Opalescent Tourbillon Ring Project

pokerface · Apr 7, 2021

It's happening! My first real project! I've been around these forums and collecting for over a decade, but as it turns out, turning something into jewelry is a lot more expensive than buying random gems on ebay!

The sapphire:

First question: should I take this stone over to AGL to see if it gets the magical "opalescent" designation? Even if not, I think it would be nice to have the brief to commemorate the occasion (and prove the stone is unheated/untreated).

The inspiration:

I've contacted David Klass to make a modified version of this antique ring, but with rose gold instead of yellow. I will also maybe use OECs instead of rose cuts depending on availability, but I do like the rustic feel of the original. Thoughts?

The first draft:

Here's David's first take. What suggestions would you make to have this look as close to the inspiration as possible? I am most interested in mimicking the proportions of the inspiration piece, because it's very pleasing to my eye.

Any comments or suggestions are welcome!

GliderPoss · Apr 7, 2021

What a pretty stone, love that GLOW! Agreed it's often more expensive to turn into jewellery hence why I have a number still unset....

RE: the CAD maybe slightly less airline between swirls? It's a personal opinion only though.

pokerface · Apr 7, 2021

My digital coloring

molecule · Apr 7, 2021

I think the inspiration piece has a slower graduation of diamond size

lovedogs · Apr 7, 2021

I am useless with CADs but LOVE THIS!

CHRISTY-DANIELLE · Apr 8, 2021

I have to agree with @GliderPoss . Maybe tighten the gaps.
I love this style... it's on my list!
Do you like single cut diamonds? They have their own, slightly demure, twinkle. Less bling than oecs but I love then in antique style rings. ( and they are cheaper!)

pokerface · Apr 8, 2021

Another shot in shaded natural light. I am leaning towards bringing this guy over to AGL for a GemBrief, especially since I am in NYC and can deliver by hand. Anyone think that would be a terribly foolish idea for a .75ct sapphire?

YadaYadaYada · Apr 8, 2021

This is so pretty, magical looking.

lovedogs · Apr 8, 2021

pokerface said:
Another shot in shaded natural light. I am leaning towards bringing this guy over to AGL for a GemBrief, especially since I am in NYC and can deliver by hand. Anyone think that would be a terribly foolish idea for a .75ct sapphire?

Nope, I would seriously consider it, just to know what you have.

kimberlyqkim · Apr 8, 2021

pokerface said:
It's happening! My first real project! I've been around these forums and collecting for over a decade, but as it turns out, turning something into jewelry is a lot more expensive than buying random gems on ebay!

The sapphire:

First question: should I take this stone over to AGL to see if it gets the magical "opalescent" designation? Even if not, I think it would be nice to have the brief to commemorate the occasion (and prove the stone is unheated/untreated).

The inspiration:

I've contacted David Klass to make a modified version of this antique ring, but with rose gold instead of yellow. I will also maybe use OECs instead of rose cuts depending on availability, but I do like the rustic feel of the original. Thoughts?

The first draft:

Here's David's first take. What suggestions would you make to have this look as close to the inspiration as possible? I am most interested in mimicking the proportions of the inspiration piece, because it's very pleasing to my eye.

Any comments or suggestions are welcome!

How fun! Regarding the CAD vs the inspiration. On the inspiration I see more negative (air/empty) space between the center stone and on the center swirl. The CAD dosent seem to have the second gap.

pokerface · Apr 8, 2021

kimberlyqkim said:
How fun! Regarding the CAD vs the inspiration. On the inspiration I see more negative (air/empty) space between the center stone and on the center swirl. The CAD dosent seem to have the second gap.

Can you show me what you mean by circling the parts on the photos? Do you just mean the inspiration diamonds are smaller and the swirl is tighter?

Also: I have dropped the stone off at AGL!!! They already verified it's a natural sapphire!!

pokerface · Apr 9, 2021

CADs take two...what do we think?

AnastasiaBeaverhausen · Apr 9, 2021

lovedogs said:
I am useless with CADs but LOVE THIS!

pokerface said:
CADs take two...what do we think?

I'm terrible with CADs too. But it reminds me of my bypass e-ring. So I love it!!

pokerface · Apr 26, 2021

!!!!!

This was SO exciting. I went to pick up the gem from AGL, and it had been graded as "light orangy blue." I asked if they could explain the difference between mine and @Sparklemore's, and the gemologist was like, "Oh, sorry, I forgot I had used that term before. I will fix it." And they printed me a new certificate on the spot

Officially OPALESCENT!!!!

Cerulean · Apr 26, 2021

pokerface said:
!!!!!

This was SO exciting. I went to pick up the gem from AGL, and it had been graded as "light orangy blue." I asked if they could explain the difference between mine and @Sparklemore's, and the gemologist was like, "Oh, sorry, I forgot I had used that term before. I will fix it." And they printed me a new certificate on the spot

Officially OPALESCENT!!!!

THIS IS SOOOOOOO COOL!

Maybe I should get mine certed....

Cerulean · Apr 26, 2021

I am also useless with CADs and come here begging on my hands and knees for someone else to review my own...hah!

So to me, it is a winner design-wise! Take that for what it is worth

Bron357 · Apr 26, 2021

How cool. I wonder if my sapphire would get an opalescent grading? Not that it matters to me.
Im really loving my new ring, it’s so pretty in the sunlight.

pokerface · Apr 26, 2021

I suspect that in addition to being silky/milky, opalescence is caused by undertones that contrast with the body color - color wheel opposites, or nearly opposite. @Sparklemore's sapphire actually did not receive a color designation (which I remarked upon at the time!). I honestly never would have guessed orangy blue for mine - I thought maybe pinkish lavender or pinkish blue - but I like it no matter what you call it!

ShinyPink · Apr 26, 2021

I love that it's "orangy blue." It sounds so exotic! It's gorgeous, btw. Did you already tell us the seller?

pokerface · Apr 26, 2021

@PinkAndBlueBling, yeah, I think I shared on a different thread. This sapphire is from GemmaxMontreal on Etsy. He was very prompt and courteous, and I very much enjoy his gem descriptions. They are colorful and honest, and a number of his customers note that the gems are better than the photos. I highly recommend!

Bron357 · Apr 26, 2021

Sorry but I’m a bit slow. It came to me while walking the dogs.
how about a Moi et Toi ring with my other sapphire? I won’t be setting it, I have a zillion unset gems aka the gem haul.

ShinyPink · Apr 26, 2021

@pokerface Ahhh, yes! I bought a lovely milky pink sapphire from him, probably after you posted!

pokerface · Apr 28, 2021

Wax model is here! I feel like we're on the right track but it's still a little bulky. The problem is since my stone is more oval than the inspiration, I either have to have less round, more thick, or thinner and more negative space. I guess I will ask for thinner and more negative space, and perhaps less width in the band. I don't know if it's because it's a new ring or the wax or the design but the ring I normally wear is much thinner, basically flush with my hand.

molecule · Apr 28, 2021

What about putting the stone horizontally?

pokerface · Jun 29, 2021

First looks

Cerulean · Jun 29, 2021

pokerface said:
First looks

Sparklemore · Jun 29, 2021

pokerface said:
First looks

This will be so beautiful!! Huge congrats on the opalescent designation at AGL. It’s a fun, unique club: welcome, lol! I probably stare are my stone more than any other gemstone I own. Very magical