I know I know. .me again.. engagment ring hell.

[MrsCornishWed]

Hi all. I've been lurking for ages, posting a little more recently- desperately trying to soak up all the wonderful knowledge and info here.

When I first came here I was in search of a sapphire for an e.ring.. as I'm married and just replacing the ring I am in no massive rush so it's giving me time to really understand what I am looking for and want.
I love blue, I wear it a lot and I know I'll really enjoy a blue stone day to day. Since being here I have discovered many beautiful gemstones (and now have a wish list of yellow sapphire..chrysoberyl, garnet etc!..One day!)

I know how I want it set, and I am pretty certain that a round is what is best. I need good finger coverage and a stone around 7.5mm would be absolutely ideal. I can't go lower than 6.5ish, I don't have dainty hands to carry off smaller stones.

Now here's my problem. I've been searching since Christmas and while I've seen plenty of beautiful sapphires I just haven't fallen in love with any. Then I saw a tanzanite on jeff davies website and couldn't stop thinking of it. It was too big anyways (like 9 mm ) but I just adored the colour. It isn't the blue trade would consider ideal but I'm really not into royal blues..

My hubby recently surprised me with a sweet little tanzanite and diamond eternity band which i find really pretty..but quite honestly I get panicky wearing it and don't wear it every day like I'd have loved to.

I can't cope with that worry over my e.ring. It has to be daily wear worthy.

I will post a pic of said tanzanite.. I still don't know much about gemstones and may be wrong but believe it doesn't have particularly even colouring which I wasn't keen.. but the colour was beautiful in general. I prefer more blue to violet ..I can't see any sapphires that don't swing to much in either direction though.

It will be set in 18k white gold to match my wedding ring.

What do I do? Where do I look? I really want to get this project underway but feel like I'm going around in circles and periodically being distracted with other gems and imaginary future projects!

If someone can just, for the love of cake, what I want and where to look I would be super grateful because I am even annoying myself now.

Cornish.

 

[LoversKites]

We could help find you one. What is your budget for the stone?

Btw, as you mentioned, the colour you are looking is not the trade ideal, so I think it will be easier to find. Your limitation on shape is a bit tricky since sapphires are much more often cut in ovals. But I think it's possible.

What treatments are you comfortable with? Many will accept simple heat only but some will only be comfortable with an untreated stone.

 

[MrsCornishWed]

I'm not 100% sure as I need to factor in customs etc as I am in the UK. I don't want to spend over 1000 gbp, but the more reasonable a price the better, as the cost of stone will reflect how long it'll take to be set depending on how long I need to save to set after! But I've still got a lot to learn of pricing of stones so right now priority no1 is finding the perfect colour I think. Hope that's not to vague!


Am open to spinels but I think highly unlikely to find anything remotely like this colour. I've been eyeing up jeffs blue 1.66 tealy blue spinel but I think it's just too dark.

 

[MrsCornishWed]

.. sorry just saw rest of your post!

I have toyed with ovals but I just can't love them! Next in line for preference would be a cushion, more square than enlongates cushion, but I believe these to be as tricky as round?

I believe unheated to be out of budget and so I expect to have a heated stone. I am yet to fully understand the variety of treatments used but at this point I am only looking for stones listed as 'heat only'

 

[LoversKites]

No problem, it's totally ok to have a preference for shape

This was a more difficult colour to find than I expected, lol. Most were very grey. Here is what I found. I dunno the tax amount to the UK so some of these may stretch above your budget.

Concave cut -- not for everyone. 6.9mm
http://www.concavegems.com/detail.cfm?zNum=5998

Look for the stock tag 'sapphire_blue_1015' (5th line from the bottom, in the centre). The handshot is more accurate. Also 6.9:
http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_blue.html

I think you'll have to contact them for the price. Since it reaches 2ct it's likely over your budget... but it's worth asking.
http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/lg-sapphirebluerd2_04ct/

How do you feel about greenish Montanas, colour-wise?
http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_montana.html

Sorry I couldn't find more, I don't have much time right now.

I forgot to look at spinels! I know which one you are talking about from Jeff, yes, especially since his stones tend to be darker IRL, I'd say it's too dark for what you are looking for.

 

[eastjavaman]

Why is concave cut not for everyone? I recall Chrono mentioned in other post that she does not fancy it and now that LK mentions it. I thought it will be a good time to raise the question because I think it looks nice, but the problem is I have not owned one; hence, my opinion is invalid

 

[MrsCornishWed]

Oh.. that Montana ♡♡ .. 2nd line down centre picture. Sale pending though

Also the 2ct is absoloutly beautiful. I will contact although probably too much.

Thank you so much for your help so far. .. you are definitely understanding my colour needs

 

[Niel]

Why is concave cut not for everyone? I recall Chrono mentioned in other post that she does not fancy it and now that LK mentions it. I thought it will be a good time to raise the question because I think it looks nice, but the problem is I have not owned one; hence, my opinion is invalid

I've wondered that myself.
I believe the color flashes are more pinpoint. Similar to an oval vs a step cut diamond. Just a different kind of sparkle.

But I think that's its overstated a little. If you want a good color, well cut stone with no window, I don't think a concave cut should he excluded from the search. Unless say you're doing a vintage style. Sometimes the styles seem to clash. But I mean he often has nice rough, there's clearly not going to be a window, and the cutting is nice. I'd rather have a concave cut than a windowed stone

 

[wakingdreams53]

Would this be too big for you? I wish I had a trust found for colored stones! But I have enough unset to have to have some sort of self-control.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/blue-sapphire-heat-only-3cts

 

[MrsCornishWed]

Waking dreams, that stone is roughly £1591 so over budget and it's a wee bit too royal blue for me... thankfully

Thank you do much though. So appreciate you looking for me.

 

[dk168]

How about asking a gem cutter to cut one for you, based on your requirements and budget?

Have a look at the sapphires cut and sold by Jeff White:

http://www.whitesgems.com/corundumgallery.html

A few cut and sold by Gene of Precision Gem:

http://precisiongem.com/Gemstones/rapidcart/sapphire.html

On a side note, I love concave cut, and hope to have a pink sapphire heart concave-cut by Richard Homer one day.

DK

 

[MrsCornishWed]

Gem 1540- precision gem. . That's a typo on the cost???? It's way to dark for me but that's a typo right!?!

I love a few on jeff whites site.. how do I suss cost.. must I contact directly? Thank you!

 

[VirginiaZee]

Not a round, but seems like a nice size - http://www.torraca.net/projects/sap864/

Gem 1540- precision gem. . That's a typo on the cost???? It's way to dark for me but that's a typo right!?!

That's a good question... my only guess is this stone is very dark in hand, and priced to move?

I love a few on jeff whites site.. how do I suss cost.. must I contact directly? Thank you!

I've never bought from Jeff, but I think if you email him what you're looking for and what your budget is, he'll let you know if he can help.

 

[dk168]

Gem 1540- precision gem. . That's a typo on the cost???? It's way to dark for me but that's a typo right!?!

I love a few on jeff whites site.. how do I suss cost.. must I contact directly? Thank you!

Nope, not a typo re: Gene's Gem 1540. Most of his gems got snapped up in no time.

Yes to contacting Jeff directly to enquire what he has in stock and prices.

Both gentlemen are very quick to respond and helpful to my enquiries and requests via e-mails.

DK

 

[cm366]

Hey Cornish! Dana Reynolds at www.mastercutgems.com has had a ton of pretty Tanzanian and Montana sapphires, all heated or untreated, with colour like these. I think a lot of them have been in the 1ct ballpark, but there have certainly been plenty in the 1-2ct range, very very reasonably priced. I'd email him directly and include some pictures of your ideal or inspiration colours!

These are just some of the recent ones....

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7665

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=6840

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=6238

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=6678

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7578

 

[pregcurious]

I like the middle link from Dana, but he suggests not to bezel it. A halo may make it look too dark.

 

[FrekeChild]

Why is concave cut not for everyone? I recall Chrono mentioned in other post that she does not fancy it and now that LK mentions it. I thought it will be a good time to raise the question because I think it looks nice, but the problem is I have not owned one; hence, my opinion is invalid

I've wondered that myself.
I believe the color flashes are more pinpoint. Similar to an oval vs a step cut diamond. Just a different kind of sparkle.

But I think that's its overstated a little. If you want a good color, well cut stone with no window, I don't think a concave cut should he excluded from the search. Unless say you're doing a vintage style. Sometimes the styles seem to clash. But I mean he often has nice rough, there's clearly not going to be a window, and the cutting is nice. I'd rather have a concave cut than a windowed stone

I abhor concave cut stones. I've never owned one, but I don't think that invalidates my opinion on the matter.

They are a very particular look, and not very popular, so they aren't exactly readily available for the public to see them. I had a fantastic gem store where I used to live, so I got to see a lot there.

I have pretty serious cut issues, however. I do not like Portuguese, MRB cuts, or concave cut, to name a few. I like big chunky flashy facets, so that follows along with my tastes.

I won't suggest one unless the person is actively searching for one or open to lots of ideas/the unusual. It's a very distinctive look, and people typically love it or hate it.

Richard Homer is great, by the way, so nothing against him or Gene for that matter. They do lovely concave cutting.

Ah, and it's always going to remind me of the picture below....

 

[royalstarrynight]

Why is concave cut not for everyone? I recall Chrono mentioned in other post that she does not fancy it and now that LK mentions it. I thought it will be a good time to raise the question because I think it looks nice, but the problem is I have not owned one; hence, my opinion is invalid

It's just taste. Just like how some people like big chunky OEC facets and other people like standard MRB facets. Concave cuts reflect light differently than standard faceting

 

[dk168]

Some concave cut sapphire rings:

http://www.jewelryexpert.com/catalog/Trillium-Sapphire-Solitaire-Elegance-Ring-II-J8707.htm

http://www.jewelryexpert.com/catalog/Horizontal-Blue-Sapphire-Ring.htm

http://www.jewelryexpert.com/catalog/Yellow-Sapphire-Hidden-Treasures-Ring-fc.htm

As the others have said, concave cut is like Marmite (a yeast-based vegetable extract) - one either loves it or hates it.

DK

 

[MrsCornishWed]

Thank you all so much for your input so far... I've gone through them all and a few are close to what I think I'm looking for! I've looked over several concave cuts and decided they're not for me .. so I guess that helps narrow it down a little bit.

I like Montana, I'm fond of the greeny hues, though my main goal is to keep the stone with an predominately blue color. . . I just want to avoid grey, or denim blue tones. Also partial to the violet hues like the tanzanite show. I feel like I'm quite open to it all .. I'm not too restrictive or looking for rarity or trade ideal so this should have been easier so far ? Will I just 'know' when I see the stone?

 

[LD]

Can I make a suggestion please?

I never never never never ever recommend this normally BUT in the UK this is going to be your best bet if you want Tanzanite (and cheaper than buying a stone from the US, shipping it, having a setting made etc etc.

The Jewellery Channel on Sky are a TV jewellery selling programme. They are owned by VGL (a large global group) who, at one point, were sightholders at Tanzanite One. That meant that each year they had to purchase X amount of Tanzanite and were given first choice of the stones mined. They have always sold a range of Tanzanite going from poor to absolutely gorgeous. They have a range of settings some white/yellow gold and platinum. It may be worth checking what they have (and if I were you I'd give their customer service a call rather than look at the photos on their website (although they sometimes have videos).

However, if you really want to put something together yourself I would suggest looking at www.lapigems.com They have always specialised in Tanzanite and, from memory, they will work with you to minimise customs charges. You could then approach Diamond Geezers (sorry about the name!) who are based in Birmingham. I've been friends of theirs for years (it's a father/son business) and they specialise in custom settings and diamonds although work with coloured stones routinely. They've made at least 10 rings/pendants for me and their work is superb. Luke (the son) is particularly good at interpreting what you want.

 

[dk168]

I must admit to liking some of the big Tanzanites being offered on The Jewellery Channel in the past.

However, I thought this stone is generally not recommended for daily wear unless the stone is well protected e.g. in a bezel setting.

DK

 

[wakingdreams53]

Waking dreams, that stone is roughly £1591 so over budget and it's a wee bit too royal blue for me... thankfully

Thank you do much though. So appreciate you looking for me.

Sorry about that! I must've missed the memo about the budget! What do you think of these?

Blues
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173447498/blue-sapphire-from-madagascar-158ct-fine?ref=shop_home_active_5
https://www.etsy.com/listing/151979545/kashmir-blue-velvet-color-sapphire-oval?ref=shop_home_active_3
https://www.etsy.com/listing/177847647/blue-sapphire-oval-shape-for-fine?ref=related-4

Blue-Green:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/178555664/blue-green-sapphire-oval-shape-loose?ref=shop_home_active_15&ga_search_query=green
https://www.etsy.com/listing/123586118/blue-green-126-cts-diamond-engagement?ref=shop_home_active_3&ga_search_query=green
https://www.etsy.com/listing/189833479/blue-green-sapphire-oval-shape-loose?ref=shop_home_active_10&ga_search_query=green
https://www.etsy.com/listing/185721795/montana-blue-green-sapphire-oval-shape?ref=shop_home_active_17&ga_search_query=green

 

[canuk-gal]

Hi all. I've been lurking for ages, posting a little more recently- desperately trying to soak up all the wonderful knowledge and info here.

When I first came here I was in search of a sapphire for an e.ring.. as I'm married and just replacing the ring I am in no massive rush so it's giving me time to really understand what I am looking for and want.
I love blue, I wear it a lot and I know I'll really enjoy a blue stone day to day. Since being here I have discovered many beautiful gemstones (and now have a wish list of yellow sapphire..chrysoberyl, garnet etc!..One day!)

I know how I want it set, and I am pretty certain that a round is what is best. I need good finger coverage and a stone around 7.5mm would be absolutely ideal. I can't go lower than 6.5ish, I don't have dainty hands to carry off smaller stones.



Any chance you would consider a 2 or 3 stone ring?

 

[MrsCornishWed]

Hi LD - thank you for stopping by! I regularly surf the jewelry channels just for funsies and had noticed this. However I am absolutely terrified of wearing tanzanite for its brittleness so on the hunt for a harder stone. I have an active job and I think likely to damage a soft stone quickly- in fact I scratched one of the small tanz in my eternity ring within 2 days! Gutted. Had to laugh at diamond geezers. .I'll definitely look though thank you.


Canuk-gal

 

[MrsCornishWed]

Whoops sent too soon!

I would consider a 3 stone, but it'd have to be very special and anything I imagine will be out of my price range, also I have the issue of needing (read wanting) it to sit flush as possible to my band. I find solitaire much more likely to do so.. my band is particularly thick (too thick for me I think ) but it's what I had on my wedding day and so I want to keep it. I just actually find it uncomfortable. (Anyone know if I can do anything about this?


Woops. Got side tracked there.... see what I mean!

Concentrate Cornish!

Had a peek at those etsy listings, I regularly check that particular vendor but can't find any info or recommendations for them here on PS?

 

[wakingdreams53]

The was a recent post about Precision Gems, they have positive feedback here on PS. I bought a asscher cut sapphire from them, but it had too much of a greenish tinge for me to keep it, however their pictures are very true to life, I was just hopeful that the camera added more green than reality would. I returned the stone with no problems whatsoever and would definitely purchase from them again.

 

[MrsCornishWed]

Thanks walkingdreams that's good to hear.

Still looking.. almost bit the bullet on a beautiful spinel on loupetroop but it just wasn't big enough or the colour I really wanted. Was truly lovely and I'd have totally bought it if I had the extra £ to just have it too! Must focus on current project though as I want it done by the end of the year.

Don't suppose anyone's spotted anymore? Feeling a bit deflated today!

 

[LD]

Sorry - I didn't see the part about durability and your concerns. You're right, it's not a stone I would wear as an engagement ring (and I wear Sphenes and lots of other soft stones)!

Alternatives would of course be sapphire but actually the colour you like would probably command a premium or Spinel but finding a really blue spinel with no grey is challenging to say the least!

Bearing in mind your rings may take some abuse I really think a sapphire is the way to go but it may take some time to find the perfect stone but don't give up - there's always one with your name on just waiting.

 

[VirginiaZee]

Please don't be too discouraged... your stone is out there, honest (though these little lovelies can take a freakin' long time to find sometimes....)

How about this from Jeff Davies? http://www.ebay.com/itm/CERTIFIED-C...9839?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item565f4f4c3f

Or sapphire 1031 or 971 or 979 (or any of the others) on the Gemfix page? http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_blue.html