Looking for advice on very first purchase.

[NexivRed]

Hi everyone, this is my first ever post here but I have been reading the forum for over a year now. Just can't get enough of the eye candy threads! I'm from the UK though, and I know most of the posters and links are American based so I hope it's okay to join and ask advice here My name is Jen.
It's quite strange really, because it's only recently I've realised how much I really love coloured gemstones, especially in rings. Like, love to the point of when I see one I like I get goosebumps! I know I'm in the right place here when talking like this

A little about my current jewellery. I'm afraid it's rather meagre in that I own a .20 carat round cut diamond solitaire set in 18k white gold. It was my original engagement ring my partner gave me back in 2007 but we are just together, not married. In fact I wear it as a RHR because I lost weight and it no longer fit my ring finger, it's on my middle.
Other than that my jewellery is either costume or I do have a couple of simulant pieces but I won't talk about those here

So anyway, I promised myself that one day I would purchase for myself a real and beautiful gem. Also that I would set it in a setting of my choice. That day's come around rather bitter sweetly, as my dear Grandad who passed away earlier this year left me some money. It's not a huge amount, and I won't be spending it all on this one idea, but I would very much like to invest some in a ring. It doesn't have to be the most amazing 5 carat rock in a platinum setting, just something to both remember my Grandad by and to hand down to my children in the future.


I'm not too sure where to start really. I suppose a good idea of budget would help so I'm thinking somewhere around the £300 mark. That's a starting point but I am open to being realistic about what I can get.
Gem wise I'm not looking for any specific type gem, it will be the individual colour and cut of a gem that will catch my eye. However my birthstone is January and my favourite colour is green, so I do want to own a Tsav at some point! Whether I can do it with this budget I'm not sure. Other colours I like are vivid blues and pinky orange gems. Something with good saturation.
I'm looking to wear it as an occasional RHR, but something with a hardness of above 5-6 I think would be needed, especially as I'm not a fan of bezel settings.
Setting wise I love those where the band comes up either side of gem. I do very much like something I saw described as a swan setting. I also like paving but I'm not sure about halos. I don't think I need to worry about that with this budget though! Metal wise, either a silver metal or rose gold. Whichever was to suit the gem better. I'm personally not fussed about what metal it is, I'd rather choose the metal that was right for the job and was within budget rather than setting my heart on one. I don't know if anyone works with solid silver for custom ring settings, but I would be more than happy if my first piece was silver.
My favourite stone shapes are the rounded shapes. Round and cushion come first, followed by asscher and trillion. I don't really like pear and I'm not too sure on oval yet. I'd look at princess cuts but always have it in the back of my mind my partner doesn't care for them much.

Well, I hope I've shared enough information with you all to get a little advice. I know how knowledgeable you all are, and I'm really encouraged by all the success stories of people and their rings they had help to create I look forward to hearing what you have to say


Edit: I just wanted to add that I value the cut and the clarity over the carat weight of a gem. The colour and shape are not as important, more that they're different and more about a personal preference. But more than anything I want a really lovely example over and above a big gemstone.

 

[marymm]

If your budget is 300 pounds, I think that is about 460 US dollars...

This is a small Tsavorite but it packs a punch of color and is very well-cut - the vendor is on e-Bay but I think quite a number of PSers have bought from him - I bookmarked this Tsav because the green is just so pretty: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vivid-emera...398?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebe6f629e

Since you're in the UK, not sure if you'd want to the stone sent directly to you so you could examine it first during the return-period, and then have a local jeweler set it if you like it? Or, take a gamble, and have the stone sent directly to a US vendor like Daniel M jewelry on the Etsy site, and have it set in a setting like this maybe? http://www.etsy.com/transaction/77845655 I know Daniel M has UK & European customers.

Your other option is to put the entire budget into the loose stone, and then wait to set it until your jewelry budget builds up again?

and, Welcome to the PS community!

 

[NexivRed]

Thank you for your reply, the colour of that Tsavorite is amazing! It's a proper pure green green, the kind of green I always wanted one to be if you know what I mean.
Ideally I would like to be able to view a gem in person first, but I don't know how practical that would be if the gem were to come from overseas. How do gem prices compare between the UK and USA? Does anyone know of any respected gem vendors in the UK? I don't mind travelling to see them in person. I'm in East Anglia.

That setting is nice in that I love the mix of both the rose and white gold. However it is a little plain for me but cost of setting is where I draw a blank. With a budget like £300 am I looking to be spending more than half on the setting itself? My budget can increase, it depends on my gut feeling really. When you suddenly come into money, there's always a million things you want to spend it on! My total sum also depends on the sale of an asset so it could be increased.

You've given me a really good start though. That gem is stunning and twice the size of my diamond, and beautiful cut to boot. Perhaps I should research settings a little more to see how simple I need to go.

Thank you again.


Edit:
From the same vendor I'm also drawn to this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Orange-pink-tourmaline-Nigeria-2-00-carats-/200681605346?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item2eb98e48e2
I love the colour although I'm not mad on the shape. At first glance it looks to have places of extinction I read it's called, but the vendor says they're not present in the stone.
From that Etsy vendor I like the profile of this setting http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/106630954/split-shank-trellis-ring?ref=shop_home_feat however I don't like split shanks. That setting is in silver and the price seems to include the gems as well, so would it be fair to assume such a setting would be around the £200 mark?
Just found this from another of the threads and it is beautiful! I would stretch for a mounting like this in solid gold http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-0MM-Solid-18ct-White-Gold-Diamond-Pretty-Style-Semi-Mount-Ring-Settings-/271233572558?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3f26c7dece

 

[vickygigi]

Beau is a great vendor! He has beautiful stones, he's honest and a heck of a nice guy too. I have bought from Beau and I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him again. Good luck and welcome.

 

[chrono]

All right, here's your requirements in a nut shell:
Budget = $450 USD. You'll need to set aside a certain sum for the usual taxes.
Gem = Green preferred, vivid blue and pinky orange with good saturation and cut. Round or cushion preferred.
Setting = silver or rose gold solitaire.

There are many Etsy vendors who work with solid silver settings as this may be your only choice. A plain generic off the shelf (aka Stuller) 4 prong setting alone costs in the $200 range, which eats up your budget right off the bat. Let's not forget there's shipping, tax, setting labour and most of all, the stone itself.

It will be next to impossible to find asschers and trilliants. I do not advise princess cuts due to the high risk of damage to the pointy ends. The tsavorite from Beauwy looks to be a decent buy. The colour looks good although not the usual medium dark. That said, I like medium tones so I am biased. Being that small, I doubt you'll see the sugar inclusions although it may appear silky when light strikes it just right.

 

[carmen1]

Since you like pinky-orage colored stones, maybe a malaya garnet? Here is a round: http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-CUT-TOP...539?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item48351b3fb3

 

[MAC-W]

Not a Tsavorite, but still a green garnet (demantoid)

http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=9362

It uses up most of your budget but you can get cheap silver settings from eBay such as
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antiques-Art-4mm-Round-Cut-Semi-Mount-Settings-Filigree-Ring-Ladies-Silver-Ring-/281055041001?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item41702f95e9 or
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-mm-Round-Sterling-silver-925-Gold-Engagement-Wedding-Ring-Sets-Semi-Mount-Ring-/281020399710?pt=US_Engagement_Ring_Settings&hash=item416e1f005 or
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4mm-Round-Solitaire-Semi-Mount-Setting-Silver-Plated-In-White-Gold-Setting-Ring-/271226025777?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_without_Stones&hash=item3f2654b731

 

[carmen1]

Since you like pinky-orage colored stones, maybe a malaya garnet? Here is a round: http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-CUT-TOP...539?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item48351b3fb3

Just wanted to come back to mention that if you do choose an orangy-pink stone, they look so nice in rose gold. I love MakingTheGrade's Malaya Garnet in Rose Gold ring seen here: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-new-rings-malaya-garnet-and-oyo-tourm.143957/

That particular setting runs $330 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-5mm-ROUND...55192979?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item5646cf8693), so with a $112 garnet it could be close to your price target depending on shipping, tax, and the cost of having it set.

Hope that helps!

 

[wordie89]

Welcome NexiRed! You will have fun on your treasure hunt.

If the priority is to buy it and wear it I do like the demantoid; it is very pretty. The tsav is also nice and as Chrono pointed out the sugar isn't eye visible. Very sparkly from the photos. They're in your budget. Jeff Davies has some nice stones, he posts new ones on pinterest and also has an ebay store. This is a rectangular sapphire in your price range, http://pinterest.com/pin/454441418620200163/

If you're willing to buy stone first and set later then that may open up your budget a little more. However, I have to say, I have a number of stones sitting in my drawer, waiting to be set. I pull them out and set them on my desk sometimes so I can admire them. Or I take them out by the pool to admire them in the sun. I'm pretty sure my neighbors think I'm wacky, staring into my cupped hand, turning this way and that! Anyway, here's one from Lisa Elser is in Canada. She just listed a lovely round tsav but it's double your budget. http://www.lisaelser.com/catalog/item/8817494/9906735.htm

I have a ring being made with Daniel M, my first. I will post it so you can see another example of his work. I chose him as he works in argentium which is a non tarnishing silver. Also he had many positive reviews here and my experience with him and Caren has been positive. We've been in convo for about a year, just emailing ideas and info. Once I finalized a request it seems it will take about 5-6 weeks.

Good luck!

 

[distracts]

That setting is nice in that I love the mix of both the rose and white gold. However it is a little plain for me but cost of setting is where I draw a blank. With a budget like £300 am I looking to be spending more than half on the setting itself? My budget can increase, it depends on my gut feeling really. When you suddenly come into money, there's always a million things you want to spend it on! My total sum also depends on the sale of an asset so it could be increased.

Yes, you're likely looking to spend more than half on the setting. Settings are unfortunately expensive.

For the Jewelryhoo setting, the setting, plus the stone, plus mounting costs, plus taxes, probably put you into twice your stated budget.

I wonder if you would like one like these (she can change metal/stone so you could get a tsavorite or whatever):
http://www.etsy.com/listing/157252460/sale-rose-gold-halo-ring-with-cushion?ref=shop_home_active
http://www.etsy.com/listing/111216088/sale-14k-rose-gold-filigree-ring-with?ref=shop_home_active
Still very pretty but would come in under the price of the ebay setting. I have a lot of earrings from this shop and really like the seller.

 

[NexivRed]

Hi everyone, thanks for the advice and digging around you've done for me Really starting to get a feel for things now. The gems available and how my budget is going to fair. As I said in my first post, if I feel it's worth it then I am willing to increase the budget. It's one of those things where it's all so new that it's sort of scary saying "Well yes, I'm going to spend £800 on this!", but of course buying jewellery like this is probably a lot different to buying say, a new TV. So yeah, I think I would be comfortable going over £300 for the right gem and setting because I think it will be really worth it to me. When I wear it and remember where the money came from and know I've bought something that will hold it's value better than any pair of shoes I could spend the cash on, I think I'd feel good

It's great to find someone who has good rep. I'll bookmark him as someone I could purchase a gem off of.

With regards to the extras such as tax and shipping and the labour to have it set, are there any ball park figures at all? For example, am I gonna be paying through the nose in tax etc if I choose a gem from the US, have it shipped here to look at it, then shipped back to a US setter, and then back to me finally? Would that be a really bad way to go about things?

Thank you, I will look into other types of garnet. I'm not crazy on the colour of that particular gem, but the more I look at gems the more the pinky/orange ones are standing out to me. In order of colour preference I actually think I am:
- pinky/orange (think padparadscha, a gem I DREAM of owning)
- saturated blues
- vivid pinks (in love with some of the spinals on this board!), aquas (think paraiba) and the rich greens like the tsavs
- also get excited about colour changers, but I think for my budget I'd be sacrificing cut and clarity and everything really, so I'll stick with something simple for my first (of many! )

It's good to know that if I blow my budget on a stone, I can still get it mounted. those are very good prices. Is that a reputable seller?

Carmen, YES you are totally right about the rose gold with the pinky orangey gems. They look completely different. And although I'm not crazy about that particular setting, I have fallen in LOVE with another from the same vendor! This one! http://www.ebay.com/itm/7mm-CUSHION-CUT-14K-Two-Tone-GOLD-42ct-DIAMOND-Milgrain-Legacy-SEMI-MOUNT-RING-/370556028926?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item5646dc47fe
I took a closer look at it cos I've always been a little fascinated by the halos, and also cos I love the combo of the white and rose gold. But then when I saw the picture showing the profile of the setting, WOW! I think it's just so stunning and I would get a hellova lot of joy looking at that every day Let alone with a gorgeous gem in it as well! Just sliiiiiightly over my (whole) budget at £377 lol, but if the right cushion cut gem came up then that combo would be a serious contender.

I am having so much fun. This is almost like a hobby I swear, I getting really sucked it Now I understand how and why so many people have such ample collections!
Thank you for the suggestion about Daniel M. I'd not heard about argentium before. Will be well worth a look.


Keep the suggestions coming If only to swoon over more beautiful gems Top of the list though; affordable cushion or round cut "pad coloured" gem.

 

[NexivRed]

Yes, you're likely looking to spend more than half on the setting. Settings are unfortunately expensive.

For the Jewelryhoo setting, the setting, plus the stone, plus mounting costs, plus taxes, probably put you into twice your stated budget.

I wonder if you would like one like these (she can change metal/stone so you could get a tsavorite or whatever):
http://www.etsy.com/listing/157252460/sale-rose-gold-halo-ring-with-cushion?ref=shop_home_active
http://www.etsy.com/listing/111216088/sale-14k-rose-gold-filigree-ring-with?ref=shop_home_active
Still very pretty but would come in under the price of the ebay setting. I have a lot of earrings from this shop and really like the seller.

Thank you for the info regarding the other costs. This is something I'm gonna have to look into so I can decide whether I should be looking for gems a little closer to home.

And thank you for the link to the Etsy seller,definitely worth a look. The setting on the ring in that setting link is gorgeous!


Really like the description of this gem's colour, but is that what you call a window in it? http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-CUT-EXTRA-FINE-CLASSIC-IMPERIAL-MALAYA-GARNET-CUSHION-2-CT-/310360369569?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4842eb69a1

 

[carmen1]

I have fallen in LOVE with another from the same vendor! This one! http://www.ebay.com/itm/7mm-CUSHION-CUT-14K-Two-Tone-GOLD-42ct-DIAMOND-Milgrain-Legacy-SEMI-MOUNT-RING-/370556028926?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item5646dc47fe
I took a closer look at it cos I've always been a little fascinated by the halos, and also cos I love the combo of the white and rose gold. But then when I saw the picture showing the profile of the setting, WOW! I think it's just so stunning and I would get a hellova lot of joy looking at that every day Let alone with a gorgeous gem in it as well! Just sliiiiiightly over my (whole) budget at £377 lol, but if the right cushion cut gem came up then that combo would be a serious contender.

It just so happens that I have that exact setting - so I think you have great taste

ETA: Check http://www.multicolour.com for cushion cut malaia garnets, they seem to have a wide selection and decent prices.

 

[distracts]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/7mm-CUSHION-CUT-14K-Two-Tone-GOLD-42ct-DIAMOND-Milgrain-Legacy-SEMI-MOUNT-RING-/370556028926?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item5646dc47fe
I took a closer look at it cos I've always been a little fascinated by the halos, and also cos I love the combo of the white and rose gold. But then when I saw the picture showing the profile of the setting, WOW! I think it's just so stunning and I would get a hellova lot of joy looking at that every day Let alone with a gorgeous gem in it as well! Just sliiiiiightly over my (whole) budget at £377 lol, but if the right cushion cut gem came up then that combo would be a serious contender.

They can also make the setting for different sizes/shapes of stones. It'll be priced slightly differently, but still not too much in the grand scheme of things. Just so that if you love that setting you don't think you're stuck to a 7mm square cushion.

 

[chrono]

Really like the description of this gem's colour, but is that what you call a window in it? http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-CUT-EXTRA-FINE-CLASSIC-IMPERIAL-MALAYA-GARNET-CUSHION-2-CT-/310360369569?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4842eb69a1

That is a tilt window, which is normal in gemstones. Depending on the type of gem and the cut, it could be difficult to see or you might see it at the slightest tilt of the gem. Mayala's are a little difficult to shop for and I would want to see it before it is set. These are typically shifters, going from pink to orange-pink (aka flesh coloured). On some people, it can look positively terrible but look great on others. Most are also not saturated so expect some degree of brown.

 

[chrono]

Tax - It is percentage based, so how much it is will depend on how much you paid for the gem. I believe you have to pay VAT, be it when buying locally or overseas (US, Thailand, wherever) and the rate is 20%.

Shipping - depends on the vendor but I think shipping from the US to the UK is at least $20 USD.

Setting labour - could be different in the UK but in the US, it ranges anywhere from $50 to $100 USD.

You certainly have good taste but gems with such strong colouration in high demand hues also equates to higher pricing, even in small sizes. In actuality, the smaller the stone (around 0.5 ct and under), the more difficult it is to get highly saturated stones.

 

[NexivRed]

It just so happens that I have that exact setting - so I think you have great taste

ETA: Check http://www.multicolour.com for cushion cut malaia garnets, they seem to have a wide selection and decent prices.

No kidding Can I ask you to post a picture of it?

Tax - It is percentage based, so how much it is will depend on how much you paid for the gem. I believe you have to pay VAT, be it when buying locally or overseas (US, Thailand, wherever) and the rate is 20%.

Shipping - depends on the vendor but I think shipping from the US to the UK is at least $20 USD.

Setting labour - could be different in the UK but in the US, it ranges anywhere from $50 to $100 USD.

You certainly have good taste but gems with such strong colouration in high demand hues also equates to higher pricing, even in small sizes. In actuality, the smaller the stone (around 0.5 ct and under), the more difficult it is to get highly saturated stones.

Okay, so even in the UK I'd have to pay VAT on top of the price of the gem? Are there any recommended UK sellers I could look at?

$50 to $100 seems very reasonable but I'll keep it in mind with regards to the budget.

Thank you for saying I have good taste. Shame that equates to expensive taste, eh Interesting what you say about the smaller stones. The more i've been looking at coloured gems, the more I am drawn to coral coloured ones. Off the top of your heads what other varieties of gemstones produce that sort of colour?


And my latest thoughs have been about scaling back on the ring slightly and getting something simpler and not as amazing this first time round, so I can perhaps do a set with those lovely DBTY style bracelets and/or necklaces.

 

[NexivRed]

Oh, the other thing I've thought of doing in the past is offering up my engagement ring for raw materials. Can that be done at all

 

[chrono]

Oh, the other thing I've thought of doing in the past is offering up my engagement ring for raw materials. Can that be done at all

What do you mean by "raw materials"? I've seen spinels that are very strongly orange pink which is what I think when I hear the word coral.

 

[NexivRed]

Oh, the other thing I've thought of doing in the past is offering up my engagement ring for raw materials. Can that be done at all

What do you mean by "raw materials"? I've seen spinels that are very strongly orange pink which is what I think when I hear the word coral.

Okay, i'll take a gander at some spinels, thank you.

By raw materials I mean can I offer up my white gold ring to use for the white gold of another ring, and can the diamond be taken out and re-set in something else?

I never want to part with this ring because it has sentimental value, but I don't get any pleasure out of wearing it as it is. It would be nice to wear the gold and diamond in a way that made

 

[chrono]

Yes, you can reset your current diamond into a different setting and then put a coloured stone into the now empty setting.

 

[NexivRed]

Yes, you can reset your current diamond into a different setting and then put a coloured stone into the now empty setting.

But you can't melt down the gold and fashion it into a different shape at all?


I think for my budget the first compromise I'm going to make is on colour. Well, I say compromise but really the more peachy tone gems are starting to stand out more to me as that perfect mix of pink and orange, rather than the really saturated stones.

I really really enjoy the colour of these two gems and the descriptions seem perfect with regards to what I'd like to see throughout the day. I think a rose gold setting would only enhance them as well.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BEAUTIFUL-PEACHY-PINK-IMPERIAL-MALAYA-GARNET-TRILLIANT-2-CT-/310379528866?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item48440fc2a2
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SENSATIONAL-SALMON-PINK-IMPERIAL-MALAYA-GARNET-OVAL-2-CT-/310617062795?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4852383d8b

And then I saw this trio, saw the carat weight, saw the likening to pad stones, and immediately thought "ring and DBTY matching bracelet and necklace!!!"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-CUT-RARE-IMPERIAL-MALAYA-GARNET-MATCHING-ROUND-TRIO-/230013520637?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item358ddfcafd
I wonder how much it would cost for either a rose gold or rose gold and silver bezel bracelet and necklace combo to be made....
£200 for over 3 carat weight of my birthstone in a beautiful peachy colour is seriously making me think about asking for an advance from my other half's overdraft

 

[chrono]

Gold is only melted down when it is being refined. To melt down as is then reuse / recast is very problematic due to the alloys and the risk of impurities. Not knowing the actual alloy used means that the jeweller might not be able to match the metal colour and strength perfectly in the new recast. The risk of contamination is very high and porosity issues are almost guaranteed. When this happens, the metal isn't as strong and the setting is likely to be easily deformed / crack.

I caution you on compromising on colour - to me, there is no point in a blah stone in a pretty setting. Understandably, some don't mind this but I want to make sure you are making an informed decision. When you say peachy, I see the stones you linked to are brownish (low saturation). On some people, this colour often blends too much with their skin tone and sort of "disappears" once worn. On others, it looks just fine.

 

[NexivRed]

Gold is only melted down when it is being refined. To melt down as is then reuse / recast is very problematic due to the alloys and the risk of impurities. Not knowing the actual alloy used means that the jeweller might not be able to match the metal colour and strength perfectly in the new recast. The risk of contamination is very high and porosity issues are almost guaranteed. When this happens, the metal isn't as strong and the setting is likely to be easily deformed / crack.

I caution you on compromising on colour - to me, there is no point in a blah stone in a pretty setting. Understandably, some don't mind this but I want to make sure you are making an informed decision. When you say peachy, I see the stones you linked to are brownish (low saturation). On some people, this colour often blends too much with their skin tone and sort of "disappears" once worn. On others, it looks just fine.

Okay, so no to melting down the ring but yes to setting the diamond in something new

Yeah, I get what you mean. I definitely don't want a meh stone at all, the colour still has to be good and the hue exactly right. But I'm finding a lot more stones with less saturation that seem a good blend of the pink and orange. Do you think those stones would seem very brown? Is there some way I can post a photo of my skin tone so you can get an idea of how colours look on me. I am the palest of pale , almost blue

 

[chrono]

But I'm finding a lot more stones with less saturation that seem a good blend of the pink and orange. Do you think those stones would seem very brown?

The lower the saturation, the browner it will look. As mentioned previously, well saturated stones will not be an easy task to find.

Not as much orange as I would like but doable considering the cut and price. Yes, I know it is too large for your setting and isn't the right shape.
http://www.gemselect.com/spinel/spinel-336504.php

 

[NexivRed]

The lower the saturation, the browner it will look. As mentioned previously, well saturated stones will not be an easy task to find.

Not as much orange as I would like but doable considering the cut and price. Yes, I know it is too large for your setting and isn't the right shape.
http://www.gemselect.com/spinel/spinel-336504.php

Oh..my..freaking god the colour of that stone is sublime!! When I first saw it I did an audible groan that lasted for about 8 seconds, no joke And it's 48 freakin' dollars??? Am I reading that right? And it's a SPINEL! I have always wanted a spinal as they were the gems that first got me into coloured gems and jewellery. No joke I think that has to be mine regardless of whether it's going to end up for this project or not I know it's VS-SI, but the colour is so beautiful. Thank you SO much for all the help you're giving me

Off to trawl the rest of that website now!

 

[chrono]

Yup, all for the price of under $50 (prior to shipping). I looked at the other stones on their website and discounted the rest due to the horrible cut. Yes, I looked through over 15 pages of pink spinels.

If you are particular about cut AND want a very well saturated stone, this 1.2 ct rectangular orange pink cushion spinel is very pretty for $495.
http://www.finewatergems.com/spinel.html

 

[NexivRed]

Yup, all for the price of under $50 (prior to shipping). I looked at the other stones on their website and discounted the rest due to the horrible cut. Yes, I looked through over 15 pages of pink spinels.

If you are particular about cut AND want a very well saturated stone, this 1.2 ct rectangular orange pink cushion spinel is very pretty for $495.
http://www.finewatergems.com/spinel.html

Oh, you absolute gem (see what I did there ) I've worked out with tax and shipping that it's £42.36 and that just seems insane for something so pretty. Going to have some words with the other half about it tonight.

Also took a look at the malayas and found this one http://www.gemselect.com/malaya-garnet/malaya-garnet-326032.php seems to have quite good saturation, but perhaps a tad too pink? Once set in rose gold the stone will appear more pink is that right? So a slightly more orangey stone would balance out the final look?

That other spinal is exquisite! I need more money!


Do you think someone would be willing to work with rose gold and argentium silver together for a ring? Just to keep the costs down from having white gold really. Is there any particular vendor worth emailing about that query in your experiences?

 

[distracts]

Also took a look at the malayas and found this one http://www.gemselect.com/malaya-garnet/malaya-garnet-326032.php seems to have quite good saturation, but perhaps a tad too pink? Once set in rose gold the stone will appear more pink is that right? So a slightly more orangey stone would balance out the final look?

Do you think someone would be willing to work with rose gold and argentium silver together for a ring? Just to keep the costs down from having white gold really. Is there any particular vendor worth emailing about that query in your experiences?

That garnet looks very brown to me. As well, and I don't recall if it was mentioned upthread, what you may not know that we know from experience is that many garnets will look significantly browner in some types of light than others.

For instance, this is the same garnet in three different lighting situations:



The most brown one is fluorescent and CFL lighting... in other words, most of the lighting that I'm in. All of my pinkish garnets shift to some degree, though this is the most extreme. I find it charming, but I know the person who sold it to me really did not like it. And I couldn't tolerate it in the center stone for something - if I ever set it, it'll be in a multistone bracelet or pendant.

As for RG and argentium, I've seen DanielM do several rings like that. If you look in his sold items on Etsy you can go back and look at all of them.

(Also, don't wait TOO long to buy that spinel if you really want it. Plenty of people who see a stone linked in a thread will jump on it without worrying that they are removing YOUR ability to buy it.)

 

[carmen1]

No kidding Can I ask you to post a picture of it?

Sorry I was on the road all day and couldn't upload a photo from my phone. Here is a picture of the setting you liked (sapphire center stone).


As a prior poster mentioned, LOGR will customize their settings to fit your stone's size/shape, and can usually make other changes (like two-tone with rose gold) for an extra charge. I don't think they work with silver though, but I could be wrong.