Phenakite or Danburite?

[GliderPoss]

Howdy all,

I''m still on the hunt for a new stone to replace my lost e-ring. Thought I''d look at a combination of colourless and coloured gemstones so noticed these two on Multicolor.com amongst my search.

I have already ordered a lovely 2ct radiant cut Danburite so am waiting for that to arrive but I''ve just discovered Phenakite which looks the same but has a higher hardness of 8 on the moh''s scale. Have I made a mistake getting the Danburite? Which stone would be better for a ring, sparklier, durability etc....

I know nothing compares to a diamond, thats not really what I''m aiming for. My budget will not really allow for a large white sapphire so am trying to explore as many other options as possible.

Was thinking of this design with yellow and white stones... what do you think??? Potential Ring Design


Thanks in advance for all advice. Sorry for so many questions!

 

[chrono]

While a danburite is pretty and sparkly, it is too soft to be set in a ring, much less an engagement ring.

 

[ma re]

What makes you say that Chrono? It''s 7 to 7,5 and has only a poor cleavage in one direction, so it won''t exactly fall apart after the first day. I agree that it''s not the best e-ring stone idea, but many wear emeralds in e-rings and they''re even more fragile. Phenakite is more durable though, both in hardness and in the fact that it has no cleavage. In terms of brilliance they should be about the same.

 

[chrono]

I only mentioned it because I've read too many stories about danburites chipping. It certainly won't fall apart that easily but the horror stories are enough for me to discourage anyone from setting it in a ring.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Phenakite is more durable, but danburite is close. They are also close in RI. My morganite was chipped when it was set--it can happen to many different stones. If you're looking for a durable e-ring stone to wear daily, I probably would not choose danburite or phenakite. What colors interest you?

 

[GliderPoss]

UPDATE: Got my Danburite in the mail a few moments ago. Looks amazing!!! So sparkly and rainbow. The Radiant cut is fabulous and big enough to be blingy but not trashy and fake. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Thank you answering my question above. I will also investigate getting a Phenakite but they are WAAAAAY more expensive compared to the Danburite and we have a non-existant budget so may have to make do with what I've got. I don't usually wear my e-ring every day and nor am I hard on them. I work in an office so I'm very gentle with my rings. May bezal it to protect it further. I'll get hubby to take some pics when he gets home.

Full credit to Multicolor for the stone. Great service and quick shipping!

 

[mus]

Both phenakite and danburite are suitable for jewelry.

I have just bought the following inexpensive danburite:

 

[mus]

Another pic (8.08 ct, Mexico, Eye Clean):

 

[chrono]

Multicolour comes through again. I like them for decent looking inexpensive stones. Plus their inventory is huge! It takes time to sort through everything but if patient, good deals can be found. Congratulations!

 

[oldmancoyote]

Date: 5/11/2009 1:26:15 AM
Author: HotPozzum

UPDATE: Got my Danburite in the mail a few moments ago. Looks amazing!!! So sparkly and rainbow. The Radiant cut is fabulous and big enough to be blingy but not trashy and fake. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Thank you answering my question above. I will also investigate getting a Phenakite but they are WAAAAAY more expensive compared to the Danburite and we have a non-existant budget so may have to make do with what I''ve got. I don''t usually wear my e-ring every day and nor am I hard on them. I work in an office so I''m very gentle with my rings. May bezal it to protect it further. I''ll get hubby to take some pics when he gets home.

Full credit to Multicolor for the stone. Great service and quick shipping!

Watch out on that one, and get someone who really knows what they are doing. The bezel is pushed against the stone with a hammer (and burin or similar) - the setter should be told about cleavage and softness of the stone.

 

[PinkTower]

Make sure your benchman is well qualified. I have a loveley danburite asscher from P.Torraca. He advised me that the stone could be damaged by heat, as in a jeweler''s torch. I agree with you, they are very pretty stones.

 

[GliderPoss]

Oh Mus that is a really unusual cut! How stunning!

As for the setting I will probably go custom - not many empty setting places in Oz and considering the exchange rate is hideous.... I don''t think I''ll go local either. Not many jewellers in town I''d trust so may have to send it away elsewhere. Ideally I would like a "corner set" ring so it''s protected but still lets in lots of light. Again I realise it''s not an ideal stone but I guess if it breaks at least won''t cost a fortune to replace!!! Got plenty of time to look around for something better - I''m not in a rush to get this set.

Ok will now attempt to post pics!!!!

(Fingers crossed)

 

[GliderPoss]

Pics just don't do it justice!

EDIT: Whoops tad large sorry. But this is how blinding it is in sunlight!

 

[GliderPoss]

Finally let me attach the best pic. Hope it turns out ok....?