made some progress but still need input!

[Eudora]

Hello everyone! So, some of you might remember my post from-- OMG!-- one year ago: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/colored-stone-engagement-ring-idea.179869/#post-3268825 In it, I described e-ring ideas that were all over the place. Well, in part because of my indecision and in part because we're both very busy at work and life etc etc, we kind of let the engagement thing slide.

Anyway, I'm back, I have narrowed things down somewhat. I would definitely like your input at this point.

So, in terms of setting, I realized that a dear family of mine makes jewelery that I really like. Her older work was mostly very rough, organic and simple. I liked it, but I didn't think it was *me* for the engagement ring, so I didn't really think of her. Her more recent work is more of a mix of that organic vibe and a more vintagey vibe. She doesn't have much of an online presence but I'd compare her work, to varying degrees, to the styles I have attached here. I really like it a lot! . I am really IN LOVE with her stuff. I will post information about her business when it's all done. For now, I want to keep it somewhat private. So, I've had a talk with her about my likes and dislike and am going to leave it up to them (my family member and my boyfriend) to design something that will surprise me. It's perfect.

I also know that now I definitely want yellow or rose gold.

Now, the only thing is center stone. My family member works mostly with raw diamonds and semi-precious colored gems, so I'm more less till free to source my own center. really can't decide between the following for center stones:
-Sapphire - Preferably a Montana. I don't need it to be a perfect, pure blue. I like a little green a don't mind gray. I like the idea of it being from the USA and also my boyfriend has blue/green/gray eyes.
-Spinel - I like the look of gray diamonds and-- at least online-- I like the look of blue-gray spinels. I also like their pricepoint!
-Chrysoberyl - I really like the look of yellow (more golden than kryptonite) with yellow gold. Yummy!

They all really appeal to me and are all more or less available. I want something of a healthy size (7mm or so). I'm fairly open to whatever shape at this point. I definitely want top-notch cutting. Heat treatment doesn't matter to me.

I also keep getting tempted to pull the price point low. Like, we could probably find a chrysoberyl or spinel I'd be happy with for less than $200. Why wouldn't we just go with that? With planning a wedding and a honeymoon, buying a house... I'm pretty attracted to being frugal AS LONG as I like the outcome.

I know the answer is really "get whatever you like!" but I just can't seem to pull the trigger! Every time I say, "Yes, chrysoberyl!" I think "Buuuuut Montana!" and then "Or maybe blue-gray spinel!"

Regardless, what would you do? I welcome any and all opinions.

 

[pregcurious]

Chysoberyl will look good in yellow gold, and a Montana blue sapphire will look good in rose gold. For spinel, it will depend on the color. In general, blues and greens look good in rose gold.

If you budget is $200 for the stone, it may be difficult to do a Montana sapphire. You should be able to get a pretty spinel for this budget. Chrysoberyl with a nice color, lacking brown, may be difficult to find.

Since you want our opinion, I would personally do a Montana blue sapphire in rose gold. Gemfix has a lot of pretty Montana sapphires. Mastercut Gems also has had nice Montanas in the past. You can contact the latter to see if they have something on hand that is not on their site.

Gemfix has one 0.57 carat sapphire in your budget. The color is unevenly distributed, but I don't know how you feel about that. Everything else on their Montana page is more than $200. A 0.57 sapphire will be smaller than a diamond of the same size. For reference, this stone has a 4.7 mm diameter, and a typical 0.5 carat diamond has a diameter of 5.1 mm. It's on the right most column, towards the bottom of the page:

http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_montana.html

Montana Sapphire Round Modified "Roulette" Cut
Weight: .57cts
Measurements: 4.7mm, height 3.2mm
Clarity: VVS
Origin: Montana, USA
Enhancements: Heat only
Price: $ 140.00
Order/Stock No.: sapphire_montana_364
Description: Intense teal-blue color on this cute little Montana sapphire. Well cut, sparkly and clean. Closest Pantone Color Card: 5473C overall (Cut by Andrew Gulij)

 

[pregcurious]

I was trying to find you a colored diamond because you are open to colored stones. This is $599 and VS2. I know this is over your budget, but I had to post it in case you are open upping your budget. Also, the rustic style you mentioned looks good with yellow/brown diamonds; this one would be eye clean and should sparkle. I would ask David what it looks like without light shining behind it, perhaps on the back of his hand:

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/yellow-brown-diamond-41ct-fancy-yellow-brown-vs2-round-brilliant-coppery-color-r4619

 

[Eudora]

Thanks Preg! Just to clarify, $200 isn't my budget... I'd be happy to go up to $1000. it's more like, I've seen chrysoberyls and spinels that I like for that, so why I am spending more? Come to think of it, though, even chrysoberyls are a bit higher than that.... but still less than $500, which is the absolute probably impossible minimum I'd have to spend to get a Montana sapphire in my size and cut preference. But then again, aren't Montanas special and maybe worth it? Decisions! I am so bad at them!

 

[Eudora]

Preg- Oh, and thanks for the link to the diamond! It is very pretty! I'm not really a diamond person, though, and size (probably 6.5mm - 7.5mm) is somewhat important to me and my sausage fingers. If I were to go into a $600 - $1200 range (which may indeed happen), I would probably shoot for a 6.5ish mm sapphire. I'd rather have a 7mm spinel or chrysoberyl for less than a smaller diamond for more. Does that make sense? Thank you very much for paying attention to my thread and offering opinions and ideas!

 

[chloeishere]

I think you have a lot of good choices to pick from here! I went with a Montana myself. :p I think we spent around ~$175 for my stone, but I was okay with smaller (5.5 mm was my lower limit), and it was several years ago now. I think Montana sapphires have increased a bit with time and the popularity of sapphires in general right now, unfortunately. Also, the size of sapphire you are talking about is relatively rare for Montana sapphires-- just to be up front about the potential difficulties you may find with sapphires-- not impossible, but the budget and the size may be a tough combo and could require some looking.

Gemfix I thought was pretty expensive (for my budget) back in the day, they still are. Great photography and beautiful stones, though.

What do you think about this guy? It's ETA: IN your budget, but at least it's the right size and general color, close to your budget, and the feedback is good. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-75ct-Mont...3496?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item3385a63198 There's no straight on view, and the pictures aren't great, and I can't tell if it's silky. I'm not sure how important cut or sparkle is to you, either. We chose a precision cut stone because cut is important to me, but price does increase with precision cut. If you are looking for a well-cut stone, I'd recommend contacting Dan Stair (really great with budgets) or Gene Flanigan (if he's doing custom stones, I'm not sure if he is right now?) to see if they have anything that might work? Be up front about your budget, if you go that route-- they can work with you, but it is fairly low and will require some work.

I'm not sure what depth/ darkness of stone you are looking for? There are LOADS of blue-grey spinels, but almost all of them are really dark. I'm not a big fan of really dark stones personally, but maybe you don't mind that?

There's some facebook groups that might have stuff you'd be interested in, if you are on facebook? Quite a lot of blue spinels, not so many Montana sapphires in the size you are looking for (for your budget). Chrysoberyl is a whole 'nother rabbit hole that I don't want to fall down without more information on your taste (I like the green ones, so that's what I'll head toward :p).

I love the styles of settings you've shown and can't wait to see the finished project! Good luck!

ETA: there were many posts while I was looking up things. I definitely think $1000 is doable for a Montana in that size range, if that is your heart's desire (and I am getting the feeling you have a big love of the Montanas-- which I TOTALLY get).

 

[Eudora]

Chloe - Great information! Thanks! That Montana you linked looks like it could be nice. You are right, though, that precision cut is important to me. I think I prefer a lighter color, too. Sounds like we have similar taste!

My budget is a bit higher than $200 (upto $1200, really) but it's tempting to stay low when there are spinels and chrysoberyls available that I like for so much less!

Interesting point about size being a limiting factor on Montanas. I would be okay with something around 6.5mm, which I have seen around.

I don't have Facebook because of my job (a whole other story), but my boyfriend does. I am VERY interested in blue spinels. Can you tell me how to access them? Are they public, or something else?

ETA: Gosh, I really wish I could tell what was going on with that ebay Montana. Description sounds great, pictures are bit inscrutable!

ETA Again LOL: Chloe, you are right that I do love Montanas. They (yours included) are awesome! But like I said, everytime I think to pull the trigger, I think "Oh, but what about golden yellow chrysoberyls!" or "But what about getting some rainbow diffusion off a very light spinel?" or "But can't I get a chrysoberyl or a spinel that I would be JUST as for literally half the price?" And then I'm back at square one.

 

[chloeishere]

Can you see anything here? If not, your boyfriend can probably request to be added to the group. I did searches for Montana sapphire and blue spinel.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/finegemsandcabs/

Only one came up in this group, and the auction is well-expired, but it may still be available. It's very inexpensive, but under your size preference (5.9 mm square)-- and included. The cut is gorgeous, though. https://www.facebook.com/groups/FFGACA/

More importantly! Etsy is a GREAT resource for Montana sapphires now, much better than when I was searching!

May be too dark, and has color zoning, but very cool cut: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81884591/139-carat-fancy-montana-sapphire-radiant

I think this is definitely too dark for you, but how do you feel about trillions?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/153403201/18ct-natural-montana-sapphire

Probably too small, but gorgeous cut: http://www.etsy.com/listing/128351444/genuine-montana-sapphire-square

I think this might be closer to the color you want, but again, a bit too small (6.2mm round): http://www.etsy.com/listing/154854601/genuine-montana-sapphire-blue-roses

VERY SILKY emerald cut, but I really dig the color (though it might not be what you want, again). http://www.etsy.com/listing/105367645/genuine-montana-sapphire-emerald-cut-ice

This one is probably not good for an engagement ring based on the description, but I thought the color might be close to what you want, and it's the right size again. http://www.etsy.com/listing/1053700...type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all

A search for "loose montana sapphire" brings up 239 items. These were the ones that jumped at me on the first page or two.

 

[Eudora]

My goodness! Thank you!!! I will def dig on etsy and tell BF about FB. Maybe if I find a stone that really speaks to me, my decision will be made...

ETA: On Etsy, I do like a lot of MountainMomma's cabochons. I'm kind of a sucker for her lyrical descriptions of the stones' "internal skyspace" and whatnot. A cab could look nice if I did some diamonds on the ring for bling. Then again... I go back to bang for buck and remember that if I want a quirky stone, I get more for less with a sapphire from another origin or another species of gem. Gahhhh!

 

[JewelFreak]

If you like lighter sapphires, the 4th one down on Lloyd Forester's site is nice -- a Winza, not Montana, but good color & dispersion & an excellent, interesting cut. http://www.clearcutgems.com/sapphire.html It's $500 but worth it -- untreated. You could ask Lloyd for more pics or info, at least. Your relative's settings are great & individual -- he or she could no doubt do a setting to show off the octagon cut.

I wear a size 7 ring & I won't go smaller than 6.5 mm for a center stone unless a smaller one can be haloed, 3-stone, something to cover more finger territory. It's all what you like individually, but for me, I like enough size without getting gaudy.

I think your chances are slim of finding a precision cut blue spinel of any quality for $200 -- Gem Line has a native cut for $190; it has a window, though, that may close up on setting. http://www.clearcutgems.com/sapphire.html However, I don't think it's the quality you want.

What about a yellow sapphire? There's one on the Gem Rite site that I keep looking at, pale gold, 5.8 mm, for, ahem, $85, yow. http://www.gemrite.com/collections/gems/products/golden-sapphire-86-cts. Another interesting one for $410, a little bigger: http://www.gemrite.com/collections/gems/products/yellow-sapphire-1-21-cts

You could also look through some of the eBay vendors on the Recommended Vendor sticky at the top of the page. Good chances of finding something.

Sounds like it will be a terrific ring -- and that it will be done by people you love adds to its sparkle like crazy!

--- Laurie

 

[deskjockey]

ETA: On Etsy, I do like a lot of MountainMomma's cabochons. I'm kind of a sucker for her lyrical descriptions of the stones' "internal skyspace" and whatnot. A cab could look nice if I did some diamonds on the ring for bling. Then again... I go back to bang for buck and remember that if I want a quirky stone, I get more for less with a sapphire from another origin or another species of gem. Gahhhh!

For what it's worth, I got mine from MountainMomma and I love it. Lost some of the sparkle when I got it set, but the stone has a lot more personality than even she described - not in the "brilliant" way but in a color change way I stalk her listings on etsy when I'm bored and think she has a lot of stuff that has neat imperfections/personality, which I like more than the "perfect" stuff.

Also definitely contact mastercutgems - I didn't see much on the website but a while back he mentioned he was getting in some rough. Also, the photos on the site are typically not great but Blaze at blazengems was great to talk to, and his pricing seems very reasonable.

 

[Eudora]

JewelFreak - I hadn't seen Clear Cut Gems before. They have some very nice pieces and good prices! I will definitely keep a watch over there! That octagonal cut on is really nice. But I feel like 6mm is too small. I tried on a 6.2 and it was just pretty small for me. I wear a size 7.5 and that's a big reason why my ideal is close to 7mm. Even at my lowest weight, I still had sausage fingers. I was looking at some baby photos recently and noticed that my fingers haven't changed at all in shape, proportion, or squishiness since I was an infant and had little baby-fat fingers! Oh well! LOL! I too like to keep it under the "gaudy" line. I think especially with colored gems, they look more "expensive" and less "cocktail" when under 8mm.

I do like yellow/golden sapphires, but I was thinking that maybe I'd just go for a chrysoberyl if I went for yellow? It would probably be bigger, less expensive, maybe even a nicer yellow?

You are right that I'm excited to have the piece made by someone I love. Just to be clear, those are no my relative's pieces. She doesn't have a lot of photos right now. But that is what her work looks like. Those are, from top to bottom, Lauren Wolf, Megan Thorne, Bario-Neal, and Kristen Coffin. I had all of those in my inspiration folder and was quite pleasantly surprised to see that my relative's work had progressed beyond very simple pieces and developed a similar aesthetic as these. Previously (as you can see on the last thread), I was overwhelmed by what kind of style setting I wanted. Once I saw my relative's work, it clicked into place that she should be the one to make my ring, both for sentimental reasons and because her work really is both "of the moment" and timeless. I'll post information about her business as this progresses. Right now, she's not ready to take on new work and doesn't yet have her website up and running and I'm trying to keep some privacy at least until the engagement.

Desk Jockey - Thanks for the feedback on MountainMomma! I really like the unusual and "imperfect"-- wabi sabi, maybe?-- and totally relate to MountainMomma's "river of inclusions" in the "skyspace" of a gem or whatever.

I really like Master Cut Gems' personality and I'd like to buy from him. I'm not sure about his photography, though. His descriptions are the OPPOSITE of MountainMomma's sometimes, which cracks me up. There an unusual sapphire he describes as "not ugly" hahah. So self-effacing! If I didn't stick to the Montana route, I wonder if one of his weird, lower-priced sapphires would work for me. This Montana, actually, probably looks pretty nice in person: http://www.mastercutgems.com/preview.php?cat=294&id=6238.. Especially for Montanas, I'm into "character" than perfection. But it might be too dark (as the description says) to bezel, which might be a problem for me.
---
There seems to be a consensus in this thread that I should stick to sapphires instead of spinels or chrysoberyls. I feel like I'm always seeing, and narrowly missing, really cool spinels and chrysoberyls that are great deals and really pretty. Any reason why I shouldn't stick it out and look for those? What do you guys think? Some examples (not all are still available):

Spinels:
http://www.gemrite.com/collections/gems/products/blue-spinel-1-22-cts
http://www.mastercutgems.com/preview.php?cat=250&id=6838 (There have been more here but I think he took done a lot of his sold items recently)
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/454441418620645548/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/454441418620659629/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/454441418620659629/

Chrysoberyl:
http://www.mastercutgems.com/preview.php?cat=296&id=6784
http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=46&idproduct=4192
http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=46&idproduct=1324 (going in a completely different but maybe interesting direction)
That Peter Torraca round I failed to pull the trigger on that i think was about $600

 

[minousbijoux]

Hi Eudora: wow, it does look like you've made progress. And you are clearly in good hands with all the help. I just wanted to interject that chrysoberyl is probably not the stone for you if you're looking for a golden yellow. Offhand, I can't ever remember seeing one that is golden (there may be exceptions I'm not recalling). They seem to have either green or brown modifiers. The most expensive ones are the neon, highlighter yellow ones, which have become quite pricey the last few years. Other than that, you might find a pale, almost pastel yellow chrysoberyl in your budget and size range.

Good luck!

 

[Eudora]

MinousBijoux - Thanks! For chrysoberyl, pastel would be fine. And I think "golden" (aka some but not too much brown) would be fine as well. Do these look like the latter? http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=46&idproduct=4192 and http://www.mastercutgems.com/preview.php?cat=296&id=6784? I just don't want A LOT of green so that it looks like kryptonite, which seems like the most expensive kind anyway.

 

[velouriaL]

Not to add to the Montana pile that it seems like you might be looking for alternatives to, but this 6.7mm Montana is only a little over your $1000 stated budget and looks awesome - http://www.gemartservices.com/stones.php?id=monsapp002#

 

[pinkjewel]

Not to add to the Montana pile that it seems like you might be looking for alternatives to, but this 6.7mm Montana is only a little over your $1000 stated budget and looks awesome - http://www.gemartservices.com/stones.php?id=monsapp002#

I was also going to suggest contacting Jerry at gemartservices.com I believe he may now be a partial owner of a montana sapphire mine or at least has access to a lot of montana sapphires-sorry, just can't remember for sure. Anyway, I'd suggest you contact him (great guy!!) and see what he may have available.

 

[Niel]

The picture makes it look a little foggy, but it could just be the pic

http://www.thegemtrader.com/Dec%2008%20Chrysoberyl%20Page.htm

 

[carmen1]

I know you mentioned that Gemfix was expensive, but they have quite a few Montana Sapphires in the 1.3 - 1.8ct range that are in the $800-$1,200 price range. While relative to lower priced chrysoberyls and spinels that range seems high, I wouldn't consider it overpriced for Montana Sapphires, especially since cut is a high priority to you. If you do decide to go the Montana sapphire route at the higher end of your budget, they have an excellent selection.

http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_montana.html

 

[minousbijoux]

MinousBijoux - Thanks! For chrysoberyl, pastel would be fine. And I think "golden" (aka some but not too much brown) would be fine as well. Do these look like the latter? http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=46&idproduct=4192 and http://www.mastercutgems.com/preview.php?cat=296&id=6784? I just don't want A LOT of green so that it looks like kryptonite, which seems like the most expensive kind anyway.

Perfect description, and you are dead on - the "kryptonite" ones that you don't like are the most expensive! In that case, you'll easily be able to find what you seek if and when you decide to go in that direction. For now, it sounds like you are getting tremendous help in the Montana area - there are some lovelies out there.

 

[jbkhere]

Eudora - have you seen Minou's beautiful chrysoberyl on LT? Just sayin'

http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/3-dot-9ct-cushion-chyrsoberyl

I'd be all over this one if I had any bling funds at the moment!

 

[JewelFreak]

Minou's chryso looks very nice. I also like Barry's, looks like a nice golden one.

I get your feeling about size. I wear a 7 ring & am not happy with anything below 7 mm if I don't plan to halo it or use side stones. Some of the Montanas linked here are worth considering as well as those 2 chrysos.

What are you thinking now that you've seen a few examples? Any easier to make a choice?

--- Laurie

 

[Eudora]

the chrysoberyl on Loip Troop is nice but a little big for my purposes. I know it's a narrow range, but I think 7mm is ideal with 6.7mm and 8mm being the outside limits. At least I'm decided on one thing.

I think now I'm just going to take it to my boyfriend. Explains the strengths and weaknesses of age, and let him surprise me. I can't make a decision!

 

[Niel]

Have you seen the new one on LT. seems to check a lot of your boxes.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/chrysoberyl-cut-by-peter-torraca

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

"-Sapphire - Preferably a Montana. I don't need it to be a perfect, pure blue. I like a little green a don't mind gray. I like the idea of it being from the USA and also my boyfriend has blue/green/gray eyes.
-Spinel - I like the look of gray diamonds and-- at least online-- I like the look of blue-gray spinels. I also like their pricepoint!
-Chrysoberyl - I really like the look of yellow (more golden than kryptonite) with yellow gold. Yummy!"

Please don't limit yourself to USA sapphires. With your criteria I could see you picking up a nice blue sapphire from Dana or other vendors. I love a blue sapphire that can be as moody and beautiful as the sky. Chrysoberyls can be amazing as they are so sparkly and vibrant. IMHO as beautiful as chrysoberyls are, they are not as interesting as a blue sapphire with a mix of lavender, or green.

 

[velouriaL]

I understand the fear of committee paralysis, but lucky for you, your tastes don't align with mainstream marketing hype. That is to say, you, unlike most people, don't have champagne taste and beer budget. You sort of have... really great underrated upper tier Trader Joes wine taste! That means you can build a collection jewelery, even alternative e-rings, over time... unless the market catches on!

 

[Niel]

also, did you see this??

http://www.thegemtrader.com/July%202005%20Yellow%20Sapphire%20Page.htm

 

[Eudora]

That gorgeous chrysoberyl looks to have sold. I never pull the trigger in time because of hemming and hawing.

I do really like the Gem Trader sapphire, too, but I wasn't sure how it would look real life. I remember reading somewhere that yellow sapphires that color look "dirty" in real life? If you guys think that one would look good, I think it might be a good option....

And a "moody" sapphire sounds dreamy...

But then again, I do like the idea of Montana. Maybe I should go for that since sapphires require the least explanation and I do think the
I like the sound of that one from Gem Art Services, but I can't really tell what the color is from the photo. But still $1000 on one little piece of mineral! Sheesh! But it's so cool! And I want to support the small business American miners, cutters... Seriously this is what it sounds like in my brain, you guys!

I really think that if I just went somewhere I could see gems in person, I would fall in love with one and buy it on the spot. Maybe we should plan on going to a gem show. As it is, Velouria is right that I am suffering from fear of commitment paralysis. This is exactly what happened last year. We were gung-ho about getting the ball rolling on the engagement but then I didn't make headway on the e-ring and we both kind of forgot about it. I have a feeling I need to either tell him to make a decision without me or we're just going to get courthouse married at some point when we need to for bureaucratic reasons. LOL!

 

[Niel]

I know that gem trader one he let's you return it, if you really want to see it in person. As you like it and its in budget.

If youre content paying 1k, a Montana sounds fun and would go with your rugged earthy style of ring.

I'm usually one who says stay in budget. But you also have to pick something you'll love.

 

[carmen1]

I really think that if I just went somewhere I could see gems in person, I would fall in love with one and buy it on the spot. Maybe we should plan on going to a gem show.

I think I read in an earlier post that you are in California, if you are within driving distance of San Diego, perhaps you can make a real life in person visit to Gemfix and check out a good selection of well cut gemstones for yourself so you can narrow it down or even pull the trigger? Good luck to you !

 

[minousbijoux]

I really think that if I just went somewhere I could see gems in person, I would fall in love with one and buy it on the spot. Maybe we should plan on going to a gem show.

I think I read in an earlier post that you are in California, if you are within driving distance of San Diego, perhaps you can make a real life in person visit to Gemfix and check out a good selection of well cut gemstones for yourself so you can narrow it down or even pull the trigger? Good luck to you !

I second Carmen's idea - a great way to see many stones.