sparklers-inspired pendants

[enbcfsobe]

inspired by turboflgirl''s tiffany sparkler pendant, which i liked for its simplicity and versatility, i picked two inexpensive cushion-shaped stones from multicolour and experimented with a local fabricator''s services to get a similar look. they adapted existing molds to make the baskets. i asked for split claw prongs because the molds had really heavy single prongs. using existing molds was way way cheaper than having new molds made. then they attached eyes to the baskets and soldered on a silver chain.
overall, i am pretty happy with it. these cost a fraction (around 1/3) of what tiff''s charges, but they also don''t have the refined prongs and probably are not as heavy in terms of silver weight. particularly on the ammy i wasn''t thrilled with the prongs, but i probably could have given more specific direction. the ones on the danburite came out much better.
here they are...

 

[enbcfsobe]

sorry for any confusion based on my title. my brain isn''t functioning so well. these are necklaces as opposed to pendants. whoops!

 

[enbcfsobe]

side view...

 

[enbcfsobe]

neck shot. this is a lighter ammy -- i wanted something that i wouldn''t be heartbroken if the new jeweler killed the stone...

 

[enbcfsobe]

one more of the ammy. it has an interesting cut.

 

[enbcfsobe]

here''s the danburite... this stone (from multicolour, as was the aqua), was (IMHO) far better in person than the online picture showed.

 

[enbcfsobe]

side view...

 

[enbcfsobe]

this one was a square cushion -- i guess i could have set it kite-ways too...

 

[enbcfsobe]

neck shot...

 

[enbcfsobe]

more...

 

[enbcfsobe]

here it is next to my (dirty) ering for some comparison with a diamond...

 

[m00sie]

Wow, they are gorgeous

How would you say the danburite compares to a diamond sparkle wise?

 

[enbcfsobe]

Date: 3/27/2010 4:57:10 PM
Author: m00sie
Wow, they are gorgeous

How would you say the danburite compares to a diamond sparkle wise?

thanks! that''s a tough question...the pic below is probably more accurate. the danburite is really bright and sparkly in the light, but they don''t seem to have the fire that diamonds do. i think it is way more noticeable in indirect light or semi-darkness, but i don''t have those kinds of photo skills. maybe the experts will help out on what physical properties make danburite and diamonds appear different??

 

[cellentani]

I LOVE these necklaces!

I especially appreciate how a fairly inexpensive, simple setting can look so elegant, and I think the cut of both stones is much nicer than the Tiffany ones - well done! You are right that danburite doesn't have the fiery dispersion that diamonds do, and their RI is much lower too, 1.62 vs. diamond's 2.4. However, they do have a very nice flash, especially if they are as well cut as yours appear to be.

Does the danburite appear faintly blue-ish in direct sun? Just wondering if there's any fluorescence.

 

[T L]

Those are so pretty, and the Danburite has some amazing facet work on it. Just lovely!

 

[Fly Girl]

Gorgeous necklaces!! Lovely stones, and simple elegant settings. Just perfect. I love it when the piece looks much more expensive than the budget. Thanks for posting your pieces.

 

[PumpkinPie]

very pretty necklaces - they both manage to be substantial and delicate at the same time

 

[virgoruby]

Both stones are pretty and they look so lovely in simple yet elegant settings!

 

[lasscreative]

Lovely!

Great stone and nice setting!

 

[oddoneout]

Beautiful necklaces and great stones.

 

[ma re]

Very nice, I especially love the danburite.

P. S. Another important difference between a diamond and a danburite is birefringence. It''s a property that makes facet reflections in a diamond seem much more distinct and sharper, and that''s what makes them look different than probably 95% of gems. Not to mention that a much greater hardness allows for a far better polish, and that this increases luster i.e. quality of surface reflections.

 

[enbcfsobe]

thanks so much all!

special thanks to cellentani and ma re for your helpful explainations of why diamonds will always look different!!

ETA -- i haven't noticed anything that resembles flour on the danburite, but i wasn't really looking for it. have you heard about danburites having flour?

 

[chrono]

Oh, it turned out so beautifully; I’m in the camp where if the stone is large, simplicity allows it to speak for itself, especially in a pendant. It’s great that your local jeweller is able to modify existing standard baskets to keep the cost down.

 

[brandy_z28]

Those are gorgeous! Love the simplicity.

 

[enbcfsobe]

Date: 3/30/2010 2:23:16 PM
Author: Chrono
Oh, it turned out so beautifully; I’m in the camp where if the stone is large, simplicity allows it to speak for itself, especially in a pendant. It’s great that your local jeweller is able to modify existing standard baskets to keep the cost down.

thanks chrono! i am generally all about simplicity!
the folks i worked with don''t have a traditional jewelry shop -- they are a fabricator/manufacturer that really only does work for the trade. they actually have no finished pieces on display, just molds, so it was definitely a leap of faith! they had never heard of danburite before and were a little iffy about working with someone not ''in the trade'', but it worked out in the end. i''m also excited because i think these would make nice gifts (though parting with jewelry i buy isn''t my strong suit!)
now i just need to train them to make prettier prongs...

 

[Kunzite]

Great idea, enbcfsobe! Should I start sending you all of my cushions to be set

They look fabulous! I really like the danburite.

 

[Arkteia]

They came out great!

 

[AustenNut]

Haven''t been around much lately but I just popped in this morning and saw these lovely beauties. They are very pretty and makes me want one (or two, or three...). Thanks for sharing!

 

[gemgirl]

I like them both. I think they came out great. I like having a few neckpieces/necklaces instead of all pendants, just to be different.

 

[chictomato]

Good job they are pretty!