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

[gemandjewelrylover]

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):

I like the north/ south better than the east/west setting. Love the three-stone with the trilliant side stones. The emerald sides look nice too. I like these two settings best with your stone. My 2 cents worth.
(Everyone's photoshop jobs look pretty good to me.). Good luck!

 

[endless_summer]

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

Looking at the photoshopped ideas (I wish I were more tech-savy and could make these), I like N-S with the baguettes, emerald cuts, or though only appearing on the E-W version, the traps. To keep things in budget & the side stones proportional, baguettes may work best, but that's just my best guess and opinion. Re-thought the channel set princess cut idea, and trying to picture a sapphire in my current setting, and for some reason, I don't think it would work nearly as well. Starting from scratch with a custom setting likely will be difficult with your timing, so maybe take a look at brian gavin's or other vendor's stock settings and see if you like something there. You could also save budget-wise going with white gold instead of platinum, though down the road, the white gold may need to be re-plated. And, Chrono did raise an excellent point with the elongated shape of the stone - do look for bow-ties. Elongated shapes do typically have them - it's just a question of whether its minimal or apparent most of the time, so check out the stone in multiple lights (good for checking on the color as well) and multiple strengths of lights to see if the bow-tie triangles really show up only once in a while (in overhead spot lighting will most likely be the time when most apparent, and in some cases could be the only time it readily appears - I'd be fine with this) or all of the time - whether inside, outside in the sun, on an overcast day, etc.

 

[ColinT]

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

Thanks again for all the good info everyone.

Her ring size is a 6.5. I could push my deadline to just before the new year, beyond that and I'm in trouble.

Given the info here, I'm going to forgo anything custom and look for a stock setting.
Going to try to find a three-stone setting first, traps/trillion preferable, but looking at baguettes as well.
Failing that, I'll go with the solitaire.

Hopefully that makes sense, I have very little idea what I'm talking about.

I'm going to keep an eye out for other stones if this doesn't work out, and though I don't really want to, I can always move to a diamond.

I will also look up bow-tying and see what that's about.

 

[Niel]

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

6.5 you could totally do e/w

I would do that if you could find traps in budget. I'd do n/s if you do baguettes. Baguettes will probably be easiest to find in budget and time. Did you call IDjewelry? I wouldn't wait till your sapphire comes in to start calling about settings.

 

[chrono]

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

Colin,
The problem is that the Finewater sapphire most likely needs a custom setting, even if you plan to go with a solitaire setting. It is not a calibrated size and you are very unlikely to find a 8 x 5 mm or 8 x 4 mm stock setting. Rectangular stock settings tend to be 7 x 5, 8 x 6, 9 x 7, etc. You are so pressed for time that I would go ahead and order the sapphire. Going back and forth for additional pictures will not tell you much more. You need to see the indoor/outdoor colour shift, potential bowtie, shape of the stone on her hand, etc. Not everyone looks good with an elongated shaped stone.

 

[carmen1]

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

I know that this isn't the most popular vendor around here, but given your deadline I think you should consider the Natural Sapphire Company. I believe their showroom is in Manhattan, and if I were you I'd make an appointment there as soon as possible to see if they have anything that will work. Here are some possibilities:

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompan...phire-rings/p-52091-blue-sapphire-ring-j4305/

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompan...phire-rings/p-52147-blue-sapphire-ring-j4335/

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompan...apphires/p-32178-radiant-blue-sapphire-b5133/

 

[Niel]

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

Looking at those NSC stones. They all have .25 ctw stones. So I think those Leibish stones could work.

So I'd maybe see how much David klass (that's his name right?) Would do a simple three stone for. Also see if hr could fit your budget. He might be able to start the cad with the measurements. Just thinking out loud. These are the people I'd contact.

 

[FrekeChild]

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

Hold on. Everyone is tossing around all kinds of crazy ideas, but the important person here can't tell us what she wants. So, Colin, what does your girlfriend want for an engagement ring?

I would absolutely NOT do an E/W setting unless she specifically wanted one.

 

[Niel]

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

Very true like PP have said, her opinion and what he wants to get her matter most....and that you should do an e/w setting if you don't think she wants it. But as the OP has expressed he wants some diamond accent, and thinks she may like e/w

So if he likes the idea he can use them. If not, thats ok too

I'm no colored stone expert, so I can only help with the later part of the question.

 

[carmen1]

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

I would absolutely NOT do an E/W setting unless she specifically wanted one.

Agree 100% and suggested that he not surprise her with an E/W setting since they are not for everyone.

ETA: Colin - you mentioned that she didn't know you had switched the plan to get her a sapphire, is she expecting/wanting a diamond? Just wondering what she is hoping for as an engagement ring, since you seem to have had some discussion with her about it and know she didn't want a pave setting.

 

[Starzin]

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

I also like the one you posted Colin (channel set baguettes) and given the time restraint you may be able to more easily find something like this which could just have the head swapped - of course that could happen if you find the perfect 3 stone too, so it's worth taking those pictures with you when you go shopping.

 

[Niel]

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

I think JA charges like 100 to set outside stones (I think)
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-tapered-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7101

also I think they might give like a 1% discount if you pay by wire (so might offset)

And it would be in NY, so maybe you can drop it off? They are still doing "delivery by xmas"

So maybe?

I think the thin baguettes would compliment the thin shape. And the baguettes have a cathedral look.

And if not them. See what IDJ can do.

 

[pregcurious]

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

I agree with the statement that you should find out what your fiance wants. I would not pick such a narrow stone for an ering. I have stones of different sizes/color/shapes, but I would only pick a certain combination for an ering, which I would need to like enough for everyday wear.

The stone you picked is unusual in that it is very narrow, and any way you set it, it will still look somewhat unusual. If this is what your fiance likes, that's a plus. If not, that is a big issue. Because of it's narrow shape, it may be difficult to resell it should you be out of the return period.

Would you consider proposing with this stone, and let your fiance approve of it, and pick the setting? I wish my husband had done this for me.

 

[ColinT]

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

Wow, that's a lot to consider.

I'm not locked into the original stone. After looking at hundreds, that one just struck me when I saw it.

So hypothetically, if we start from scratch, knowing my 3.5Kish budget and time constraints (New Year), and her known preferences (classic, simple, emerald-cut), and my desire to get something a little more special than usual (that's why I'm on the forum and not at the mall), what would be some suggestions?

As always, thanks.

 

[kiwiflea]

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

This may be darker than what you were looking for but the proportions are a bit more classic.

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=6809

 

[movie zombie]

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

propose w/o a ring.....and take her shopping.
sorry.
your time frame is a bit short.
however, you could propose and tell her how special she is and how you want her to have what she wants [within your budget] and would love to have her input and sharing at your side to get that special ring.

eta: imo, the stone Felice posted will be quite quite dark. however, the glints of blue may be fantastic. and the stone may be appropriately priced...I like the cut lots.

 

[Niel]

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

I still think that original sapphire is lovely.

I'd wait for more pictures before saying no.

Its a tad elongated but no more than a marquise. And its not tapered as a marquise so I don't think it would be too unsafe.

 

[pregcurious]

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

This has classic proportions, but it may be smaller than what you want. The same vendor sells on Ebay for a slightly higher price. As sapphires are more dense than diamonds, they will be smaller than diamonds for the same carat weight. The "face up" dimensions are stated on the listing.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/116571668/aigs-certified-unheated-medium-dark-blue?ref=shop_home_active


Silksapphire's ring is what I think of when someone says emerald-cut sapphire ring. The center stone is much larger.

 

[movie zombie]

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

tilt window would drive me mad even at that price.
but that setting is stunning! even with a smaller center color stone and the larger sides it would be stunning!

 

[kiwiflea]

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

Just a couple more...

Eats up most of your budget but would have presence
http://www.simplysapphires.com/blue...blue-ceylon-sapphire-4.05-carats-10.2x7x4.7mm

Similar proportions to the Gary sapphire but is unheated
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/10197

Finding the perfect centre stone is the most important part IMO. A temporary setting may be the solution to the deadline issue so she can choose a setting she will love. Are you set on a blue sapphire or are there other colours/stones you would consider?

 

[movie zombie]

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

I agree with Felice: the center color stone is the most important thing.
you could also buy the stone, present it when you ask for her hand, and have her be a part of the design process.
many of us appreciate and/or appreciated being able to design our own!

 

[pregcurious]

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

Just a couple more...

Eats up most of your budget but would have presence
http://www.simplysapphires.com/blue...blue-ceylon-sapphire-4.05-carats-10.2x7x4.7mm

Similar proportions to the Gary sapphire but is unheated
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/10197

Finding the perfect centre stone is the most important part IMO. A temporary setting may be the solution to the deadline issue so she can choose a setting she will love. Are you set on a blue sapphire or are there other colours/stones you would consider?

The first is stunning in the hand shot.

The second says it is medium dark, which means that stone is much darker than in the picture. I never know how to interpret the pics from Wildfish. Frustrating.

 

[chrono]

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

Need a round diamond and setting in 2 weeks? Easy peasy.
Need a non-round diamond and setting in 2 weeks? Tough but doable.
Need a coloured stone and setting in 2 weeks? Major stress and highly unlikely.

Coloured stones are incredibly difficult to shop for since supply is limited and every stone is different. Getting the setting is the easy part and is much easier and quicker to purchase than getting the center coloured stone.
Do you know the colour she likes?
Do you know if she is particular about the shape?

I would propose without a ring; you can still make it special and memorable by making it a surprise and all the good stuff. I am a non-romantic so I'm sure other PS posters can give far better advice on matters of the heart. E-rings are generally forever so I would go slow to make sure it is exactly what she wants.

 

[minousbijoux]

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

Need a round diamond and setting in 2 weeks? Easy peasy.
Need a non-round diamond and setting in 2 weeks? Tough but doable.
Need a coloured stone and setting in 2 weeks? Major stress and highly unlikely.

Coloured stones are incredibly difficult to shop for since supply is limited and every stone is different. Getting the setting is the easy part and is much easier and quicker to purchase than getting the center coloured stone.
Do you know the colour she likes?
Do you know if she is particular about the shape?

I would propose without a ring; you can still make it special and memorable by making it a surprise and all the good stuff. I am a non-romantic so I'm sure other PS posters can give far better advice on matters of the heart. E-rings are generally forever so I would go slow to make sure it is exactly what she wants.

Agree completely.

 

[NKOTB]

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

Another thought is, if you like the Finewater stone and think she might...You could wait for the pics to be more sure, then buy it and propose with it as a loose stone. Share your ideas with her at that time, see if she likes it, and if not, you'll likely still be within the return period. Then go from there?

 

[Niel]

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

Another thought is, if you like the Finewater stone and think she might...You could wait for the pics to be more sure, then buy it and propose with it as a loose stone. Share your ideas with her at that time, see if she likes it, and if not, you'll likely still be within the return period. Then go from there?

I like that idea.