shape
carat
color
clarity

What do you think of this?

I apologize, but since you asked for opinions, they all look very desaturated and brownish.
 
No need to apologize TL, I want the truth...

I actually thought these were a little better than what I''ve seen before and was thinking that they were just pale yellow, but I completely understand and agree that it does look like it lacks a little saturation. At least these don''t look to have as many inclusions as the last stone.
 
Date: 6/13/2010 6:16:05 PM
Author: YSQueen
No need to apologize TL, I want the truth...

I actually thought these were a little better than what I've seen before and was thinking that they were just pale yellow, but I completely understand and agree that it does look like it lacks a little saturation. At least these don't look to have as many inclusions as the last stone.
They don't lack a little saturation, they lack a lot of it. I can't even see much yellow in those gems, they look like a very light toned brown.

Are those also from your jeweler? Would you be interested in looking online for a gem? I don't recall if you had wanted to.
 
I agree with TL. It''s better, but you''re only about half way there. Love the setting, though!

It seems like everybody is being a tough cookie about this, but in the long run, you''ll thank us. You don''t want to look back years from now and end up with stuff like this in your jewelry box: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/hideous-learning-gems-your-eyes-have-been-warned.143876/ So, all of these lessons are learned the hard way, and you''re benefitting without having to go through it.

I have a few of those "learners" myself, BTW: amethyst you could read a book through, rubies that look like little opaque wads of used red bubblegum, etc.

Sidebar @ TL: have you ordered from planetary gems? Also, now that I''ve seen it, I really do like the neon chrysoberyl. Cool!
 
I'm definitely not opposed to looking for a stone online, but I'm trying to give the jeweler a chance. Also, I'm trying to let my BF control the situation more. I didn't choose the setting, my BF did, but he doesn't know that I know what it looks like because he never showed it to me. I just came across it.

I've looked at some gemstones online, and would love to get some of those, but if I did, it would seem more like I was taking control and I want him to feel that he did the majority of the work to get everything together. I'm thinking if she doesn't find something soon, I will ask my BF if he's willing to just buy the setting and then get a stone online.
 
Date: 6/13/2010 6:31:18 PM
Author: iLander


I agree with TL. It''s better, but you''re only about half way there. Love the setting, though!

It seems like everybody is being a tough cookie about this, but in the long run, you''ll thank us. You don''t want to look back years from now and end up with stuff like this in your jewelry box: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/hideous-learning-gems-your-eyes-have-been-warned.143876/ So, all of these lessons are learned the hard way, and you''re benefitting without having to go through it.

I have a few of those ''learners'' myself, BTW: amethyst you could read a book through, rubies that look like little opaque wads of used red bubblegum, etc.

Sidebar @ TL: have you ordered from planetary gems? Also, now that I''ve seen it, I really do like the neon chrysoberyl. Cool!
Are you talking about the golden chrysoberyl on this page (second stone from the top)? It''s pretty much the color the OP is looking for. Nice golden chrysoberyl. If you haven''t noticed, I"m not keen on golden yellow, but it is more saturated than the sapphires she just posted. I''ve never ordered from Planetarygems, but some Pricescopers have, and have been satisfied with them.

http://www.planetarygems.com/Alternativegems.htm
 
Date: 6/13/2010 6:34:57 PM
Author: YSQueen
I'm definitely not opposed to looking for a stone online, but I'm trying to give the jeweler a chance. Also, I'm trying to let my BF control the situation more. I didn't choose the setting, my BF did, but he doesn't know that I know what it looks like because he never showed it to me. I just came across it.

I've looked at some gemstones online, and would love to get some of those, but if I did, it would seem more like I was taking control and I want him to feel that he did the majority of the work to get everything together. I'm thinking if she doesn't find something soon, I will ask my BF if he's willing to just buy the setting and then get a stone online.
My deep concern, as I expressed earlier, is that if your jeweler is just getting gems, is he/she able to obtain a reputable lab cert to identify if they are free of diffusion (dying)? If the stone is diffused, it's pretty worthless. Online sellers not only offer a greater variety, but many can obtain reputable laboratory certificates. Sorry to keep harping on that, but I can't express how incredibly important it is. If you spend more than $20 on a diffused yellow sapphire, you're throwing money away. I know you trust your jeweler, but honestly, some of the biggest names in gems/jewelry have been deceived by their sources.
 
Date: 6/13/2010 6:43:50 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
Date: 6/13/2010 6:34:57 PM

Author: YSQueen

I''m definitely not opposed to looking for a stone online, but I''m trying to give the jeweler a chance. Also, I''m trying to let my BF control the situation more. I didn''t choose the setting, my BF did, but he doesn''t know that I know what it looks like because he never showed it to me. I just came across it.


I''ve looked at some gemstones online, and would love to get some of those, but if I did, it would seem more like I was taking control and I want him to feel that he did the majority of the work to get everything together. I''m thinking if she doesn''t find something soon, I will ask my BF if he''s willing to just buy the setting and then get a stone online.

My deep concern, as I expressed earlier, is that if your jeweler is just getting gems, is he/she able to obtain a reputable lab cert to identify if they are free of diffusion (dying)? If the stone is diffused, it''s pretty worthless. Online sellers not only offer a greater variety, but many can obtain reputable laboratory certificates. Sorry to keep harping on that, but I can''t express how incredibly important it is. If you spend more than $20 on a diffused yellow sapphire, you''re throwing money away. I know you trust your jeweler, but honestly, some of the biggest names in gems/jewelry have been deceived by their sources.

As far as I know, we SHOULD be getting a reputable lab cert for the stone itself, but I will ask my BF about it specifically.
 
I''m sorry if this comes off the wrong way but if you have been working with this jeweler for over 2 months and this is what she is showing you then I would just buy the setting and look for stones online. You are more likely wasting their time- then vice versa. She obviously isn''t getting/ understanding what you are looking for or can''t get it. Have you taken her in pictures of the exact color you want? I would recommend this and just say honestly that if she can''t do this color then you will just take the setting. She would probably apprecaite that.
 
Sapphire from the first link:

Orange Sapphire 2.26cts.jpg
 
Sapphire from the second link:

Yellow Sapphire 2.83ct.jpg
 
@ BurberryGirl - Thanks for the suggestions!!!

I just told my BF that those stones won''t do, so we''ll see what happens in the next few days. I know that ya''ll are right in that I need to pick the stone right the first time around, so I just need to be patient. I''m going to broach the subject of looking for a stone online in a couple of weeks if the jeweler doesn''t come up with something.
 
You have received a lot of great advice here but I will throw in my two cents too. I know colored gemstones .. colors come first. BUT I am also a cut nut (especially due to my love for diamonds too). For an ering, the faceting will make a big difference for me too. Check out what the precision faceters that are often mentioned here on PS.
 
The first one also has a huge window that takes up almost half the stone, so it is going to be dead and see through, which is plainly unattractive.
The second one seems to have a smaller window but is almost devoid of colour, even if I give it some leeway for being under strong direct sunlight.
The third one also has a smaller window but is also quite devoid of colour.

I agree with the rest that if this is the best your jeweller can do for you after 2 months of searching, it’s time to move on and look elsewhere.
 
I''m late to the thread, however, I want to add a couple of thoughts. First, I agree with others here regarding the general quality of the stones your jeweler has shown you so far. I''ve not seen anything from this vendor that even comes close to what I hope that you would accept, especially for such an important ring.

Secondly, your search is more complicated by the fact that you need to consider the yellow stones in your already-chosen setting... in the end, to some degree, the colored halo stones in the setting must match the center stone. Will the jeweler be choosing matching yellow sapphires for the halo? Or, will the stones come already in the semi mount?

Next, you have said you would like a canary center stone, however, in the photo of the setting, the halo gems appear more golden than yellow. Understand which it is that you want (the two may not work well together).

I understand your preference for sapphire. That''s fine, especially if it is going into a setting with OTHER (hopefully matching) sapphires. However, for what it is worth (and the NEXT project... hehe), like others here, I am a HUGE fan of chrysoberyl. I have many, many colored gems and the chrysoberyl is, without a doubt, the most dramatic and memorable of them all. I''ve no doubts as to its durability.

Lastly, do not worry about the vendor. You have given this person many, many opportunities to find a proper candidate for your ring. It hasn''t happened. In fact, IMO, these have been very unremarkable stones. If it were me, I''d be encouraging my BF to politely move on... or, at least, to "leave the door open" and investigate other options. You may return to have your stone set with the jeweler, or you may be surprised to find another setting from somewhere else that you like just as well, or even better (the choices for similarly styled settings are mind boggling). Why lock yourselves into something that, so far, has not been right for you?

I understand your concern regarding your BF''s feelings and wanting him to "drive the bus" so to speak. Many of us have been there. Perhaps, you can explain to him that because this project is extremely meaningful, important, and "forever" for you, you feel you need to do exhaustive research in order to get it right – for BOTH of you. And, as you become more educated about colored stones and jewelry, you are refining your ideas and preferences. (Maybe this is the time to thank your guy for enabling this to happen and for his extraordinary patience... XXXOOO)! In the end, it is your happiness that counts (and I mean happiness for BOTH of you). If you feel something is not quite right, or you regret making a "quick" decision, no one will be happy down the road. Take your time. Find the right stone. It IS out there for you. The day will come and you will look down at your gorgeous ring on your hand and you will think that it was sooooooooo worth the wait!
 
Very well said Rockit.

1.gif
 
Date: 6/14/2010 12:05:52 PM
Author: Rockit
I'm late to the thread, however, I want to add a couple of thoughts. First, I agree with others here regarding the general quality of the stones your jeweler has shown you so far. I've not seen anything from this vendor that even comes close to what I hope that you would accept, especially for such an important ring.


Secondly, your search is more complicated by the fact that you need to consider the yellow stones in your already-chosen setting... in the end, to some degree, the colored halo stones in the setting must match the center stone. Will the jeweler be choosing matching yellow sapphires for the halo? Or, will the stones come already in the semi mount?


Next, you have said you would like a canary center stone, however, in the photo of the setting, the halo gems appear more golden than yellow. Understand which it is that you want (the two may not work well together).


I understand your preference for sapphire. That's fine, especially if it is going into a setting with OTHER (hopefully matching) sapphires. However, for what it is worth (and the NEXT project... hehe), like others here, I am a HUGE fan of chrysoberyl. I have many, many colored gems and the chrysoberyl is, without a doubt, the most dramatic and memorable of them all. I've no doubts as to its durability.


Lastly, do not worry about the vendor. You have given this person many, many opportunities to find a proper candidate for your ring. It hasn't happened. In fact, IMO, these have been very unremarkable stones. If it were me, I'd be encouraging my BF to politely move on... or, at least, to 'leave the door open' and investigate other options. You may return to have your stone set with the jeweler, or you may be surprised to find another setting from somewhere else that you like just as well, or even better (the choices for similarly styled settings are mind boggling). Why lock yourselves into something that, so far, has not been right for you?


I understand your concern regarding your BF's feelings and wanting him to 'drive the bus' so to speak. Many of us have been there. Perhaps, you can explain to him that because this project is extremely meaningful, important, and 'forever' for you, you feel you need to do exhaustive research in order to get it right – for BOTH of you. And, as you become more educated about colored stones and jewelry, you are refining your ideas and preferences. (Maybe this is the time to thank your guy for enabling this to happen and for his extraordinary patience... XXXOOO)! In the end, it is your happiness that counts (and I mean happiness for BOTH of you). If you feel something is not quite right, or you regret making a 'quick' decision, no one will be happy down the road. Take your time. Find the right stone. It IS out there for you. The day will come and you will look down at your gorgeous ring on your hand and you will think that it was sooooooooo worth the wait!

@ RockIt: Thank you so much for your advice. Stones will already come in the semi-mount and the color there is the color yellow that will be in the actual setting.

I further talked to my BF about possibly sourcing the stone ourselves and, at this point, he says that it's up to me. He said that if I'm tired/frustrated with the current jeweler, that we can try looking for a stone ourselves. But I also sense that he feels that it will be ALOT of running around to source it ourselves and he's not up for it. I know he's just ready to get it done. I told him I would look into some websites that offer loose gemstones to see what our options would be.

I REALLY, REALLY love the setting. I haven't seen anywhere else that I could get a similar setting in our budget except for one that someone on PS recommended from LOGR. I question whether or not to use LOGR setting for an engagement ring, as I hear that the workmanship may not be up to par for an e-ring. At minimum, I think we would end up purchasing the setting.

I'm slowly getting sold on potentially getting a chrysoberyl. What do ya'll think would be the price range of a quality 2 ct golden yellow chrysoberyl vs a quality 2 ct yellow sapphire?
 
I think Tan of Odysseygem charges around $100/ct for his top color chrysoberyls under 4 carats. Above 4 carats, they get more pricey. You'll find some dealers that really over charge for them, but this is one stone that you should shop around for good pricing on. A similar colored sapphire wold be anywhere from $500 to $1K/ct, and it would require an expensive lab report.

Did you see the oval chrysoberyl on Planetary gems website. It's a canary yellow, and the color you're looking for. Check out planetarygem.com and look under "alternative gems."

Tan might also have that color, but you should email him about it. His website is odysseygem.com and he doesn't list everything online. He can be contacted via his website.

Also check with some of the precision cutters, but know that precision cutters also charge a premium for their cutting since it is a piece of art as well as a gemstone.
 
I think that if you are trying to match stones in a setting (this will be tricky if the semi mount is not in hand) perhaps it is best if you remain open to both sapphire and chrysoberyl. We''ve all extolled the virtues of chrysoberyl (as well as its friendlier pricing) however, if the ring you want already has sapphires, you may want to keep within the same gem type so that the gems face-up and treat light in a similar manner.

This is an important piece you are putting together. Feel free to shop around. The more you communicate, the more you will learn. And, you WILL hone your preferences. Also, I think the more your gem sources know about your final project, the better chance you have of finding a perfect gem that is within your budget. If you are able, do show the mounting photo to gem vendors/cutters so each will understand what it is you are trying to fit in terms of shape, style, size and color.

As far as the precision cutters go, yes, most charge a premium for their gems. Since many are award winning and considered "gem artists," they have certainly earned the right to ask more for their skilled work. However, I''ve not dealt with one of these talented folks yet who wasn''t open to negotiation. That being said, there are lovely native cut gems available.

And, don''t forget to have fun with this!
 
Sorry that I haven't updated this thread in a while.

My BF and I ended up choosing a lemon yellow sapphire that the jeweler showed us last week and looked really good with no inclusions. I saw a pic with it in the setting and LOVED the way it looked. So we are now awaiting the ring to come in the mail. I'm sure, at this point, I won't even get a look at the ring until he decides to propose. Hopefully then, I'll be able to provide a pic of the ring.

Everyone, thank you SO much for your input. It's really put things into perspective.
 
Okay, so my FI has finally proposed and put a ring on it.

This is how the ring turned out. Just wanted to follow up the thread, I didn't get to take very good pic, but here it is.

MyRing29.jpg
 
YSQueen said:
Okay, so my FI has finally proposed and put a ring on it.

This is how the ring turned out. Just wanted to follow up the thread, I didn't get to take very good pic, but here it is.

MyRing29.jpg

Wow! The setting and colors look GREAT :appl: Do post more pictures! Can't really get a good look at the gem :cheeky:
 
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