Man's Ring

[tapio]

I am posting a few wee pictures of a ring I had made for me recently. I had a very difficult time finding something I liked on-line. Thus, I went to a jeweller friend of mine to work out this for a couple of stones I had procured over the past number of years. The jeweller advised me against it as it would be too big to be comfortable and too weighty and soft in 22k gold, plus too many bits protruding off to be used in daily wear. He made it clear that he would not guarantee it from getting marked up or a piece broken off because the 22k is just too soft. He is a good jeweller who did a great deal of work for Harry Winston and is extremely competent being a fourth generation goldsmith. I asked him to please go ahead and any damages that I made I would pay for the repair. The centre stone a 35 ct Ceylon blue star sapphire. The side stones are Burmese Pigeon Blood rubies (4 stones at about 0.5ct each). All stones have two certs each stating place of origin, colour, etc. I was very tempted in getting Mozambique rubies as they are beautiful, but in the end the fluorescence of the real Burmese rubies was outstanding. I've included a few pictures. One of the side views shows the patina after daily wearing for over a year. I think it has held up very well and have told the jeweller such. I say this because I often hear 22k gold is too soft and people should not use it. I think this is true for a delicate small ring in which a snag could cause irreparable damage and one could loose a stone. This shank is 9mm and thus is sturdy. It is also solid, at almost 100 grams, and weighty with all stones being bezel set so a whack to the side will not dislodge a stone. I present this incase people want ideas for their spouses. I know it is not for everyone, but I like it. In wrapping up please listen to your trusted jeweller that has the experience and know-how to make a project come to life. All picture are in natural light except the one with the UV penlight in a dark space. Pictures are taken with a regular old iPhone.

 

[Autumn in New England]

That is so cool, @tapio! You certainly won't see that piece coming and going, that's for sure. The stones are gorgeous, and the gold's polish is holding up very well. I can see why you were so determined to use 22k. I just love the glowing red eyes.

 

[Autumn in New England]

P.S. Also, I wasn't sure if you were aware of this, so I thought I'd mention it for future projects. Some Mozambique material can match or even rival Burma stones with regard to fluorescence. Mine could burn a retina, and it was a big selling point for me. Purchased it from a PSer, actually! That's not to downplay the importance of Burmese origin, of course.

 

[demantoidz]

I love the massive star sapphire, use of 22k gold, and attention to detail.
Reminds me of that one Dior collection with $$$ pieces with carved gem skulls.
The darkest sugilite one below was listed for something like 400-750k on 1stdibs for a while.

 

[Starstruck8]

Wow! I love this. The strong blue star sapphire and the 22k gold go so well together. And the fluorescent eyes are so cool.

Apart from that, it's HUGE. 100g - is that a PS record? Maybe you should start a thread 'Post your Heaviest Ring'.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I am posting a few wee pictures of a ring I had made for me recently. I had a very difficult time finding something I liked on-line. Thus, I went to a jeweller friend of mine to work out this for a couple of stones I had procured over the past number of years. The jeweller advised me against it as it would be too big to be comfortable and too weighty and soft in 22k gold, plus too many bits protruding off to be used in daily wear. He made it clear that he would not guarantee it from getting marked up or a piece broken off because the 22k is just too soft. He is a good jeweller who did a great deal of work for Harry Winston and is extremely competent being a fourth generation goldsmith. I asked him to please go ahead and any damages that I made I would pay for the repair. The centre stone a 35 ct Ceylon blue star sapphire. The side stones are Burmese Pigeon Blood rubies (4 stones at about 0.5ct each). All stones have two certs each stating place of origin, colour, etc. I was very tempted in getting Mozambique rubies as they are beautiful, but in the end the fluorescence of the real Burmese rubies was outstanding. I've included a few pictures. One of the side views shows the patina after daily wearing for over a year. I think it has held up very well and have told the jeweller such. I say this because I often hear 22k gold is too soft and people should not use it. I think this is true for a delicate small ring in which a snag could cause irreparable damage and one could loose a stone. This shank is 9mm and thus is sturdy. It is also solid, at almost 100 grams, and weighty with all stones being bezel set so a whack to the side will not dislodge a stone. I present this incase people want ideas for their spouses. I know it is not for everyone, but I like it. In wrapping up please listen to your trusted jeweller that has the experience and know-how to make a project come to life. All picture are in natural light except the one with the UV penlight in a dark space. Pictures are taken with a regular old iPhone.

Holy f*ck !
That's awsome !

 

[tapio]

P.S. Also, I wasn't sure if you were aware of this, so I thought I'd mention it for future projects. Some Mozambique material can match or even rival Burma stones with regard to fluorescence. Mine could burn a retina, and it was a big selling point for me. Purchased it from a PSer, actually! That's not to downplay the importance of Burmese origin, of course.

That's really interesting. Thank you for the thoughts. If it's possible to sometime see what you have and the fluorescence I'd love to see the stone. I agree that the Mozambique material coming out is superb. I don't take your comment as being disparaging in the slightest--I take it as informed. Thank you. In time I may be looking for some more rubies; thus, I may ask for your contact--if that's appropriate on this forum. Sincerely, Tapio

 

[tapio]

Wow! I love this. The strong blue star sapphire and the 22k gold go so well together. And the fluorescent eyes are so cool.

Apart from that, it's HUGE. 100g - is that a PS record? Maybe you should start a thread 'Post your Heaviest Ring'.

Thank you. A post called, "Post your heaviest ring"? I don't know. Do you think it would fly?

 

[tapio]

I love the massive star sapphire, use of 22k gold, and attention to detail.
Reminds me of that one Dior collection with $$$ pieces with carved gem skulls.
The darkest sugilite one below was listed for something like 400-750k on 1stdibs for a while.

I have not seen these before. Thank you for enlightening me. Half-a-million is a tad bit dear. They are beautiful pieces that demonstrate an incredible amount of craftsmanship. I love hand-crafted pieces that demonstrate what an accomplished craftsman can create. My ring taxed the goldsmith. He said he had never done such a big ring before--and would never do another. He took three pourings to get ring to the quality that he wanted. He showed me pictures each time and how he was not happy. In the end he/she was very happy with the final result. I believe the average consumer has no idea all the hard work that goes into handcrafted jewelry. Sincerely, Tapio

 

[Starstruck8]

Thank you. A post called, "Post your heaviest ring"? I don't know. Do you think it would fly?

It might be interesting. But honestly, I doubt that there would be many takers. Simply because no one (or at least very, very few) could even come close to 100g. I max out at 24g. Your ring is in a class of its own, in every way.

 

[Autumn in New England]

That's really interesting. Thank you for the thoughts. If it's possible to sometime see what you have and the fluorescence I'd love to see the stone. I agree that the Mozambique material coming out is superb. I don't take your comment as being disparaging in the slightest--I take it as informed. Thank you. In time I may be looking for some more rubies; thus, I may ask for your contact--if that's appropriate on this forum. Sincerely, Tapio

Sure thing!!

 

[LilAlex]

This shank is 9mm and thus is sturdy. It is also solid, at almost 100 grams,

That is amazing! Definitely a pretty and desirable blue for a star.

And 4X the weight of a really heavy ring! Do you take it off before your WWE bouts?

Is that tree-frog detailing in the N/S? Personally, I think it needs more skulls.

Very cool! Enjoy!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I am posting a few wee pictures of a ring I had made for me recently. I had a very difficult time finding something I liked on-line. Thus, I went to a jeweller friend of mine to work out this for a couple of stones I had procured over the past number of years. The jeweller advised me against it as it would be too big to be comfortable and too weighty and soft in 22k gold, plus too many bits protruding off to be used in daily wear. He made it clear that he would not guarantee it from getting marked up or a piece broken off because the 22k is just too soft. He is a good jeweller who did a great deal of work for Harry Winston and is extremely competent being a fourth generation goldsmith. I asked him to please go ahead and any damages that I made I would pay for the repair. The centre stone a 35 ct Ceylon blue star sapphire. The side stones are Burmese Pigeon Blood rubies (4 stones at about 0.5ct each). All stones have two certs each stating place of origin, colour, etc. I was very tempted in getting Mozambique rubies as they are beautiful, but in the end the fluorescence of the real Burmese rubies was outstanding. I've included a few pictures. One of the side views shows the patina after daily wearing for over a year. I think it has held up very well and have told the jeweller such. I say this because I often hear 22k gold is too soft and people should not use it. I think this is true for a delicate small ring in which a snag could cause irreparable damage and one could loose a stone. This shank is 9mm and thus is sturdy. It is also solid, at almost 100 grams, and weighty with all stones being bezel set so a whack to the side will not dislodge a stone. I present this incase people want ideas for their spouses. I know it is not for everyone, but I like it. In wrapping up please listen to your trusted jeweller that has the experience and know-how to make a project come to life. All picture are in natural light except the one with the UV penlight in a dark space. Pictures are taken with a regular old iPhone.

My apologies for my late like (love)

 

[tapio]

That is amazing! Definitely a pretty and desirable blue for a star.

And 4X the weight of a really heavy ring! Do you take it off before your WWE bouts?

Is that tree-frog detailing in the N/S? Personally, I think it needs more skulls.

Very cool! Enjoy!

Hi, what do you mean by "in the N/S?" I wear it during my workouts, Yoga, and playing music. More skulls!? LOL Each skull is a little over an inch in height. They are not insignificant. LOL But, I love the idea and comment. Sincerely, Tapio

 

[tapio]

It might be interesting. But honestly, I doubt that there would be many takers. Simply because no one (or at least very, very few) could even come close to 100g. I max out at 24g. Your ring is in a class of its own, in every way.

I didn't set out to make it that big--it just happened that way. I told the jeweller to make it feel solid and substantial--I want to know it's on when it's on. Part of it is also that with 22K one needs a hefty shank and parts so it doesn't tear. The gallery underneath is pretty cool also. If you'd like I'll post a picture of that.

 

[LilAlex]

Hi, what do you mean by "in the N/S?"

I meant at "12:00" and "6:00" (i.e., North/South) if you were looking at your hand held up like you were yelling "STOP!"

Maybe I'm crazy? They look like little tree frogs...between the skulls and just below the sapphire's bezel rim...

 

[tapio]

P.S. Also, I wasn't sure if you were aware of this, so I thought I'd mention it for future projects. Some Mozambique material can match or even rival Burma stones with regard to fluorescence. Mine could burn a retina, and it was a big selling point for me. Purchased it from a PSer, actually! That's not to downplay the importance of Burmese origin, of course.

Are you able to send me a link to some of the Mozambique rubies you are talking about please? Tapio

 

[tapio]

My apologies for my late like (love)

Thank you. I was a lot of fun to create with the jeweller.

 

[tapio]

I meant at "12:00" and "6:00" (i.e., North/South) if you were looking at your hand held up like you were yelling "STOP!"

Maybe I'm crazy? They look like little tree frogs...between the skulls and just below the sapphire's bezel rim...

Of course you're not crazy. There are frogs and fish, specific kinds of frogs and fish, jumping into the pool of blue azure sapphire coloured water and the star is the splash. Sincerely, Tapio

 

[LilAlex]

There are frogs and fish, specific kinds of frogs and fish, jumping into the pool of blue azure sapphire coloured water and the star is the splash

That is so awesome! Lots of real estate for details

 

[Autumn in New England]

Are you able to send me a link to some of the Mozambique rubies you are talking about please? Tapio

Sure! Here are a couple of great articles from the GIA and GRS. GRS will certify Mozambique rubies that show "pigeon's blood" coloration in two ways... as have strong fluorescence similar to Burma rubies, or as being reminiscent of Burma rubies, but without the fluorescence. I will also attempt to take photos of my stone in natural light and under UV.

A Decade of Ruby from Mozambique: A Review | Gems & Gemology

Reviews the mining history, market impact, and properties of ruby from northern Mozambique near Montepuez, now the world’s most productive source.

www.gia.edu

https://www.gemresearch.ch/assets/documents/publication-articles/gem.grs_.jna_.nov2015-1.pdf

 

[Autumn in New England]

Hello again, @tapio! I've taken a photo of my 3.16ct. Mozambique ruby (unheated) in natural light. It's almost loupe clean, except for a touch of silk, as you can see. I shot the photo through the plastic of the gem box, so please excuse the lint, fingerprints, etc. You can see a little of the fluorescence here, but I'll try to take a pic under UV light too once it is dark out tonight. My blinds are letting in far too much sun at the moment!

 

[Gloria27]

Hello again, @tapio! I've taken a photo of my 3.16ct. Mozambique ruby (unheated) in natural light. It's almost loupe clean, except for a touch of silk, as you can see. I shot the photo through the plastic of the gem box, so please excuse the lint, fingerprints, etc. You can see a little of the fluorescence here, but I'll try to take a pic under UV light too once it is dark out tonight. My blinds are letting in far too much sun at the moment!

This would be a holy grail ruby to me, don't care about location, just look at that stone!

 

[Autumn in New England]

This would be a holy grail ruby to me, don't care about location, just look at that stone!

Aww thanks so much for saying so! I hardly ever share pix of stones here, because my photos tend to be really unflattering and subpar. So it's nice to know I *may* be doing them justice afterall.

Yeah, so there are some stones where I won't compromise on location, like emerald (Colombia) or padparadscha (Sri Lanka). And then there's Kashmir sapphire, which is simply not in my budget in any substantial size (so I went with Burma origin). But with ruby, I truly feel like even the fussiest collector would be pleased with the right Mozambique stone. Again, that's not to detract from Burmese origin. They're famous for a reason. But I'm trying to convert holdovers to give Mozambique a try. OP's rubies are fabulous though, so he clearly doesn't need any help!

 

[Rfisher]

Hello again, @tapio! I've taken a photo of my 3.16ct. Mozambique ruby (unheated) in natural light. It's almost loupe clean, except for a touch of silk, as you can see. I shot the photo through the plastic of the gem box, so please excuse the lint, fingerprints, etc. You can see a little of the fluorescence here, but I'll try to take a pic under UV light too once it is dark out tonight. My blinds are letting in far too much sun at the moment!

I think I recognize this one.

‘Visited’ it online quite often - miss seeing them here on PS, and they are a pleasure to do business with.

What a stunner!

 

[autumngems]

I am posting a few wee pictures of a ring I had made for me recently. I had a very difficult time finding something I liked on-line. Thus, I went to a jeweller friend of mine to work out this for a couple of stones I had procured over the past number of years. The jeweller advised me against it as it would be too big to be comfortable and too weighty and soft in 22k gold, plus too many bits protruding off to be used in daily wear. He made it clear that he would not guarantee it from getting marked up or a piece broken off because the 22k is just too soft. He is a good jeweller who did a great deal of work for Harry Winston and is extremely competent being a fourth generation goldsmith. I asked him to please go ahead and any damages that I made I would pay for the repair. The centre stone a 35 ct Ceylon blue star sapphire. The side stones are Burmese Pigeon Blood rubies (4 stones at about 0.5ct each). All stones have two certs each stating place of origin, colour, etc. I was very tempted in getting Mozambique rubies as they are beautiful, but in the end the fluorescence of the real Burmese rubies was outstanding. I've included a few pictures. One of the side views shows the patina after daily wearing for over a year. I think it has held up very well and have told the jeweller such. I say this because I often hear 22k gold is too soft and people should not use it. I think this is true for a delicate small ring in which a snag could cause irreparable damage and one could loose a stone. This shank is 9mm and thus is sturdy. It is also solid, at almost 100 grams, and weighty with all stones being bezel set so a whack to the side will not dislodge a stone. I present this incase people want ideas for their spouses. I know it is not for everyone, but I like it. In wrapping up please listen to your trusted jeweller that has the experience and know-how to make a project come to life. All picture are in natural light except the one with the UV penlight in a dark space. Pictures are taken with a regular old iPhone.

Lovin the ruby eyes!

 

[Autumn in New England]

I think I recognize this one.

‘Visited’ it online quite often - miss seeing them here on PS, and they are a pleasure to do business with.

What a stunner!

Thank you!

 

[tapio]

Sure! Here are a couple of great articles from the GIA and GRS. GRS will certify Mozambique rubies that show "pigeon's blood" coloration in two ways... as have strong fluorescence similar to Burma rubies, or as being reminiscent of Burma rubies, but without the fluorescence. I will also attempt to take photos of my stone in natural light and under UV.

A Decade of Ruby from Mozambique: A Review | Gems & Gemology

Reviews the mining history, market impact, and properties of ruby from northern Mozambique near Montepuez, now the world’s most productive source.

www.gia.edu

https://www.gemresearch.ch/assets/documents/publication-articles/gem.grs_.jna_.nov2015-1.pdf

Thank you. I'd appreciate seeing them. Tapio

 

[tapio]

Sure! Here are a couple of great articles from the GIA and GRS. GRS will certify Mozambique rubies that show "pigeon's blood" coloration in two ways... as have strong fluorescence similar to Burma rubies, or as being reminiscent of Burma rubies, but without the fluorescence. I will also attempt to take photos of my stone in natural light and under UV.

A Decade of Ruby from Mozambique: A Review | Gems & Gemology

Reviews the mining history, market impact, and properties of ruby from northern Mozambique near Montepuez, now the world’s most productive source.

www.gia.edu

https://www.gemresearch.ch/assets/documents/publication-articles/gem.grs_.jna_.nov2015-1.pdf

Dear Autumn in New England, Thank you for the information regarding the Mozambique Rubies. I really enjoyed looking through the information and found it very informative. I had seen the GIA report, but with your nudge I perused the article with greater inspection. Thank you. Would you have any more sources for me to examine. If I am allowed to ask in this venue: do you have any names of vendors I may investigate. I'm trying to find some that may be appropriate for myself. Sincerely, Tapio

 

[tapio]

Hello again, @tapio! I've taken a photo of my 3.16ct. Mozambique ruby (unheated) in natural light. It's almost loupe clean, except for a touch of silk, as you can see. I shot the photo through the plastic of the gem box, so please excuse the lint, fingerprints, etc. You can see a little of the fluorescence here, but I'll try to take a pic under UV light too once it is dark out tonight. My blinds are letting in far too much sun at the moment!

Dear Autumn in New England, This is a very beautiful ruby. I would bet it can be seen across a room. It does appear to very clean and the colour is exactly what I like. Thank you for showing this. Tapio