White Topaz for Engagement Ring Center Stone?? Help!

[jewelgal]

I was thinking of the possibility of getting a White Topaz stone (2carat) cut into an old mine cut
faceting and setting it in place of a diamond.

I like the fact that it "is real" technically, but just not a diamond and that i''d be saving a ton of money.

Does anyone have pics of this being done in a ring?

Do you think it would look realistic or good?

Where would I get a White Topaz stone cut the way I want it???

 

[MINE!!]

Well,

They are beautiful. HOwever, from what I have heard.. ti si not the ''best'' choice. Topaz in an engagement ring is going to be repolished.... polished.... It is easy to scratch and when it does... it will actually begin to look a bit fuzzy... and in the end.. lose it''s ''real'' look. I don;t really think a white topaz is the best idea for everyday use and wear and tear..

What about the possibility of a white sapphire. Are you getting the setting you want and replacing it with a diamond later? Or are you wanting a ''diamond like'' stone that will look authentic forever. If the later is the case.. I think that you would be disaapointed with the white topaz..imo..

 

[Matata]

I agree with Mine. Topaz isn''t practical for an everyday ring. In addition to sapphire, white zircon is another option; Mohs hardness is 8.5 so it''s a better choice for everyday wear. If you''re interested in colors other than white, your options expand exponentially.

 

[movie zombie]

Date: 10/10/2005 12:04:10 PM
Author: Matata
If you're interested in colors other than white, your options expand exponentially.

oh, yes, move on over to the "colored stones" thread! you'll find LOTS of alternatives to diamonds....and there are some there that prefer color gems to those colorless pieces of ice

you'll also find some discussions re color diamonds; however, these stones are even more expensive than those colorless diamonds! oh, to have a champagne diamond....C4-5 and about 4 carats!

jump on into the world of color.....you might find that you like it!

peace, movie zombie

ETA: yes, you're already in the thread....but search around a bit and you'll find many have used color stones for e-rings. check out Mine's ring, for one.

 

[valeria101]

2 carat is not a monster and that would prevent the stone from getting knocked around much. IMO, both topaz and zircon or while sapphire would be just as wearable. But brilliance makes a substantial difference among these and Zircon is the winner. The other two have no fire.

If you have one custom cut, I would definitely ask if a version of the OMC would work nicer. It is not easy to make light color, low RI stones look nice to begin with and some fancy cut designs are meant to go some distance towards that. I am very impressed with such attempts... but wouldn''t know to comment on the how and why. As much as I can tell, a cushion-shaped fancy cut with a brilliant crown and some modified pavilion would still have the vintage looks and may turn out brighter.

It would be fun to go about a project like this!

 

[jewelgal]

Where would i get this done? Where would i buy a white topaz stone?? HOw much do you think it would cost to cut it in the omc ??

It might be a better cost-effective alternative.......

 

[valeria101]

Date: 10/13/2005 12:52:57 PM
Author: jewelgal

It might be a better cost-effective alternative.......

Ask any cuter for white topaz - it''s bought by the pound rough. You will pay mostly for their work, not the extremely cheap material (see here).

Wink sells ONC cut CZ (try freecz.com). It may be worth getting one just to know what that looks like (probably not bad). Besides, I suspect Wink may have an answer for your custom cuting as well. I don''t know other sources for both OMC cz and fancy custom cut colored gems although there certainly are many.

 

[glitterata]

I have some Victorian pieces set with what I was told is OMC white topaz. The stones are very scratched up and not very nice looking any more--certainly not realistic as diamond substitutes these days. Of course, the pieces have been kicking around for over a century and were clearly not treated tenderly over the years.