My first colored stone project, HELP! (Pics galore)

[FeFeV]

So, I'm going to start a custom, colored stone ring project in the next two months. I've set a $2500 budget and would like to create a ring set in 18kt yellow gold. My style is gaudy and big, but I'm really picky about fine details. Who should I source to began receiving quotes to create my piece? Should I purchase the stones myself for best final cost? Is my budget realistic for the type of designs I am interested in? What type of stones and what sizes would you suggest for any of the particular styles I have pictured? ANY suggestions, feedback, and information would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks everyone!

 

[Sabrina31]

Well for me, i'd think you need to narrow down your idea a little bit more. I'm not sure on the budget front, but with 18k gold but i would think you'd be looking at less expensive stones like zircons, spinels, that kind of thing.
http://hymancompany.com/ this guy has some pretty stuff and seems to be really competent in different shapes, and lots of tiny stones being all mixed, may be worth a shot. I found him from Jeff White's instagram, no telling what his pricing is like though.
Good luck i'm excited to watch your journey.

 

[FeFeV]

Thanks @Sabrina31 for the recommendation. I'll definitely share my journey with PS. As my first colored stone project I thought I'd start with a more expendable budget, but it is a flexible amount if need be. I'm hoping to be directed to a jeweller (familiar with color stone setting) who's designs are big, bold, and detailed.

 

[chroman]

The first stone that came to mind
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...ue_Topaz_Egg_151_69_carats-Gem.php?FromPage=1

 

[qubitasaurus]

I would love to see someone buy this one and come back with pictures

http://www.gemartservices.com/stones.php?id=aqu001

I am another one who thinks you will need to reserve a significant portion of the budget for the gold in those setttings. Have you seen IVY new york? They have some rings with a similar colour palette.

 

[lilmosun]

I don't know a jeweler who specializes in making these types of pieces but glad your budget is flexible.

I too worry that the cost of a custom heavy 18kt setting with all the melee might leave you little, if anything, for the larger stone (s) which should be worthy of such a statement piece. (Melee can be inexpensive but can cost as much to set. I know I am always in sticker shock how quickly it all adds up )

But the good news is that custom project like what your will take time and you don't pay for it all at once. A lot of us pick the center stone(s) first and then design around them.

I think big gaudy pieces are so much fun so look forward to following to see what you come up with.

 

[theredspinel]

Another fan of big and glamerous here. (Won't call it gaudy because I don't see it as tasteless )

Personally with that budget and the amount of melee work you want done, I'd go the buying it ready made route. There must be some beautiful big flashy gemstone rings like this in your budget!

Check out some Marco Bicego pieces, or LeVian, the blue sapphire melee ring in my display picture is a LeVian piece (and it's *so* beautofully made)!

 

[goldie_locks]

Joseph Jewelry and Turgeon Raine (both based in Seattle) do custom work and have designs on their website that look similar in style to what you're posted.

 

[Tourmaline]

I love big, gaudy pieces! I think you might want to increase your budget, and with all this variation in what you like, I would suggest possibly buying an already made ring. How about the ones in the pictures?

 

[FeFeV]

Thanks so much guys! I got so excited when I first started pricing the melee diamonds because they are fairly inexpensive... But as @lilmosun and @theredspinel pointed out; having the melee set is pricey-- I had no idea, Thanks!
I'm going to check out the recommendations from @qubitasaurus @dimaond_newb @theredspinel and @chroman

@Tourmaline purchasing a ready made piece may not scratch my creative itch, but I am willing to snoop around and find/price the exact pieces that I've included in this thread from Pinterest. I got such a wonderful deal on my custom made wedding ring (DH paid a lot less than stock versions everywhere due to my great negotiating ) I've been struck to want to create more custom made pieces. I'm one of those freaks who are very tickled by statement like: "One of a kind", "Limited edition", "One of One", "Exclusive collection", etc....

I'm so ready to purchase a ton of beautiful colored gemstones that I've eyed online, but I'm hoping to have a plan of action in place before I begin just buying and hoarding... I am know to "collect" things a bit excessively.

 

[chrono]

I know nobody wants to hear this, but if you want quality work (melees don't fall out), then you'll need to increase your budget many times what you are considering. David Klass set the melees and provided only the diamonds (I provided the center stone and paraiba melees) and just that alone was around $3K. It didn't even have as many melee as shown in your inspiration pictures.

 

[FeFeV]

I know nobody wants to hear this, but if you want quality work (melees don't fall out), then you'll need to increase your budget many times what you are considering. David Klass set the melees and provided only the diamonds (I provided the center stone and paraiba melees) and just that alone was around $3K. It didn't even have as many melee as shown in your inspiration pictures.

THANK YOU immensely for your honest feedback AND providing a real figure. This is exactly along the lines of direction that I was hoping for within this thread. David Klass is my ideal choice for his pavé work and I also was thinking about Mike Nekta as well. My eventual goal is just pure ridiculousness:

 

[chrono]

The ring in question is pictured.

 

[FeFeV]

The ring in question is pictured.

WOW

 

[FeFeV]

@chrono you have great taste, David Klass is so consistent with his craftsmanship.

@Tourmaline & @theredspinel I went on the hunt and found one of my inspiration rings. Although it is not 18kt gold it's definitely within my attainable budget. My inspiration amethyst ring is made by a designer who has several collections of gemstone jewelry... His "everyday" style pieces just so happen to fall within my budget as well... Double win! I'm still itching for a creative project, but you guys have done a great job of putting my ideas into perspective.

 

[valeria101]

My eventual goal is just pure ridiculousness

WWW

The next is too subtle to be ridiculeous - but, some bright red, blue & green instead of the deep yellows would put it into the fun range ... I would think:

WWW

Such things could be vastly different $-wise on account of somewhat subtle technicalities. The volume, shape & colour make some fun (fun!), some serious for me.

Random thought ...

 

[FeFeV]

WWW

The next is too subtle to be ridiculeous - but, some bright red, blue & green instead of the deep yellows would put it into the fun range ... I would think:

WWW

Such things could be vastly different $-wise on account of somewhat subtle technicalities. The volume, shape & colour make some fun (fun!), some serious for me.

Random thought ...

Those rings are dreamy!!!! That pink one is just