Need new stone for new priority project :)

[NexivRed]

Okay, so the amount I'm blathering about trying to work out the design I want for a custom ring setting to spend my money from my late Grandfather on, and how strongly I want a single bezel gem bracelet and necklace and the fact I'm enjoying shopping for those stones more at the moment, I think my priorities have shifted.

Also, I was a little unsure if Daniel M was the man I needed for the style of ring I was coming around to, however he is perfect for the other projects I have in mind. My gut feeling is also that I want to do a LOT more research before settling on a ring setting, and want to make sure I'm spending the right amount on it.


So, what I want for my bracelet first is a stone that is of a specific size. Somewhere between 7mm and 11mm would be preferable. First colour choice is blue and a tropical ocean or clear blue sky blue. Some tourmalines, topazes (are they hardy enough for a bracelet?), maybe even blueish purples so some tanzanites and spinals? I'm not after an aqua blue like the paraibas though, it has to be a fair balance between green and red. Saturated topazes are probably the best example.
Shape wise I love, love, love the octagons but obviously that narrows the market. So anything that's not oval or marquise. I'll even consider fancy cuts because the bracelet is gonna be a bit of fun and I'm gonna enjoy looking at it
Second colour that I love is orange or pinky orange but must be saturated as I don't want a flesh coloured gem. I think blue is my preference for the bracelet, however a pinky orange would be fantastic for the necklace gem. Same size, same shapes.

Budget wise, looking at no more than around $300 per gem. As you can see this project has really taken priority, as I just think the first ring I do should be a lovely simple piece like so many of you have from Daniel M, and it's not gonna take up as much of the budget as halos and paving which is what I was originally thinking.


I'm not in the position to move on specific stones right now (although exceptions can be made for real one time offers). What I'm hoping for is just some expert advice as to how doable my idea is and perhaps which gems or vendors I should be looking at. I can work out that for $300 I'm not gonna be getting a good sapphire that size for example. But the forumites here seem to find so many nooks and crannies where fantastic gems are hiding, I just had to ask for your help once more So sorry for the flurry of threads after joining.

 

[NexivRed]

I couldn't edit my original post, but I just wanted to link to this sapphire to get some thoughts perhaps?

I know as the video plays it looks sort of dull, sort of dark and there's not much sparkle. But as the face comes round, all of a sudden there's a cheeky flash of wonderfully blue ,"cheeks" is the only way I can describe it! That flash either side of the middle is the exact blue I am looking for. Do you think I'd lose that in a bezel setting? So many of the blue gems I'm looking at are so dark... this is a toughy - http://www.ebay.com/itm/PREMIUM-CUT-BI-COLOR-BLUE-SAPPHIRE-UNHEATED-CEYLON-SEE-VIDEO-/370866570390?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item56595ec496

Also, came across this and the colour is just amazing! I think it's a great balance between hot pink and bright orange (for me, on this budget at least ), it's round, and it's a good size for a single bezel necklace. I measured it against my collar bone and I think that size would suit well. Ho do you think the cut fares and does it sparkle enough do you think being a VS? - http://www.gemselect.com/malaya-garnet/malaya-garnet-326710.php

Oh and Chrono, the combined budget for the two stones puts that divine 1.20 carat spinal you linked to me in my first thread within budget. So bloomin' temping... as long as I can find a blue gem for just $105 http://www.finewatergems.com/spinel.html

 

[chrono]

If you want a saturated stone of at least 7 mm and upwards for no more than $300 per stone, you are pretty much limited to blue topaz. A tourmaline may not hold up well and I don't think a tanzanite will either. Spinel is likely to be out of budget unless you pick a less saturated blue. You should be able to get a step cut octagonal blue topaz for your budget. Do note that such cuts are very deep so if the stone is 7 mm, the depth is likely to be at least 5 mm off your wrist. What is your definition of a fancy cut?

As you've noted, you are not going to get nice blues for around $300. Even the sapphire you posted isn't a well saturated blue, has extinction issues and is a bi-colour (uneven colouration). You will definitely further darken the stone in a bezel setting. Don't focus on the blue flash but the body colour because this is what you will be seeing most often. Alas, I see more brown than orange in the Malaya garnet. It's not speaking to me as a saturated orange pink. Unfortunately, saturated stones are more expensive, no matter the hue.

 

[NexivRed]

I obviously don't mind making sacrifices to be able to afford an actual gem. Is the malaya garnet a good price for what it is? If I had all the money in the world I'd be getting a proper padparadscha sapphire, but I just want to invest my Grandad's money into something good and that I'll enjoy and remember him well by.
This is an enormous amount of money to me. I'm a stay at home mum and my partner supports us on a decent wage but nothing out of the ordinary. I just don't have thousands to spend on a gem like so many so I have to make do with what I can find for my budget and just need advice on whether a stone is good value for that budget. There's too much wealth of knowledge on this forum about cuts of gems for me to not ask for advice. I'm slowly making my way through every gem vendor in the list, but if there's something else out there you think would make a better investment, please don't hesitate to share.

Perhaps I should go simpler and look for something either pink or orange instead of trying to combine the two. Do you think I would get a better coloured gem if I went in that direction?

 

[chrono]

If I had to sacrifice something, it will be the shape and size. I would hold fast to the colour and budget.

This sapphire has minor issues that I can overlook given the colour and price. Great saturation but likely to be a bit silky. Cut is decent enough. 1.7 ct pear heated blue sapphire for $200
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-67ct-Absolutely-Pear-Cut-Natural-Blue-Sapphire-/370860726805?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item5659059a15

 

[NexivRed]

The blue in that is lovely, thank you. Is the cut on that okay then? I'm so bad at spotting cuts that are okay compared to cuts to steer clear of!

Looking at this spinel cos the colour just popped! http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?-499030346 Do you think the clarity level would be a problem though? So hard to tell on the ones that don't have a video!

 

[chrono]

I would not recommend a cut that I personally cannot accept. It's not great but neither is it bad, therefore I think it's about average. Others on PS are sticklers on cut and have a strong preference for precision cutting. In general, I shy away from recommending stones on PS for reasons that I do not feel comfortable disclosing at this time.

I don't think the clarity will be an issue with the MC spinel but cut might. That bowtie is pretty stark in a bright looking stone.

 

[katharath]

Prima has a pretty raspberry spinel trillion that is $295, 1.17 ct, 6.5 x 6.5 mm. It might be a nice choice for you, I would look at it for sure. I can't link to it (their site is odd, it doesn't give you a page to link to, at least not from my iPhone - sorry, I know that sounds weird).

But do this if you're interested:
Go to primagems.com
On the right side of the page set these search parameters:
Stone: spinel
Color: pink
Price: 201-500 range

And it should be the first gem that pops up. You should at least look, I personally think it's nice for the price. Good luck with the search

 

[katharath]

It just hit me that I could just post the item # for you to search, lol. Sorry, probably easier that way. Searching the other way you get to see more gems though

It's PG20-15

I do apologize, it's not that I don't know how to post a link - prima's site is odd about links though, I don't know why.

 

[JewelFreak]

Two possibilities below from sites where people re-sell stones (& set jewelry). You can find things for good prices -- might be a good idea to keep an eye on them in case something new is posted. One is Diamond Bistro, the other, Loupe Troop.

It sounds like you are tending toward pinky/orange rather than blue, but this is worth a look at least, a London Blue topaz, a little dark (I'd recommend prong setting instead of bezel to allow light in:

http://diamondbistro.com/category/2...8/4-Carat-87mm-Asscher-London-Blue-Topaz.html

In the color you might like better, is this tourmaline -- due to shape & type of stone, I see this as a pendant rather than a ring. I remember looking at it on the vendor's site originally & liking it:

http://diamondbistro.com/category/2...93-ct-Gene-precision-cut-pink-tourmaline.html

--- Laurie

 

[NexivRed]

Prima has a pretty raspberry spinel trillion that is $295, 1.17 ct, 6.5 x 6.5 mm. It might be a nice choice for you, I would look at it for sure. I can't link to it (their site is odd, it doesn't give you a page to link to, at least not from my iPhone - sorry, I know that sounds weird).

But do this if you're interested:
Go to primagems.com
On the right side of the page set these search parameters:
Stone: spinel
Color: pink
Price: 201-500 range

And it should be the first gem that pops up. You should at least look, I personally think it's nice for the price. Good luck with the search

Oh, that is just the kind of pink I was thinking of. Something described as raspberry. Thanks for linking that, I hadn't got to that gem vendor yet but I like the photos and layout of the site. Wish there was a video of it as well.

 

[NexivRed]

Two possibilities below from sites where people re-sell stones (& set jewelry). You can find things for good prices -- might be a good idea to keep an eye on them in case something new is posted. One is Diamond Bistro, the other, Loupe Troop.

It sounds like you are tending toward pinky/orange rather than blue, but this is worth a look at least, a London Blue topaz, a little dark (I'd recommend prong setting instead of bezel to allow light in:

http://diamondbistro.com/category/2...8/4-Carat-87mm-Asscher-London-Blue-Topaz.html

In the color you might like better, is this tourmaline -- due to shape & type of stone, I see this as a pendant rather than a ring. I remember looking at it on the vendor's site originally & liking it:

http://diamondbistro.com/category/2...93-ct-Gene-precision-cut-pink-tourmaline.html

--- Laurie

As yes, I did have a look at that topaz. It's a fantastic shape (one of my favourites), it's just a shame it seems so dark. It's a good price though. As is the tourm, I hadn't noticed that. What sort of shape would you call that? I think it would actually really lend itself to being in a bezel with the chain extending from each point.


I think I am sort of set on finding a topaz for my bracelet what with the sentimental reasons. It also opens up more of the budget for the pink stone because topazes don't seem to be as expensive. Does anyone specialise in them? Most of the ones I've come across so far have just been massive!

 

[chrono]

Topaz in general isn't expensive because most are either irradiated or coated. There are untreated topaz but either the colouration is very weak or the price is very expensive if the colour is strong. There is no specialty vendor because coloured stones are limited.

I happened upon this orangish pink sapphire while browsing for another PSer. The inclusions look to affect brilliance, making it silky rather than sparkly but colouration looks strong and it is a sapphire that could well fit your budget.
http://www.gemrite.com/collections/gems/products/padparadscha-sapphire-1-09-cts

Sunstone is less durable and requires added care but the colouration and price looks good.
http://www.artcutgems.com/item.php?item_id=668&page=2&category_id=48

Sweet precision cut orangish pink 6 mm round tourmaline for $90.
http://www.clearcutgems.com/tourmaline.html

 

[MAC-W]

It just hit me that I could just post the item # for you to search, lol. Sorry, probably easier that way. Searching the other way you get to see more gems though

It's PG20-15

I do apologize, it's not that I don't know how to post a link - prima's site is odd about links though, I don't know why.

Wrt PrimaGems, I've found if you force the stone to open in a new tab or new window, the specific link will appear in the address bar.

For the raspberry spinel it's https://primagemsusa.com/content/raspberry-spinel-5

 

[chrono]

As an FYI, I find that Prima does not list or advertise their nicer stones online. I usually call or email Jaimeen for these.

 

[JewelFreak]

I've looked at that tourmaline from Clear Cut gems a few times myself. Love the color & cutting is always great from Lloyd. Looks like a good value.

--- Laurie

 

[katharath]

It just hit me that I could just post the item # for you to search, lol. Sorry, probably easier that way. Searching the other way you get to see more gems though

It's PG20-15

I do apologize, it's not that I don't know how to post a link - prima's site is odd about links though, I don't know why.

Wrt PrimaGems, I've found if you force the stone to open in a new tab or new window, the specific link will appear in the address bar.

For the raspberry spinel it's https://primagemsusa.com/content/raspberry-spinel-5

Thank you, MAC! All of my viewing at Prima and I never knew that, lol. I appreciate it.

Chrono - I definitely agree with you that Jaimeen's best stuff is not up on his site, but the spinel that I (attempted, lol) to link to is at the top of the OP's price range, so it's likely not to get any better choice wise for her for this particular project. Jaimeen also does sometimes have things in his eBay store that aren't listed on his site.

And for the OP, re: the fact that Prima doesn't do videos on their gems; it's simply that they have too large of an inventory and not enough time. Similar to many gem seller's, but it would be nice to see more, I agree. They do have a good return policy.

 

[chrono]

Chrono - I definitely agree with you that Jaimeen's best stuff is not up on his site, but the spinel that I (attempted, lol) to link to is at the top of the OP's price range, so it's likely not to get any better choice wise for her for this particular project.

Not necessarily. When I shopped for smaller pairs of Mahenge spinels, he pulled up some very reasonably priced ones not listed on his website. Doesn't hurt to ask, right?

 

[katharath]

Chrono - I definitely agree with you that Jaimeen's best stuff is not up on his site, but the spinel that I (attempted, lol) to link to is at the top of the OP's price range, so it's likely not to get any better choice wise for her for this particular project.

Not necessarily. When I shopped for smaller pairs of Mahenge spinels, he pulled up some very reasonably priced ones not listed on his website. Doesn't hurt to ask, right?

No, of course it doesn't hurt to ask . I was going off the wrong assumption, I think - that Jaimeen's "best stuff" that's not listed would be pricier than she wanted to spend. Of course he may also have some lesser priced gems of interest to the OP not listed as well

 

[NexivRed]

Topaz in general isn't expensive because most are either irradiated or coated. There are untreated topaz but either the colouration is very weak or the price is very expensive if the colour is strong. There is no specialty vendor because coloured stones are limited.

I happened upon this orangish pink sapphire while browsing for another PSer. The inclusions look to affect brilliance, making it silky rather than sparkly but colouration looks strong and it is a sapphire that could well fit your budget.
http://www.gemrite.com/collections/gems/products/padparadscha-sapphire-1-09-cts

Sunstone is less durable and requires added care but the colouration and price looks good.
http://www.artcutgems.com/item.php?item_id=668&page=2&category_id=48

Sweet precision cut orangish pink 6 mm round tourmaline for $90.
http://www.clearcutgems.com/tourmaline.html

That sapphire does indeed fit well into my budget. You know, that silky appearance it has actually really appeals to me. The colour is amazing, I'm so glad you made me realise colour is everything.
I've finalised the pieces I'm having from Daniel M now (I think 99% ), and that sapphire nestles in there quite nicely! I love the saturation to it. That one, along with the tourm, are gonna go in the bookmarks folder for sure. I will keep an eye out for sunstones as well now, though that particular one doesn't grab me as much.

And for the OP, re: the fact that Prima doesn't do videos on their gems; it's simply that they have too large of an inventory and not enough time. Similar to many gem seller's, but it would be nice to see more, I agree. They do have a good return policy.

More videos if only for us to just stare at them all day

When I have the cash in my hand I will definitely think about being slightly more "aggressive" in searching for what I want. My statement piece has changed from ring to necklace (I feel I can look after a necklace better), and want the best I can afford for it.
Caren and I have agreed on a rose gold bezel with silver chain for the necklace.

Because the stone I'm looking for for the bracelet is a cooler colour, I'm going to stick with all silver for that.

Also looking for a couple of matching pair of round gems for earrings (I've not heard back about bezel setting zircon yet), perhaps one set in silver and one in rose gold depending on where I am with the $$$. The price of gold seems high at the moment! Perhaps not a good time to invest a lot of money in gold pieces?

I really want blue in the bracelet but it can't be too expensive, as now I've down graded the bracelet from silver and gold to just silver, I feel it makes more sense to have an appropriately price gem in it. So I'm on the hunt for the most saturated topaz I can find! The calibrated stones on multicolour look gorgeous, but I gather they're just stock photos? But I love the choice of shapes and sizes as well http://www.multicolour.com/gallery/index.html

Earrings will be either tsavs, tourms or maybe zircon if they'll set it. I'm undecided whether I want green or turquoise. Might have to get both if I can afford it.


On a side note, the good news is my asset passed it's MOT and is road worthy, so it just needs a bath and then will be ready to sell! Once I actually have the money I have a horrible feeling I'm going to change my mind over everything You'll have to slap me and remind me how much you've helped and all the wonderful stones you've found me so far.
I think I may beg the other half for an advance for that sapphire.......

 

[chrono]

A brief word of advice; stones specifically suggested on PS tends to suddenly be sold so if interested, please reserve the stones under serious consideration lest it gets bought by someone else whilst you are deciding.

 

[NexivRed]

A brief word of advice; stones specifically suggested on PS tends to suddenly be sold so if interested, please reserve the stones under serious consideration lest it gets bought by someone else whilst you are deciding.

Tell me about it! I have contacted them about it though, so we'll see what they say. I could go and ask my other half for an advance right now, but I don't think it will be forthcoming at five to two in the morning Such is life!

However, whilst re-arranging my bookmarks for the stones I've favourited so far, I suddenly was reminded that this little friend will be arriving some time next week! http://www.gemselect.com/spinel/spinel-336504.php
Very excited, and I think I am going to see about setting it in a three stone ring. What I'd like to do is to choose stones to sit either side that will enhance the colours found within the spinel. I don't know whether to go more pink or orange though. To my eye the stone seems more pink, so I was thinking something more orange to give better balance and promote the salmony look? Or perhaps even do darkish reds to help saturate the stone a little more? Or is this a terrible idea and I should set it with contrasting colours, or just by itself?

Grr, I wish I had photoshop on this pc so I could have a play with the colours. Has anyone got a multicoloured stone where a peachy stone is included?

Some ideas:

Golden orange - http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-37ct-Match-Pair-Oval-Natural-Orange-Malaia-Garnet-/350841476147?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51afc81433
Mandarin orange - http://www.gemselect.com/spessartite-garnet/spessartite-garnet-222563.php
Red orange - http://www.gemselect.com/sapphire/sapphire-231856.php
Pink/purple - http://www.gemselect.com/rhodolite-garnet/rhodolite-garnet-271222.php
Or how about something of the same sort of saturation to compliment it, like these golden chrysoberyl - http://www.gemselect.com/chrysoberyl/chrysoberyl-338511.php

 

[chrono]

Looks like you've purchased the sapphire and the garnets? Have you received them yet? I would wait to receive the stones first before deciding on the setting. Once you get a good feel for its personality, you'll know what metal colour and side stone colours are best suited.

 

[JewelFreak]

Chrono's right -- live with it for a bit. See it in different lights & against your skin. You'll get a feel for what it needs best that way. Often with pale stones, if you use side stones, you don't want them to be so saturated they overwhelm the center one. Or, as you've been thinking, some will bring out colors -- sometimes no side stones, just the metal color is what it needs. Gems are as individual as people are!

For example, I've wanted a ring w/a halo forever (apologies to halo-dislikers), but those I've set so far have said NO, I want to stand on my own! So I let them & we're both happy.

--- Laurie

 

[NexivRed]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Chrono, no not purchased anything else yet although the $480 sapphire you linked me is on reserve for me until such time I can afford to order it and view it. I received fantastic customer service from that vendor. Very pleased

JF, yes you're right. Gonna wait until my spinel shows up this week to see what I would prefer to do with it. I'm so excited to receive my first gem in my hands!

 

[NexivRed]

Also, did a bit of research on how the carat weight of diamonds translates in mm, just so I could have a look at the DBTY necklaces and get an idea of the size I want. According to this website, http://www.ajediam.com/Sizes-of-Diamonds.html and looking at the photos of the gem sizes I like, anything from 4mm to around 8mm is the size of gem I'm after.

Was having a look on AJS gems and there was a pad on there I really liked the colour of. How accurate are their photos in your experiences, cos this one has such a great marry of pink and orange!

Is that what you call zoning though, the way the colours appear different in different sections? It sorts of appeals to me, but I wonder if they would send me a video of this stone.

 

[chrono]

Yes, the colouration is uneven and splotchy. Their stones are a tad less saturated in person compared to the pictures and they no longer provide extra pictures or videos.

 

[NexivRed]

...and they no longer provide extra pictures or videos.

Really? That's not good, their pics are tiny. I can't tell what the cut is like at all from those small pictures. And on second thought, I think it may be a tad too saturated for me anyway. When I look at examples of pink/orange stones, the peachy salmon ones appeal more than the saturated salmon ones do.


I may come off slightly mad posting this, but I decided to get together all the stones I'd bookmarked so far whether just for colour or for stones recommended to me. I just wanted to see what all the individual colours looked like playing off against one another, cos this colour I'm looking for is really difficult to define, even to myself.
So yeah, the collection so far. My favourite colour out of all of them together like that is probably the bottom right, but I'm not crazy about the cut or shape, and that too is from AJS so the colour is probably not true at all from what you've said about their pictures

What do we think? 3rd from the right on the top row is a good candidate colour wise for a bracelet gem. How do you think the cut fares on that one? It's stood out to me ever since I first saw it.