Purple colored e-ring

[alianakae]

Hi everyone! Former lurker here!

Just wondering if anyone has advice or suggestions on finding/sourcing a purple stone for an e-ring. SO and I have done a little shopping, and I'm not sure I'm a diamond gal. There's actually only one ring that I can envision wearing forever, and it's not in production anymore...

Lately, I've thought I might like a kunzite or lilac/lavender sapphire ring (with diamond) accents possibly. I'm fond of white and or rose gold. Not yellow. I'm pretty sure I'll have to have something custom-made, but does anyone have any information on where to start? Etsy doesn't have much by way of kunzite. I'm partial to a more vintage or antique-style setting. A larger stone, but clean and simple, I think. What do y'all recommend by way of maintenance and care long-term? Will one or the other hold up better?

On a slightly different topic: how does everyone explain their choice of a gemstone e-ring to those who expect diamonds? Does anyone think it's harder to explain that you're engaged without a diamond?

Thank you for your expert opinions!

 

[petit_bijou]

Hi alianakae,

Welcome to CS! I have been in your position, and I actually have a lavender spinel e-ring so I thought I would chime in on your question.

I think you'll get more specific help if we have a bit more info:

1. Are you looking for just a stone, or would you be interested in a vendor who can provide a complete ring, or help you source both so that you have a "one-stop" shopping experience?
2. You mentioned a dream ring you have in mind - do you have a picture you can post so that we can help you find something similar?
3. What kind of budget are you working with? A particular size or shape or stone that you have your heart set on?

I suspect spinel or sapphire will serve you better for your e-ring, as they're more suited to withstand daily wear. Julia B on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/JuliaBJewelry is someone who comes to mind as a vendor that might be able to help you, but if you're open to working with separate vendors for stone and setting then there are many lapidaries to consult for your stone. Brad from thegemtrader.com found me my stone, and has posted several spinels in the same colour family over the past year. Michelez has a gorgeous pear shaped blue/violet spinel from him.

As far as explaining to people why I have a CS instead of diamond, most people don't have any trouble recognizing my ring as an engagement ring even though it's a CS solitaire. I usually have to explain what spinel is, but everyone seems to think it's neat that it's un-traditional and unique, and no one has challenged our decision or asked why we didn't go with a diamond. I love that it's really one-of-a-kind and unique even though it's set very simply. Here's my ring, just to give you an idea:

 

[alianakae]

Hi petit bijou, thanks for the warm welcome!

First, I ADORE your ring. My heart melted.

Second, to answer your questions.

1. I'd like to have ring and stone completed by the same vendor, however, especially in the case of a kunzite stone, I know that might be difficult to accomplish, so ultimately, I'm not opposed to starting with a stone or setting on its own.

2. I have the picture, but it's only a front shot. And the dream ring is a diamond center stone. I can't envision it with a GS instead, but maybe that's the route I need to go. It's an Adam Foster design, found via Etsy. I adore his aesthetic. The basket is what I really fell for...it's supported by hearts, all tangled up. Let me work on the attachment.

3. I know I'm not interested in princess, cushion, radiant, or round gems. I prefer something more elongated. I LOVE asscher cut and emerald. I have a RHR that is a cushion cut, but set on an angle, like a compass point. If I got an asscher, I'd love to have it tilted. I'm also interested in this recent find, they call it a "kite setting" http://www.hkjewellery.co.uk/ring-9140-1-kite-shaped-amethyst-and-diamond-cluster-engagement-ring
As for budget, maybe $5k at the most. I'm not hell-bent on an asscher cut GS, I just like unique settings, something eye-catching and unusual. A little larger than normal.

I'll definitely look into Julia B!

My dream ring is below:

 

[pregcurious]

Because of the shape you want, you may want to have a stone custom cut

 

[T L]

Hi everyone! Former lurker here!

Just wondering if anyone has advice or suggestions on finding/sourcing a purple stone for an e-ring. SO and I have done a little shopping, and I'm not sure I'm a diamond gal. There's actually only one ring that I can envision wearing forever, and it's not in production anymore...

Lately, I've thought I might like a kunzite or lilac/lavender sapphire ring (with diamond) accents possibly. I'm fond of white and or rose gold. Not yellow. I'm pretty sure I'll have to have something custom-made, but does anyone have any information on where to start? Etsy doesn't have much by way of kunzite. I'm partial to a more vintage or antique-style setting. A larger stone, but clean and simple, I think. What do y'all recommend by way of maintenance and care long-term? Will one or the other hold up better?

On a slightly different topic: how does everyone explain their choice of a gemstone e-ring to those who expect diamonds? Does anyone think it's harder to explain that you're engaged without a diamond?

Thank you for your expert opinions!

I have to warn about kunzite treatment, as much of it is irradiated, and not stable in sunlight. It will fade over time. The treatment, as far as I know, is not detectable.

Lavender sapphire will be more expensive, but any treatment will be more stable, and its a more durable stone for every day e-ring wear.

Lavender spinel is difficult to in with a saturated hue, unless you don't mind very greyish stones, so a sapphire may be your best bet, unless you're an extremely patient person.

 

[dk168]

A purple Spinel or Sapphire would be my choice for durability reason; and Spinel over Sapphire for reason of cost.

Concur with pregcurious that the OP's desired shape is hard to find, and likely to be a custom piece.

Jeff White has a hexagonal stone in his Sold gemstone gallery for Beryls:

http://www.whitesgems.com/berylgallery.html

And a Peridot in his "Other Gems" gallery:

http://whitesgems.com/othergemsgallery.html

Jeff's waiting list/turn around time is about 8 weeks, assuming he has a rough that suits in his inventory. Therefore, it is worth contacting him to see what is available.

As for justification for a CS instead of a diamond for an E-ring, nothing except it would be my choice and that's how I like it.

Good luck with your search.

DK

 

[dk168]

Not sure about the size of stone the OP is after, however, Jeff Davies on eBay currently has the following listed:

Oval 1.6ct Lilac Spinel:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OVAL-CUT-...5473?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item4adba443d1

Oval 3.9ct Purple Spinel:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PREMIUM-C...5731?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item4ad547b2c3

Oval 1.05ct Certified Unheated Purple Sapphire:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CERTIFIED...2511?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item5662d3c27f

Oval 1.72ct Certified Unheated Purple Sapphire:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CERTIFIED...6696?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item566cc1f018

Oval 2.05ct Certified Unheated Purple Sapphire:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CERTIFIED...3301?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item4ad2804be5

There are others too.

DK

 

[SB621]

Hi everyone! Former lurker here!

Just wondering if anyone has advice or suggestions on finding/sourcing a purple stone for an e-ring. SO and I have done a little shopping, and I'm not sure I'm a diamond gal. There's actually only one ring that I can envision wearing forever, and it's not in production anymore...

Lately, I've thought I might like a kunzite or lilac/lavender sapphire ring (with diamond) accents possibly. I'm fond of white and or rose gold. Not yellow. I'm pretty sure I'll have to have something custom-made, but does anyone have any information on where to start? Etsy doesn't have much by way of kunzite. I'm partial to a more vintage or antique-style setting. A larger stone, but clean and simple, I think. What do y'all recommend by way of maintenance and care long-term? Will one or the other hold up better?

On a slightly different topic: how does everyone explain their choice of a gemstone e-ring to those who expect diamonds? Does anyone think it's harder to explain that you're engaged without a diamond?

Thank you for your expert opinions!

I have to warn about kunzite treatment, as much of it is irradiated, and not stable in sunlight. It will fade over time. The treatment, as far as I know, is not detectable.

Lavender sapphire will be more expensive, but any treatment will be more stable, and its a more durable stone for every day e-ring wear.

Lavender spinel is difficult to in with a saturated hue, unless you don't mind very greyish stones, so a sapphire may be your best bet, unless you're an extremely patient person.

This! I love Kunzite but I was shown first hand that it will fade....and well that just kills me as with CS the first thing you pay for is color! I agree Spinel is probably your best bet. Lavender is hard to find but honestly it is my favorite and holy grail of CS's. Another option might be a more periwinkle/ lavender sapphire.

 

[Niel]

I know this is very grey, but, set at an angle vs the traditional set for an asscher this could look a lot like your dream ring. or contact Torraca see if he has anything more purple to cut an octagonal stone
http://www.torraca.net/projects/spin947/

 

[alianakae]

I know this is very grey, but, set at an angle vs the traditional set for an asscher this could look a lot like your dream ring. or contact Torraca see if he has anything more purple to cut an octagonal stone
http://www.torraca.net/projects/spin947/

That's beautiful, despite being very gray. I know it's going to be hard to come across the stone I want in that soft shade...I wonder if I need to look for something more pinkish purple? I've ruled out kunzite after reading through this and other threads in the forum. But I'm hung up on that soft lilac shade...I'm willing to settle a little bit on shape. Depending on cost, I'm hoping for maybe 3-4 carats if possible.

 

[alianakae]

Thank you to everyone for their input! I've determined that kunzite will not be my best bet for a stone. I will look more into spinels and sapphires. Does anyone have any ideas on where to source stones of that shade? I'm thinking this will become a project, long before the actual proposal. I'm still thinking asscher cut or emerald if I'm lucky. Do y'all think that shape will sit well with the stone? Or should I look at something different to highlight the color and facets of the CS?

Also, do any of you ladies have advice on how to work this out with my SO? I kind of want the proposal/final design to be a surprise, but I also realize that we can't exactly do this without each other. How might I tell him 1. I want a CS for my e-ring and 2. I'll need his input on a ring that could take a while to source, design, and ultimately put together before it lands on my ring finger?

 

[Niel]

Thank you to everyone for their input! I've determined that kunzite will not be my best bet for a stone. I will look more into spinels and sapphires. Does anyone have any ideas on where to source stones of that shade? I'm thinking this will become a project, long before the actual proposal. I'm still thinking asscher cut or emerald if I'm lucky. Do y'all think that shape will sit well with the stone? Or should I look at something different to highlight the color and facets of the CS?

Also, do any of you ladies have advice on how to work this out with my SO? I kind of want the proposal/final design to be a surprise, but I also realize that we can't exactly do this without each other. How might I tell him 1. I want a CS for my e-ring and 2. I'll need his input on a ring that could take a while to source, design, and ultimately put together before it lands on my ring finger?

To your second question, I find the best way to work that out is to buy the stone together, make sure you get exactly what you want...then show him setting you want, maybe a few options, let him get the stone set. Then you get a surprise, and he gets to have input on the process.

 

[Niel]

what would you think of a trillion? based on some of the other things you posted, I think they might be up your ally too. Or maybe a pear?


Ive seen pears set sideways, its quite striking,

http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?1637833422

 

[Niel]

this is more pink than purple but....


http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?/details/single/spinel/ysp226aa/&1244716636

 

[alianakae]

Here's some examples of shades, but not necessarily shapes, I found on Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/202957...age=6&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/183628...age=6&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/188435...age=7&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery This might be my utter favorite.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/198542...age=4&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery And this with the rose gold setting...*drool*

https://www.etsy.com/listing/185448...age=5&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

 

[alianakae]

what would you think of a trillion? based on some of the other things you posted, I think they might be up your ally too. Or maybe a pear?


Ive seen pears set sideways, its quite striking,

http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?1637833422

A pear set sideways is incredibly intriguing! That's one I can't say I've seen before. Though, I don't think I'm so fond of trillions for some inexplicable reason.

 

[alianakae]

this is more pink than purple but....


http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?/details/single/spinel/ysp226aa/&1244716636

I think I just got swept off my feet by a CS. That shape is drool-worthy!

 

[Niel]

This sapphire is quite like the one you listed as your favorite in your last post. But sadly its a cushion. I don't know if it set e/w might change your tune though, so I'd share

http://www.finewatergems.com/sapphire.html#PhotoSwipe1418612652839

I think if you genuinely want a step cut kite shape like the ring you posted or the spinel I posted, you have to get it custom cut like a previous poster said.

However, if you can find someone with the right rough, your ring could be to die for.

 

[petit_bijou]

This is a cushion, but the colour might be right up your alley? It's a great size and very reasonably priced too, so you'd have the budget for a custom setting: http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/price-reduction-3-plus-ct-purple-spinel

 

[petit_bijou]

Thank you to everyone for their input! I've determined that kunzite will not be my best bet for a stone. I will look more into spinels and sapphires. Does anyone have any ideas on where to source stones of that shade? I'm thinking this will become a project, long before the actual proposal. I'm still thinking asscher cut or emerald if I'm lucky. Do y'all think that shape will sit well with the stone? Or should I look at something different to highlight the color and facets of the CS?

Also, do any of you ladies have advice on how to work this out with my SO? I kind of want the proposal/final design to be a surprise, but I also realize that we can't exactly do this without each other. How might I tell him 1. I want a CS for my e-ring and 2. I'll need his input on a ring that could take a while to source, design, and ultimately put together before it lands on my ring finger?

To your second question, I find the best way to work that out is to buy the stone together, make sure you get exactly what you want...then show him setting you want, maybe a few options, let him get the stone set. Then you get a surprise, and he gets to have input on the process.

This is essentially what my fiance and I did. When we decided on a coloured stone, I sent him links that showed how much more complex shopping for a CS is than a diamond, and suggested that it would be easier to shop for a stone together and he could have some freedom on the setting. Then I sent him links of inspiration pictures that I liked, and recommended vendors. In the end he chose a simple stock solitaire because he didn't feel up to designing a perfect setting on his own but wanted to surprise me, so while I love my setting, we both know it's essentially temporary and now we have time to plan out its "forever home" without rushing.

It partly depends on your SO and how much independence he wants to have, but if you show him how letting you have input will result in a "win-win", I can't imagine he wouldn't be on board.

 

[petit_bijou]

http://www.uppergems.com/blue-violet-spinel/421-lavender-spinel-407-ct.html

ETA: You could always consider using the shape of the setting to give you the kite-set feature you like, so that it extends asymmetrically like this: http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/erika-winters-bridal/iris-halo-engagement-ring-setting.html#.VI6-KIvF9jw rather than perfectly hugging the contour of the stone.

 

[Niel]

If you find a color you love in a shape you don't you could consider doing the opposite of this. Where this has a stone that's uniquely shapes and a halo that mellows the shape out- you could have a halo that exaggerated the shape

 

[Bex]

What about this one from Julia B? It's a light purple asscher spinel, already set in a lovely halo.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/197902405/holiday-sale-15-off-precision-cut

 

[chrono]

You have not mentioned budget at all, so I don't know whether your budget allows for a 3 to 4 carat lilac spinel or sapphire. They get quite pricey at these sizes and are not easy at all to find. An alternative is to let him contact a lapidary to source the rough and cut it to the design that you want. That said, this design is most likely quite unkind to coloured stones so it has to be a very saturated piece of rough to begin with because this design does not want to entrap colour.

 

[alianakae]

What about this one from Julia B? It's a light purple asscher spinel, already set in a lovely halo.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/197902405/holiday-sale-15-off-precision-cut

Bex, I do love this one! Julia B has a few that are on my list for investigation.

 

[alianakae]

You have not mentioned budget at all, so I don't know whether your budget allows for a 3 to 4 carat lilac spinel or sapphire. They get quite pricey at these sizes and are not easy at all to find. An alternative is to let him contact a lapidary to source the rough and cut it to the design that you want. That said, this design is most likely quite unkind to coloured stones so it has to be a very saturated piece of rough to begin with because this design does not want to entrap colour.

Thank you to everyone who has chimed in with their input! This discussion has been incredibly helpful in this adventure!

Chrono, I'm trying to stick with < $5,000. I'm not sure what that gets me in terms of carats. I'd probably like to find something for < $2,500 with a stone so that I have a little more wiggle room with the band. Fortunately, I'm not dead set on a halo setting or pave band, so I'm hoping to save a little that way.
Thank you again for all of your advice. I went from knowing nothing about CS alternatives to having more information than I know what to do with! Again, all of these ideas are incredibly helpful to me in this quest since it's definitely not anything I could accomplish by myself!

 

[Rosebloom]

Since this has been linked, I must ask what folks think of this stone:

http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/price-reduction-3-plus-ct-purple-spinel

I have been visiting it often. It looks so stunning and the price seems great. But that makes me think there's probably something I'm not seeing about it.

 

[pregcurious]

It's hard to tell from the pics. I wonder what it looks closer up, and how it looks inside and under bright light outside. The price is reasonable though.

 

[marymm]

The color of this Violet Sapphire reminds of Kunzite, though more lilac I think - http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-7013 - it is a good size and looks to be a decent cut, but the description says nothing as to treatment - it seems well-priced for a 3+ carat sapphire though - might be worth a look-see if you did like the stone color, and if the setting didn't suit, you could sell it on DiamondBistro or LoupeTroop.
'

 

[distracts]

Isn't that setting you liked by Adam Foster Jewelry? Is there any reason he can't do one up custom for you? I don't know if you already contacted him or not about it.