So Much To Set, Suggestions Welcome

[koolchicken]

I've been quite busy as of late. I've purchased quite a number of stones and I don't want them just hanging around gathering dust. I want them set and my husband's agreed to do it this month. Just for fun, here's a bit of eye candy.


This setting will soon house this stone.

I'll need to have the head swapped out, but it should be simple enough.


I want this stone set like this one on DanielM's sold page





This stone is destined for one of DanielM's sliding bezel halos. Here's a horrifying story to accompany it. I was attempting to admire it in the bathroom lights when I dropped it. It bounced and I caught it just as it was about to slip down the drain. I have no idea I how I was so fast as it felt like I stood frozen forever. There were inches to spare, I just moved so I have no tools and wouldn't have been able to get it out of the drain pipe. So a word of caution, close all drains while looking at stones while near a sink. You just never know when a freak accident will befall you...




These are a pair of 5mm sphene's I got of DB for virtually nothing. I knew I wanted something yellow to add to my studs rainbow and these have such amazing flash. I love the red and green sparkle against the gold backdrop, it reminds me of Christmas. They will go into simple yellow gold martini studs.

Here's where things get tricky. I still have some other stones to set and I don't know how. I have some loose ideas, a ring for one, a pendant for another, metal colors, that sort of thing. But as for what that ring and pendant will look like, I just don't know. Here are the stones and the ideas I have so far.



I know I want this pink spinel set as a ring. It looks best when placed next to rose gold so it's what I'll want to use. It's absolutely amazing in some lights, but in others... Well, it goes quite dark. I have one of those gem picky uppy things and it can go dark in that as well if the conditions aren't right so I don't see it surviving a bezel or halo. I'll need a simple prong set and I don't think I want side stones. It's a large stone, 7.2mm and it's tall (don't know if that's how one would describe it). Here's a photo to show what I'm talking about.

I don't want to knock it on everything so I'd prefer it set low.



I also got these in today. I want to make them into pendants. The amethyst is 8mm and the citrine is 10mm, so they're both quite large. I'm okay with adding other stones into the mix, I'm not really 100% on what I want though. I originally wanted to have the citrine be a drop, under the amethyst but that ended up being so big it just won't work. Now I don't like the idea anymore. I know I want the citrine in gold, I'm open to other metals for the amethyst.

All suggestions welcome!

 

[ChrisA222]

I have to say, that is a fine Citrine.

I was never a fan of Citrine until I started seeing examples like that. It is almost Mandarin Spessartite color. Very nice one you have there!

 

[FrekeChild]

So you're wanting to set all of them this month? I'm a bit confused....

 

[koolchicken]

ChrisAAA, It is really orange. I was quite surprised by it. There's hardly any brown in any lighting and the sparkle from it is almost unbelievable. I mean, it doesn't sparkle as well as most of my other stones, it is quartz. But it's beats out any other citrine I've ever seen in my life and I've owned quite a few with it being my birthstone. I don't think I'll ever buy another from anyone but Jeff!

FrekeChild, Yes I'm looking to start setting them this month. I would actually hope to set by March, assuming he can handle the workload. I want DanielM to do the work, especially as one of the settings I've picked is a past design of his. I haven't contacted him yet, I want to finalize my decisions before I ask them to take on the work. I know what I want for most of them, I'm just really stuck on these last few.

I was actually watching Downton Abbey last night and it occurred to me to look on Lang. I think I might want something vintage inspired for the amethyst and if I do that then maybe I'll want the same for the citrine? Or maybe just bezel that one. I don't know. I'll keep at it!

 

[minousbijoux]

I'll play devil's advocate for a minute if you don't mind? I'm wondering why the hurry to set them all? Sometimes stones play a really important role, without setting, just as learning stones. So while you like all of them and love some of them, after a while might you regret setting them so quickly? For example, the pink spinel which goes dark (btw, it looks lovely in your pics and I am just taking your word for it that it goes dark) - if you don't care for its dark side, would that bother you in a ring after a while? I can go on about my own experiences and what I've learned, but it has no relevance really, other than if I could do it again, I would have appreciated them as learning stones, figured out what really bothered me and what I really loved from them and others, and then moved on to buy stones to set.

Just food for thought. It seems that people's tastes and standards often evolve so quickly when they first discover gemstones...

And please - this is NOT meant as any criticism of any of your new lovelies (in fact, you have some of my favorite colors ). If this has no relevance to you, then completely disregard! Its just that there are so many new folks lately and I want to get my public service message out there, if you kwim

 

[koolchicken]

minousbijoux, I don't mind. As I said I'm open to all suggestions, even if that suggestion is wait or don't set at all. I think for me, I would prefer to have my stones set. Sure there are some that will probably sit in their little boxes forever, but most of them will be set or given away.

As far as that spinel goes, it was a present from my husband. So even if it looked like some dirty rock I'd set it and love it, because it's from him. Now granted it's not always dark. It really doesn't take much work to get it to look fantastic. I think I'm probably just being ridiculous in that I don't like the way I have to tilt it in a dark room to get it to look the way it does in the photos. I'm probably just too used to diamonds which really, look great in any light and don't change color. I do love it though. I've even been thinking it might look really good in a setting identical to my engagement ring. I also like the sentimental aspect of that. So dark or not, it's why I'd set that one and never let it languish in a box.

The amethyst and citrine are my, my son, and my husband's birthstones. So I think I'm just eager to set those because of that. That and I just find them lovely and can't wait to enjoy them all the time, not just when I'm home on the couch so I won't drop them. I know I'll never want to change them and will love them always just because they are what they are.

Just to be clear, you have not hurt my feelings. I didn't read anything you said as a criticism. You have some very valid points and I think you were wise to mention them. Not just for me, but for others as well.

Oh, and actually you did really help me with something. My husband did say he would set anything I buy and would set every stone I currently own now. But I think that's ridiculously expensive and plan to do two batches. Because of what you said it made me realize that I would rather have all of my sentimental stones set first. The rest can wait till spring.

 

[FrekeChild]

The only stones that I still have from when I started collecting is my ering, and the stone that I put in my original engagement ring setting. A tough lesson I've learned that resale is typically 50%.

So I wouldn't rush either.

 

[Kelli]

All of this advice is totally smart, I know, but I'm with you on wanting to wear everything instead of let it sit in boxes- even if they are learner stones. That's why I LOVE stock settings cast in silver. When I spend only a little on a stone and even less on a setting, I know I won't feel a huge sense of loss, even if I only enjoy it for a year or so. The last few settings I got cost me all of $75. That means more money for stones!
Anyway, I really love your collection, and the amethyst and citrine from Jeff are every bit as gorgeous as I expected! I love his stones!

 

[koolchicken]

Sorry I didn't respond sooner. I ended up having a really busy weekend that somehow bled into the week. I finally have a break now though!

FrekeChild, I've heard that before. It stinks since people spend so much time and money on their things to begin with. Then you can't even recoup your losses should you have a change of heart. But I'm very, very fortunate to be in a position where I won't ever have to sell any part of my collection. So if I fall out of love with something I would rather pass on my good fortune to less lucky relatives. So for me it's a win win. I get to wear something and enjoy it for a time, and should I fall out of love then I can have it polished up and pass it off to someone else who will appreciate it. It's exactly how I got many pieces myself.

Kelli, I agree the advice is smart. Anything that can make you stop and think is smart. Even if you still decided to press on in your current path at least you've spent the right amount of time considering all your options. But I would prefer to wear my stones. Learner stones, and fancy expensive ones alike. They're all special to me. Now if one showed up and I was really disappointed with it I'd send it back. But if I thought enough of it to keep it then I want to set it and enjoy it.

And thank you, I love the citrine and amethyst as well. I've owned dozens of citrines over the years and this one blows every last one of them out of the water. I used to be disappointed this was my birthstone, I only started to want a nice one because now my son shares it with me. Well, all I can say is if all the ones I'd owned previously looked like this I doubt I'd have ever had this much "birthstone envy"!
Even the amethyst, I always thought they were kind of dull and dark. But I saw the video of the other one and though "it's cheap, why not take the chance". I'm so glad I did. Who knew an amethyst could sparkle like that! So those will definitely be set, it's just a matter of finding the right setting for them. I'm so torn. I almost think I should just go with a simple halo. It's classic, goes with everything else I own, and will really let the stone itself shine. I may actually have to ask Jeff if he has anymore rough, I need matching studs now!

 

[chrono]

Any possibility as to mixing and matching the stones into a bypass (2 stones) or 3 stone ring or pendant? This way, you'll have few pieces (get more wear time) and costs less to set compared to 3 different pieces of jewellery.

 

[koolchicken]

Chrono, I dare say they're all too big to set in one piece- at least for me. The sphene pair is 5mm and they're the smallest of the bunch. The biggest, the ametrine is just over 5ct's and the pink spinel is 7.2mm. I actually thought about setting that one as a three stone ring, but decided against it. The more I thought about a setting that mirrored my engagement ring the more I liked the notion, and my engagement ring is a solitaire.

Really I don't care about setting three different things as opposed to one. It's not just because I'm not paying for it myself. I offered to have it come out of my allowance but my husband said he was happy to do it. In fact he was the one who told me to spring for all gold settings, no silver. He's very generous, and I'm very grateful.

I am still very torn on how to set the amethyst and citrine. I may hold out and look for stones to set them with. I feel like they're too big for rings (the citrine is for sure) but I could perhaps do one with the amethyst, maybe get a citrine pair to use as sidetones? Though I don't know if there'd be space on my finger for all that!

Really, I'm not in a rush to set all of them. I just can't wait to wear and enjoy them. But I'm happy to hold off until I find the "right" way to set them. It's just that I knew how I wanted some of them set to begin with. And if I was going to do some, why not ask for advice on the others and do it all at once? After all, someone might have a fantastic idea I hadn't thought of!

 

[FrekeChild]

Well, I have thousands of inspiration pictures in my computer and on pinterest. You haven't really given us a clear idea of the style of jewelry you like or anything else. So I'd probably start out telling us the kind of style you have. Otherwise we don't know to throw bezels, edwardian, victorian, ultra modern, mid century, etc at you!

 

[koolchicken]

FrekeChild that's a good point! Sorry.

Well I like a lot actually, and I don't know exactly how I would define my style. Things I know I like are:

Halos
millgrain
feminine swoopy lines
pave
Sharp contrast
clean lines

Here are some photos of things I liked:










That last one is something I just asked Caren if they thought they could recreate. I have a pink spinel that I want set as a pendant and I have Jeff Davies working on pale periwinkle blue sapphires as my accent stones (instead of the diamonds).

Really I would be happy with anything from the Edwardian section of Lang Antiques site. In fact some of the photos are from there. I think my big problem is that I like so much. It's weird though, with some of my stones I knew exactly what to do with them (the sphene's and the tourmaline). Others (like the ametrine) I just stumbled upon an image and it just felt right somehow. Others still, well... I just don't know. So far nothing has jumped right out at me and said "pick me, pick me!".

 

[lambskin]

OMG! Love the square cut aqua with the baguettes.

 

[chrono]

From the pictures you posted thus far, the designs look antique, delicate and feminine (ornate but not overly so). I'm not sure that this type of design is Daniel M's forte.

 

[koolchicken]

lambskin, I was so sad when I saw that one. It sold before I could get to it.

Chrono, I wasn't aware. I just asked him because I'd seen some others things he'd done that I liked so I figured I'd ask. They still haven't gotten back to me yet. If they say they don't feel comfortable making such a piece do you recommend anyone specific that works in this style? Perhaps their site will have some ideas.

I will still go with them for ametrine and sphene pair. I'd feel silly not going with them. They were super fast with my last studs (and reasonably priced) plus, the pendant I want is something they made.

It's hard, DanielM created the pendant and blue ring, I also like a number of other things he makes. So it's one of those things, you just assume if he can make some things I like then surely he can make others. It didn't occur to me that one has to specialize in a style (is this new understanding correct?). But it makes sense.

Having jewelry made seems so simple in the abstract. It's really not, there's some much to learn and consider. Thank you to everyone with your patience with me. I promise I'm listening and trying to learn!

 

[pregcurious]

I think if you are looking for a competitive price, and someone who can replicate a delicate antique look, you should look at ERD. I just had a ring made with them. I will try to find the Show Me Your ERD thread that I started. I am a big fan.

 

[FrekeChild]

I don't know that it really matters what THEIR style is, they can make just about anything. They typically tend to go more simple and straightforward. You just aren't going to get, say, Leon Mege or Singlestone style crafted work.

But they have had some very pretty and more ornate pieces come out of their shop. Since you have so many projects, you might want to explore a few different vendors. Just note though, Daniel M tends to be on the cheaper end of the price spectrum.

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/167764593?

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/150328279?

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/142081459?

They have a whole page set up with more pave and other more ornate work that he's done, but you'd have to ask them for more pictures of their work. I remember lots of pave!

 

[pregcurious]

Here's the ERD thread:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-erd-brilliantly-engaged-thread.192763/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-erd-brilliantly-engaged-thread.192763/[/URL]

Freke, those are nice!

 

[chrono]

They typically tend to go more simple and straightforward. You just aren't going to get, say, Leon Mege or Singlestone style crafted work.

That's what I meant. Even if going for simple and straightforward, if your expectation is the perfect swoop or angle, then Daniel M might not be the right choice for you. I've seen their bezels improve over the years and think their pricing is in-line with the quality they produce.

 

[koolchicken]

Thank you for your suggestions! I didn't even think to say "do you have other examples of your work". A very obvious question, yet I'm sure it goes unasked constantly.

I haven't really compared anyone's work in person so I don't know if I'd be disappointed in anything I got- yet. I know some people are interested in designs looking exactlyperfectlyright and nothing else will do. But for me I'm not going to get hung up on some things. I actually like the notion of saying "this is what I like, and this is what would disappoint me" then giving the artist a certain amount of free reign. I don't think I'd ever send someone a stone and say "set it as you wish" but I do like knowing my item is handmade and the person who made it is in there somewhere, if that makes sense.

I'm still waiting on DanielM to get back to me. We did talk once but I don't know if they'll do my pendant. I actually figured they'd make some changes and it wouldn't look exactly the same, and I kind of like that. But if I wanted something replicated exactly, and it was super intricate, at least I now know to look for someone who does more of that style. Right now I don't think the last photo is super complex (not that I really know, I'm mostly guessing) but if they're not confident then I'm 100% going to ask ERD. Those rings are amazing.

I think I want to try a few people out and see who impresses me the most. Right now DanielM and ERD are now at the top of my list.

Also, I'm glad what I want done right this second is more simplistic (with the exception of the leafy pendant). Most of this stuff is replicating their previous designs. But for my other stones I want to give ERD a shot. Spread it around and see what comes back.