Replacing the stone in a pendant setting- ideas?

[michellechan2211]

HI everyone, I guess I should introduce myself first? ^_^; *gives a small wave* I'm Michelle, 19, a college student and erm, I like sparkly things (*coughs*) so I naturally found myself here. But yes, I do hope to learn, and then learn some more from everyone else about this hobby

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone could give me advice for this:

I have this pendant here: [http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/michelle_chan_2211/20121129_174928re.jpg]. I was thinking about replacing the stone in the setting- while the stone (which I am unsure of the identity of) photographs beautifully, in real life the blue is actually washed out and there are hints of purple and yellow. While I could bury the pendant at the bottom of my jewellery box, it does have sentimental value and I do wish to wear it.

I'm definitely looking for a blue or purple gem. I was thinking an emerald, but I don't want to break the bank. XD; So...would anyone have any ideas on what kind of stone would be best, and how to go about purchasing it? I am considering getting one cut to the specific dimensions, but I THINK this is a generic setting and again, cost considerations on my part. Plus I'm not sure if any of the gem cutters would do such a small stone.

Thanks for taking the time to look and advice X3 Any advice is appreciated on my part ^_^

 

[LD]

Hi Michelle and welcome!

Unfortunately your photo hasn't loaded - which makes answering your question a little difficult because we can't see what you want to replace!

Have a go at uploading it again by clicking on the "upload attachment" button that's at the bottom of your post when you type a new one and then searching your computer for the photo and uploading by pressing upload.

Hope that helps.

 

[michellechan2211]

Oh my, I didn't realize the picture hadn't loaded: apologies! Hopes this works a little better ^^; ETA: I tried my best to get a clear picture, working with my handphone's camera so...

And thanks LD for the welcome

 

[LD]

Now I see it!!!

Is it a pear shape? I think it is but just want to check. Also, do you know the dimensions (length, width at widest point and depth)? This will help us to find you something. My guess is that the stone is a Tanzanite from your description but it could be anything really!!!! (That's not helpful is it!)

One thing I would suggest that would perhaps give a sleeker look is when you unset the gem, get a cost from your jeweller for changing the two side end prongs to a V prong at the bottom. To my eye (and this is only a personal opinion), the claws overwhelm the stone and a V prong at the bottom would emphasize the pear shape a little better.

So you're looking for a blue or purple stone and I guess since you're a student budget will be an issue? Sorry if that's a huge assumption! If budget is a consideration, how do you feel about treated gemstones? The reason I ask is that you can probably get a highly treated gemstone for quite a small sum of money that would look beautiful. However, if treatments worry you then we need to be mindful of budget.

Without knowing the size of the gem at the moment, some suggestions in the colourway you want are:-

1. Blue = Sapphires (BE treated would be a good option), Tanzanite (might be too much in terms of $), Topaz (ranging from bright blue to deep blue - most will be treated)

2. Purple = Amethyst would be a good choice but I'm not sure you find many in pear shapes. Sapphires (even BE ones will be problematic to find in purple and in a pear cut).

 

[chrono]

I cannot tell much about the stone but the pendant is very sweet. The first task is to get a proper measurement of the stone using calipers. I cannot tell the shape, whether it is an oval or pear. Secondly, a budget is good to know so we can make a realistic recommendation.

 

[michellechan2211]

@LD: Yes, this is a pear shaped stone. The stone is actually... a bit of an oddity. I've never ID-ed it but now that you mention it, it would be interesting to find out. This stone was actually a deep blue with flashes of green (I think, its been 5 years after all. XD; ) but the colouration has since faded (?) to a lighter blue, with hints of purple at the edges, which is strange. I think its a treated/coated stone.

Because it fell out of the setting today, I took a ruler to at least give an estimate XD; I might try finding jewellery calipers over the weekend. My measurements come to 6mm X 4mm (this has been rounded down) X 3mm but I will get the calipers to give an exact measurement. (this is just an estimate)

I probably would not mind treatment, one cannot have it all after all. ^^; I'm saving for more jewellery, ahahaha.

@Chrono: My budget is somewhere below a hundred dollars, which I guess is quite little and maybe unrealistic, but well, never hurts to try. XD;

 

[chrono]

Not at all, $100 for a 6x4 mm is doable. Is the basket in good condition or do you need a new one? Are you sold on staying with a pear or open to an oval? The reason I'm asking is because I have a heart pendant like this with a movable / dangle oval and it is a great look. Secondly, ovals are far easier to find than a pear.

 

[michellechan2211]

Its good to hear than a hundred is doable. ^^

The basket itself is in good condition. Personally, I am sold on the pear (I honestly think that's the most unique part of this pendant) so I am loathe to replace that. But I do get that ovals are easier to find than pears.

 

[chrono]

So 6x4 mm in blue or purple pear for under $100. Since it is a pendant stone, your gem options can include softer varieties. Let me see what's out there.

 

[michellechan2211]

@Chrono: Thank you for your help thus far It is really appreciated!

 

[innerkitten]

Welcome!

 

[michellechan2211]

@Innerkitten: Thank you

Well, so an update on the search...I am generally finding stones which are on ebay, in lots. I guess this is kindasorta normal? (I hope I'm not doing anything wrong)

 

[chrono]

I shy away from eBay unless I know the vendor well because stone mispresentation is common (synthetic, undisclosed treatment, refusal of refund, etc). You should be able to find small single pears on eBay.

 

[LD]

Here are some I've found for you. I don't have any personal knowledge of this sellers but all the stones are very very cheap so it might be worth looking at them!

This has a huge window but I think your pendant has a closed basket so it might work
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-x-4-mm-ELEGANT-PEAR-100-NATURAL-PURPLE-AMETHYST-/110958545941?pt=AU_Loose_Gemstones&hash=item19d5a50c15

Here's a lot of 6x4 amethysts - you could make a matching pair of earrings!!!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOUR-6x4-Pear-Royal-Purple-African-Amethyst-Natural-Gemstone-Gem-Stone-6mm-x-4mm-/370625447913?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item564aff87e9

I'm not 100% certain but the layout of this store looks remarkably like a seller who regularly photoshops his photos AND doctors his videos but just in case it's not the same one .....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IF-0-28CT-PEAR-6x4MM-PURPLE-BLUE-TANZANITE-100-NATURAL-NO-RESERVE-/230885702109?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c1dc39dd

Rhodolite garnets
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-74-CTS-CALIBRATE-PURPLE-RHODOLITE-GARNET-PEAR-6X4-MM-15-PCS-/121016307968?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2d225100

Might be too dark
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-x-4-mm-RARE-100-NATURAL-PEAR-BLUE-SAPPHIRE-/370693794993?pt=AU_Loose_Gemstones&hash=item564f126cb1

Because you don't mind treatments, I bet this would look stunning!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NATURAL-SWISS-BLUE-TOPAZ-6-X-4-MM-PEAR-8-PC-SET-9-99-/121015484244?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item1c2d15bf54

 

[michellechan2211]

@Chrono: Yeah, it seems to be the case: proceeding with caution seems to be the better idea here.

@LD: Ooh, thank you for the links! some of those looks pretty~

 

[michellechan2211]

Just an update for those who commented on the topic:

IN the end I went with one of the sapphires that LD posted: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-x-4-mm-RARE-100-NATURAL-PEAR-BLUE-SAPPHIRE-/370693794993?pt=AU_Loose_Gemstones&hash=item564f126cb1&clk_rvr_id=430295139238 for the curious and I received it today The sapphire has a rather large window, but I suspect that'll be fine when I set it. I would describe the color as a blue-grey, but a rather pretty one which I adore (I have a preference for dark colors over light ones). Including a picture just so you can see what I got. I would say the stone photographs a little dark, the actual is a little lighter and is sparkly. XD;



And just for laughs; I got a bonus tiger eye cabochon which was WAY larger than the sapphire in question and which I don't know what to do with -.-



Thanks for all the help given on this thread ^_^

 

[michellechan2211]

Juust a quick update on this thread:

I tried the sapphire on the necklace and I found I didn't like it in the setting: the setting is yellow gold (or plated) and it just looked all wrong, specially with the greyish color.

In the end, from recommendations from PSers on people who were willing to work with smaller budgets, I contacted Yvonne of Cecile Raley designs and she told me she had an aquamarine with her in the dimensions I wanted and I purchased it. The stone was heated, I believe. It is a gorgeous rather bright blue unset and from what I've seen, it seems to be atypical of aquamarines. Though my camera, of course, still shows it as vivid blue >_<

As for working with Yvonne, she has excellent communication, was lovely and patient to work with (My next colored stone project is with her as a matter of fact ^_~)

I just got it set so here are a couple pics from my cameraphone:





Also thanks to Chrono and LD for all their input and suggestions- it was very useful! ^_^