looking for a sapphire for e-ring

[laural]

hi everyone,

here's yet another post for a sapphire search. i recently decided that i would like a sapphire for my e-ring. my research led me here, for which i am both thankful and a bit daunted! after reading through lots of posts on stone sourcing and ring design (i.e. steve needs a ring), i was inspired to go with the victor canera trueste setting: http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/the-trueste-solitaire-with-emerald.html

now i need a stone, and this has been more difficult than i thought. here are my specs so far:

budget: $2,000 (can possibly go up to $2,500, but would prefer not to spend that much)
cut: squarish precision cut
treatment: heated ok
color: kashmir-ish, i think?
size: 6.5-7mm
deadline: preferably within 2 months

not sure if technically the color of kashmir sapphires matches what i have in mind, but this one on jeff white's gallery looks lovely to me: http://www.whitesgems.com/gallery/SAP008.htm

i think i would be okay with a slightly purplish hue as well.

my questions:

1) i've emailed jeff and am waiting to hear back. any recommendations on who else to contact?
2) is my budget reasonable for a very fine quality stone? since i plan to put it in a solitaire setting, it's important that the stone is cut very well and is very scintillating. any recommendations on the cut to maximize brilliance?
3) will 6.5-7mm provide good coverage for a size 4 finger? i have trouble visualizing how that might look... i'm not flashy and would prefer a more modest stone, but would like it to make a decent statement as well.

thanks very much in advance!

laura

 

[chrono]

Your budget should cover a 2 carat heated blue sapphire for the colour you are looking for. If you like that particular sapphire, it's best to stick with Jeff since he knows exactly what you are looking for and is likely to be able to procure that material again. I would leave the cut design up to Jeff or whichever precision lapidary you choose; they always select a design that is best for the material.

To help visualize a 7 mm stone on your finger, draw out a 7 mm square (with rounded corners), cut it out, then place it on your finger. Can't go wrong that way.

 

[laural]

thanks, chrono! and good idea on the visual approximation...off to do that now!

 

[distracts]

I have a size 4.5 finger and a 7mm square cushion sapphire. My setting is significantly different from yours, but maybe my pictures can give you some idea of the size anyway: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sapphire-engagement-ring.166865/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sapphire-engagement-ring.166865/[/URL] I really need to update the pictures in that thread, as I've gotten a whole lot better at taking bling pics since I've joined PS! For me the size is perfect - most days I look down and think it is just right or even a smidge big-looking. I think I wouldn't think the latter if it was in a solitaire.

The cutting-out-the-piece-of-paper trick works well too.

 

[laural]

that's really helpful, thank you! i'm thinking ~7mm would be perfect. oh and wow, your ring is stunning. it's making me wonder if i should choose a setting with some accent diamonds...