New blue tourmaline, help?

ma re · Sep 15, 2009

Date: 9/15/2009 11:25:57 AM
Author: Michael_E

This may be, but there''s nothing saying that the bezel has to go all the way around the stone or that the sides have to be solid. If you''re up for custom work you can have your jeweler pierce the sides of the bezel, or cut out scallops from the top down, as far as 1/2 way or so. The attached picture shows a bezel that''s cut out on the sides only, but this could be done on four sides if one wanted to use it with a split shank band. This opens up the bezel and increases the contrast in the stone as it''s tilted, relieving the dark bezel problem a bit.

Well said, but I was thinking about full bezels when I wrote that (should''ve wrote that too I guess...). Thanks TL for the compliment

Gailey · Sep 15, 2009

Date: 9/15/2009 11:25:57 AM
Author: Michael_E

Date: 9/15/2009 2:46:44 AM
Author: ma re
Seriously, all stones darken a bit once bezeled, so you might think about that too when deciding on the settings.

Click to expand...

This may be, but there''s nothing saying that the bezel has to go all the way around the stone or that the sides have to be solid. If you''re up for custom work you can have your jeweler pierce the sides of the bezel, or cut out scallops from the top down, as far as 1/2 way or so. The attached picture shows a bezel that''s cut out on the sides only, but this could be done on four sides if one wanted to use it with a split shank band. This opens up the bezel and increases the contrast in the stone as it''s tilted, relieving the dark bezel problem a bit.

Michael, that is a nice looking ring. Did you make it?

MTG, you have one lovely looking stone there.

Michael_E · Sep 15, 2009

Yes Gailey, thanks. This client wanted something where she could see more of the stone, have it as close as possible to the finger and be comfortable when wearing gloves and going in and out of pockets. I always liked the idea of pierced work on the sides of bezels, though I haven''t made any yet. Anyone have any pictures of pierced or filigree bezels ?

T L · Sep 15, 2009

This is one of those stones that I think would still look great in a full bezel because
1) It''s bright
2) It''s precision cut, so there shouldn''t be dead spots.
3) The color might even deepen a bit, but I don''t think it would look dark, like some stones would when bezeled.

I would have bezeled my cuprian tourmaline, except for the fact that I don''t like how my jeweler does bezels.

MakingTheGrade · Sep 15, 2009

Date: 9/15/2009 3:07:55 PM
Author: Michael_E
Yes Gailey, thanks. This client wanted something where she could see more of the stone, have it as close as possible to the finger and be comfortable when wearing gloves and going in and out of pockets. I always liked the idea of pierced work on the sides of bezels, though I haven''t made any yet. Anyone have any pictures of pierced or filigree bezels ?

Sally does lovely filigree bezels, my only issue is that it sits too high for me personally

Here''s Mochi''s "pillbox" bezel from sally

LtlFirecracker · Sep 15, 2009

Date: 9/15/2009 4:35:45 PM
Author: MakingTheGrade

Date: 9/15/2009 3:07:55 PM

Author: Michael_E

Yes Gailey, thanks. This client wanted something where she could see more of the stone, have it as close as possible to the finger and be comfortable when wearing gloves and going in and out of pockets. I always liked the idea of pierced work on the sides of bezels, though I haven''t made any yet. Anyone have any pictures of pierced or filigree bezels ?

Click to expand...

Sally does lovely filigree bezels, my only issue is that it sits too high for me personally

Here''s Mochi''s ''pillbox'' bezel from sally

That is what I am thinking about doing for my new blue.

The pill box can be lowered, she can do it without that little pedestal. She also has a similar ring with a thicker bezel and shank that has a low profile. She doesn''t have it on her site, but she sent it to me when I was looking at options for my aqua.

MakingTheGrade · Sep 15, 2009

Are you getting it in WG Lt?

Hmmm...I''ll keep that open as an option too then

I would like it much more if it wasn''t so high.

jstarfireb · Sep 15, 2009

What I like about the height and little disc thingy on the pillbox is that it allows it to be a stacker. If the larger round area sits directly on the finger like the Christie setting, it won''t stack. But if you''re planning to wear it alone, it works.

LtlFirecracker · Sep 15, 2009

Date: 9/15/2009 11:14:36 PM
Author: MakingTheGrade
Are you getting it in WG Lt?

Hmmm...I'll keep that open as an option too then I would like it much more if it wasn't so high.

No, I think my stone looks better with yellow gold. I like WG better, but I don't mind yellow gold. I originally wanted an LOGR, but I am like you, very simple, and I am not sure if the yellow gold + diamonds + blue would be too much for me. I put some pics of my stone next to WG and yellow gold in my thread. The WG just washes my stone out. Honestly, I like the look of your stone with YG too. However, I think your stone would work with WG if that is what you prefer. I know you still need to see the stone.

If I get the pillbox, I would get it the standard way. The think the pedestal makes it look more graceful. But if is really a top contender, you should ask her for a pic of the lowered version so you can decide for yourself.

jstarfireb · Sep 16, 2009

Date: 9/12/2009 11:47:23 PM
Author: D&T
And this one too... its a small fellow 4.45mm but the color is beautiful and for $30 (after the discount) why not... I have to be really good, and I have passed up on it, it is still available.

http://www.gemshoppe.com/

indicolite tourmaline

Hey D&T - that''s the tourmaline I just bought! Yay!

D&T · Sep 16, 2009

Date: 9/16/2009 2:38:44 PM
Author: jstarfireb

Date: 9/12/2009 11:47:23 PM
Author: D&T
And this one too... its a small fellow 4.45mm but the color is beautiful and for $30 (after the discount) why not... I have to be really good, and I have passed up on it, it is still available.

http://www.gemshoppe.com/

indicolite tourmaline

Click to expand...

Hey D&T - that''s the tourmaline I just bought! Yay!

yay! I''m glad you got it, as i was on a strick diet - no spending that is until my half deposited projects gets completed...lol I''ll be admiring from afar though

jstarfireb · Sep 16, 2009

Haha, I have 3 projects in the works already, and none of them are even half deposited! I should follow in your footsteps, but it was just too good to pass up. Tourmaline is one of my birthstones (October).

LtlFirecracker · Sep 16, 2009

Date: 9/16/2009 8:33:41 PM
Author: jstarfireb
Haha, I have 3 projects in the works already, and none of them are even half deposited! I should follow in your footsteps, but it was just too good to pass up. Tourmaline is one of my birthstones (October).

Glad you got it

. I like the pillbox, but that is just my style. I did lotus seed rings for my small stones and they look great.