Setting advice!

[coralee87]

I have a pretty good idea of the setting I want for my violet sapphire. I was wondering if it's better to get this completely custom or look around for a similar pre-made setting to buy separately? If pre-made, how can I be sure the gem will fit the setting?

Here is a pic of the setting I want (but in white gold). Anyone know a jeweler with settings of a similar design? I can't seem to find anything close.

 

[normanintheskywithsapphires]

I'm no expert, but my understanding is that you first need the gem (if it is a real one-of-a-kind gem) and then only can you get a setting made around that stone. The other way around, it would be with the horse behind the cart, or however that goes. The stone is the starting point.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

You can look around for a pre-made/pre-loved setting, but the depth is the big thing to consider with colored stones (as they're usually deeper than diamonds, should the setting have been used for that). Just make sure you know all the measurements when you get the stone and that'll help you look for the right setting.

It might be worth asking some jewelers for a custom quote. It might not be as much as you think; however, I don't know your budget.

 

[coralee87]

Awesome! Thanks! I live in SF and was looking at pricescope suggestions for custom jewelers. Seems like Joe Escobar is the only recommended one. Derco has mixed reviews. Does anyone have other recs? Will Joe Escobar be able to do this style? The styles on his site seem a bit more contemporary.

 

[coralee87]

@normanintheskywithsapphires already have the gem (violet round sapphire). Good call. I will definitely do custom and not pre-made. Now to find a custom jeweler that will do a good job..

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Does it have to be a local person? David Klass is in LA and does great work at reasonable prices. Personally, I'd email or call him.

 

[coralee87]

Doesn't have to be but would prefer someone local if possible. Thanks fur the David Klass suggestion, I've seen him come up several times here.

 

[chroman]

Have you checked Stuller yet? From a quick look I saw a few that looked similar, but not exact, to your inspration. If you can find something there, then its down to finding a comptentant bench - but ask around because markups and labor costs can vary.

If not, and you need to get something fabricated, DK is always a favorite here. The last CS work (simple stud mounting) I had done locally was at Accent On in San Carlos. Might be worth checking out if you're down that way. If you go, make sure you talk with Olga, the owner and goldsmith.

 

[coralee87]

Thanks! I did check with Stuller. I want a compass setting so that definitely limits the options that are out there. I am going to get a custom setting around my gem. Will get a quote from Joe Escobar and David Klass unless there are other suggestions? I would prefer local if possible.

 

[MissyBeaucoup]

You might also check with JuliaB on Etsy. She does very nice work. And Ivy & Rose in Chicago will do custom work per your design.