Looking for advice on creating my dream engagement ring!

[ohlry]

Hello! I'm new to Pricescope, and have decided to dip my toe in the water with a request for some advice. Everyone here is so incredibly knowledgeable, and I feel a little overwhelmed with all the new information I've come across in the last few weeks, so I'm hoping you might be able to steer my thoughts in the right direction.

My boyfriend and I are inching toward engagement, and the perfectionist in me has been absolutely obsessing over finding the perfect ring. Well, in a stroke of luck, I randomly came across a picture of Kate Beckinsale's set, and the angels sang! I love emerald cut stones, as well as thinner bands, and I think the east-west setting is a really fresh take...plus I love the idea of stacking small rings...I could go on, but I'll leave it at that! Needless to say, I'm pretty much hoping to replicate Ms. Beckinsale's engagement ring as closely as possible.



There are a few complicating factors, of course. First, my boyfriend, for reasons I won't go into, is not interested in purchasing a diamond for the center stone (a decision that I support), so I'm looking for an alternative stone. Aesthetically, I prefer a colorless or very pale stone (less worry of it clashing with outfits/other jewelry, less chance I'll tire of a specific color, more "bridal", etc.), and from the research I've done, I'm pretty certain I've landed on sapphire as my stone of choice (mainly because of its durability). My thought is to get a stone in the champagne/blush champagne color...perhaps something along the lines of the stone in this honker of a ring:



I'm also open to the idea of a white/colorless sapphire. I wonder, though, whether my preferences are leading me toward a dud of a stone. I know sapphires tend to be valued more for their color saturation, so my interest in a very pale sapphire is kind of unpopular. Is that because pale sapphires are...ugly? I'm also aware of the perceived downsides of step cut stones (less sparkly and whatnot), so is a pale colored, step cut sapphire just a bad idea all around? I'm debating about whether I should contact a precision cutter to see if they can do anything in the neighborhood of what I'm looking for; do you think the expertise of a master gem cutter would enable this kind of stone to be "engagement ring worthy," or have I just landed on a set of parameters that don't add up to a pretty stone?

To make things more difficult, I'm also operating with a ~$2,000 budget. Am I absolutely crazy to even consider finding a sapphire and having this ring custom made for that price? I've been trying to get an idea for how much it might cost to have the ring made, but I'm not really finding anything definitive. My thought (well, hope) was that I might be able to find a sapphire for around $500-600 (I'll be looking for a stone in the 1.3-1.5 carat range...I think!), then have the rest of my budget available for the setting, but I have no idea whether that's feasible.

So, that's my current debacle in a (very large) nutshell. I'd be so grateful for any help you all can offer to get me closer to my dream engagement ring!

 

[chrono]

Welcome to Pricescope and hello to another emerald cut stone appreciator! That's a lovely ring you've posted and my own e-ring is a EW set emerald cut diamond.

You are at least aware of the many cons with attempting to replicate this ring. The problem with trying to replicate a diamond is that no other stone comes close, which is why people are still buying diamonds and not CZ, mossinite, white zircon, white sapphire and other simulants. There's not just the matter of durability but also dispersion or RI. Diamond has very high refractive index and will give you lovely rainbow dispersion which no other stone can match. Even when cut into steps, you'll still get huge rainbow flashes. With a white sapphire, you'll get "boring" white flash. Are you all right with that?

You might be able to get away with a pale stone but you'll still get that pale flash, not rainbow colours. There is also the high risk that many pale stones tend to be pale gray or pale brown, rather than pale champagne or blush. Again, pale coloured diamonds are a different story because of their rainbow dispersion. Add step cuts to that and you know where we are headed...

The third factor? Most stone are not cut into an emerald cut because it is a very boring cut for the colourless or pale version of a coloured gemstone. It is generally rather plain and unattractive. If cut this way, it is only because it follows the natural shape of the rough and so is cut to save weight.

You have put the bulk of your budget into the setting; usually most people get the right stone first because you can always get the setting later. It is easier to get the setting than the stone. Depending on the workmanship, a very thin pave setting as shown is very VERY expensive unless you opt to buy online from one of the Chinese eBay vendors.

 

[ohlry]

Thank you for your reply! I know you're right about the many benefits of diamonds, but for my particular case going with a diamond is simply not an option (at least for the center stone). That's a big part of why I'm turning to the experts here at PS for some advice...I'd like to find the very BEST alternative!

You confirmed some of the suspicions I had about a pale emerald cut sapphire, and I thank you for that. Time to send my search in a slightly different direction! One of the things I really like about emerald cut stones is the rectangular shape (so I can employ the east-west setting), so maybe I'd have more luck with another rectangular cut? Perhaps something like this:

http://www.gemselect.com/sapphire/sapphire-292515.php#

I'm not super confident in Gem Select as a vendor based on the little research I've done on them, but, again, I'm hoping that if I present my criteria to an excellent gem cutter, I might end up with a beautiful stone that wouldn't suffer from some of the pitfalls I might find elsewhere (inferior cutting, the gray/brown tendency that you mentioned, etc.).

You mentioned that a setting such as the one I posted would be very expensive, and I don't doubt it! I realize that my $2,000 budget sets some limitations, and I'm prepared to make some alterations to Ms. Beckinsale's setting to allow it to fit my budget. I wonder, if I opted for a setting that's pretty much pre-made, like this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...o-micro-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1011.htm

...could they do an east-west setting without it costing tons more?

Again, TIA for reading and offering any opinions!

 

[chrono]

The Gem Select sapphire might have a minor cut issue but considering the price, I think it becomes negligible. It is a little shallow and actually, I think the modified scissor cut is a good choice for it over a step cut. Are you open to such a cut? It makes for a livelier stone.

Based on WF's picture, I don't think it'll cost much more to modify the basket because it isn't integrated into the band.

Other possible options (note that you probably have to clean these stones often or they won't "perform":

Danburite (link to AJS' inventory is right there)
http://www.ajsgem.com/gemstone-information/danburite-98.html
White spinel
White topaz

I presume you do not want a synthetic stone, correct?

 

[SB621]

Chrono is Zircon to soft for an ering? Please excuse the question as I have been up with a sick toddler since 4am this morning and my brain is rather fuzzy at the moment.

I was thinking about this zircon from dana. It is sold and way to big but do you like the color? you could ask him about anything like it but smaller. Dana is hit or miss with communication but when he is on he is great to work with.

http://mastercutgems.com/viewgem.php?gemid=6361&id=23771

 

[chrono]

Zircons are too brittle for everyday wear in a ring - it is prone to facet abrasion and chipping.

ETA
Sarahbear, I hope your little one gets better soon.

 

[distracts]

Well, most of these aren't the color you're looking for, but they are all light!

http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=5478
http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=8513
http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=8538
http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=5945
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?-90021534
http://diamondbistro.com/category/229/Sapphire/listings/28376/sale-pair-6mm-cushiony-peach-champagne-sapphires.html

I think going with a light-colored gem is much better than going with a colorless one, because no colorless gem is going to look like a diamond and it will seem (to yourself and to others) to be lacking something. But if it has a bit of color, even if light, I think that offsets that and adds interest. I have a pastel ring with a light blue sapphire and light chrysoberyl sides (greeny yellow), and it is absolutely beautiful. The sapphire is very sparkly, but pale enough so that the color isn't obtrusive (unlike the sapphire on my e-ring, which is BAM! IN YOUR FACE! ... which I love). And it gets a ton of compliments. But... I love colored stones, and love them because they are colorful. And my method of "matching" is throwing colors that I like together and willing them to work, which I understand is not the way everyone operates. But I am also mentioning the light blue because I originally wanted a light greyish/blue sapphire for my e-ring, but it didn't work because I also wanted diamond sides and there just wasn't enough of a color difference to make it worthwhile.

This stone is from the same place as mine (Mastercut Gems) and looks like my stone's sister (though it may be a little darker)... http://diamondbistro.com/category/219/Colored-Center-Stone/listings/31143/14k-167-Light-Blue-Sapphire-25-ctw-Diamond-halo.html AND it's in an east-west setting. I know it's not an emerald cut and is a halo, but if you like that ring it could be a great option. Still unique and would look great with stacking bands.

 

[distracts]

Oooh, this blush spinel from Gemcal looks pretty:
http://gemcal.com/fancy-spinel-1-72-cts-2695

 

[Rosebloom]

That blush spinel looks like just what you're looking for! Great find. And a spinel will be more sparkly than many other options. Also when your anniversary rolls around and you're ready to start adding some stacking bands, you may want to check out ID Jewelers. They have a few eternity and stacking bands that many Pricescopers have and love for very competitive prices. Do a search on PS and see if you like the look. They could do one that looks almost exactly like Kate Beckinsale's with pink sapphires and diamonds for under a thousand dollars.

Also, for what it's worth, I have a blue sapphire engagement ring and I have found that I never worry about it matching my other jewelry or accessories nor do I worry of growing tired of it because it's such a classic choice.

What you're looking to create will be beautiful! Good luck!

 

[ohlry]

Thank you so much for your help! I definitely have a lot to mull over, but of course, that's all part of the fun, isn't it?

 

[ieatbugs]

You are at least aware of the many cons with attempting to replicate this ring. The problem with trying to replicate a diamond is that no other stone comes close, which is why people are still buying diamonds and not CZ, mossinite, white zircon, white sapphire and other simulants. There's not just the matter of durability but also dispersion or RI. Diamond has very high refractive index and will give you lovely rainbow dispersion which no other stone can match. .

I thought that Moissanite had double the refractive index of diamond?

 

[chrono]

The RI of mossanite is only 0.2 higher than a diamond, not double. It has the unfortunate con of looking slightly greenish in larger sizes and is doubly refractive so it might appear hazy to the eye. It has double the birefringence of a diamond though.

 

[innerkitten]

Thank you for your reply! I know you're right about the many benefits of diamonds, but for my particular case going with a diamond is simply not an option (at least for the center stone). That's a big part of why I'm turning to the experts here at PS for some advice...I'd like to find the very BEST alternative!

You confirmed some of the suspicions I had about a pale emerald cut sapphire, and I thank you for that. Time to send my search in a slightly different direction! One of the things I really like about emerald cut stones is the rectangular shape (so I can employ the east-west setting), so maybe I'd have more luck with another rectangular cut? Perhaps something like this:

http://www.gemselect.com/sapphire/sapphire-292515.php#

I'm not super confident in Gem Select as a vendor based on the little research I've done on them, but, again, I'm hoping that if I present my criteria to an excellent gem cutter, I might end up with a beautiful stone that wouldn't suffer from some of the pitfalls I might find elsewhere (inferior cutting, the gray/brown tendency that you mentioned, etc.).

You mentioned that a setting such as the one I posted would be very expensive, and I don't doubt it! I realize that my $2,000 budget sets some limitations, and I'm prepared to make some alterations to Ms. Beckinsale's setting to allow it to fit my budget. I wonder, if I opted for a setting that's pretty much pre-made, like this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagemen...o-micro-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-1011.htm

...could they do an east-west setting without it costing tons more?

Again, TIA for reading and offering any opinions!

I like pastels! How about a long cushion cut?

 

[innerkitten]

You are at least aware of the many cons with attempting to replicate this ring. The problem with trying to replicate a diamond is that no other stone comes close, which is why people are still buying diamonds and not CZ, mossinite, white zircon, white sapphire and other simulants. There's not just the matter of durability but also dispersion or RI. Diamond has very high refractive index and will give you lovely rainbow dispersion which no other stone can match. .

I thought that Moissanite had double the refractive index of diamond?

I don't know much about it. Comes in colors though.

 

[innerkitten]

That blush spinel looks like just what you're looking for! Great find. And a spinel will be more sparkly than many other options. Also when your anniversary rolls around and you're ready to start adding some stacking bands, you may want to check out ID Jewelers. They have a few eternity and stacking bands that many Pricescopers have and love for very competitive prices. Do a search on PS and see if you like the look. They could do one that looks almost exactly like Kate Beckinsale's with pink sapphires and diamonds for under a thousand dollars.

Also, for what it's worth, I have a blue sapphire engagement ring and I have found that I never worry about it matching my other jewelry or accessories nor do I worry of growing tired of it because it's such a classic choice.

What you're looking to create will be beautiful! Good luck!

I agree a light blue sapphire would go with everything. And blush spinel would be really pretty ( possibly shifty) and sparkly

 

[SB621]

Zircons are too brittle for everyday wear in a ring - it is prone to facet abrasion and chipping.

ETA
Sarahbear, I hope your little one gets better soon.

Thanks Chrono! I was thinking soft not brittle but I thought it would be better to ask- I do horrible with information when I'm on 000 hours of sleep. And yes he is doing much better right now. He was up for 3 straight days at 4am but sleep till 5:30am this morning. It's sad that I think that is sleeping in!