What would you choose???

[stepcutnut]

I am looking for 3 round gemstones for a 3 stone setting.

I can't decide if I should try and purchase 3 stones all from the same species(i.e. blue sapphires, spess garnets...) or have the center different from the sides---If so what color/species of stones?

I know that matching 3 stones may be tough(6.5mm, 5mm, 5mm), but I just can't decide on what stones if I choose a different colored center!

 

[stepcutnut]

sorry I forgot to add that the setting is plat with pave.

I love color, but just can't decide on a color combo-I am setting my purplish pink sapphire with tsavs and my chrome tourmaline with blue sapphire sides---so am leaning towards some other color combos!

 

[LD]

I''ve been toying with a similar idea but want different shapes. This is what I''m considering - probably not what you''re looking for at all but at least it shows you different colour combos!

 

[stepcutnut]

LD-I do love red and white as a combo, but have a EC ruby with EC diamond sides. Actually my red spinel fits in the center of the setting, but didn''t know what I''d use for sides! I am loving the idea of orange and pink-dark not pastel-we''ll see

 

[LD]

How about the red spinel in the middle with a tsavorite on either side (very Christmassy!)?

or

Red spinel in the centre with amethyst on either side?

or

Red spinel with an alexandrite either side (my personal favourite)!?

 

[stepcutnut]

I''d love a pair of demantoids with the spinel

 

[AmberGretchen]

I vastly prefer a different center stone - sounds like you have some fun options. If you posted pics of some combos you might consider, that would probably help visualize them...

 

[marcy]

Color combos to throw out there: reds / yellow, purple / green, reds / blues, yellow / blue, orange / blue. Okay I'm no help, i love them all! Have fun deciding.

 

[T L]

As someone who just finished a three stone ring with two of the same color sides and a different color middle, I think that adds to the fun and beauty of the ring. It also can set off the color of the center stone as well if you get a good combo.

 

[ma re]

Since you already have such pieces I''ll avoid a "combos make wardrobe matching more limited" advice (there''s also a "combos are generally less formal" one too).

And instead of combo suggestions I''ll put in a few words about things to keep in mind.

a) Make sure the tone diference is as small as possible (unless you''re after a funky/party item) i.e. don''t mix light and dark colors cause you''re already mixing diferent colors. Same goes for saturation levels.
b) If you''re not completely sure about mixing colors, it''s best to use two which are closest on the color wheel (green/yellow, red/orange, purple/blue etc.).
c) It''s best if varieties have similar optical properties - it''s dificult to match sleepy stones and brilliant stones, or opaque ones with crystaline ones (that''s why spessartites, fancy sapphires or garnets are easy to mix with diamonds).
d) Decide on the overall feel of the piece; do you want it to be serene and elegant, playful and spicy or something else.
e) Pay attention to shapes and cutting styles. Step cuts make better side stones than center stones, cause brilliant cut sides will in most cases outshine a step center. Fancy shapes (hearts, pears etc.) are always less lively than brilliants. Don''t mix checkerboards with classic cuts.
f) Watch for visual weight, making sure you''re placing a stone that seems the heaviest visually in the center. For instance a red stone will seem heavier than an orange one, as well as a green one when compared to a yellow one.

 

[stepcutnut]

Well, I found a pair of round demantoids, but am not sure if they are the right hue for me-may have to see them in person.

 

[stepcutnut]

This is the setting, should make a fun RHR

 

[stepcutnut]

 

[LD]

Love that setting! Mmmmmmmmm!

Do you mind sharing where you got it from?

 

[ma re]

For a pair of demantoids I''d suggest one of the following:

- blue or purple sapphire (or even color shift one to make it more interesting)
- rhodolite
- indicolite

Reason - round cut demantoids are among those side stones I was talking about, which can easily outshine most other stones. These I listed might "fight off"

and they''d also match well with the setting. You can even consider blue zircon if demantoids are lighter in tone and if you don''t mind being a bit more careful with the ring.

 

[Upgradable]

Wow! That setting is stunning!!

What about same color, different tone? I made a sapphire three stone with a pretty royal blue center and two cornflower blue sides. It was very beautiful. I''ll see if I can find a picture.

Pink tourmaline sides may look very pretty with the red spinel center? Or just some soft pink sapphires to make the center pop.

 

[Harriet]

Light lavender spinel.

 

[Upgradable]

Here''s the sapphire three stone.

 

[Harriet]

Upgradable,
Great idea.

 

[Upgradable]

Here are some examples I took for you. My spinel is a dark red with brown secondary, so take that into consideration.

 

[T L]

I think it really depends on the stone. I don''t know if there are set rules for these things. I paired a green stone with two pink sides, and those colors are very different, but I couldn''t be happier. I tried two yellow stones around the green, and even though they''re more similar in color, it did nothing for the green stone. I think whatever looks best to you will work!

 

[stepcutnut]

Red spinel and orange gossular garnets???

 

[stepcutnut]

Are the sides too brown???

 

[ma re]

Date: 1/7/2009 3:16:35 PM
Author: stepcutnut
Are the sides too brown???

No, but I''d reccomend some things in case you decide on this combo:

1. bezel the garnets in yellow gold
2. (prong) set the spinel in white gold/platinum.

Reason: white metal will give contrast which could spinel use to take the center stage in that arrangement, because orange garnets tend to be very lively, sparkly and screaming in your face, while this darkish spinel is probably much more subdued and would easily get lost between those pieces of lava

Bezels would also hold down some of the garnets brilliance, but would make their color much nicer than any other metal.

How does that sound?

 

[stepcutnut]

Date: 1/8/2009 5:00:53 AM
Author: ma re

Date: 1/7/2009 3:16:35 PM

Author: stepcutnut

Are the sides too brown???

No, but I'd reccomend some things in case you decide on this combo:


1. bezel the garnets in yellow gold

2. (prong) set the spinel in white gold/platinum.


Reason: white metal will give contrast which could spinel use to take the center stage in that arrangement, because orange garnets tend to be very lively, sparkly and screaming in your face, while this darkish spinel is probably much more subdued and would easily get lost between those pieces of lava

Bezels would also hold down some of the garnets brilliance, but would make their color much nicer than any other metal.


How does that sound?

I was looking at setting the stones in the setting listed above, so bezeling would not be possible, but would normally want the garnets set in YG-not plat.

I may look for another center stone that equals the sparkle of the garnets or other sides that equal the sparkle of the spinel-not sure yet!

Or maybe I should just save the setting for other stones-was thinking blue sapphire center with diamond sides!?!?!

I have too many projects in the works, maybe I am driving myself nuts

 

[stepcutnut]

Date: 12/31/2008 9:31:16 AM
Author: LovingDiamonds

Love that setting! Mmmmmmmmm!


Do you mind sharing where you got it from?

Thanks LD-I purchased it from an estate dealer---a lovely delicate setting, but also weighty.

 

[stepcutnut]

Date: 12/31/2008 10:01:54 AM
Author: Upgradable
Here''s the sapphire three stone.

Lovely ring!

 

[ma re]

Oh sorry, forgot you have a specific setting in mind. Tell me, what should the dimensions of stones be in order for them to fit into that setting? Would only rounds fit in, or? I was thinking some tapered baguette diamonds with that sapphire you mentioned, assuming it can be done(?). If they won''t fit, how about asschers or cushions? BTW make sure sapphire has a nice (read: precise) cut and a lot of life to it.

 

[stepcutnut]

This is the combo I''ve been leaning towards lately, I am only worried about the difference in dispersion. The Umbalites are certainly more so than the tourmaline, but the tourmaline has the saturation to pull it off I think!?!?!

 

[ma re]

It seems to me that umbalites might overpower, as they are probably more scintillating (higher R. I.), and they seem to have a darker tone of color - not much, but could be noticable.