Pendant Ideas

[Double E]

With some ideas for pendant in mind, appreciate for any advice.

Thinking of making pendant(s) that match the ring we have or a ring going to be built. The aim is more varieties and to have ring-pendant sets. While I am not going to spend big for these, I am exploring the feasibility for pendants with a gemstone rough or Opal as main stone.

We have 1) a lab pink sapphire ring with two pear shape accent diamonds in 18k rose gold and 2) a ring gonna be built with a chartreuse chrysoberyl ( still hunting the gem). So below are what I would like and require advices.

- Gem:
- Morganite/ rose quartz / opals (
with matching color play) / other
varieties matching the pink tone of
our lap sapphire
- lemon quartz / Mali garnet / Opal/
bright brown stones / others that
goes well with the chartreuse
chrysoberyl
- Durability/ hardness consideration
- Cost: Below $200
- Gem size: 10 x 10mm to 15-15mm
- shape: Chubby or free form (no flat stone like many opals available)
- Pendant setting: more contemporary instead of traditional basket (Haven’t decided budget yet, although not prefer terribly costly ones. Wouk like to explore available design aesthetic first)

As a start of the said ideas, I’ve purchased a parcel of lemon quartz rough (with some of the larger than my desired size as mentioned) from Joe Henley and awaiting delivery. Appreciate any food for thought, suggestions etc~

 

[demantoidz]

Some large and affordable rose quartz cabochons here. I think they are rarely faceted because they have a milky clarity.

Multicolour.com / All Categories / Any Stones / Rose Quartz / Old items appear last

Gallery View

www.multicolour.com

Most are too large but they could probably source smaller ones.
I just posted a lovely rhodochrosite cab in 'Somebody's Gotta Buy This Stone' if you want something more unusual, but its about 300usd, smaller, and softer.

 

[Double E]

Some large and affordable rose quartz cabochons here. I think they are rarely faceted because they have a milky clarity.

Multicolour.com / All Categories / Any Stones / Rose Quartz / Old items appear last

Gallery View

www.multicolour.com

Most are too large but they could probably source smaller ones.
I just posted a lovely rhodochrosite cab in 'Somebody's Gotta Buy This Stone' if you want something more unusual, but its about 300usd, smaller, and softer.

Thanks for the suggestion~ Slightly prefer a rough stone rather than a can. My concern is my target stone varieties are a bit soft that faceted or even a cab is not easy to live with…
There was a small pack or two morganite rough come up on Joe’s website but found that a bit expensive and thus small sized. There was a parcel of big rise quartz but with a few large pieces in the parcel it’s also expensive so I didn’t grab it.

Still exploring~

 

[Double E]

However there’s another issue ATM that is am still waiting for the delivery of the lemon quartz parcel, which “left” HK airport already in 27/2 but still yet to arrive at my how, wonder any similar experience for USPS delivery in HK recently?

 

[LilAlex]

Rubellite is pretty for a pendant -- vivid and affordable. Often imperceptibly heat-treated but still lovely.

 

[demantoidz]

Thanks for the suggestion~ Slightly prefer a rough stone rather than a can. My concern is my target stone varieties are a bit soft that faceted or even a cab is not easy to live with…
There was a small pack or two morganite rough come up on Joe’s website but found that a bit expensive and thus small sized. There was a parcel of big rise quartz but with a few large pieces in the parcel it’s also expensive so I didn’t grab it.

Still exploring~

Oh, I did not realize you wanted a rough stone. Do you mean like a polished gem rough, as many freeform opals? Not suggesting this opal, but to claritfy if this is what you mean

3.5-CTS MEXICAN FIRE OPAL FREEFORM FOB-1743-FIREOPALBEADS

Freeform Mexican Crystal Opal 11 x 8 x 6mm 3.5 cts Auction #1133569 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

 

[Double E]

Rubellite is pretty for a pendant -- vivid and affordable. Often imperceptibly heat-treated but still lovely.

I do have an impression that rubellite could be quite nicely coloured. Am I right to call it reddish pink that at times it is the colour I see on the internet, May be a slight purplish tint. It’s also often quite saturated.

I am not sure but had read from somewhere that rubellite was named in a way related to ruby, which May to some extent explained the similarities of the two, although they are still quite different

It’s worth consideration, however its colour behaviour in low light remain questioned, at least I am not experienced at it.

 

[Double E]

Oh, I did not realize you wanted a rough stone. Do you mean like a polished gem rough, as many freeform opals? Not suggesting this opal, but to claritfy if this is what you mean

3.5-CTS MEXICAN FIRE OPAL FREEFORM FOB-1743-FIREOPALBEADS

Freeform Mexican Crystal Opal 11 x 8 x 6mm 3.5 cts Auction #1133569 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

Free form Opals are in fact what initiated my ideas. Can’t remember when, some time after I followed a few Opal vendors on IG, my IG updates or notifications were sort of flooded with just so many Opal posts, and particularly free form opals caught my eyes.

I like it’s irregular, “natural” and think it suits pendants more than traditional faceted stones. I later on found rough stone could bring similar vibe as I continued my search. But ofcox aware of their different optical properties.

The problem of opal is I know just so so little about this gem variety...

 

[demantoidz]

Free form Opals are in fact what initiated my ideas. Can’t remember when, some time after I followed a few Opal vendors on IG, my IG updates or notifications were sort of flooded with just so many Opal posts, and particularly free form opals caught my eyes.

I like it’s irregular, “natural” and think it suits pendants more than traditional faceted stones. I later on found rough stone could bring similar vibe as I continued my search. But ofcox aware of their different optical properties.

The problem of opal is I know just so so little about this gem variety...

I am not super knowledgeable on opal either.
The basics are that Australian and Brazilian (?) opal is more stable due to not being hydrophane (porous and prone to crazing) like some Ethiopian opal. For the size you want, black opal is not an option.
Cheaper options are crystal opal, Coober Pedy opal, and boulder opal (and non-hydrophane Ethiopian opal, but I do not know if this is advertised specfically. Or you could decide you are comfortable with hydrophane opal - it just needs extra care, but others can advise if this is recommended).

However, opal with dominant pink/red colorplay (as you said you want it to match the color of your pink sapphrie) is uncommon and more expensive.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong about anything.

 

[Double E]

I am not super knowledgeable on opal either.
The basics are that Australian and Brazilian (?) opal is more stable due to not being hydrophane (porous and prone to crazing) like some Ethiopian opal. For the size you want, black opal is not an option.
Cheaper options are crystal opal, Coober Pedy opal, and boulder opal (and non-hydrophane Ethiopian opal, but I do not know if this is advertised specfically. Or you could decide you are comfortable with hydrophane opal - it just needs extra care, but others can advise if this is recommended).

However, opal with dominant pink/red colorplay (as you said you want it to match the color of your pink sapphrie) is uncommon and more expensive.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong about anything.

Thank you for rounding up the basics for me~ If I am going for Opal, I think I won’t bother to match the colour play with the pink sapphire, but for the chrysoberyl, that may be possible. Anyway not a must, and I would just like one with below quality instead:
-larger or chunkier sized colour play instead of smaller pinpoint colour flashes. I think the optics as a whole is largely different
- free form preferably, however many that I saw online are fire Opal or water Opal, that only show pinpoint colour play. I have to admit that many, it’s many of those fire or water Opal iG videos look amazing, but I suspect it’s strongly lit while making the clip and will look a lot worse irl. Not sure if my thought makes sense here.

 

[Double E]

I just randomly picked some examples on the internet


Claimed to be fire opals, small pinpoint colour play however very vivid that make me wonder how different they look irl.

 

[demantoidz]

For something pink and freeform/rough, you can also look at tumbled pink spinel, there are even some sub200 ones here

Search: 15 results found for "tumbled"

Discover precious gemstones by Yavorskyy: valued for ages ruby, sapphire, emerald, and newly appreciated spinel, Malaya garnet, tsavorite, tourmaline and many more. Explore gorgeous flickering stones with flawless signature cuts and shapes in vibrant colors from Myanmar, Vietnam, Madagascar...

yavorskyy.com

They had one like this in their sale to benefit Ukrainians, but since its not there anymore, it must have sold. They might add more.

 

[LilAlex]

I do have an impression that rubellite could be quite nicely coloured. Am I right to call it reddish pink that at times it is the colour I see on the internet, May be a slight purplish tint. It’s also often quite saturated.

The one I have is vivid pink.

Not too long ago, my spouse admired a high-kt gold pendant with a pretty, bold, scrolled-surround and ~ 3 - 4 ct (?) vivid pink tourmaline (rubellite) in the center. She wanted a chunky pendant that was low-maintenance. It was one of the few things that really turned her head. It was very "affordable" by PS standards.

They need a lot of light, imo, and for a pendant it is not clear how you get that light shining right at your chest. I guess it depends on your line of work.

EDIT:

This is it. Maybe ~ an inch across. Not her usual style and all handmade -- but definitely kind of funky and not a "high jewelry" look. (Color looks off like in my padparadscha photos on the other thread -- not sure why my vivid pinks are not uploading as such!)

 

[LilAlex]

EDIT:

This is it. Maybe ~ an inch across.

Another edit. We do not own this -- still for sale in the shop AFAIK. I have a rubellite that is similar but not set. And we did not pull the trigger on this for a variety of reasons. But I still have the photo!

 

[Double E]

Let me ask a simple question very quickly. How much does it cost for a high quality 10mm diameter high dome Aus black Opal?

 

[demantoidz]

Let me ask a simple question very quickly. How much does it cost for a high quality 10mm diameter high dome Aus black Opal?

It depends entirety on the darkness of the bodytone and the quality of the colorplay. High domes in black opals is not common, but I'll see what I can find.
Doublets are beautiful and cheaper (little pieces of genuine opal stuck together by hand) but require extra care.

On the high end, here's one with good, colorful broad flash colorplay, N2 bodytone which is almost the darkest (darker=better). So its $$$

N2 -2.35 CTS QUALITY BLACK OPAL POLISHED STONE INV-1000

Black Opal 10.4 x 9.7 x 3.6mm 2.35 cts Auction #938944 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

Obligatory to post one of my favorite opals ever.

N1 - 5.24CTS QUALITY RED ON BLACK OPAL STONE INV-

Black Opal 12.88 x 9.15 x 6.43mm 5.24 cts Auction #1126616 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

On the lower end, this has a grey N5 bodycolor with less colorplay only in the green and blue colors. Low dome.

3.97 cts Black Opal - Lightning Ridge

Black Opal 11 x 11 x 6mm 3.97 cts Auction #978840 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

More colors, but still grey bodycolor and a bit misshapen, can't tell if they are both totally flat or a bit domed:

3.0 CTS BLACK OPAL FROM LR

Black Opal 11.45 x 9.26 x 4.65mm 3 cts Auction #812126 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

1.9Cts GORGEOUS MULTI FIRE BLACK OPAL QOG1566

Black Opal 11 x 8 x 3mm 1.9 cts Auction #554874 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

Flat and thin, meaning less ct weight so you can get pretty strong colorplay in almost 10mm size, on a budget. To get more variety in color (reds, yellows, oranges as well as green and blue), I think size has to be compromised.

N 4- 1.01 CTS BLACK OPAL STONE L. RIDGE TBO-A1734

Black Opal 9.66 x 8.66 x 1.96mm 1.01 cts Auction #933725 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

N2 - 1.42 CTS BLACK OPAL STONE L. RIDGE TBO-A1797

Black Opal 9.71 x 9.33 x 2.27mm 1.42 cts Auction #934836 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

It is a great site to browse according to category, but I understand it can be overwhelming. There are lots of flavors in opal and maybe you would find a feature you like that isn't too expensive.

 

[demantoidz]

I just noticed that you asked for high quality only - but you got an essay out of me, sorry. I looked again at higher end ones, most are flat.

This is pretty high quality in terms of how present the colorplay is, but the body tone quite grey and there is no red.

3.54ct Lightning Ridge Black Opal FM691

Black Opal 10.4 x 9.8 x 6mm 3.54 cts Auction #1183719 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

Much cheaper than the others due to weaker colorplay so I wouldn't call it high quality, but high domed and dark. Somewhat smaller than 10mm.

N1-2.55 Cts High Dome Black Opal Stone Lightning Ridge TBO-A3056 ///

Black Opal 8.9 x 7.8 x 5.4mm 2.55 cts Auction #1010030 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

 

[Double E]

I just noticed that you asked for high quality only - but you got an essay out of me, sorry. I looked again at higher end ones, most are flat.

This is pretty high quality in terms of how present the colorplay is, but the body tone quite grey and there is no red.

3.54ct Lightning Ridge Black Opal FM691

Black Opal 10.4 x 9.8 x 6mm 3.54 cts Auction #1183719 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

Much cheaper than the others due to weaker colorplay so I wouldn't call it high quality, but high domed and dark. Somewhat smaller than 10mm.

N1-2.55 Cts High Dome Black Opal Stone Lightning Ridge TBO-A3056 ///

Black Opal 8.9 x 7.8 x 5.4mm 2.55 cts Auction #1010030 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

You’ve been helping me a lot thanks so much for spending your time~

I am definitely aware I am not getting the very fine ones with my budget, so your suggestions actually are logical. My requirement of “high quality” is confusing , it’s true because I didn’t have much idea about Opal, and I will need to dig deeper for the sweet spot.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

@Bron357 you want to chime in ?
(Although i did read more bad wheather coming your way )

 

[demantoidz]

You’ve been helping me a lot thanks so much for spending your time~

I am definitely aware I am not getting the very fine ones with my budget, so your suggestions actually are logical. My requirement of “high quality” is confusing , it’s true because I didn’t have much idea about Opal, and I will need to dig deeper for the sweet spot.

I've been posting a ton recently because I'm putting off more important IRL things
Anything to keep me distracted
I think you will get more engagement if you are more clear about what these pendants/necklaces would look like with cut gems and roughs/freeforms etc. I have trouble imagining it, but maybe you are still figuring it out yourself.

 

[Double E]

I've been posting a ton recently because I'm putting off more important IRL things
Anything to keep me distracted
I think you will get more engagement if you are more clear about what these pendants/necklaces would look like with cut gems and roughs/freeforms etc. I have trouble imagining it, but maybe you are still figuring it out yourself.

You’re right I am still figuring it out. I usually have more of a concrete idea when it comes to ring building, but not pendant. She doesn’t even have many pendants at all, just a forevermark diamond one (the diamond is not well cut), and one we bought in Okinawa when we were having proposal trip which the “stone” is material from a bigger shell carved in a smaller shell shape (this one is nice though^^). Can’t think of any other, but is also the reason I want to add something in her pendant collection. Another reason for a pendant is definitely we are more open to bigger, softer stones.

As an update, I have just received the lemon quartz parcel. It feels interesting holding rough stones on hand~However I may drop the idea of using an uncut or uncarved rough to make the pendant, as their shape may not be as “suitable” as I imagined aesthetically, and also physically as there could be sharp edges or corners making it less comfy to wear. But the lemon quartz are nice, I’ve been thinking participating in local workshops of gem cutting for some time, and these could be my practice stones after I have some lessons.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Obligatory to post one of my favorite opals ever.

N1 - 5.24CTS QUALITY RED ON BLACK OPAL STONE INV-

Black Opal 12.88 x 9.15 x 6.43mm 5.24 cts Auction #1126616 Opal Auctions

www.opalauctions.com

This post made me remember why I love lightning ridge material so much, after having moved away from opal collecting over the years. That thing looks like a supernova or exploding star. Incredible!

 

[demantoidz]

This post made me remember why I love lightning ridge material so much, after having moved away from opal collecting over the years. That thing looks like a supernova or exploding star. Incredible!

I would do unspeakable things to own that little piece of silica I have seen maybe 5 larger opals that come close to my ideal black opal, this is still the best.
I will probably share that link 100 more times before it sells. And then I will cry. It will be the most famous opal on PS

As an update, I have just received the lemon quartz parcel. It feels interesting holding rough stones on hand~However I may drop the idea of using an uncut or uncarved rough to make the pendant, as their shape may not be as “suitable” as I imagined aesthetically, and also physically as there could be sharp edges or corners making it less comfy to wear. But the lemon quartz are nice, I’ve been thinking participating in local workshops of gem cutting for some time, and these could be my practice stones after I have some lessons.

Most pendants with roughs I've seen have well formed crystals, eg of tourmaline, beryl or corundum. These wouldn't scratch the skin as much. Wire settings can accommodate odder shapes and make them more comfortable, but not everyone likes the look.
E.g you could pair a chartreuse chrysoberyl with a green tourmaline crystal.


Tumbled gems can be gorgeous, and obviously have no roughness to them which is why I linked the spinel pebbles.
Tajikistan spinels in particular remind me of ancient Mughal beads.

AN IMPERIAL MUGHAL SPINEL NECKLACE

www.christies.com

A MUGHAL SPINEL BEAD PENDANT

www.christies.com

Marco Polo Spinel Crystal Necklace

Pink Spinel app. 211 cts/17pcs, Diamond app. 20 cts/lot, 18k gold This one-of-a-kind set was handcrafted from a unique piece of Spinel rough found over twenty years ago in the Pamir mountains, where Marco Polo left his trace. The gradient Necklace and the pair of Earrings feature fine Spinel...

ivynewyork.com

Pink Spinel Maharani Necklace

Polished Pink Spinel 380 cts/28pcs, Diamonds, 18k gold A graceful fusion of antique jewelry tradition and fine gem expertise, this Necklace is fully composed of polished Pink Spinel beads, graduating slightly from the center. The beads intermingle with gold globes pave-set with Diamonds. The...

ivynewyork.com

I've been thinking of taking faceting classes myself. Good way to make myself leave the house more.

 

[Autumn in New England]

I would do unspeakable things to own that little piece of silica I have seen maybe 5 larger opals that come close to my ideal black opal, this is still the best.
I will probably share that link 100 more times before it sells. And then I will cry. It will be the most famous opal on PS

I must concur... we can mourn its selling together when that dark day arrives.

 

[Double E]

This post made me remember why I love lightning ridge material so much, after having moved away from opal collecting over the years. That thing looks like a supernova or exploding star. Incredible!

OMG! I mean who doesn’t love this?! I’ve also recently watched a post or video from Black Opal Direct for a massive free form vivid black Opal! These giant stones are real treasure, I wish I will be able to see some of them in person in the future~

 

[Double E]

I would do unspeakable things to own that little piece of silica I have seen maybe 5 larger opals that come close to my ideal black opal, this is still the best.
I will probably share that link 100 more times before it sells. And then I will cry. It will be the most famous opal on PS



Most pendants with roughs I've seen have well formed crystals, eg of tourmaline, beryl or corundum. These wouldn't scratch the skin as much. Wire settings can accommodate odder shapes and make them more comfortable, but not everyone likes the look.
E.g you could pair a chartreuse chrysoberyl with a green tourmaline crystal.


Tumbled gems can be gorgeous, and obviously have no roughness to them which is why I linked the spinel pebbles.
Tajikistan spinels in particular remind me of ancient Mughal beads.

AN IMPERIAL MUGHAL SPINEL NECKLACE

www.christies.com

A MUGHAL SPINEL BEAD PENDANT

www.christies.com

Marco Polo Spinel Crystal Necklace

Pink Spinel app. 211 cts/17pcs, Diamond app. 20 cts/lot, 18k gold This one-of-a-kind set was handcrafted from a unique piece of Spinel rough found over twenty years ago in the Pamir mountains, where Marco Polo left his trace. The gradient Necklace and the pair of Earrings feature fine Spinel...

ivynewyork.com

Pink Spinel Maharani Necklace

Polished Pink Spinel 380 cts/28pcs, Diamonds, 18k gold A graceful fusion of antique jewelry tradition and fine gem expertise, this Necklace is fully composed of polished Pink Spinel beads, graduating slightly from the center. The beads intermingle with gold globes pave-set with Diamonds. The...

ivynewyork.com

I've been thinking of taking faceting classes myself. Good way to make myself leave the house more.

Thanks again for all the nice ideas^^ I’ve dropped this thread for a while to think about my direction and have also looked into some wire pendant designs as well as other gemstone options.

For tourmaline, they offer their own aesthetic due to their Crystal shape, not to mention the availability of full spectrum colours from this species. However, it may look less align with our envisions due to their usual elongated form and the relatively higher brittleness.

As for wire pendant, I do found some simple designs appealing.



I am still having these in mind, but it depends on what type of stone we finally get. There’re definitely more complicated wire designs but I feel kind of “outshining” the gem due to its complicity.

 

[Double E]

As for the direction / criteria of the gem selection, I think I am changing it a bit. Not for matching our rings’ colour theme anymore, but as part of a collection of gemstones we wish to own.

I would like to let the gem to take the centre stage. My very first question is how big should it be? My though is what looks very nice a presence in a ring, say 6 x 6 mm, doesn’t sound big enough for a pendant.

This would be critical, because With this in mind, I am thinking about raising the budget a bit, although still not spending a fortune.

 

[Double E]

I realise I didn’t talk about the wish list of the gemstones or varieties we want. Here they’re~

Opal
Fanta Spess
Mali garnet
Lab created material (I am open to this as long as it’s special enough, or offer unique optical properties that natural gem simply can’t offer)

*would definitely love outra vivid neon yellow sapphire and chrysoberyl but would rather keep them as ring stone if I am to spend that higher cost for these more durable varieties. It will cost even higher to go bigger which is what I wish for a pendant stone

Also, free form shape is not realistic for me now because 1) I think a cut stone is better to show the beauty of Fanta, Mali garnet and 2) if it’s Opal, I prefer at least Crystal Opal which a big enough free form stone will be too costly

 

[demantoidz]

Not sure if for the garnets you'd be looking for cabs or normal cuts.
To get close to your desired size for a non-cab, faceted stone you'd need a spready cut like this

1.60 ct. Tanzanian Spessartite - The Gem Trader Rare Gems — The Gem Trader

www.thegemtrader.com

Cab example. I looked at more vivid cabs but they were substantially more expensive.

7.49 carat Orange Spessartite Garnet Gemstone | Pear Shape loose Spessartite Garnet from Mozambique | Natural Untreated Gem, ID: 390262

Displaying the Best Spessartite Garnet for a Pendant. 7.49 Carat weight Spessartite Garnet. Pear Cabochon Shape, AAA Color, Certified Spessartite Garnet. Shipping Natural Gemstones Worldwide

www.gemselect.com