This is my first post. Here is the Van Craeynest engagement ring I had made for my girlfriend -- no hand shots yet as I am waiting for the right moment to propose. This is a 1.62-carat, 6.9 mm unheated Sri Lankan sapphire in Portuguese cut by Andrew Gulij of Gemfix, low-set in platinum Van Craeynest style 457-2-2.
Your Van Craeynest pics helped me decide on the setting I wanted, so thanks to everyone who posted photos!
Custom project (to give an example of how VC finish their all-custom jobs) of a Celtic cross (4mm cabochon emerald, pictured with no. 1007 wedding set, and then with original inspiration cross), and style no. 484 LG in yellow gold with 2.2ct orange/brown Sri Lankan sapphire:
Hello DS, good to 'see' you! Congratulations on your daughter's marriage, what a beautiful affair it was And many happy years to them both. I meant to reply a couple of days ago but decent light is a scarce commodity in TX these days and the pics weren't up to scratch at all. The sapphire is the newest (and last for a good while, I suspect ) VC acquisition and has usurped its smaller cousins due to its size -- at least for now!
The cross was commissioned after a long stint searching for a high-quality ready-made version, but serious Celtic jewelry offerings are few and far between (to put it mildly ). So we left it to Larry and without any ado, this was the result. The emerald cabochon is 0.6ct or thereabouts and the diamonds are less than 0.3ct F VS. I've taken a shot of the back to show the work there (with diamond placed behind emerald) and a couple of the side to show a little of how it has been formed.
That is simply exquisite, Aeol.! Every piece is a work of art! I have talked briefly to Larry about making me a cross, but I haven't really settled on a design. There is a ring at the top of my list, but that idea is waiting on a diamond! You have a beautiful collection of heirlooms, that is for sure!
I'm not really sure what's appropriate to share, but I thought I should let people know here that I think Van Craeynest won't be around much longer. I talked to Larry and he mentioned something to that point. I didn't feel right prying further. Maybe others here know more about what's going on.
Oh my...that certainly concerns me! I did have thoughts about that art dying out and maybe not continuing after Larry retired, but I hope that isn't in the immediate future. If anyone knows any kind of timeline, I'd certainly like to know. There is a ring I have wanted for some time but was waiting until I felt like I had the extra money. But I might have to change my plans if VC isn't going to be around long term.
DS, thank you for your lovely compliment -- heirlooms are exactly what I have in mind with these pieces
Folks, I spoke to Larry today and things are OK Though that's not to say an outfit as specialised and rare as this one will be with us forever MatchMadeInCarbon, I felt like lining up some cornflakes to cry into when I saw your post heheh -- was cueing up the end of my love affair with jewelry in general. DS, more time to work up to the meister-strike of your cross (can't wait to see what that project gives rise to!) and ring
Okay, thanks for calling and finding out directly! I realized I didn't have forever but there was a moment of panic to think it might be soon!!! I really need to figure out what I am doing. My problem is that I want an OEC stone and that has to come before getting a ring made. Ugh!
Sorry, I didn't mean to cause a panic! I just spoke to Larry and he confirmed that there wasn't a specified near-term date or a date at all. I'm sure of the signals he was sending when we were speaking about wedding bands; maybe that's all my head was hearing since I needed jewelry and I was in a sales position.
Eek,that scare has me thinking of a potential VC reset sooner rather than later!
I've been scanning through these pages, and the rings are just stunning!!! But what really grabbed my eye was the 812. Does anyone know general ballpark how much the setting is? 1-2k? 2-3? I just love how delicate it is!
The one I want is around $2500 in platinum and I think it may have more diamonds than that one. But maybe it can give you an idea. I would think it would be less if you want gold.
I wasn't sure if the 812 would be less expensive because it's so petite and uses less metal. Or more expensive because it is so thoroughly engraved and perhaps took more time, lol.
Mark my words, I AM getting a VC one of these days!
Just engaged with a Van Craeynest, in large part thanks to this thread! Here's my grandmother's 1.16c OEC (H-I, VS2), set in a VC 456 in antiqued yellow gold with platinum prongs. I am so in love with it. It's smaller and more intricate than I ever imagined. It's unlike anything I have ever seen (outside of this thread, of course!).
Pictures aren't the greatest. I'll try to get some better ones when we have a nice sunny day!
Wow, Blacksand! What a treasure to have your grandmother's diamond and then have it set in a VC setting! I think you made an excellent choice! Very beautiful!
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