Please HELP on budget stacking wedding rings project - TY!!!!

[Cherokee1979]

Hello, ladies and gentlemen!

I used to post a decent amount and just LOVE this forum and even more so its people! Now, I am working on a stacking wedding rings project, and would MUCH APPRECIATE your wisdom and kind guidance.

I usually always prefer to buy preloved (LT, DB, etc), but given the custom nature of this project I doubt that would be feasible (but please correct me if I am wrong!) I formerly worked with Daniel M on a custom project, but aside from him I know nobody. First and foremost I am looking for someone who is economically-priced, but who has access to lots of precision-cut CS.

Project details: I need 3-4 stacking rings. Metal is open. I think she would even be ok with argentium silver, but not sure if that would be a pita to clean and polish? Each ring will have 1 (or maybe 2) colored stones, to correspond with the birthstones of 4 people. I will need a peridot, 2 zircons, and a small diamond. On the latter, I do not think she cares about natural vs a well cut lab stone. But if natural I would like maybe a S1-2 or I-1 with an interesting inclusion - whatever is economical.

I would VERY much appreciate any suggestions or guidance you might be willing to provide. And TYVM in advance!!!

Jeff

 

[Mrs_Strizzle]

What a fun project, and sounds like it will be pretty special! I know others will have better advice than I about a vendor, as I've never done a stacking ring project nor had a vendor source my stones. But I can't wait to see how it turns out.

 

[Cherokee1979]

Thank you for posting, Mrs. Strizzle!

 

[Cerulean]

What is your budget for this? The bad news is that gold is extremely expensive right now, platinum has always been pricey and silver is economical, but it is rather soft and can wear down. I would personally not choose silver for a stacking band with melee. I love silver and have worn many silver rings, but after a few years the wear-and-tear really shows and they go "out of round" especially if it is a thin stacking band.

I have never done a project like this so I am not speaking from personal experience...but Cecile Ray on Etsy gets lots of gorgeous colored stone melee.

I'd also potentially reach out to David Klass, as he does relatively inexpensive custom work (it isn't cheap but it is competitively priced). Get a sense for his pricing on his Etsy.

You also may not save a lot on lab cut melee from what I understand there is high demand, but someone more experienced would know more than me.

 

[Cherokee1979]

Thank you, Cerulean, for your detailed reply!

First I am not thinking of teeny-tiny melee; rather, just one single, big enough to see, cut stone of each type for each ring. maybe a half a carat of each or so? Not sure as to sizing, since there will be 4 separate stones.

Budget: I do not have a set budget, but knowing now that gold is extremely expensive is discouraging.

Good to know also about the metals. She is a fan of more chunky and earthy styles, and thus possibly do you think I could get away with silver not going out of round if they are thick enough? I was also thinking of doing a bezel setting for each stone.

I will look into those vendors right now; thank you!!

 

[Cerulean]

Thank you, Cerulean, for your detailed reply!

First I am not thinking of teeny-tiny melee; rather, just one single, big enough to see, cut stone of each type for each ring. maybe a half a carat of each or so? Not sure as to sizing, since there will be 4 separate stones.

Budget: I do not have a set budget, but knowing now that gold is extremely expensive is discouraging.

Good to know also about the metals. She is a fan of more chunky and earthy styles, and thus possibly do you think I could get away with silver not going out of round if they are thick enough? I was also thinking of doing a bezel setting for each stone.

I will look into those vendors right now; thank you!!

Ah I understand! That makes a difference. I was imagining a pave style - that's quite different! I think you definitely have a better shot with silver with a chunkier style! And again - the wear happens over years. It's not like they will be falling apart or anything. It just depends on the importance of longevity - is this a stack for life? I have had a 5mm wide silver band go out of round before.

If it helps for a budget - I got a bezel style gypsy setting from Daniel M for $225 - it was mostly silver with a 14k gold bezel.

Similarly, I have been quoted for David Klass with a custom bezel ring, solid 14k gold, ~$1k - although that was before gold prices rose.

You know what this makes me think of @Acinom has some gorgeous, single-stone stacks...here are two styles that come to mind - the stones might be bigger than you are after, but just for inspiration...

Stack 1
Stack 2

 

[Cherokee1979]

Ah I understand! That makes a difference. I was imagining a pave style - that's quite different! I think you definitely have a better shot with silver with a chunkier style! And again - the wear happens over years. It's not like they will be falling apart or anything. It just depends on the importance of longevity - is this a stack for life? I have had a 5mm wide silver band go out of round before.

If it helps for a budget - I got a bezel style gypsy setting from Daniel M for $225 - it was mostly silver with a 14k gold bezel.

Similarly, I have been quoted for David Klass with a custom bezel ring, solid 14k gold, ~$1k - although that was before gold prices rose.

You know what this makes me think of @Acinom has some gorgeous, single-stone stacks...here are two styles that come to mind - the stones might be bigger than you are after, but just for inspiration...

Stack 1
Stack 2

Thank you SOOO much for doing and writing all of that, Cerulean!! I appreciate it!

First, that is a wonderful Idea as to Daniel M and doing a silver band but gold bezel. It would save money and maybe also make the stones pop more (if I did a YG or RG bezel, or both). I believe that David will be out of my price range; someone along the lines of Daniel M (or a lesser-known bench would be even better!).

Though this will be a stack for life, I figure that I could always in the future get the bands switched out to gold later, and just transfer over the CS bezels.

Those inspiration stacks are gorgeous! Yes, I am seeking smaller stones, and less thick bands. Possibly a hammered effect also? Something other than plain. She has a boho/natural/chunky style. Not sure if you have any suggestions aside from hammered?

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

 

[marymm]

You may also want to check out etsy vendor One Garnet Girl - she has some lovely stack designs and has many in-house stones (colored and diamond) and access to more - her rings are well-crafted and should stand the test of time - you could go silver for the band and yellow (or rose) gold for the stone bezels, or all silver - you can also have each stack ring have a different finish (i.e., matte / hammered / brushed / high polish), and/or different combo of metals - https://www.etsy.com/shop/onegarnetgirl

 

[Cherokee1979]

You may also want to check out etsy vendor One Garnet Girl - she has some lovely stack designs and has many in-house stones (colored and diamond) and access to more - her rings are well-crafted and should stand the test of time - you could go silver for the band and yellow (or rose) gold for the stone bezels, or all silver - you can also have each stack ring have a different finish (i.e., matte / hammered / brushed / high polish), and/or different combo of metals - https://www.etsy.com/shop/onegarnetgirl

Thanks so much, Mary! I really like the idea of different finishes, as it would give more visual interest. Do you happen to know of any threads with same? I do not believe I have ever seen such a stack, and am unfamiliar with matte and brushed.

I will certainly check out one garnet girl right now. I assume that her pricing is at the more reasonable end of things, comparably? I honestly do not need amazingly precision cut, if same would allow me to save some cash on the bench.

Thanks!

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

Anything to consider is whether the vendor will set outside stones. For example, Daniel M does, but not Cecile Raley Designs.

 

[marymm]

Yes, OneGarnetGirl is very reasonably priced IMO and she is accustomed to making stack rings, so that they fit together well.

Here is a chart of different metal finishes - any competent bench would be able to do them - the finishes usually are most apparent on the shank part of the ring but of course the bezel can also be finished

 

[Cerulean]

Yes, OneGarnetGirl is very reasonably priced IMO and she is accustomed to making stack rings, so that they fit together well.

Here is a chart of different metal finishes - any competent bench would be able to do them - the finishes usually are most apparent on the shank part of the ring but of course the bezel can also be finished

These are great ideas. Garnet girl does seem very reasonable.

I got a matte finish on mine - if you are curious check it out here - granted it wasn't the most flattering for my stone, but I love the style.

It definitely feels sturdy. My regret design-wise is that I didn't get a comfort fit inner shank - I would recommend doing that especially if you go chunky.

The height of the shank makes a difference for sturdiness - not just width. My sturdier feeling silver bands rise about 2mm off my finger, and are at least 2.5-3mm wide.

 

[Cherokee1979]

Thank you both for your EXTREMELY helpful thoughts and kind replies! I need to go home now to care for our newborn and may not be on, so apologies if I disappear for now, but I will for sure be back tomorrow am. THank you all again, and I cannot wait to hear and learn more from you. I love this forum.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

What a fun and meaningful projecf
Very muvh looking forward to followings along
Best of luck

 

[Daisy_Margaret]

Just wanted to chime in and say that I had a great experience working with DanielM recently. He was super responsive, reasonable, and the work is excellent.

 

[Cherokee1979]

Thank you very much, both Daisys!! I agree that Daniel M is great.

Do y'all think that one garnet girl would be able to source some stones for me? Might anyone else have any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate it. TY!

 

[Cerulean]

Thank you very much, both Daisys!! I agree that Daniel M is great.

Do y'all think that one garnet girl would be able to source some stones for me? Might anyone else have any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate it. TY!

Hmm, can't hurt to ask her.

So you need a peridot, 2 zircons, and a small diamond <.5 carats each?

I'd maybe reach out to a few lapidaries / vendors and see if they can cut something for you - I often see these stones in much larger sizes (like 2+ carats)....there is a whole list of places you could reach out to in a sticky in the colored stones forum, here are a few top of mind...

Mastercut gems
Finewater
Precision gems
MVM gems
Litnon

 

[peacechick]

This is one of my favourite silversmiths on Etsy: https://etsy.me/2Z6dFe4

Kameron is an American who lives in Spain. His prices are really reasonable and he can source gemstones for you—peridot, zircon and diamonds will not be an issue. He makes his own silver alloy from pure silver bullion and copper—no other metals, and handmakes all his rings.

This is a stacking ring with a pink sapphire I got from him for under $200 shipped. I’ve owned it for 3 years with no special care and it has not tarnished at all, quite unlike some of my silver jewelry from other shops.



Another ring I own from him with a yellow sapphire, featuring an oxidized silver finish and gold accents.

 

[Cherokee1979]

This is one of my favourite silversmiths on Etsy: https://etsy.me/2Z6dFe4

Kameron is an American who lives in Spain. His prices are really reasonable and he can source gemstones for you—peridot, zircon and diamonds will not be an issue. He makes his own silver alloy from pure silver bullion and copper—no other metals, and handmakes all his rings.

This is a stacking ring with a pink sapphire I got from him for under $200 shipped. I’ve owned it for 3 years with no special care and it has not tarnished at all, quite unlike some of my silver jewelry from other shops.



Another ring I own from him with a yellow sapphire, featuring an oxidized silver finish and gold accents.

OMG PeaceChick - those are just beautiful! Well done! This is exactly, exactly the type of vendor I am looking for. I will be contacting him right now. Thanks again for your help. This is a lifesaver. - Jeff

 

[Cherokee1979]

Hmm, can't hurt to ask her.

So you need a peridot, 2 zircons, and a small diamond <.5 carats each?

I'd maybe reach out to a few lapidaries / vendors and see if they can cut something for you - I often see these stones in much larger sizes (like 2+ carats)....there is a whole list of places you could reach out to in a sticky in the colored stones forum, here are a few top of mind...

Mastercut gems
Finewater
Precision gems
MVM gems
Litnon

TY Cerulean! As usual you have been incredibly helpful.

As a matter of fact, AnastasiaBeaverHausen was SOOOOO KIND and shipped a gorgeous peridot to me for free! I cannot say enough about her - what a kind and giving person. I mean really!!

So yes, I will now need two zircons and a low clarity diamond or maybe a moissy - Leah will not object to moissy at all. In fact, she may prefer it. If anyone knows of a precision cut moissy/zircon that is preowned and selling for a good price around .5 karat that would be MUCH appreciated!

 

[Cherokee1979]

I likely will not be able to afford precision cut, unless I can find a deal.

Are nearly all zircons treated by heat?

Any thoughts on this zircon? TY!!

This item is unavailable - Etsy

Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.

www.etsy.com

 

[Cherokee1979]

I just learned that nearly all blue zircons are heat treated, but some of the browns, greens, and oranges are not. Good to know

 

[Mrs_Strizzle]

I just learned that nearly all blue zircons are heat treated, but some of the browns, greens, and oranges are not. Good to know

Yes, and some blue zircon can fade/change color with light exposure. I can't remember the details, but you can search on PS for threads about it.

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

I likely will not be able to afford precision cut, unless I can find a deal.

Are nearly all zircons treated by heat?

Any thoughts on this zircon? TY!!

This item is unavailable - Etsy

Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.

www.etsy.com

I worry that the green zircon from Etsy might become too dark once set

There's a bunch of zircons available on multicolour.com. Not sure about their quality though as I've never bought from them. But hopefully others can chime in on this.

Also, do you know about loupetroop.com and diamondbistro? It's where many folks sell their preloved items online. Occasionally I see a loose moissy for sale on em.

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

Ooo looks like JuliaB on etsy is having a sale. Link below to her moissy selection:

View Moissanites by JuliaBJewelry on Etsy

Shop Custom Jewelry Design with Rare Gemstones & Moissanite by JuliaBJewelry located in San Diego, California. Smooth shipping! Has a history of shipping on time with tracking. Speedy replies! Has a history of replying to messages quickly. Rave reviews! Average review rating is 4.8 or higher

www.etsy.com

 

[Cherokee1979]

Hello might anyone still be there? I may be having tech issues. Sorry!!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Hello might anyone still be there? I may be having tech issues. Sorry!!

We still here
how is your search going?

 

[Cherokee1979]

We still here
how is your search going?

Hi Daisys! TYSM for checking in! Apologies for falling off the map there for awhile. Life got a little insane.

TBH the search for the stones is not going wonderful. But at least I have chosen a metalsmith to do the project for me. Kameron on Etsy.

I hope LT is back up so that I can get me some zrcons and such. TY!