Sourcing a Sapphire solitaire engagement ring

[SapphireHunter]

Haha, there is no way I would buy a rough stone and try to get it cut. Picking out an already cut stone and setting is plenty complicated enough for me. Thanks for sharing your experience though!

 

[Vidalia]

SapphireHunter, I'm sure your girlfriend would be very touched by the time and thought you're putting into finding her engagement stone.

You can count me among Blaze's satisfied customers. I happily recommend him because he was understanding when my fiancé and I returned multiple sapphires to him before finding "the one." (Be sure to check out his and other vendors' return policies because there's only so much you can see from online photos and videos!) And I continue to feel good knowing that my sapphire is American, ethically-sourced material from a small-business owner.

Some other PS-recommended vendors I stalked while we hunted for my Montana sapphire are Master Cut Gems; MountainMommaGems on Etsy; the Gemmology Online Market Place, http://store.gemologyonline.com/marketplace/itemListing.php?cid=4; Gemrite, http://gemrite.com/33-sapphire; Custom Gemstones, http://www.customgemstones.com/; Litnon; Torraca Gemcutting, http://www.torraca.net/; and John J. Bradshaw, http://www.johnjbradshaw.com/index.php?page=product_list&category_id=10332. (I also stalked Finewater gems, http://www.finewatergems.com/sapphire.html, because his stones are so beautiful, but it seems most of his inventory is not American material.)

Good luck with your search!

 

[digdeep]

Vidalia, That list is as 'sweet' (meant in a good way) as your name!

 

[MollyMalone]

Blaze has a facebook page that has a few clearer pictures: https://www.facebook.com/blazengemshome

Also this store might give you some ideas if a yogo might be to your liking: http://gemgallery.com/ I'm not sure if it is the blue you are looking for. They sell loose stones too. I've bought a finished ring from the store but haven't purchased any loose stones from them.

Blaze's Facebook photos are so much better than most of those posted on his web site -- thank you, annie, for drawing attention to his Facebook page!

SapphireHunter, I've been trawling off and on, for about 2 years, for a Yogo, so I'll also suggest that you contact Adair's Jewelers & Mac's Gems -- both in Missoula; I've found each of them pleasant to deal with.

fyi: Because Yogo rough runs even smaller than the usual Montana sapphire rough, faceted Yogos of any caliber of cut and color (Yogos aren't all inevitably that heart-stirring blue for which they've been prized) that face up in your wished-for 5-8 mm size are uncommon; that was true even back when Yogo mining was in its heyday. And a lot of even the tiny-to-small Yogos seen nowadays are poorly cut to save weight (often "pancake" stones because the rough is also typically quite flat) and/or otherwise meh.

So unless you are comfortable spending quite a bit more than what it seems you've been thinking of, think you are most likely better off focusing on non-Yogo, Montana sapphires, which certainly can be lovely in their own right.

 

[SapphireHunter]

Would anybody care to weigh-in on the preferences or pros/cons beyond the ones I listed below for these 5 stones?

Option 1: http://www.mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7978
Obvious Pros: Montana stone, huge, nice color
Obvious Cons: Looks like a largish inclusion is visible on the edge of the top of the stone

Option 2: http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7922
Obvious Pros: Montana stone, looks clear/clean, nice color, less expensive than other 2 options
Obvious Con: smallest face in terms of mm

Option 3: Use ctrl-F to find "sapphire_montana_518" on this page: http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_montana.html#thumb
Obvious Pros: Montana stone, looks clear/clean, I like the color on this one even though it is green/blue
Obvious Con: Most expensive, afraid a green-ish gem won't "pop" as well as a blue stone on a white gold ring

Option 4: http://blazengems.com/retail/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83_53_64&products_id=1322
Pros: I think this one might be my favorite so far?
Cons: ???

Option 5: http://blazengems.com/retail/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83_53_54&products_id=1310
Pros: Probably my favorite if I decide to go green color, although I also like this one: http://blazengems.com/retail/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83_53_64&products_id=1001
Cons: ???

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Personally, out of your list, even though the face-up size is the smallest, #2 is my favorite. The color, facet pattern/cut and clarity totally do it for me.

#1: the inclusion would bother me (on such an important ring)
#2: Yes!
#3: the cut is great but the color doesn't jump off the page at me - it's definitely more subdued, in my opinion
#4: the color on this is great but the cut is so lacking that my eye just kind of moves past it. I wish it were deeper so it could possibly be re-cut, but at 3.7mm that's not really possible
#5A: this would be my second favorite for I love green and blue together and the cut is great. The only possible downside is that it's pretty dark. I'd want to see this one in-person before deciding.
#5B: it looks pretty washed out to my eye and the cut doesn't do much for me either

Hope this helps.

 

[chrono]

Option 1: http://www.mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7978
Kind of dark and I'm concerned the inclusion might be too large to hide under a prong. Cut is nice but somewhat deep so even though it is a 3 carat stone, it faces up like a low 2 carat sapphire. My biggest concern for this one is the potential to black out indoors.

Option 2: http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7922
Nice colour with great cutting. Also cut really deep so this nearly 2 ct stone faces up like a 1 carat sapphire.

Option 3: Use ctrl-F to find "sapphire_montana_518" on this page: http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_montana.html#thumb
Are you absolutely sure you want a predominantly green stone? Nice colour and cut. I think it will pop best in YG or RG.

Option 4: http://blazengems.com/retail/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83_53_64&products_id=1322
Horrible picture. Can he provide a full face on picture of the sapphire instead of it being tilted? Colour looks fine but the cut looks very plain (few huge facets rather than multiple small facets) and stone might look a bit silky rather than sparkly.

Option 5: http://blazengems.com/retail/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83_53_54&products_id=1310
Looks really dark.

Option 6: http://blazengems.com/retail/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83_53_64&products_id=1001
Make sure she likes an olive (grayish yellow green) coloured stone too. Colour looks weak or watery. Few large facets so it won't look as sparkly as #1, #2, and #3.

 

[deskjockey]

If I was shopping now, I would leap feetfirst onto #2. The cut is lovely, the color is beautiful in the photo For the carat weight I suppose it faces up a little small but IMO I don't really care. I think it's a nice size, especially for a lady who (I'm guessing, based on what you've stated) might prefer something simple.

#5 is dark but very similar to the stone I have, so I love it too, but would want to see it in person first.

So yeah, my vote goes to #2

 

[digdeep]

I love the look of #2 from the top down........for me, the concern would be the face up size and depth of the stone. It will sit high in a ring once set. I love the magnified design, just not sure what you'd see IRL with a 6.2 mm face.
Number 5 reminded me of Desk Jockey's stone immediately!
Is it possible for you to order both of these (or whichever are your top contenders?) so that you can see and compare them first hand? It would be one way to compare apples with apples so to speak...........of course, make sure you have clarity about the return policy and insurance if necessary with the seller. Both these sellers have good reputations.
My vote is #5........Good Luck....

 

[SapphireHunter]

Well, I'm a pretty disappointed with Blazengems right now. They substantially raised the price on all 3 of their gems I linked to this morning. I wonder if they monitor traffic volume and use that to adjust gem prices by eliminating "sale" pricing on high traffic pages.

Edit: Nevermind, it's not just the gems I linked to. It looks like the "sale" pricing has been removed from lots of gems, possibly every gem on the website. Disappointing regardless.

 

[Vidalia]

Vidalia, That list is as 'sweet' (meant in a good way) as your name!

Ha! I see what you did there. Thanks, DigDeep.
And thanks to the many wonderful PSers who provide their knowledge and expertise to help folks find colored gemstones. You're in good hands, OP!

 

[MollyMalone]

Well, I'm a pretty disappointed with Blazengems right now. They substantially raised the price on all 3 of their gems I linked to this morning. I wonder if they monitor traffic volume and use that to adjust gem prices by eliminating "sale" pricing on high traffic pages.

Edit: Nevermind, it's not just the gems I linked to. It looks like the "sale" pricing has been removed from lots of gems, possibly every gem on the website. Disappointing regardless.

I can't explain the snafu you've experienced, but sale prices -- reflecting a 25% reduction-- are currently showing up for me on those 3 linked pages (7:15 PM EST on Friday, January 30).

 

[digdeep]

OP have you contacted Blaze? If so then reference those emails and if you haven't then contact him right away saying which stones (and sale prices) you are interested in. The sale doesn't go past the 'end of January' usually and is the only one he does (to my knowledge)...... the sale is still showing up on my screen too.

Vidalia............

 

[SapphireHunter]

yes I contacted him and he said there was some kind of error with the sale ending earlier than it was supposed to (supposed to run through end of January). I went ahead and placed orders for Option #2, Option#5, and another stone I was considering via emails with another dealer. Will see which one I like the best when they get here. Fingers crossed.

 

[minousbijoux]

Good for you for having an opportunity to see multiple stones together. Its the best way to judge - and learn.

 

[digdeep]

yes I contacted him and he said there was some kind of error with the sale ending earlier than it was supposed to (supposed to run through end of January). I went ahead and placed orders for Option #2, Option#5, and another stone I was considering via emails with another dealer. Will see which one I like the best when they get here. Fingers crossed.

Yay! Glad you contacted him and resolved the confusion. We all wait with fingers crossed too........please update us on what you see when you have them!

 

[digdeep]

SapphireHunter........did you get the gems? I'm excited to hear if you have made a decision--or are closer to one?

 

[SapphireHunter]

Sorry for the slow time to update. I received the gems on Feb 4th and it was quickly clear to me that option #2 was my favorite (http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7922). I took all 3 to an appraiser on Feb 6th and he confirmed my opinion and did an appraisal on the chosen sapphire.

Next step is selecting a setting and getting it set. I want to do a white gold ring/setting with a modern/clean design. She has olive skin tone so I think the white gold and blue sapphire will make a better contrast than gold or rose gold (lots of her current rings are silver, grey, steel, etc. She doesn't have any gold rings). I want the stone to sit lower in the setting if possible since she is pretty active and always doing a million things, and I know I want a solitaire since she doesn't want any diamonds as mentioned previously. So I'm looking at something like this for the setting: http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/14k-white-gold-engagement-ring_20374?elem=img&track=product

Questions:

1. What do you think of the tapered ring style given the stone I've selected?
2. Should I do 4 or 6 prongs for a 6.2 mm square cushion sapphire?
3. I assume I'm going to have to buy the ring from somewhere besides Blue Nile and pay a jeweler to set the gem. Is this correct? If so, how much should I expect to pay on top of the cost of the ring for doing the setting? Is 6.2 a "standard size" or close enough or will there be modification costs? Any recommendations are where do get this done?
4. Lastly, how long does doing a setting typically take a jeweler? Ideally I'd like to propose in early March, or by March 20th at the latest. It's tricky because she's going to be out of town a lot in March.

 

[deskjockey]

Oh yay!!! I cannot wait to see the finished product!

From here I think just find a nice local jeweler (preferably not a chain) and see what they have for tapered solitaire designs (personally, I like a trellis type setting for a little more interest). For prongs, with a cushion you're probably going to get four prongs, though you can do a sort of doubled prong at the corners, like this:

http://cf.ltkcdn.net/engagementrings/images/std/162248-425x425-ZalesCertRadiantCutSolitaire.jpg

Just make sure that they can accomodate the stone dimensions, keep in mind sapphires (especially this one) are cut deeper than diamonds are for the same face up size, so an off-the rack setting designed for a diamond may not fit the sapphire correctly. But if you go to a decent jeweler (especially one that does custom work) they should be able to handle that pretty easily.

For sizing and setting, they should be able to size it perfectly (if not, 6.25 should be very doable and such a small difference you shouldn't have trouble) and set the stone within a week, possibly faster. But mine was ready in a week. It may be a bit longer if they have to customize the setting for the stone dimensions but I can't see why March would be a problem.

 

[digdeep]

YIPPEE! Congratulations on finding THE stone! Where are you located in case someone has knowledge of a good bench to do the final work? Only other question is if you want a wedding band to fit with the solitaire? The taper in the ring may complicate that, but now is the time to think about whether this will be made to accommodate a wedding band as well? So glad you found a stone you love...........I'm sure it's BEAUTIFUL!

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Congrats on choosing #2! Such a beautiful stone. Did you take your own pictures, by chance? Had to ask.

The tapered design is pretty, but I'd second digdeep's comments about a wedding band. Just keep that in mind, whether you'll want one or not as that might help shape the design of this ring. I also favor double claw prongs, like deskjockey mentioned, and those might work nicely with how your sapphire is cut. It basically comes down to what you like. A simple, classic setting like you're after, I assume in 14k white gold, shouldn't be more than $1k, even if it's custom. And your time frame sounds very doable too.

Cannot wait to see the finished ring!

 

[LoversKites]

Awesome stone.

 

[LoversKites]

Awesome stone.

 

[SapphireHunter]

Where are you located in case someone has knowledge of a good bench to do the final work? Only other question is if you want a wedding band to fit with the solitaire?

Thanks. I'm in the DC metro area, technically northern Virginia. If anybody has a recommendation I'm all ears. I do think I want to get a wedding band to fit with the solitaire (is there any reason why I wouldn't?).

Congrats on choosing #2! Such a beautiful stone. Did you take your own pictures, by chance? Had to ask.

Cannot wait to see the finished ring!

Hah, no I didn't take any pictures of it, but I will take some after it's set if you'd like.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

I can't speak for your local area, but I'm currently working with David Klass (he's in CA and I'm across the country) on a simple, classic design for my tourmaline and he's been very, very reasonable and his time frame is faster than most. All the while, still putting out a quality ring. Just my novice 2 cents. I know some people who choose not to wear two rings. It's really a matter of preference. A couple of my friends are very active and use their hands a lot, so they didn't want the "hassle" of two rings.

Yes, please! haha Pictures, pictures.

 

[Niel]

Quest jewelers is near you, I think. Google them and see. Otherwise look for a local place that sells Gabriel and co. They make similar designs and are a fair price.

I wouldn't buy a setting like that from blue Nile. Its very common,and I bet you could find something g similar in most local places. I wouldn't want to pay more for a setting fee when the place that will be setting your stone probably already had a setting like what you like.

You will want to do 4 prong with a square cushion like that.

The taper is personal preference. if that is what she likes then great.

I'd want the setting ordered for the exact shape of the stone, especially considering its deep. This is another reason you'd want to maybe work directly with the person buying and setting the stone.

I would imagine if you start this process this week you should have your ring in plenty of time, but I'm not the jeweler you're working with, you'd have to discuss it with them.

 

[SapphireHunter]

Quest jewelers is near you, I think. Google them and see. Otherwise look for a local place that sells Gabriel and co. They make similar designs and are a fair price.

I wouldn't buy a setting like that from blue Nile. Its very common,and I bet you could find something g similar in most local places. I wouldn't want to pay more for a setting fee when the place that will be setting your stone probably already had a setting like what you like.

Thanks Niel. I actually just found this thread: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/local-custom-setting-in-northern-va.176135/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/local-custom-setting-in-northern-va.176135/[/URL] from searching the forums for Northern Virginia and it looks like Quest and Hunt Country are two that folks are recommending so I'll probably go to one of them.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

I'm not sure about Quest, but Hunt Country only uses 18k gold, if you end up going the custom route.

 

[Niel]

I see quest sells gabriel and co. I'd suggest going and looking at their site. They gave all sorts of solitaire settings. Simple, modern,vintage, classic or more unique.... And should keep you around your budget

 

[digdeep]

Where are you located in case someone has knowledge of a good bench to do the final work? Only other question is if you want a wedding band to fit with the solitaire?

Thanks. I'm in the DC metro area, technically northern Virginia. If anybody has a recommendation I'm all ears. I do think I want to get a wedding band to fit with the solitaire (is there any reason why I wouldn't?).

Congrats on choosing #2! Such a beautiful stone. Did you take your own pictures, by chance? Had to ask.

Cannot wait to see the finished ring!

Hah, no I didn't take any pictures of it, but I will take some after it's set if you'd like.

Getting the wedding band at the same time as the engagement ring would allow for them to 'fit' and match. The reason I mentioned this is that the curvature of the ring you showed is not going to line up with a straight band due to the curves near the stone........for some folks that's bothersome. Then again, some women who are active wear the band all the time and add the engagement ring when not doing stuff that could be dangerous ---- so it all comes down to preference. These are all things you can discuss when you meet with a jeweler and they may have a suggestion or two that matches your preferences with the stone................very exciting stuff! I hope you are ready for part D'eux on this journey.......you're doing good!! And yes, I'm hoping to see photo's in the future. I think this is going to be a very special ring!