stone is so oblong that would be a very contemporary/modern look. If your girlfriend didn't specify that she wanted that look I wouldn't surprise her with it, it is not for everyone.

Also, as a previous poster noted, if sidestones aren't in your budget, then a wide split shank may be a good alternative. Something like this, but without the pave since she doesn't like it:

 

[Niel]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

Now I know its hard but ignore the color and the side pave. Is this too quirky?

Like I said if its a surprise I don't think its a good idea. Unless you know she loves quirkiness

 

[ColinT]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

I kinda like the split shank, but I don't think she would.

I don't think quirky is a bad thing, just as long as we don't stay too far from classy/sleek.

 

[Niel]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

I kinda like the split shank, but I don't think she would.

I don't think quirky is a bad thing, just as long as we don't stay too far from classy/sleek.

I think, IMHO, a three stone with trapezoids or emerald cuts in a plain shank would be both different and classic. As hardly anything is more classic than a three stone. Set it n/w you keep the classic look remove the quirk.

You said she has thin fingers. What's her size?

Also. Is it an absolute must to have it by (I assume) Christmas?

 

[chrono]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

What is your backup plan if this sapphire turns out to not be a stone you like? Sapphires can be shifty and look grayer or violetish indoors. I cannot predict how this one will shift. Since it is very skinny, I would also want to observe if it has a bowtie effect first.

If this is THE one, my preference is a 3 stone setting with 2 long and skinny-ish emerald cuts. Step cut sidestones are more subtle and goes well with the shape and cut design of the sapphire. Without knowing her finger size, I don't know if she has sufficient finger real estate to pull off an EW setting that is 8 mm wide.

2 weeks is extremely rushed for a custom setting which you'll need for this stone's uncalibrated size, regardless of a 3 stone or solitaire setting. I am also concerned with finding the right sapphire in time if this one doesn't work out. Vendors are also swamped with other last minute Christmas orders. Can you propose with a loose stone or something temporary when all else fails?

 

[Niel]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

If her finger is large enough. Here's a better representation of what it would look like.
Classic I think. Even if it is different.

 

[NKOTB]

Re: Looking for a blue sapphire for engagement ring, w/deadl

I think it's a beautiful stone, but share some of Chrono's concerns. A solitaire would probably be easier to swing super fast, vs. a 3-stone, though I do like the idea of a 3-stone. As someone with small sized fingers, I'm not a fan of east-west (on my finger), but that could just be a personal thing, I know a lot of others on the boards like that.

If you're on a tight timeline, I might not wait until the weekend just to look at pictures, because you'll want to see the stone in hand to really make a firm decision.