Sapphire Help Please

[chrono]

3 weeks is pushing it for a custom setting. If you are open to letting her choose her own design as mentioned earlier, you have enough time to order several (2 or 3) sapphires, pick the best and return the rest.

 

[corundum_conundrum]

Chrono, what if OP purchased an mounting that was ready-to-sell from an etsy seller, and had them mount his stone in it? He could probably get that all done in 3-4 weeks if he ordered a few stones from gemfix or other highly trusted PriceScope vendors, and then had the etsy vendor mount it and size it, no?

OP: I think if you could present a great sapphire AND a 100% recycled ring, you could both get something aesthetically pleasing, but also forestall any misgivings she might have about ethical problems associated with traditional e-rings. Just my $0.02.

 

[chrono]

By getting a ready made mount means that he is limiting his sapphire choice even more because it must fit a certain LxW measurement. I wish I can recommend this route with confidence but I've seen too many posters looking for stones to fit their settings and nothing right has come along or it took a very long time.

 

[corundum_conundrum]

ahh, that makes sense. What would his minimum time-frame need to be to select a sapphire very quickly and then have a ring made using an etsy vendor? 5-6 weeks?

 

[chrono]

Let's presume he gets and selects his sapphire within 1 week and presuming the Etsy vendor has nobody lined up. A plain 4 prong solitaire will take 2 weeks if rushed? If she wants accent diamonds or other accent stones, which might necessitate a CAD, this will add to the delivery date, pushing it back to 4 weeks (draw, fine tweaking, final approval). So no less than 3 weeks if all the stars are aligned. But as we all know, if the stars are all aligned, we'd all be jackpot lottery winners.

 

[corundum_conundrum]

by distracts » 21 Jan 2013 21:08
Everyone uses metals that are at least 70% recycled on average, because so much precious metal is recycled. If 70% rather than 100% is acceptable, you can use any jeweler. Many Etsy jewelers use only 100% recycled metal because they scrap and refine it themselves. Re: Colored stones being more friendly than diamonds, I personally have never bought this claim. And we can see that colored stones from Burma are embargoed here for precisely that reason. Brilliant Earth claims to have all their gems ethically sourced but personally I would trust Wildfish Gems or Lisa Elser more (they have much more appealing selections, anyway). But one of those three or a lab created stone would be my options if I was needing an ethically-sourced gem. (And re: diamonds - the setting you linked has six smaller diamonds - how will your girlfriend feel about that?)

Distracts, if you are claiming that in general colored gemstone buying suffers from as dire of ethical problems (such as supporting warlords) as does diamond-buying, I must disagree strongly. If he skips the burmese sapphires, he's not enabling war or systematic human rights abuses by purchasing a sapphire. But if you are just pointing out that there are other, less severe ethical problems with colored stone purchasing, your point is well taken.

Here's lisa and ed commenting on it in an old thread:

/user

 

[chrono]

With the embargo on gems from Burma, will this even matter? Many sapphires in the market are of African (Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria) or Sri Lankan origin anyway. Lots more are from Australia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. There's definitely less blood involved in coloured stones compared to diamonds though, and even then, there are very ethically mined and conflict free diamonds (Canadian).

 

[minousbijoux]

At some point, this becomes a theoretical discussion, like how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. Its hard to say what is truly ethical and what is not without a clear cut paper trail which follows the stone back to its original source. Even if it was ethically sourced, was it ethically cut? Since I have no idea and no real notions as to how to verify with certainty, I'll move on...

OP, a couple of thoughts: she doesn't like traditional, and we don't want any teeth-kicking. You're one of us now, and we like our members to have their teeth Since she is non-traditional, how about a non-traditional proposal? Instead of a ring, you can propose with a stone and then design the ring together. Another thought if she is really non-traditional and sentimental all rolled into one: do you or she have any simple gold jewelry that you inherited from someone special? Is there anything you could see using/recycling the metal to use for her ring? It would meet a few of your objectives: it would save a little money on materials, while fulfilling one of her goals of recycling material. It would also provide a way to create a deep and lasting connection with the past - a way to incorporate the sentimentality and history of the family.

One final comment: please take the time to find a stone that is special and don't feel too rushed and forced just to pick one!

 

[LD]

Minou has said exactly what I was thinking! To save your teeth ............

PROPOSE WITH A RING PULL FROM A CAN (or something else that you can have a bit of fun with - plastic child's ring etc).

Then, the two of you have fun shopping for a unique ring with no time pressures. The more I read about her tastes, the more it appears that a dark stone is the way to go. So, do it together and design something lovely. We can always help with suggestions if you want too.

 

[CYIW]

CC your link leads to a reply page.

I'm glad the "ethics" question was raised. I must admit I'm struggling a little with the ethics question too ... I've had a few interesting discussions with some vendors and I've been impressed with the thoughtfulness of their answers. But the question for me at least is still open.

 

[TurtleTurtle]

Wow thanks for all the Etsy links. I vaguely remember my gf mentioning that website, but didn't pay much heed. It definitely opens up some options for me. This ring did catch my eye..maybe with a different stone though...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/111360785/emerald-cut-blue-sapphire-twig


So after reading your suggestions and doing some thinking, I feel comfortable with the following options.

1) If I stick with Brilliant Earth, I think I would rather choose a different stone. I've asked for more photos of the following sapphire as their advertising photos so far do not quite match the actual gem. I still do like the setting, especially since it is difficult to find a custom maker who works with platinum. But I don't feel tied to it like I did before. As for the diamonds in the setting, I think she wouldn't mind too much as they are conflict free and negligible...but I'll wear a mouth guard just in case.

http://www.brilliantearth.com/7mm-Blue-Round-Sapphire-SBSL7.0RD3/

2) Another option from those suggested is to get a stone that I actually like, and then find a local jeweler who can finish the piece in the given time (might not be impossible since there are some Etsy and other designers in NYC who might be able to create a piece). My sister in law is also a jewelry designer for large design firm, so she might have some contacts who could rush a setting..although it will probably not be anything ethical or artisanal...settings polished with the tears of child slaves.

3) Last option is to choose a stone that I like, and present that instead of a full ring. That way I can take my time and get some more feedback from my gf on what she would like.


Some of the loose gems I've been considering (opinions please):

http://www.rwwise.com/products/id%7C1065

http://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/16201

http://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/10705

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Blue/B5036/Oval/stoneid=B5036

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Blue/B5018/Emerald%20Cut/stoneid=B5018

 

[corundum_conundrum]

Fixed link to Ed Bristol and Lisa Elser's brief comments on conflict and colored gems.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/vendors.168415/#post-3064889#p3064889

 

[corundum_conundrum]

I like the local jeweler idea (or local etsy idea) if it can be done in time. I'm just a little uncertain about this proposing-with-a-loose-stone idea, but others have disagreed. I think it might help to be able to sell you GF on the idea that the jeweler you used was socialyl-conscious and uses a 100% recylcled material. If you choose to make the ring together, I would fear that she would have some misgivings about e-rings in general based on what you've said. For me, its sort of the old addage that its easier to apologize (or sell her on something you have in your hand) than it is to ask permission.

1. NSC sapphires are both VERY shallow and have big ugly windows.

2. Wildfish will ship from overseas. Do you have time for that?

3. R. W. Wise is dark but price is okay for R.W. Wise.

Nothing you like at gemfix? Here is a link to someone's recent thread who bought a nice sapphire with very tight time constraints:

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...lue-sapphire-for-engagement-ring-fast.182679/

 

[michellechan2211]

The Brilliant Earth sapphire looks nice- but I still think that's a little expensive for a sapphire of that size. Plus their non-disclosure of the treatment makes me a little wary.

The Natural Sapphire Company's 2 sapphires are very windowed and I doubt the window would close when setting as well.

 

[chrono]

Brilliant Earth: No mention if it is heated or not. I would want to see a straight on view on the hand.
RW: Looks dark and not very saturated in the video. If you like it, that's fine but it is expensive for that quality. It is a deep stone so although it is 1.7 ct, it faces up smaller than it should.
WF1: Has promise but is very expensive! No window but the shallowness could cause a tilt window to be more easily seen.
WF2: Deep and dark, with less brilliancy. The first stone is more of a showstopper than this one, so this should be priced less.
NSC1: Horribly windowed. The center will be completely dead and often devoid of colour. You'll see the setting and skin underneath which is not a good thing.
NSC2: Same problem as NSC1.

 

[chloeishere]

I concur with the opinions so far on the ones you've posted-- of them, I'd say the RW is the best, but I don't think it's great value for the money.

Gemfix-- go to the Montana sapphire page (I know you DON'T want the Montana sapphire "blue green" look, but they don't all look like that, and I thought maybe you didn't look at that page. I suspect your girlfriend might like the Montanas, because they are coming from the US and more likely to be ethically cut and mined.)
What about this guy?

1.6 carats
Description: Fabulous medium-deep blue with no green. Gorgeous, well cut and clean. (Cut by Andrew Gulij)
Pantone 541C & 285C (in daylight)
Enhancements: Heat only
Price: $ 2590.00

Picture: http://www.gemfix.com/images/stones/sapphire_montana/sapphire_montana_292.jpg
ETA: I didn't want to post too much identifying information, but here's the hand shot too. http://www.gemfix.com/images/stones/sapphire_montana/sapphire_montana_292_A.jpg

Any interest in that at all? It's dark for my taste, but I think it'd suit your girlfriends taste well, and it's well cut.

I'm glad you like Kristen's work (I agree, that one is gorgeous. But the blue is probably too light for your girlfriend's taste, it sounds like-- you can always contact her directly and ask if she's got something in stock (if treatment is important to you, I'd specify what you want... I sourced my own stone, so I don't know how meticulous she is about her stock stones, but you can always ask!)

This? http://www.gemfix.com/images/stones/sapphire_blue/sapphire_blue_1010.jpg Handshot: http://www.gemfix.com/images/stones/sapphire_blue/sapphire_blue_1010_A.jpg
1.2 cts
Measurements: 7.3x5.5mm
Enhancements: Heat only
Price: $ 975.00
Description: Luscious deep blue, seems to glow from the inside. If you like the deep blue color sapphires, this is it.
Pantone 2738
It would definitely be DARK, though.

 

[TurtleTurtle]

I don't know how I kept missing Gemfix. Thanks Corundum. I saw two sapphires there that I was interested in. I spoke with Andrew, who's a nice guy. He didn't have one of the gems on hand, but told me he would call me back today to compare the two.

I also think I found a jewelry maker on Etsy that may be able to come up with a setting on time. I'll be contacting him shortly with some ideas.

Here are the gems. No links as Gemfix places all the gems on a single page. The pictures are also very small..I think they may be better than the one's I chose so far?


Sapphire Round Modified "Roulette" Cut
Weight: 1.93 cts
Measurements: 6.9mm, depth 5.2mm
Clarity: VVS
Origin: Sri Lanka
Enhancements: None
Price: $ 3860.00
Description: Ooo la la! Fantastic certified untreated Ceylon sapphire. Glowy medium blue color, gorgeous! AGL lab report included.(Cut by Andrew Gulij) Pantone 2728C


He advised me this one has a hint of violet in day light with more violet indoors. But overall it is still blue. No windowing. Medium saturation. Good depth. Overall good.







Sapphire Modified Mixed Cut Round
Weight: 1.88 cts
Measurements: 7.9mm, depth 4.4mm
Clarity: VVS
Origin: Sri Lanka
Enhancements: Heat only
Price: $ 3870.00
Description: Gorgeous. Huge beautiful blue sapphire, glowy royal blue, awesome!
AGL lab report included. Pantone 2728 & 2738C

I'll find out more about this one later. It is heated, but it does have a more saturated blue.








Also some of the setting ideas I had in mind. I do like that simple organic natury look. What do you think?

 

[LD]

The second Gemfix one has more promise and I really like the lighter blue flashes you can see.

Unless you want a gem with violet tones, I'd stay away from the first one. Personally I like violet in sapphires but it can make them look a little grey. This one has much more grey than the second one.

 

[chrono]

Although I love blue sapphires with a touch of violet, the second one wins by a huge margin! Far more saturated, perfect medium dark tone and the right hue. Looks very lively and flashy too.

 

[corundum_conundrum]

Agreed. #2 looks better.

The quality disparity is apparent in the hand-shots, which are generally more reliable than the close-ups.

 

[CYIW]

I actually enquired about the second stone a while ago (I liked the specks of lighter blue too)..but was told they don't ship to my location I hope its fantastic!

 

[minousbijoux]

Agreed. #2 looks better.

The quality disparity is apparent in the hand-shots, which are generally more reliable than the close-ups.

CC: Have you bought from them and found this to be so? I haven't bought from them yet and sometimes there's a large enough discrepancy between the gem shot and the hand shot, that I seize up and go with the "make no decision" decision.

 

[TurtleTurtle]

OK so I ended up ordering from Andrew (Gemfix) yesterday. Gem just arrived today. CA to NJ not bad.
To me the sapphire looks great. I really like the flashes of bright blue. But then again I know next to nothing about gems.
I took some phone pictures. I will take some more later with a better camera. If you can suggest what angles I should take them in or under what lighting that would help.

These are just under flourescents. Your opinions?



http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/8412016878_8357ca80f2_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5075/8410921343_70496b8047_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5323/8410921685_ab51125c63_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5341/8410922079_0668b242ec_c.jpg


Sapphire Modified Mixed Cut Round
Weight: 1.88 cts
Measurements: 7.9mm, depth 4.4mm
Clarity: VVS
Origin: Sri Lanka
Enhancements: Heat only
Price: $ 3870.00
Description: Gorgeous. Huge beautiful blue sapphire, glowy royal blue, awesome!
AGL lab report included. Pantone 2728 & 2738C

 

[chrono]

How close are the pictures to what you see in person? The cut is fabulous and if this is the colour you see under fluorescent, it is only going to get better outdoors. I prefer to see realistic pictures of the sapphire, not with special angles and lighting because it will be worn in all environments. When outdoors, please be careful not to drop it at the deck, sidewalk or grass. It will either get damaged or lost.

 

[minousbijoux]

I would say that while it looks quite nice in the photos, with a deep, saturated blue, I'd want to know what kind of lighting you used. It looks like it might have a light source shining directly on it? Walk around with it - what does it look like in most situations? Bright like that, or does it go darker? Remember, you want to love it in the majority of lighting situations - only you can decide if you do.

 

[TurtleTurtle]

The indoor light is just office florescent tubes. The colors are about 90% right. In person indoors it looks just a hint more purple. But the photos do not capture how sparkly it is.

Outdoors, in person the gem is a lot bluer with lots of sparkle. A little more than what the indoor photos show. I was trying to take some photos, but in direct sun light the gem is coming out really dark. But it doesn't look like that in real life. It's also 20 degrees and windy as heck, so I couldn't take many. There is two I took in the shade that looks more right. Still not quite though..I think the closest to the outdoor color is strangely the indoor photos.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5231/8412361002_b150446f73_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/8412360470_347e6604a4_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5194/8412359916_fbeb91a771_c.jpg

 

[chrono]

Gorgeous! It's a keeper for me but more importantly, is it a keeper for you?

 

[minousbijoux]

Those last two are the money shots for sure!

 

[corundum_conundrum]

Re: Sapphire Help Please
by minousbijoux » 24 Jan 2013 02:31
corundum_conundrum|1358981451|3362485 wrote:
Agreed. #2 looks better.

The quality disparity is apparent in the hand-shots, which are generally more reliable than the close-ups.


CC: Have you bought from them and found this to be so? I haven't bought from them yet and sometimes there's a large enough discrepancy between the gem shot and the hand shot, that I seize up and go with the "make no decision" decision.

Hey Minou. No, I've never ordered from gemfix. I'm just making that judgement based upon fewer complaints made about gemfix's photo accuracy since they added hand-shots. That, and on this board and in my limitied buying experience I've found that handshots are almost always more accurate than the glamour shot regardless of the vendor. In this case, to me the OP's pics look most similar to the handdshot, which i think gives a realistic sense of the amount of extinction and presence of modifiers.

 

[corundum_conundrum]

Turtle Turtle:

Great stone! Much brighter than I thought it would be. Do you still get some good color in incandescent light? (let's say, low light like at a starbucks or a restaurant or using your bedroom overhead light?) The cut is killer and really makes this stone a cut above since most sapphires are not cut nearly this well.

One thing I wanted to bring to your attention. Its modified by a bit of purple as you mentioned, which looks gorgeous to me. But on my monitor it does also throw just a touch seafoam/blue-green in several pics. It doesn't bother me, but I just wanted to point it out to you.

See your last outdoor picture? Look directly across the center of the stone just under the table. Like a little belt, there is a slightly green-blue that I detect running across the stone. Again, I like the stone, and the green is so light that it doesn't detract for me, but I wanted to point it out to you.