Please help me choose....

[ChrisA222]

I was really hoping some of you guys and gals could help me with a decision that has been killing me. Right now, I have one ring I wear all the time, my Sapphire thats in my avatar. Im also having my jeweler set either an 8.5mm Barry Red Malaya or am 8.25 Weblorn Umbalite in an existing YG setting I had...

I have set aside enough money for one more custom ring that I am going to have Jeff Davies make for me. But I am torn...once I make up my mind, the next day I change it again..lol.

Here are the stones:

5ct Cambodian Blue Zircon, 11x9. This was recut by Dan Stair, into a precision-cut oval. I had this one envisioned in Rose Gold, as I've always wanted a Blue Zircon set in Rose Gold. I just like the way the two colors contrast. I wanted to do a hammared-style band, like the one in the pic, except have Jeff mount it with some claw-shaped prongs somehow..so not bezeled like the pic.

2.25ct Nigerian Rubellite, 10x8. This stone I've been after FOREVER. Rubellite is one of my favorite stones, along with Blue Zircon, and I've been after the 'perfect' one for a really long time. I had one, but it had inclusions (typical of this stone), but Beau-wy on eBay told me that he had THE stone for me. He was right. It is eyeclean, has the color I've been after (red with purple mod) and holds its color. No brown outs. If Im a little more excited about this one its becuase its new and the B.Z Ive had for a little while. This one was also precision-cut by Dan. I haven't thought about design other than White Gold.

Which stone would you set first? I only have budget for one, and the next one wont be for a while. The only reason I am setting the Malaya/Umbalite is because I had aquired a setting for it in my gold-scrap buying days, but thats another thread thats coming. LOL.

Blue Zircon or Rubellite?? Thanks in advance for replies or comments

 

[chrono]

It would depend on which one you have a design lined up for first.

 

[Enerchi]

Super scientific measures that I used to come to my conclusion --- based upon mined location, ct size, dimensions and gem cutter --- I recommend:

the purdy red one!!! Yup, its the colour that won me over, simply because if you already have one in the blue family (and I'm lumping that gorgeous zircon in that "colour zone", which is not fair, but ... ) I'd go with one of a different colour and this expands your jewellry wardrobe to be OBVIOUS when you switch up rings.

ya - totally scientific - so feel free to bulldoze my idea!

 

[ChrisA222]

Thanks!!

Chrono...I can use the same setting design with either, really....

En...there's going to be a red or purplish-red garnet ring coming too...so technically, there is already a blue and a red. LOL!

 

[chrono]

I see the two as very different - a red and a light blue stone requires different designs to bring out their best, especially when you take the tone and RI and other characteristics into consideration. What looks good for the zircon may not be good for the tourmaline.

 

[Enerchi]

ooooh???? another ring??? Do tell!!! What deets can you spill on that little trinket-to-be?

 

[ChrisA222]

En...I cannot share because I don't know what stone is being set, LOL! It is a surprise...even to me!

 

[minousbijoux]

The rubellite, while very pretty, is subtler and deeper in color. The zircon really has the kapow! effect.

I would want to put the rubellite in yellow gold because I'm a sucker for saturated colors with yellow gold.

 

[ChrisA222]

Chrono...

Well, I did sort of make some decisions with regard to the Blue Zircon. I found this ring online, and I really like the look of the band. But Jeff and I both agreed that we aren't going to bezel set the Zircon, so its going to be prong mounted. I asked for some claw looking prongs. Im not too picky when it comes to that stuff...my main concern is looking at the stone. jeff is excellent at what he does, him and his team of jewlers.

The Rubellite I know I want white gold. I"d probably Bezel set it like my Sapphire, except North South to make it a little different. I'd love to find a way to have him do both...but I know he only works in 18K, so I cannot skimp by doing something like 10K.

Minou, I will think about YG, but....I love the look of red on white gold. I'd even do argentium silver but I dont think Jeff works with silver. Boy if he did maybe I could do both...lol.

 

[davi_el_mejor]

What color do you see yourself wearing more? Or is this a special occasion ring?

The rubellite is a total dreamboat! WOW

The BZ is a knockout too.

You'll get more BLING from the BZ for sure, just the nature of the stone.

That red though, hot dang! Be prepared for "oooh is that a ruby!"

 

[Enerchi]

ok Chris, if you will be getting a ring in the red family anyway, then I'd vote for the blue zircon (again - totally scientifically based upon .... um.... hmmm, I'll get back to you on my rationale! )

I love the zircon's colour - just a perfect caribbean blue sea colour! Almost like a Paraiba tourmaline... "almost"! And I love the cut of it, too.

How exciting you are getting a surprise ring! Cool!

 

[Starzin]

Love them both! You've read enough here to know that the zircon is more brittle that the rubellite and prong setting it will expose those edges more easily to damage. Cup each of them in silver foil to get an approximation of what a bezel setting will do to the stones but I think my vote is for the rubellite. Love the ring design though with stone set either N-S or E-W.

 

[ChrisA222]

THanks....

Starzin...I know about the brittle nature of Zircon....but I'm encouraged by another poster on here who's had his large BZ for years and all he's done to it wearing it daily has been a polish.

Either ring Ill wear once in a while, and Ill take care of it. The Sapphire is the every day ring.

I think Im going to go with the BZ, only because I already have the design picked out...sorta....thanks!

Ill post what the end result is!

 

[jbkhere]

5ct Cambodian Blue Zircon, 11x9. This was recut by Dan Stair, into a precision-cut oval. I had this one envisioned in Rose Gold, as I've always wanted a Blue Zircon set in Rose Gold. I just like the way the two colors contrast. I wanted to do a hammared-style band, like the one in the pic, except have Jeff mount it with some claw-shaped prongs somehow..so not bezeled like the pic.

2.25ct Nigerian Rubellite, 10x8. This stone I've been after FOREVER. Rubellite is one of my favorite stones, along with Blue Zircon, and I've been after the 'perfect' one for a really long time. I had one, but it had inclusions (typical of this stone), but Beau-wy on eBay told me that he had THE stone for me. He was right. It is eyeclean, has the color I've been after (red with purple mod) and holds its color. No brown outs. If Im a little more excited about this one its becuase its new and the B.Z Ive had for a little while. This one was also precision-cut by Dan. I haven't thought about design other than White Gold.


Blue Zircon or Rubellite?? Thanks in advance for replies or comments

OK - I LOVE the Rubellite and I think so do you (see bold above ) I would absolutely do the Rubellite first!!

 

[bluebirrrd]

They are both beautiful and you can't go wrong. I'd actually really like to see the blue zircon in hammered rose gold, so out of curiosity that would be my vote. I love hammered finishes, and I love rose gold so I'd love to see how that looks. The rubellite is gorgeous. I hope to find one some day too - a trillion.

 

[Arkteia]

If it were my choice, the rubellite. Awesome color. I am not to give advises, we all have own preferences, but I once bezeled a rubellite and soon realized it was a mistake. I know you have made the decision about bezeling, but please, do the foil trick and see what happens. I like red and YG combo, a warm color with a warm color, but intense red can stand any combination. As long as the setting does not darken it.