blue-green stone buying spree!

[lovedogs]

Hi All,
I have been on somewhat of a stone buying "spree" the past few months (thanks in large part to finding all of you )

Wanted to share my purchases! I'm figuring out which ones to set first, setting designs, etc. And also trying to save a bit before setting anything too pricy


First one: Spinel by Jim McCormick (slight color change, goes from greenish to blue IRL but don't have any real life pics yet).




Second: Jason Brim Tourmaline, being re-cut by Dan Stair right now because it had a window. Can't wait to see it IRL.


Third: Blue Zircon by Roger Dery (thanks for everyone's help choosing this one!)



Last 2 from a vendor I found through the various Gemstone forums on FB. Both tourmalines--super excited for them to arrive! She seems like a wonderful and trustworthy vendor, but I wanted to wait until I at least see the stones before giving everyone her name, just in case



So happy I found this forum with like-minded gem/jewelry enthusiasts to help give advice, and to enable me

 

[dk168]

Thanks for sharing - my kind of blues!!!

I must admit not having come across normal non-copper bearing tourmalines in the colours as shown in the last 2 pics.

DK

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks DK! The vendor didn't get either one of the last 2 tested for copper. Both are from Nambia, and from what I know there aren't many places to get copper bearing tourmalines from there, but I'm crossing my fingers for a glowy look!

 

[Acinom]

Oooh! Gorgeous blue-greens!!! Thanks for sharing your newly acquired collection. Do you have any setting ideas yet and which is your favourite based on the vendor pics?

 

[lovedogs]

Oooh! Gorgeous blue-greens!!! Thanks for sharing your newly acquired collection. Do you have any setting ideas yet and which is your favourite based on the vendor pics?

Thanks Acinom! My favorite so far is the second to last (based on photos), because I think it has the most potential to be "glowy". The vendor suggested getting it tested for copper (she didn't have it tested, but thinks it could be copper-bearing). But I'm not completely sure its worth the $ to test it--especially if I will love it equally regardless

 

[Acinom]

Wish I could be a fly on the wall when you receive your stones. I am a huge blue, green, blue-green fan as well.
And I agree: I would consider to not have it tested if you love the look and if the price for the stone was ok. You can then put the money towards a setting.

 

[lovedogs]

The price was extremely reasonable, so I agree that saving for a setting might be smarter. You won't have to be a fly on the wall, because I'll make sure to post IRL pics of all of the stones once I get them all in hand. It can be a family photo of blue-green

 

[minousbijoux]

I've bought some rough from her, but not a finished stone, so it will be good to see what you think of her cutting and polish.

 

[mochiko42]

Exciting!! It will be difficult to decide which to set first. Please do share your photos and hand shots when you receive the stones.

Will the recut gem still be step cut?

 

[minousbijoux]

I love that zircon - gorgeous cushion. And Jason has had some beautiful tourmalines lately.

 

[Rockinruby]

Gorgeous colors Lovedogs! You have a beautiful collection! Can't wait to see what you think of your new stones when they arrive. Very exciting!

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Suuuuuuper exciting! I love, love, love blue-green gems. Can't wait to see how your tourmaline from Jason turns out! And I'd love to know more about your last two pictures - when do you expect the gems to arrive? And of course we need a lot more pictures.

 

[lovedogs]

Exciting!! It will be difficult to decide which to set first. Please do share your photos and hand shots when you receive the stones.

Will the recut gem still be step cut?

It will still be step cut--Dan is just going to remove the window. He said either he'll keep it the same shape and recut the girdle (hopefully I'm remembering that correctly), or he'll do a more "drastic" recut and make it into more of an ascher shape. I told him I am open to either (his prices are VERY reasonable, BTW), and that I trust his expertise in the matter So I'm waiting to see what he chooses. He said it would be done in a few weeks! Can't wait!

 

[lovedogs]

Suuuuuuper exciting! I love, love, love blue-green gems. Can't wait to see how your tourmaline from Jason turns out! And I'd love to know more about your last two pictures - when do you expect the gems to arrive? And of course we need a lot more pictures.

Thanks Sparklies! Not sure exactly when they are supposed to come. The vendor is in S. Africa, so it might take a bit for them to come. But I paid yesterday, so hopefully they will be on the way soon

 

[Acinom]

lovedogs: yay!!! More info please
Looking forward to see yours. We should start an electric blue thread. Mine is a round from Doug as well.

You are on a true blue mission!! I like

gah! you are right, I forgot to add the round electric topaz to my list of my buying spree Oops! I chose the antique 1910 cut, and I ordered it a little while ago, but cutting from rough always takes a bit. I'm excited to get that one as well! It will be a unique blue, since nothing else I ordered is that electric color.

It's a great addition!! The Antique 1910 is a gorgeous design by the way. It has such a beautiful chubby apperance.

 

[minousbijoux]

...and here is the one context where chubby is a good thing! That will be a gorgeous stone - love that "chubby" cut

 

[lovedogs]

Acinom: thanks for adding that to the thread!

Minous: I totally agree! When I first heard the term "chubby stone", or "chubby cut" for stones like this I always felt bad using them because it felt somewhat insulting. I guess in my mind stones have feelings......

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

Great stones- looking forward to more pics. Blue /greens (teals) are my favorites but I only have one.

 

[_lovesvintage_]

Congrats on these purchases! All are so beautiful and I can't wait to see them officially on you as finished jewelry.

 

[Acinom]

Saw this on Doug's FB: Electric Blue topaz that will be cut into an antique round this week. Is this yours? Fabulous rough color.

 

[lovedogs]

Saw this on Doug's FB: Electric Blue topaz that will be cut into an antique round this week. Is this yours? Fabulous rough color.

hooray! I think it might be mine! Thanks for sharing--so exciting!

 

[Rockinruby]

Saw this on Doug's FB: Electric Blue topaz that will be cut into an antique round this week. Is this yours? Fabulous rough color.

hooray! I think it might be mine! Thanks for sharing--so exciting!

Congrats! I hope it's yours. The rough color is amazing!

 

[lovedogs]

Yay, just got an email from Dan saying the re-cut of my stone is finished!

It went from this:




to this:


Obviously different photo locations/vendors mean it's a little hard to see differences, but I like what I see so far

 

[minousbijoux]

Looks lovely like it will reflect a lot more light back = sparkle!

 

[Rockinruby]

So pretty!

 

[Acinom]

Beautiful recut. And that color

 

[lovedogs]

ahhhh more good news! Doug just told me the electric blue topaz is ready to ship!





It's perfect to my eyes, and now I just need to decide whether to set it in this style: (Acinom sorry for using your pics, but this ring is just amazing)




OR this style from HOW (sorry for using another PSers photo again, but I just adore this ring style from Sally




Anyone have thoughts on which setting "Fits" the stone best?

 

[Acinom]

Ooooh! Your electric blue topaz looks amazing
This cut from Doug looks stunning with the high crown and beautiful pavillion facets.

Both settings will look beautiful to my eyes as they both have a vintage feel that fits the antique round cut of the topaz. I feel so flattered that mine is one of your inspiration settings.

 

[dk168]

Love the new pics, thanks for sharing.

DK

 

[minousbijoux]

Have you received any other of your stones yet? My vote is for the acinom setting!