Sapphire ring advice

[caseclosed]

Hello!

I have been collecting loose gemstones for some time, and just recently acquired a blue sapphire. I never really had any of my stones made into jewelry before, but for some reason I feel this particular stone deserves to be mounted and worn. I was wondering if anyone has general advice or recommendations of what kind of setting would go well. It would be for my wife (wish I could keep it for myself, but I work in a rather conservative environment) so of course she would have to like the design.

I really love the color, in certain lighting and outdoors it really has at least for me an ideal color for a sapphire, I think I want to avoid any setting that would darken it significantly as in certain lighting it does get quite dark and almost black. Do you think setting it with a diamond halo would darken the stone too much? The other issue is that the size is probably not standard (8.4 x 7.3 x 7.3 mm) and it is quite a deep stone. Would love to get your opinions!

 

[musicloveranthony]

This is probably an entirely unhelpful comment; for that, I apologize. It's cut extremely deeply. If the dark nature of the stone bothers you, you could have the pavilion recut to allow a brighter stone. Having a shallower pavilion would also allow for MANY more options in setting the stone

 

[caseclosed]

This is probably an entirely unhelpful comment; for that, I apologize. It's cut extremely deeply. If the dark nature of the stone bothers you, you could have the pavilion recut to allow a brighter stone. Having a shallower pavilion would also allow for MANY more options in setting the stone

I considered this. I dont mind losing carat weight if its entirely from the pavillion and if it doesnt diminish the color saturation. Would you have any particular recommendations on gem cutters?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Be very careful - it may be that the only colour is in some bands near the bottom. Immerse it in water and have a close look through the side of a glass - it will help ID the color distribution.

If set with a lot of white gold or platinum highly polished - like a basket or a cup (make sure it can be cleaned - you may need an ultrasonic with a steam jet). That will increase the brightness. Test this with some aluminium foil.

 

[LilAlex]

As you roll it around and admire it with your holder, how much of what you are seeing is light return when illuminated from above vs ambient light leaking in though pavilion? That can give you some ideas for mounting options.

There are tons of 7mm deep sapphires in rings on the internet -- that is not a deal breaker. Many sapphires are cut very deep to preserve weight as others have said. It is not a very "efficient" way to buy your 3- or 4-ct stone, though, since a lot of the real estate is invisible and not enhancing (and perhaps even detracting from) the appearance.

About the only thing I would not do is prong-mount it as a solitaire since the overdepth will be on full display.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

About the only thing I would not do is prong-mount it as a solitaire since the overdepth will be on full display.

I agree LQ - but for a different reason.
A solitaire stone like that can appear to be a fake birthstone ring.
But also - mounting it all open can help get a little more light in.

 

[Bron357]

Beautiful.
im a fan, ha ha, of huge diamond halos!
I would definitely recommend a white gold head with a diamond halo because it helps emphasis the blueness.

 

[caseclosed]

As you roll it around and admire it with your holder, how much of what you are seeing is light return when illuminated from above vs ambient light leaking in though pavilion? That can give you some ideas for mounting options.

There are tons of 7mm deep sapphires in rings on the internet -- that is not a deal breaker. Many sapphires are cut very deep to preserve weight as others have said. It is not a very "efficient" way to buy your 3- or 4-ct stone, though, since a lot of the real estate is invisible and not enhancing (and perhaps even detracting from) the appearance.

About the only thing I would not do is prong-mount it as a solitaire since the overdepth will be on full display.

Its hard to know for sure, but I think there is some light return through the pavilion, because when I have the gem inside a padded gem box it becomes noticably darker in all lightings.

Also, it is hard to capture in pictures but the stone is actually looks very light in tone (see below) when not viewed from the top, so I am not sure what will happen if the pavilion is shortened. I am worried it will adversely affect the saturation, although I guess it could improve it if done just right.

Anyway, I may visit a local jeweler and see what the options are and maybe as suggested a high polish metal setting would be enough. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[caseclosed]

Beautiful.
im a fan, ha ha, of huge diamond halos!
I would definitely recommend a white gold head with a diamond halo because it helps emphasis the blueness.

Wow that is an impressive halo!

 

[LilAlex]

Also, it is hard to capture in pictures but the stone is actually looks very light in tone (see below) when not viewed from the top, so I am not sure what will happen if the pavilion is shortened. I am worried it will adversely affect the saturation, although I guess it could improve it if done just right.

That is common. It's a deep stone and the light you see reflected up through the crown from the pavilion is traversing the stone twice (down and up) -- making it look twice as intense. As @Garry H (Cut Nut) said above, the color could be confined to a narrow "stratum" -- like at the culet or girdle. Those are less desirable and it is often evident from the side view.