Please help with my Emerald E-ring search

[chrono]

LD,
The key thing here is also, as you've mentioned, if dye has been added to stop the discolouration. This is purely a theoretical discussion but doesn't the addition of dye to the oil then make it more than just "oiled"? As for your emerald pieces, it could well be that the oil on a few of yours did dry up but the inclusions aren't so bad that it is noticeable or that over time, it looks the same to you? Or that some are so lightly included and so lightly oiled that it did not matter?

 

[Eggvillan]

Thank you again to everyone for all the helpful information and suggestions! Once i nail down a few things, i plan to email some of the sellers that you have all mentioned to tell them what i'm looking for.

LD - Thank you so much for the comprehensive information and pictured you provided. I've found it all to be extremely helpful!

Calibrated size = the standard size for settings ie 6x4, 7x5, 10x8 etc. Some gems are cut and are calibrated to these sizes also, most aren't. There are some settings that you can't compromise on having a stone that is bigger or smaller. For example, in the setting you've chosen, you will probably get away with a stone that is near to 6x4 BUT that depends on the depth of the stone, the length of the prongs that the setting comes with and how close the side stones are to the central basket. A good skilled jeweller would be able to make a stone slightly bigger or smaller fit but that's not the case with all settings.

So - does this mean that i should probably try to buy only a "calibrated" emerald? (it doesn't seem like very many are). For example, the emerald from embassy emeralds we were discussing above is 8.86mm x 6.26mm. My understanding is that the calibrated sizes closest to that are 8x6 and 9x7. Similarly, there is a nice looking one on gemfix.com, but it is 7mm x 4.3mm. Assuming that most ring settings will be made for calibrated sizes, i'm assuming that i should probably try to stick as close as possible to a calibrated emerald?

Once you find a stone, you can have it set by IDJewelry in NYC, they will do an excellent job. They will source the finest side stones for you, they are sticklers for cut and quality. I, and others on PS, have had good experiences with them. They use these people for their settings;

http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/engagement_rings?ref=55

Your ring will be cast to order, so you can specify platinum, 18K, whatever. The code to reading this catalog is the section that says "Additional stones" lists the size of your stone. You can also click on the tab that says "Available Sizes" and usually the last number is the stone size for your emerald. You want to be within .5 mm for proper fit of the center stone. Ask IDJ for claw prongs, it's well worth the little extra $$.

Thanks for the information!

So - i was poking around on the IDJ website, and found a setting that looks very similar to the one i was considering (as it was a very basic setting, its pretty easy to find similar settings): http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_28&products_id=11179&cType=ER

But i cant find the same "item number" on the uniquesettings website to check into the size of the center stone. I think you're telling me that i can pick any setting from uniquesettings and buy it from IDJ. But for pricing reasons, i'd like to have a clue what it would cost before buying a stone (so that i can know how much i can spend on the stone). But i also need to know what size stone the setting can fit. Its quite the catch-22. Also - if i want IDJ to set the stone, im assuming i would have to visit the store in person? (this isn't necessarily a problem, but im just checking)

thanks again for all the help! I'm extremely pleased that i stumbled across pricescope!

 

[Eggvillan]

So... i checked out the sticky thread on recommended vendors. I went and looked at every single one. Unfortunately, not many emeralds were listed...

This looks fantastic, but im guessing it is probably WAY out of my price range: http://www.lisaelser.com/catalog/item/7541609/7984012.htm

this is nice (and inexpensive) - i just wish it were 8mm instead: http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=5402

im guessing i'll probably need to contact some of the sellers directly and tell them what im looking for


please let me know if the repeated updates are getting old/irritating

 

[LD]

Do you mind if I make a few suggestions?

You're approaching this in a way that will make finding a stone and ring difficult. Firstly, you're being very precise about what you want and mm size seems to be important. However this is not the way that you typically buy coloured gemstones. Gemstones are bought for their colour (firstly), then everything else. Colour typically dictates price. If you look for mm size first you'll be potentially compromising on the thing that makes a good stone. So with that in mind, I would suggest that you look at stones that appeal to you. Also, if you can get to see some in person that would be good. You seem to have a good eye for colour but you need to see what is available in your price range with great colour, a good cut, and clarity that you can tolerate.

After you've found the stone, you look for a setting. Not the other way around. Settings can always be sourced but stones are much more difficult to find. You already know what sort of setting you want and there are a number of vendors that we can recommend that would make a custom ring for you that probably wouldn't cost more than the stock setting you're looking at.

Unfortunately buying coloured gemstones is much much more difficult than buying diamonds but people tend to apply what they know about diamonds when looking for a coloured gemstone and it can be confusing (ie people think that you should only buy an eye clean or flawless stone and in actual fact the majority aren't).

I hope that helps.

 

[chrono]

I'm with LD on choosing the stone first. Forget about the setting and mm size; you are greatly limiting yourself and will more than likely end up with a subpar emerald. Settings are very easy to get compared to a nice gemstone.

 

[Eggvillan]

Okay -

I see what you're saying (and i've been told this before by a friend) - and i suppose that's fair. When i initially found out that she wanted an emerald E-Ring (instead of a diamond) i was excited because i thought it would be cheaper, and i thought i'd be able to get her a "huge rock" without having to spend as much as a diamond....

I guess what i've learned is that, yes... i could get her a giant emerald in my price range, but it would end up being an ugly, heavily included, light green piece of crap.

I see the value of getting the best looking stone that i can afford and then building the ring around that. So now that i'm armed with a little more knowledge about emerald quality, and about the setting side of things (thanks to you guys), i think I have a better idea of what to do.

I know that if i want to spend ~$3500 total on a ring, i can probably spend a little over $2000 on the emerald itself (i'm basing that off of this: http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_28&products_id=11179&cType=ER and assuming that if i want a similarly basic setting with 2 small baguette diamonds to compliment the stone, it would probably set me back about $1500). --please correct me if im crazy or wrong-- So it looks like i just have to find a stone that i love in that price range.

LD - i agree that i would LOVE to see some emeralds in person. But i don't know where to do that!!!

Because i'm terrified of over-paying for something, I'll keep you guys posted, and probably ask for some opinions on any emeralds im seriously considering.


thanks again for all the help!

 

[chrono]

You've got it now, working your budget backwards for the setting, you have $2K for the emerald. We are more than happy to assist in reviewing your potential candidates.

 

[minousbijoux]

There are Intergem shows in the US and Canada, and probably similar shows elsewhere as well. Perhaps you could research to see if there is a show near you any time soon which would provide you an opportunity to see stones firsthand.

 

[Eggvillan]

There are Intergem shows in the US and Canada, and probably similar shows elsewhere as well. Perhaps you could research to see if there is a show near you any time soon which would provide you an opportunity to see stones firsthand.

This is a great idea! I didnt even know that such a thing existed. Unfortunately though, the only one in my neck of the woods is not until May. I was planning on being engaged by then!!

Do you know of any other such trade shows?

thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Eggvillan]

http://www.israel-diamonds.com/product/Emerald/sg/36952.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fSearch%2fEmeralds%2fDefault.aspx%3fSh%3demerald%26src%3dLPSearch


thoughts? anyone have any experience with this dealer?


i dont see evidence of a certificate, but it looks like there is a 30 day return policy. Also, it claims to be treated with oil only. decent sized inclusion, but the color and size are great

 

[chrono]

No experience with this vendor, I'm afraid. African emeralds are typically extremely clean compared to the S. American emeralds because they are not coloured by chromium but by vanadium. Personally, I don't think the colour is as good but is certainly more affordable and less treated.

 

[EmmaJoy]

I'd recommend sending ID Jewelry an e-mail with your budget, setting choice and stone requirements. I got some emerald earrings there for a friend a couple months ago and they were amazing to work with!

Also, if you end up buying the whole thing from him, ask him to have the stone set with his special claw-prong jeweler, it really makes the ring go from great to extraordinary. I have some cheapy cast rings that I had set by IDJ and have gone into Harry Winston and been complimented

 

[cMa]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I just wanted to share that I have been wearing my >3 carat emerald engagement ring for about 3 years now with only a small chip on the corner (barely noticeable in everyday life). I understand the concern of the other posters that emeralds are too soft for everyday wear, but I have to disagree. My emerald came from an estate choker made by Bailey Banks and Biddle in the 1960s (or so) and it fit beautifully into the setting made by Unique Settings of New York http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/show/20745

This setting lets enough light into the emerald to show off the deep hunter green color and the jardin. Note that I do take off my ring and diamond band the moment I enter the house and I would never clean, cook, or do any other potentially damaging activities in it (same as I treat all my other jewelry!)

I'm so happy with my ring and how unique it is--and with regular check ups by your jeweler, your soon to be fiancée can wear an emerald daily without too much concern. Like the other posters have said, secure the stone first (I recommend estate if possible) then work toward the perfect setting. If your lady is only going to happy with an emerald, oblige her! Jewelry is for wearing, not keeping it under lock and key so it never gets damaged. After a lifetime of marriage, she'll look back on a chip (if she ever gets one) and have fond memories. Best wishes and look luck on your hunt!

 

[Eggvillan]

Like the other posters have said, secure the stone first (I recommend estate if possible) then work toward the perfect setting.

any ideas on how to find an estate sale selling emeralds?

 

[Kismet]

These guys are in Litchfield CT so not too far away from you.

http://www.lawrencejeffrey.com/estate-antique-jewelry/retro_emerald_and_diamond_ring_platinum_c195060s_japan-P14834.html

These guys are in Stamford CT.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESTATE-1910-ASSCHER-CUT-COLUMBIAN-EMERALD-DIAMOND-PLATINUM-YELLOW-GOLD-RING-/221120426716?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item337bcdf2dc

 

[Eggvillan]

thanks for the continued advice....


sorry i've been a bit MIA. Holidays and family visits have slowed me down.

Does anyone have any experience with http://www.jrcolombianemeralds.net ?


i feel like there are so few places (even online) to look at loose emeralds

 

[chrono]

There are indeed few places that sell fine quality unset emeralds. I have not heard of that company but will check out their website tomorrow. Can't open the link properly on my phone due to the lack of a flash player.

 

[iLander]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I just wanted to share that I have been wearing my >3 carat emerald engagement ring for about 3 years now with only a small chip on the corner (barely noticeable in everyday life). I understand the concern of the other posters that emeralds are too soft for everyday wear, but I have to disagree. My emerald came from an estate choker made by Bailey Banks and Biddle in the 1960s (or so) and it fit beautifully into the setting made by Unique Settings of New York http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/show/20745

This setting lets enough light into the emerald to show off the deep hunter green color and the jardin. Note that I do take off my ring and diamond band the moment I enter the house and I would never clean, cook, or do any other potentially damaging activities in it (same as I treat all my other jewelry!)

I'm so happy with my ring and how unique it is--and with regular check ups by your jeweler, your soon to be fiancée can wear an emerald daily without too much concern. Like the other posters have said, secure the stone first (I recommend estate if possible) then work toward the perfect setting. If your lady is only going to happy with an emerald, oblige her! Jewelry is for wearing, not keeping it under lock and key so it never gets damaged. After a lifetime of marriage, she'll look back on a chip (if she ever gets one) and have fond memories. Best wishes and look luck on your hunt!

Okay, lurker person, please post start a thread on your ring! I would like to see this particular setting in real life, and I'd like to see hand shots. It would really be helpful!

 

[iLander]

Here are some photos that I hope will help.

The first one is an Emerald set in yellow gold. The colour is ok and the size is good but you can see that it has a window - ie you can see a blank space in the middle that should have colour in it!

The second one is an untreated Emerald that's over 100 years old - so it's definitely not precision cut! You can see that it radiates green throughout the stone. No worries about a window on this one although the cut is not superb!

The third photo is an Emerald that I picked up relatively cheaply several years ago. I bought it because of it's size BUT it has lots of jardin annd it's a lighter green than the "best" you see. However, at arm's length, you don't notice the jardin and the colour is all you see (see the fourth photo). When you're looking at photos of gems, don't forget you're seeing highly magnified versions so please do take that into account.

LD! I especially love that second one! I don't know why, but it appeals to me, even though, logically, it shouldn't: rectangular stone with round side stones? What? But for some reason it works in a charming way , and I'm adding it to my list of potential settings for my emerald. :

 

[chrono]

Does anyone have any experience with http://www.jrcolombianemeralds.net ?

Zero mention of type of treatment and level of treatment. No mention of proof of treatment either.

 

[Eggvillan]

http://www.israel-diamonds.com/product/Emerald/sg/41873.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fsearch%2femeralds%2fdefault.aspx%3floc%3dleft

http://www.israel-diamonds.com/product/RingSetting/sg/11021.aspx

a bit smaller than i originally envisioned, but it looks good. Besides, she has slender fingers (size 4) and she doesnt really wear any rings to begin with... so maybe i really dont "need" the 8x6 center stone

another nice thing is being able to get the stone and setting done in one fell swoop


at any rate, I'm seriously contemplating this combination - any thoughts?

 

[LD]

http://www.israel-diamonds.com/product/Emerald/sg/41873.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fsearch%2femeralds%2fdefault.aspx%3floc%3dleft

http://www.israel-diamonds.com/product/RingSetting/sg/11021.aspx

a bit smaller than i originally envisioned, but it looks good. Besides, she has slender fingers (size 4) and she doesnt really wear any rings to begin with... so maybe i really dont "need" the 8x6 center stone

another nice thing is being able to get the stone and setting done in one fell swoop


at any rate, I'm seriously contemplating this combination - any thoughts?

That has a huge window and I suspect will be very dark. If size is becoming less of an issue please please please go back and speak with Josh at Embassy Emeralds. I know I sound like I'm pushing him but you're doing a lot of leg work yourself and I think you need the help of expert eyes who has a range of Emeralds in front of him/her to guide you.

 

[chrono]

I'm afraid I'm with LD on this one - it looks to be hugely windowed. Not sure about the colouration either.

 

[Eggvillan]

thanks again for the input.

I've been in contact with "Garrett" at Embassy emeralds (i just used their "contact us" form)... I'm waiting to hear back from him regarding how to go about using their jeweler to do the setting as well. (any thoughts on this?) He also told me that they would be posting a new batch of emeralds soon.

i REALLY like this one: http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=&products_id=406 but i think it might be outside my budget if i ever want to get this thing bought (looks like a march proposal is in order)

this one is nice too: http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=&products_id=473

he insists that this one http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=&products_id=498 is not "significantly windowed" - but does acknowledge that it has a window and is priced accordingly... i'm not sure i love the color though

the other option is this: http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=&products_id=474 what are your thoughts on how this "square-ish" stone would go with the setting-style i have chosen?

thanks again

 

[chrono]

What is his opinion of the colouration of all 4? I would toss out #3 as it does not appeal to me colour-wise. You can still do baguette or skinny emerald cut side stones with a square center stone. Out of the 4, I really like #1 too.

 

[erinl]

I really like number one too--it would make a beautiful ring.

 

[Rosebloom]

Not an emerald expert at all but oh gosh number one is stunning!!!

 

[Kitten35]

FWIW, I would be tempted to spend maybe a *little* more on the stone, and a little less (even if it meant non-diamond sidestones; perhaps use another white natural stone such as white sapphire) on the setting. Or even a stylin solitaire. Now, I am not your GF, but personally I would prefer quality of the emerald the most and then the sidestones, or wouldn't mind not having sidestones. There is no rule that says you have to have sidestones or diamonds, unless she really wants this particular style. That would allow you to have a bigger budget for the stone itself.

Also, American Set has some really nice settings *with* sidestones if you are decided on that already. They have these in similar style to what you wanted:


http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-GOLD-BAGUETTE-DIAMOND-RING-SETTING-SEMI-MOUNT-/251206368172?pt=US_Engagement_Ring_Settings&hash=item3a7d10fbac

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14k-WHITE-GOLD-BAGUETTE-DIAMOND-RING-SETTING-ENGAGEMENT-/251208048364?pt=US_Engagement_Ring_Settings&hash=item3a7d2a9eec

Those the baguettes are set horizontally instead of vertically, but they also had (slightly more expensive) ones with princess, etc on the side instead.

I own a setting from them and it is quite substantial. Now, others on here may be able to tell you if it is appropriate for everyday wear and if it is "engagement ring" quality; that is something which I am not really sure. I don't wear mine everyday. But they have good customer service and so far at least from my experience, good products.

 

[LD]

FWIW, I would be tempted to spend maybe a *little* more on the stone, and a little less (even if it meant non-diamond sidestones; perhaps use another white natural stone such as white sapphire) on the setting. Or even a stylin solitaire. Now, I am not your GF, but personally I would prefer quality of the emerald the most and then the sidestones, or wouldn't mind not having sidestones. There is no rule that says you have to have sidestones or diamonds, unless she really wants this particular style. That would allow you to have a bigger budget for the stone itself.

Also, American Set has some really nice settings *with* sidestones if you are decided on that already. They have these in similar style to what you wanted:


http://www.ebay.com/itm/14K-GOLD-BAGUETTE-DIAMOND-RING-SETTING-SEMI-MOUNT-/251206368172?pt=US_Engagement_Ring_Settings&hash=item3a7d10fbac

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14k-WHITE-GOLD-BAGUETTE-DIAMOND-RING-SETTING-ENGAGEMENT-/251208048364?pt=US_Engagement_Ring_Settings&hash=item3a7d2a9eec

Those the baguettes are set horizontally instead of vertically, but they also had (slightly more expensive) ones with princess, etc on the side instead.

I own a setting from them and it is quite substantial. Now, others on here may be able to tell you if it is appropriate for everyday wear and if it is "engagement ring" quality; that is something which I am not really sure. I don't wear mine everyday. But they have good customer service and so far at least from my experience, good products.

I hope you don't mind me saying but putting a lovely Emerald in that setting would be criminal. I own that setting and quite frankly, it's rubbish. I've never set a stone in it because I haven't had the heart to use it. The OP's idea of vertical baguettes is, in my opinion, much more classy and unique. I appreciate this is very much a personal opinion but as the OP has certain time limits, he needs to be aware that this setting, I don't believe, will meet his tastes or desire for quality. Sorry.

 

[SB621]

I also like #1.

For what it is worth I would spend more on the emerald and just place in a simple solitare. Then for your 1 year anniversary get her a setting she loves if it is not in the budget now.