Please help me set my round blue sapphire ering

[Rosebloom]

I was engaged 13 years ago with a blue sapphire three stone. The ring has enormous significance to me but has never been perfect in my eyes. And like many of us on PS, I crave perfection! So I decided to create a new ring that is also a blue sapphire center with diamond sides that is exactly what I want. My sweet husband is completely supportive, so off we go!

After a long search, I have found my center stone. It is a 2.55 carat round blue sapphire from Master Cut Gems. The stone is 8.22 x 8.12 x 5.13mm deep.

I want to set it in a three stone like Yssie's Butterflies setting. (And a very heartfelt thank you to Yssie for kindly answering many of my questions already offline. She is the BEST.)

I have several details I would love your help thinking through.

 

[Rosebloom]

1. Vendor:
I think I want to use Whiteflash for this project since they created Yssie's gorgeous ring that is my inspiration piece. One of the top lessons I've learned on PS is that you need to use a vendor who has experience making the kind of setting you want. Also their price is quite reasonable (about half what a hand forged version would cost).

I have two hesitations. First, I adore claw prongs. I think the prongs on Yssie's ring are very pretty so I know that Whiteflash can do nice prongs. But the prongs on her VC and DBL five stone rings are absolutely perfect and, as I understand it, not something that Whiteflash can do since they cast their pieces.




Secondly, there is a delicacy that Victor and Diamonds by Lauren were able to achieve in Yssie’s five stones that is different from her Whiteflash three stone. I prefer this delicacy in theory, but I’m not sure how big a difference it actually makes in person.





Any thoughts on which vendor to use? If I do handforged, it would be either DBL or VC.

 

[Rosebloom]

2. Side stones.

I have gorgeous diamond studs that I could use as sidestones, but I’m pretty sure they are too big. They are .615ct, 5.45mm, AGS Ideal cut, HVS1, negligible fluoro and .61ct, 5.48mm, AGS Ideal cut, GVS1, no fluoro.

Here are pictures of the sapphire with these stones as sides:

 

[Rosebloom]

For comparison, here is the sapphire with a pair of 5mm czs. I think this size is probably better. Thoughts?

(If I used my studs, I guess I would have to get a new, ahem, larger pair someday... )

 

[Rosebloom]

SIDES, continued...

What color side stones do you like when pairing with a blue sapphire? I'm sure the vendor will have an opinion, but I'd love to hear the PS wisdom on this. My instinct is G or H - nice and white but easier to pair with other stones if I ever decided to wear this with a diamond band.

In this size and for this purpose, would you spring for ACAs or are AGS Ideal cuts perfect enough?

I think it might be cool to have stones with strong blue fluorescence so that in the sun the sapphire would light up extra bright blue and the sides would have a blue tint too. I can't quite picture it though. Do you think this would look good or should I aim for no fluoro so the stark white/blue contrast is always present?


Amazingly, I actually have more questions but I'll save those for another day, another thread. Thank you so much for your help!!!

 

[Niel]

I like the sides of those studs. i like that it gives off a HUGE feel to it.


BUT, if you wanted to get smaller stones, id probably get D-E colored ones. I like colorless stones best when they are with a lovely sapphire, like yours.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

First of all, I want to say that I saw that sapphire a good while ago and even asked him about it, but I just didn't do anything since I had so many other things on the wishlist. Let me officially say that I made a mistake!!! It is so gorgeous!!! So now I will help you make my dream ring!!!

I'd be calling Victor or Steven. That ring deserves a fine setting. I think you are fine using those diamonds since you might want to upgrade studs anyway. They are nice and white. Once they are tucked a little under the sapphire, they won't stick out as far. I think you could use half carat stones just fine, but I'd probably use these and then upgrade studs to H-I color and larger. I wouldn't be concerned about getting fluoro. You almost never see it. I think side stones of G-H is perfect and what I'd aim for.

 

[Niel]

i also wanted to add that that sapphire looks amazing in the YG temp holding ring thing.

 

[Dee*Jay]

I think the studs are a great size with the sapphire! And my inclination would be to go with the more delicate setting. What a beautiful ring this is going to be!

 

[Rosebloom]

I like the sides of those studs. i like that it gives off a HUGE feel to it.


BUT, if you wanted to get smaller stones, id probably get D-E colored ones. I like colorless stones best when they are with a lovely sapphire, like yours.

Thank you so much, Niel. Huge is always good in my book.

Who would you have set it?

 

[marcy]

Gorgeous sapphire and your ring will be beautiful. I think even 4mm sides would look good but the 5mm and your earrings will look great as well. I don't see how you can go wrong with any side stones. I can't wait to see your finished ring.

 

[Dreamer_D]

VENDOR

Have you seen the version of this ring that SK made for SB's OECs? Frankly, that is the best hand forged three stone of this ilk I have seen, and also his customer service is great. I would not go with VC for a ring of this design. It's not in his wheel house and the end product he created for Yssie was not to her liking.

 

[Niel]

I like the sides of those studs. i like that it gives off a HUGE feel to it.


BUT, if you wanted to get smaller stones, id probably get D-E colored ones. I like colorless stones best when they are with a lovely sapphire, like yours.

Thank you so much, Niel. Huge is always good in my book.

Who would you have set it?

i was going to say SK as well. I, just like Dreamer, was thinking SB's three stone is perfection. Plus, all of his three stones are. If i was doing a three stone, it would be from him ( and in yellow gold )

 

[Dreamer_D]

SIDE STONES

...I think you are fine using those diamonds since you might want to upgrade studs anyway. They are nice and white. Once they are tucked a little under the sapphire, they won't stick out as far. I think you could use half carat stones just fine, but I'd probably use these and then upgrade studs to H-I color and larger. I wouldn't be concerned about getting fluoro. You almost never see it. I think side stones of G-H is perfect and what I'd aim for.

I agree 100% with DS here. The color on the studs you have are PERFECT for a ring and the cut is super. For earrings, you can go lower in color and clarity next time to upgrade

With an all diamond ring, sometimes you want to have smaller sides to keep the focus on the center. But with a huge blue sapphire as the center, you don't need to worry as much that the sides will distract! And diamonds always look better bigger because they throw off more light. I also personally love a BIG RING look, and those larger sides will give you that.

 

[Rosebloom]

First of all, I want to say that I saw that sapphire a good while ago and even asked him about it, but I just didn't do anything since I had so many other things on the wishlist. Let me officially say that I made a mistake!!! It is so gorgeous!!! So now I will help you make my dream ring!!!

I'd be calling Victor or Steven. That ring deserves a fine setting. I think you are fine using those diamonds since you might want to upgrade studs anyway. They are nice and white. Once they are tucked a little under the sapphire, they won't stick out as far. I think you could use half carat stones just fine, but I'd probably use these and then upgrade studs to H-I color and larger. I wouldn't be concerned about getting fluoro. You almost never see it. I think side stones of G-H is perfect and what I'd aim for.

Thank you so much for your input. You have such a great eye that I'm thrilled you think the studs work. I think with a diamond center stone the smaller sides are more pleasing to my eye but with the sapphire somehow the bigger sides really make the whole thing pop. I think I'm leaning towards using the studs!!

If I do use my studs, Victor will not do the setting as he will only do rings where he provides the side stones. But I'll get a quote from Steven so I have more information. I have a quote from DBL already but am crossing my fingers that maybe somehow SK will be less.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Here is SB's thread: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/steven-kirsch-jbeg-owd-yssie-2-62ctw-oec-3-stone-goodness.184650/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/steven-kirsch-jbeg-owd-yssie-2-62ctw-oec-3-stone-goodness.184650/[/URL]

Total perfection. AND her center is about the same mm as your sapphire. So you can see what the ring would look like with 4mm sides. I think it looks nice, too. But I also like the bigger ones you have.

 

[Rosebloom]

I think the studs are a great size with the sapphire! And my inclination would be to go with the more delicate setting. What a beautiful ring this is going to be!

Thanks Dee!!! This is all totally your fault. When I tried on your freaking amazing sapphire three stone I knew I desperately wanted to upgrade mine! So thank you for showing me how good it can get!

 

[Rosebloom]

Here is SB's thread: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/steven-kirsch-jbeg-owd-yssie-2-62ctw-oec-3-stone-goodness.184650/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/steven-kirsch-jbeg-owd-yssie-2-62ctw-oec-3-stone-goodness.184650/[/URL]

Total perfection. AND her center is about the same mm as your sapphire. So you can see what the ring would look like with 4mm sides. I think it looks nice, too. But I also like the bigger ones you have.

Dreamer - thank you so much for your thoughts. I think I'm sold on the bigger sides and you perfectly articulated the reason. And I love SB's ring. Love love love. It's set much lower than Yssie's and I think I prefer the higher set center stone. But surely SK could make this change and keep the overall beauty?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think I'd like larger sides than SB used for her diamond with this sapphire, but I adore the setting! I already mentioned that I'd use SK or Victor for this project, but I forgot that Victor would only do it if he provided the side stones. I did want to comment on one thing that Dreamer said, though. I thought most of us thought the setting he made Yssie was magnificent before she said it wasn't exactly what she wanted and asked him to alter it (which he later said he never should have done because it couldn't be altered well). So I would still have no hesitation to use Victor for a ring like this, because I thought the ring pictured above was gorgeous when it was originally made. BUT, since he won't make this one anyway, Steven would definitely be my choice to make it if it were mine (AND I DO WISH IT WAS MINE!!!).

I would set medium height, RB. Too much risk of damage if set too high, IMO.

 

[Rosebloom]

I think I'd like larger sides than SB used for her diamond with this sapphire, but I adore the setting! I already mentioned that I'd use SK or Victor for this project, but I forgot that Victor would only do it if he provided the side stones. I did want to comment on one thing that Dreamer said, though. I thought most of us thought the setting he made Yssie was magnificent before she said it wasn't exactly what she wanted and asked him to alter it (which he later said he never should have done because it couldn't be altered well). So I would still have no hesitation to use Victor for a ring like this, because I thought the ring pictured above was gorgeous when it was originally made. BUT, since he won't make this one anyway, Steven would definitely be my choice to make it if it were mine (AND I DO WISH IT WAS MINE!!!).

I would set medium height, RB. Too much risk of damage if set too high, IMO.

Thank you DS. (And for the record, I wish your AVR was mine!)

I totally agree on medium high. And I just realized that I am a total goof. I couldn't figure out why SB's ring looked different than Yssie's three stone and then looked closer and realized that it's 8 prongs not 6. Duh!! It's gorgeous as an 8 prong ring. For this ring I really want 6 prongs. Do you have thoughts on milgrain on the cross bars?

 

[Rosebloom]

Gorgeous sapphire and your ring will be beautiful. I think even 4mm sides would look good but the 5mm and your earrings will look great as well. I don't see how you can go wrong with any side stones. I can't wait to see your finished ring.

Thank you Marcy!! Some day I want half as many gorgeous rings as you have. I love your collection.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I adore milgrain and would do it on my AVR should I do something with baskets with cross bars. But I honestly think I'd make this one shiny, sleek, and classic with no milgrain. I agree with the 6 prongs, too! (Oh, and thanks about the AVR! I just really want to set it, too!)

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Am I silly to think that lower colored AVR's would look good? I don't know, I can't shake the feeling I would like that "sort of creamy tone" with that blue.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Rosebloom]

I like the sides of those studs. i like that it gives off a HUGE feel to it.


BUT, if you wanted to get smaller stones, id probably get D-E colored ones. I like colorless stones best when they are with a lovely sapphire, like yours.

Thank you so much, Niel. Huge is always good in my book.

Who would you have set it?

i was going to say SK as well. I, just like Dreamer, was thinking SB's three stone is perfection. Plus, all of his three stones are. If i was doing a three stone, it would be from him ( and in yellow gold )

Well Niel, you know I'm your yellow gold loving sister in bling. I adore it. But for this piece I want platinum so I can wear my original platinum wedding band with it.

But when I win the lotto I'll be buying a big MRB and putting it in a YG Sholdt semi bezel. Mmmmmm!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yummy, Sharon! Near colorless AVR's would be very pretty if you wanted to go into the antique direction. However, I think trellis is really more contemporary, personally.

 

[Rosebloom]

I adore milgrain and would do it on my AVR should I do something with baskets with cross bars. But I honestly think I'd make this one shiny, sleek, and classic with no milgrain. I agree with the 6 prongs, too! (Oh, and thanks about the AVR! I just really want to set it, too!)

Again - thank you for your help! I think I agree about the milgrain. I just love it but this ring feels so sexy and sleek with the platinum, curvy trellis, white MRBs. I think it's best left sleek.

(And someday I'll need a big ACC with a milgrained bezel. Yep, that's the only reasonable answer!).

 

[Rosebloom]

HI:

Am I silly to think that lower colored AVR's would look good? I don't know, I can't shake the feeling I would like that "sort of creamy tone" with that blue.

cheers--Sharon

Very cool idea! If this wasn't my everyday forever ring I would be very tempted to do that or FIY sides in yellow gold. Yummy yum yum.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'm right there with you on loving both looks!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Am I silly to think that lower colored AVR's would look good? I don't know, I can't shake the feeling I would like that "sort of creamy tone" with that blue.

cheers--Sharon

Very cool idea! If this wasn't my everyday forever ring I would be very tempted to do that or FIY sides in yellow gold. Yummy yum yum.

Gotcha. Big, bright , white and contemporary. Sexy, sleek and curvy.....Can't go wrong!

cheers--Sharon

 

[Dreamer_D]

I thought most of us thought the setting he made Yssie was magnificent before she said it wasn't exactly what she wanted and asked him to alter it (which he later said he never should have done because it couldn't be altered well). So I would still have no hesitation to use Victor for a ring like this, because I thought the ring pictured above was gorgeous when it was originally made...

This is off topic and I don't want us to open a can of worms, but I just want to clarify my reasons: Beyond my personal feelings and interpretation of the situation with Yssie, which I see differently that your quote above, I would not ask VC to make this ring because he does not routinely make rings of this style as far as I have seen, and has not made a three-stone version that I have seen, and I prefer to use a vendor who has made EXACTLY what I want before. SK did make exactly what Rose wants for SB (height is a small tweak), and by all accounts and by all macro images it is perfect, so he is the safer bet in my opinion. I have also been very impressed with his policies and customer service with picky PSers, Charmy has nothing but good things to say about him.