Snicklefritz
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2009
- Messages
- 1,552
...that I never wear?
There''s a bit of a story behind this ring. Basically, I look at is as my rookie mistake. I originally purchased the setting for my engagement ring. However, it was built for a 7.5 mm (approximately 1.5 ct) stone, and when I found my 8.8 mm (2.70 ct)diamond on CL, I knew there was NO WAY I wanted to chance cramming the diamond in there. So I set this setting aside and figured I''d find a lovely colored stone someday to fill it. Well a month or two after I got engaged, Intergem rolled around. So I thought I''d go an look for a nice colored stone to fit my mounting. Here''s where all of my mistakes start. After searching for several hours and not finding much of anything, I stumbled across this lovely garnet. The rich red/pink/purple colors emanating from its facets made my heart melt
. Inside the case it didn''t look too large and it happened to be just withing my budget for the day. I showed the bench jeweler my setting (which I had conveniently brought with me) to see if he thought it would fit. He said it would fit, no problem. I noticed that the girdle did sit up above the prongs a little and not comfortably inside them so I asked about it''s carat weight. The jeweler weighed it right in front of me. It read 2.80ct. I should have walked away then and there but I didn''t. The jeweler assured me it would fit and I took his word.
The next part involves the mistake I most regret. I let the bench jeweler at Intergem set the stone
, which goes against everything I''d read on PS. It was a total disaster. It was not ready on time and when it was finally finished, the jeweler had whittled down the once substantial prongs to nothing
. Originally, the prongs had enlarged ball tips, like those on a crown. He said that the original prongs looked too bulky and I told him that was not his decision to make. Ultimately I made him redo the prongs twice to get them to look somewhat normal. They are not what they used to be but they''re better than they could have looked. There are a couple little pock marks and one of the melee at the base of the euro shank was knocked out (which I did not notice until I''d arrived home.)
I have definitely learned my lesson. I was too embarrassed to come to PS with my story of stupidity at the time, but I''ve forgiven myself for my mistakes. I brought the ring to a reputable and expensive local jeweler who said the damage could be fixed but gave me an astronomical price. They also told me that the garnet is probably a rhodolite, but that''s beside the point. I''m sure I could get it done cheaper, but I haven''t looked into any other options. I guess I''m not motivated to fix it.
I think my Intergem experience has left me a little reluctant to wear the ring. It reminds me of that dreadful day and I cannot quite forget the flaws in the prongs. When I did wear it (once, 5 months ago), the garnet didn''t respond to some lighting conditions in the way I imagined it would. It can look a little dark and dead. Additionally, it''s not the right size for my right ring finger (don''t want to resize due to 3-sided pave), and it feels awkward to wear it on my middle finger as it sits a bit high and wide for me. I just don''t know what to do with it. My heart still melts when it flashes it''s beautiful colors at me but I''m thinking I might sell it. I haven''t quite developed the love of colored stones that I thought I would yet, and perhaps there''s a better owner out there for it. I''d like to hear your perspective on the ring''s current appearance and also my concern. Thanks!!!
There''s a bit of a story behind this ring. Basically, I look at is as my rookie mistake. I originally purchased the setting for my engagement ring. However, it was built for a 7.5 mm (approximately 1.5 ct) stone, and when I found my 8.8 mm (2.70 ct)diamond on CL, I knew there was NO WAY I wanted to chance cramming the diamond in there. So I set this setting aside and figured I''d find a lovely colored stone someday to fill it. Well a month or two after I got engaged, Intergem rolled around. So I thought I''d go an look for a nice colored stone to fit my mounting. Here''s where all of my mistakes start. After searching for several hours and not finding much of anything, I stumbled across this lovely garnet. The rich red/pink/purple colors emanating from its facets made my heart melt
The next part involves the mistake I most regret. I let the bench jeweler at Intergem set the stone
I have definitely learned my lesson. I was too embarrassed to come to PS with my story of stupidity at the time, but I''ve forgiven myself for my mistakes. I brought the ring to a reputable and expensive local jeweler who said the damage could be fixed but gave me an astronomical price. They also told me that the garnet is probably a rhodolite, but that''s beside the point. I''m sure I could get it done cheaper, but I haven''t looked into any other options. I guess I''m not motivated to fix it.
I think my Intergem experience has left me a little reluctant to wear the ring. It reminds me of that dreadful day and I cannot quite forget the flaws in the prongs. When I did wear it (once, 5 months ago), the garnet didn''t respond to some lighting conditions in the way I imagined it would. It can look a little dark and dead. Additionally, it''s not the right size for my right ring finger (don''t want to resize due to 3-sided pave), and it feels awkward to wear it on my middle finger as it sits a bit high and wide for me. I just don''t know what to do with it. My heart still melts when it flashes it''s beautiful colors at me but I''m thinking I might sell it. I haven''t quite developed the love of colored stones that I thought I would yet, and perhaps there''s a better owner out there for it. I''d like to hear your perspective on the ring''s current appearance and also my concern. Thanks!!!
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