the setting makes a big difference (stone size does matter)

[imagardener2]

this is my first time posting a photo so wish me luck

I recently purchased a pair of 5mm color change sapphires from MasterCutGems having decided that was a good size because I have a ring with (2) 5mm diamonds. On receiving them the color was exactly as shown online (I love blue-green-gray) but I thought hmmm they look small IRL. Nevertheless I wanted to keep them and bought a pair of leverback earrings that Dana set them into.

My husband calls them "petite" haha.
I thought I'd take a photo and see what a setting does to enhance a stone, and it does a lot IMO.

I love my "petite" earrings, love the color, they look matched in person but in this photo one looks a little more blue than the other, probably due to reflection and angle.

So I'm learning about size, which does matter in gem stones. Next purchase will be bigger mm.

 

[ChrisA222]

Re: the setting makes a big difference (stone size does matt

Nice stones, but I have to ask and please, no disrespect is meant...but, are you sure those Diamonds are 5mm? They look bigger than the Sapphires to me as well...or, are you sure those Sapphires are 5mm...my guess is that one of the two are either more or less than 5mm. I could be way off, and probably am..but...

 

[imagardener2]

Re: the setting makes a big difference (stone size does matt

Well I used a mm ruler across the diamonds and 5mm seemed like the size.
I wouldn't call it disrespectful for you to say my diamonds are bigger than I say they are
I just measured again and it says 5mm for both stones (sapphs and diamonds)
Interesting visual phenomenon isn't it?

 

[chrono]

Re: the setting makes a big difference (stone size does matt

The sapphires look to be the same size as the diamonds. The reason the diamonds look bigger is due to the setting.
1. Wide prongs adds perceived width
2. Almost illusion style setting with a rim of metal going all around the diamonds, further increasing the perceived mm size.
3. This perceived illusion is again enhanced by the white metal colour looking as white as the diamonds.

 

[JewelFreak]

Re: the setting makes a big difference (stone size does matt

I think your earrings look very pretty -- can you put up another photo, maybe against a different background? On my monitor they look almost colorless & I'm sure they aren't, would like to get a better peek. I really like the simple sleek setting. (Beautiful ring, btw.)

--- Laurie

P.S. This chart might help you with sizes when you see a listing. (With thanks to whoever put up the link before; I can't remember -- it's a huge help.) http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/pdf/stone mm dimensions.pdf I wish I'd had it when I made my first purchase -- a green tourmaline that wasn't cheap. When it came, it was so much smaller than I expected, I was a little disappointed, but it is SO beautiful, I kept it anyway. Still, every time I think about selling it, I look at it & fall in love all over again. May never set it, but can't part with it yet, lol.

 

[imagardener2]

Re: the setting makes a big difference (stone size does matt

Chrono

Yes the white gold underplate of the diamonds makes them seem much larger. I'll have to do some homework on "illusion setting". I'd thought about re-setting one diamond into a setting I like more but now that I see what 5mm looks like without adornment that might be a mistake.

jewelfreak

thanks for the chart, interesting. I really need to see actual sizes in person to get an idea of size. I was fooled a bit by the diamonds size and used them as reference. Maybe I should print out that chart and then cut out the little gems and put them on my finger.

I'll try darkening the photo when I have a minute but on my calibrated monitor they are showing as the correct color. The sapphires aren't very dark, more like icy greenish bluish.

thanks for liking the ring. I don't actually, it's my mother's engagement ring from 1952. I like more boring designs I guess, but I do think the 2 main diamonds are very pretty and am trying to figure how to use them in a new ring. I haven't seen a ring design I like enough to pull that trigger and now my plan to use just one of the diamonds looks like a no-go unless I can find a setting that pumps up the look a bit.

 

[NKOTB]

Re: the setting makes a big difference (stone size does matt

Funny, at a first glance to me, I thought the sapphires looked a tiny bit bigger.

What about a simple 3-stone ring, with the diamonds as sides, and a nice CS centre?

 

[imagardener2]

Re: the setting makes a big difference (stone size does matt

I've been looking for "illusion" setting and the going is hard. They seem to be out of favor perhaps because haloes are filling that niche.
I like the look of illusion especially since I have a 5mm diamond that would benefit from it.
I found this Tacori but don't know if it would look OK with a smaller diamond.
Anyone have any other suggestions for a new ring with an illusion type setting?

 

[chrono]

Re: the setting makes a big difference (stone size does matt

Are you open to true antique settings or you want a new and more modern setting?

 

[imagardener2]

Re: the setting makes a big difference (stone size does matt

Not sure I completely understand the question.I don't want a pre-owned ring unless it is in terrific condition, rather a "new" ring with antique feel.
The Tacori I showed is the closest I found to the illusion look of 1940's-50's. Hard to describe really. Modern styles don't appeal to me so much. I looked at VanCraenst also but nothing clicked.