Old amethyst in new home...but I have questions

[MMtwo]

Hi everyone,
I thank you for any insight in advance. I have read the intro thread about what to look for in a colored stone and am still looking to understand a good cut.

The amethyst in this ring was purchased by me in a 14k gold ring back about 1999. The setting snapped in half (long story) and the amethyst lived in my jewelry box for the last 15 years or so. It has sentimental value, as my dad and I went to rock shows as a child and we broke geodes open with amethyst inside. I saw this big amethyst years ago and thought of my dad. Anyhow, fast forward... Before reading very much about colored stones in the last few weeks, I decided to reset it in a silver Stuller at my local jewelers. I picked it up today and was sad to see it had a window (I didn't read about windows before having it set).

The gemologist who took the stone in to be set complimented it several times, said the cut was beautiful... ummmm.... but I see a big window. Also, although I spent several hundred for the ring, I don't know if it is natural. I purchased it at a JcPennys fine jewelry counter...soooooo....I don't know. Guess I am looking for feedback on the cut. Is it bad, or decent? Either way I will wear it, but I want to learn more about good cuts. Any opinions are warmly welcomed.

 

[LoversKites]

In the second photo you posted a window is obvious. I'm not sure if it is natural but possibly heated citrine. Not a big deal because it has sentimental value.

 

[chrono]

From your pictures, I agree that the amethyst looks to have a cut issue but none of the pictures are taken with the camera looking perpendicular to the table (all the pictures show the ring slightly tilted to the side). With a lower refractive index, tilt windows are more easily seen in light toned amethysts.

LK,
I think you had a typo. A citrine is a more often than not, a heated amethyst, not the other way around.

 

[JewelFreak]

Your amethyst does have a rather large window, but if you enjoy the ring, that's the important thing. Your memories of your father are wonderful, love the story. This isn't an amethyst you bought with your dad, right? But one that reminded you of him. So, if you kept your eye out for a better-quality one, you know he would be delighted for you if he were along. He would approve heartily of an upgrade, being a gem lover himself. You could keep the current one, but with what you know would be his support, re-set the ring with a new amethyst. Maybe he'll be along, helping!

--- Laurie

 

[LoversKites]

LK,
I think you had a typo. A citrine is a more often than not, a heated amethyst, not the other way around.

Not a typo, a factual mistake. Sorry. Thanks for the correction

 

[MMtwo]

Thanks for the input.
LK, I agree with you, because of the sentimental value, I can overlook the flaws I didn't know about the citrine/amethyst connection. See, learning something new!

Jewel freak, thanks for your kind response. Big rocks always make me think of my daddy, and the nerdish delight of rock collecting and my rock tumbler set as a kid. I'm a nerd like dad As a grown woman, the bright n shiny factor is fun too! Your input is really appreciated, I do want to learn about cuts. He would definitely approve of an upgrade. I miss him very much.

Chrono, here are a couple more pictures straight on. Seems like the lighting changes things quite a bit. I guess the gemologist's compliments on the stone made me second guess the window I see. Honestly, I assume she wanted me to feel good about the stone, but the nerd in me wants to know good from bad. I appreciate the expert feedback.

 

[MollyMalone]

I really like the mounting you chose, moneymeister; it looks lovely on your hand. Is it from Stuller's Scroll collection? e.g.,
http://www.stuller.com/products/70532/1000168951/?groupId=35271

 

[MMtwo]

oopsie

 

[MMtwo]

Thanks MollyMalone, you called it! Good eye! I do enjoy the setting and think it is good with the stone. It's a marquise 6-Prong Scroll Setting® with V-Ends Item #: 1908:65255:S (10x20mm sterling) with a 11.75mm Span Laurel Scroll Setting® Shank Item #: SH323 in sterling.

I must give the jeweler full credit though, the stone was so big her choices were rather limited. The boyfriend saw the ring today and said, "holy mother of God!!! that's huge!!!" hehehe, like I was showing him a ring that ate my arm.

We're getting engaged soon, hope that "huge rock" didn't make him sweat too much

I am jonesing for a charming, rainbow color-throwing warm old mine cut or European , but that's another thread someday in the future.

 

[chrono]

From your last 2 pictures, I think the chance of a true window is very low. From what I can tell, the stone is likely on the shallow end and perhaps on that threshold of windowing but not quite. However, a shallow stone coupled with the low RI property of an amethyst equates to a large tilt window that is seen at the slightest tilt angle. It's a beautiful ring and its purpose of remembrance is very touching. I also want to point out that I am far from an expert and do not deem myself as one; just from one nerd to another.

 

[MMtwo]

Chrono, thanks so much for your reply. So the window is closed That helps me. The last straight on picture did surprise me, I guess I usually look at a slight tilt and always see a little too much skin color shining through for my liking. Still, daddy would approve of the big shiny rock.

Thank you everyone for looking and giving feedback!

Where can I find out more about windows and tilt windows? I am happy to search threads and have read the noob pinned posts on top, but wondered if anyone knew of any other resources, primers, vendor videos on rock selection?
Thanks again!

From your last 2 pictures, I think the chance of a true window is very low. From what I can tell, the stone is likely on the shallow end and perhaps on that threshold of windowing but not quite. However, a shallow stone coupled with the low RI property of an amethyst equates to a large tilt window that is seen at the slightest tilt angle. It's a beautiful ring and its purpose of remembrance is very touching. I also want to point out that I am far from an expert and do not deem myself as one; just from one nerd to another.