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Thoughts on this Sapphire and Pearl Ring

bbk0885

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Dec 18, 2018
Messages
189
I’m new to antique jewelry, so I’d appreciate thoughts on the condition of this sapphire and seed pearl ring. I’m expecting my first baby in June, and my husband’s birthday is in September, so I like the idea of a ring like this to honor them both. But I don't know much about pearls in general, let alone antique pearls. The listing does say there is nacre loss and discoloration to some of the pearls. Knowing that pearls are soft, I'd expect they would show wear, but it's hard me to judge much more than that by looking at it.

Ring1.jpg Ring2.jpg
 
Honestly, I think that ring is in rough shape. The two pearls in the middle row, first two on the left, as well as the bottom row, last on the right, look like poorly matched replacements with adhesive around them.

Are you looking for antique or vintage in this style? If you don’t mind sharing your budget, I can look for other similar rings.

Congrats on your impending motherhood!
 
i think with some restoration it would be fabulous
 
Honestly, I think that ring is in rough shape. The two pearls in the middle row, first two on the left, as well as the bottom row, last on the right, look like poorly matched replacements with adhesive around them.

Are you looking for antique or vintage in this style? If you don’t mind sharing your budget, I can look for other similar rings.

Congrats on your impending motherhood!

Thank you so much! :)

I can very much see what you are saying about those particular pearls. The listing says that all stones appear to be original, but there is definitely something different about how those look.

My idea was for a navette-style ring. It wouldn't have to be antique or vintage, but that seemed to be more what I was finding and perhaps more budget-friendly. This ring is only ~$400, so I do think they were taking the condition into account. My ideal price range would be $750 or under, but I could probably consider going up to $1k. So I know I am likely going to be a bit limited about what's available within that range.
 
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It’s a lovely and unique ring, but unfortunately, it does prove that pearl rings are not good for everyday wear. If I were considering this ring, I’d get an estimate on replacing the pearls first and take it from there. Most of the cost will likely be in the labor rather than materials. If you have a local jeweler that you trust, ask them for an estimate.
 
It’s a lovely and unique ring, but unfortunately, it does prove that pearl rings are not good for everyday wear. If I were considering this ring, I’d get an estimate on replacing the pearls first and take it from there. Most of the cost will likely be in the labor rather than materials. If you have a local jeweler that you trust, ask them for an estimate.

I was just about to write the same. The labor will be the bulk of the cost of restoration.

Would you consider something with diamonds instead of pearls, or is the symbolism important?
 
I was just about to write the same. The labor will be the bulk of the cost of restoration.

Would you consider something with diamonds instead of pearls, or is the symbolism important?

I had wanted the pearls of course to represent a June birthday, but I don't know that the symbolism is more important than wearability. I could probably consider going with diamonds instead.
 
I had wanted the pearls of course to represent a June birthday, but I don't know that the symbolism is more important than wearability. I could probably consider going with diamonds instead.

This one is in better shape and has pearls:

This one is lovely but diamonds instead of pearls:
 
That is good to hear! Do you (or does the Pricescope community) have any recommended jewelers who could do this kind of restoration?

im afraid i don't but of no one answers on your thread here ask on the pearl page
i think if you love the idea of pearls, go for it, just know that sometime in the future the pearls will have to be replaced again

could 'every day where' ring kind of be more your go-to-going out ring ?
 
I’d pass on this particular ring.
The design is gorgeous but those damaged pearls look like cultured pearls and all the nacre has worn away. It also looks like one or more sapphires are chipped.
The reason I say pass is because the cost of rehabilitation and replacement of damaged pearls will be expensive, prongs may need rebuilding etc.
The cost of rehab could exceed the purchase price.
And while I’d say go for it if it was a family piece, I just think you’d be spending too much money in total for this ring.
 
This one is in better shape and has pearls:

This one is lovely but diamonds instead of pearls:

Thank you, those are both good options!
 
im afraid i don't but of no one answers on your thread here ask on the pearl page
i think if you love the idea of pearls, go for it, just know that sometime in the future the pearls will have to be replaced again

could 'every day where' ring kind of be more your go-to-going out ring ?

Thank you, I will keep that in mind. It could definitely be something that I keep as a more special piece, so that is an option, too!
 
I’d pass on this particular ring.
The design is gorgeous but those damaged pearls look like cultured pearls and all the nacre has worn away. It also looks like one or more sapphires are chipped.
The reason I say pass is because the cost of rehabilitation and replacement of damaged pearls will be expensive, prongs may need rebuilding etc.
The cost of rehab could exceed the purchase price.
And while I’d say go for it if it was a family piece, I just think you’d be spending too much money in total for this ring.

Thank you, I appreciate the honesty. I do love the design... I would maybe even consider looking into having something similar fabricated as a custom piece. I’m sure that would be pricey as well, but at least I would have a pristine piece at the end of it.
 
Personally I love the symbolism. If you are open to other ideas, a pendant might be fitting and gets much less wear so you could do antique sapphire with pearls and it would be close to your heart. Congratulations btw!

Here are some options




 
Personally I love the symbolism. If you are open to other ideas, a pendant might be fitting and gets much less wear so you could do antique sapphire with pearls and it would be close to your heart. Congratulations btw!

Here are some options





Thank you! I thought about this, but I rarely wear necklaces, so I wasn’t sure. I love the third and fourth options, especially, though, and I do wear a lot of pins!
 
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