Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a few o

[EricaR]

I only have cell phone photos of most of these, but I was too excited about the garnet to hold off posting. I'll take better photos of everything in the next few days.

About fifteen years ago, my mother inherited my step-great-grandmother's wedding set. It was a 3.5ct diamond set in platinum with tapered baguette sides, along with a white gold wedding band with approximately 1.5ct of baguettes in a starburst. I grew up watching my great aunt wearing the ring, then my mom. I think I have some photos of the set here on my iPad. If so, I'll post those as well. About three years ago, my mom reset the diamond into a new (and unfortunately, ugly!) setting. Her original plan was to scrap both the ering and the wedding band, but after two years of listening to me beg she finally gave in and handed over the ering setting.

I then set out on a quest to find the perfect colored stone. I looked at TONS online and a few in person. Nice colored gems in the 9-10mm range are pretty rare! I ordered the big purple spinel from Finewater, and while it was gorgeous it wasn't quite right. I was really sad about it, but I returned it to Gary. The day after I returned it he posted some new stones. As soon as I saw this garnet I knew I had to see it in person. It was screaming my name!

 

[EricaR]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

I'm glad I was home alone when I opened the package holding the garnet - the words that came out of my mouth should not be uttered by anyone ever. It was amazing. I was standing in diffused sunlight, and the stone just GLOWED this amazing bright pink.

I took it over to my jeweler. By the way, if anyone lives in Southern California and wants to know where to go to have colored stones set (or really, to have any other sort of work), the answer is Liberty Diamonds in Irvine. Troy, who I believe is one of the owners, absolutely loves colored stones and will happily play "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" with any customer. He always says he can't believe how great the cut is on the stones we bring in, and I believe he once thought a spinel cut by Barry was fake because it was so perfect in color and cut. I feel completely comfortable having them work on any piece I drop off, especially since I know they love and respect colored stones as much as I do.

My ring was ready today so I went over to pick it up. Wow. Wow. There are no words. Liberty re-built the prongs on the baguettes, polished and shined up the setting, and as usual did a bang-up job with setting the stone. It looks absolutely amazing. Again, these are just quickie cell phone photos. I'll have more this weekend.

First up, the original wedding set.

 

[EricaR]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

And what it looks like now.

 

[SB621]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

gorgeous Malaya garnet. One of the best colorwise I have ever seen! And I love that the ring means so much to you! It is such a classic setting I'm thrilled you kept bugging your mom about it- I would have too!!!

 

[EricaR]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

One of the best parts of this whole project was working with Gary. He is quick to respond to emails and never hesitated to provide me extra information, handshots, etc. The entire transaction, including purchasing and returning the spinel, was easy and enjoyable.

What started me off emailing with him was this mahenge spinel I purchased to go into a pendant. I picked it up second hand from ForteKitty. (Trust me folks, it is BAD for your wallet to live near her. Especially when she knows what you like and doesn't hesitate to email/text you with good deals.) The spinel is gorgeous - probably the prettiest tone of pink I've seen in person. Well, at least to my eyes! It went off to Daniel M to be set in their standard diamond halo sliding pendant. I get complements on this every time I wear it.

Again, these are more cell phone photos!

Flour is my favorite!!!

 

[pregcurious]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

I love your ring! A large round with baguettes is such a classic look, and the proportions are perfect.

 

[EricaR]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

I can't remember what other pieces I've posted here! I know it's been a long while, so I'll go back to last fall.

This is a concave cut purple spinel cut by Richard Homer. ALSO purchased from ForteKitty. That girl knows I love me some pink and purple! The setting was another pre-loved purchase from FrekeChild. This stone really freaked me out. I first spotted it at a PS GTG at my house. There were a bunch of us (ForteKitty, FrekeChild, Selkie, me) and for some reason we were all sprawled out on my bed with jewels everywhere. Oh, maybe FrekeChild's child was asleep downstairs? Can't remember. Anyway, I spotted it and just had to have it. Begged for it. FK sold it to me and I went off happy...

Happy, until I looked at it the next time. I remember looking at it and thinking "huh? I would not have gone so crazy over such an ugly stone?!" I was really confused. I kept looking at it, taking it outside into the sun, into diffused light, and it just looked terrible! On a whim I carried it with me into my office. The moment I pulled the stone out of my purse I realized what the problem was - these purple spinels are so darn finicky! This one apparently needs artificial light to look its best. At home, every time I would look at it it was always in natural lighting. I fell deeply in love with it again, and immediately dropped it off with my jeweler.

The shade of purple varies depending on the type of light. Every time I go into the office (I work from home most days) I reach for this puppy.

Taken in my work bathroom - it looks GREAT in there!

 

[EricaR]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

I do love me some purple!!! From top to bottom:
Concave Spinel (Richard Homer)
Round spinel (Gene, star 80 cut, I believe.) Ring snagged from FrekeChild since it goes with the rest of my rings so nicely
Purple Sapphire three stone (ForteKitty eBay find)
Tourmaline (Barry). Setting is a Jeff Cooper, another ForteKitty eBay find

 

[EricaR]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

I was looking for more photos of the Jeff Cooper with the Barry tourm, but I must not have them on my iPad. Those will have to wait until later. It is an amazing ring.

 

[athenaworth]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

Totally perfect. I couldn't imagine a better stone for that setting.

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

You had me at the Malayan! I always forget the cartoon noise when their eyes bug out of their heads, but imagine it right now!

 

[jstarfireb]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

Gorgeous! Dare I say it looks better than the original diamond?

 

[chrono]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

The Malaia garnet looks AWESOME in the new/old setting. The colour just screams and to me, it is the best stone you have in your collection.

 

[lambskin]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

I love how you have set all your rings!

 

[MrsM]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

Love love your garnet! Love love the setting! What a wonderful match...

 

[NKOTB]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

I love them all! So happy you found a great stone for that setting.

 

[alice87]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

Great looking rings!

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

You had me at the Malayan! I always forget the cartoon noise when their eyes bug out of their heads, but imagine it right now!

Ain't that the truth!! How awesome is that--you have great PS connections to help empty your wallet! I am jealous!

cheers--Sharon

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

That garnet is just STUNNING!! ITs amazing - I feel like I'm drawn into the depth of those facets... so beautiful!! And it is the absolute perfect stone for your family setting!! I love how it just makes it really POP and looks INCREDIBLE on your hand!! Its beautiful!!! I'm so glad your mom gave you the setting instead of scrapping it. Yeah Mom! tee hee!

Enjoy ALL of your gorgeous pieces!! lucky you living close to ForteKitty and being able to play with her lovely treasures!

 

[Rosebloom]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

What beauties! Your garnet is just stunning.

 

[JulieN]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

Gorgeous.

 

[EricaR]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

Thanks all! I forgot it at home today. Oh noes!!! I'll try and remember it tomorrow. It really is unbelievable. I cannot believe it belongs to me.

 

[alisonia333]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

I love everything about the ring! The setting is beautiful and I love the color of the garnet...it looks beautiful next to the baguettes. I especially love the tiny table and high crown of the stone, it's really pretty.

 

[EricaR]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

Overcast mornings make for pretty gems!

 

[EricaR]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

I love how moody it is. This is indoors (doctor's waiting room).

 

[EricaR]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

I've been obsessively taking iPhone photos. Took this one when I went to meet the new baby of a PS-er! Her living room had amazing light for colored stones. She handed me her baby to admire and I handed her my ring.

 

[Ilovegemsstones]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

WOW ! , nice ring

 

[Rosebloom]

Re: Malaya Garnet from Finewater in Vintage setting (and a f

I've been obsessively taking iPhone photos. Took this one when I went to meet the new baby of a PS-er! Her living room had amazing light for colored stones. She handed me her baby to admire and I handed her my ring.

Now there's an idea! I would love to let you hold my baby while I coo over your garnet!