Reputable Gemstone sites?

[bubbly1126]

I am starting my search for an engagement ring (do not want a diamond) and was wondering what are the most reputable online gemstone sites? Or even some stores in the NYC area?

Also, I''m new to this and really don''t know what the best cuts are for sapphires? Any help is much appreciated!

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 5/27/2008 5:35:27 PM
Author:bubbly1126
I am starting my search for an engagement ring (do not want a diamond) and was wondering what are the most reputable online gemstone sites? Or even some stores in the NYC area?

Also, I''m new to this and really don''t know what the best cuts are for sapphires? Any help is much appreciated!

If you do a search through recent threads, you will find one with a list of vendors.

Most sapphires are cushion cut or ovals, any other shape will be a bit harder to find.

For an e-ring, I would look at as many different stones as possible to see what colour appeals to me the most and then ask one of the vendors to source me one as they have access to sources you won''t.

I''ve used Wink - www.winkjones.com for my tsavorite and a number of other stones, and they''ve always been fabulous.

Remember that you will pay a premium for unheated, and that the price can vary hugely depending on the colour you are looking for. Vivid medium blues can be horrifically expensive, shades that tend towards the violet shades (my personal favourites) can be cheaper.

Take a look at the ''unique'' section on NSC for some really unusual and interesting colours - including colour change.

Unless you are going for a custom setting, you will likely need to find a calibrated stone.

Have fun looking, and welcome to the world of colour!