Your hunt for a dream stone?

[SouthernSunset]

The hunt for that dream colored stone is a talent unto itself it seems. Since mine has been halted for now I'm trying to distract myself from looking with other projects. Then I thought it could be fun to hear how others found the colored stone apples of their eye, lol.

1.) What is/was your dream stone(s)?
2.) How long did it take to find it?
3.) What processes/methods did you try and which one worked best?
4.) Did you have to change your original parameters of size, weight, color, shape, cut or budget?
5.) How did you feel after you finally found it?
6.) Was it hard trying to decide how to set it?
7.) Was it enough to fix your craving for that specific type of stone?
8.) Will you post lots of pictures for us?

 

[endless_summer]

I'm still on the hunt for dream stones, so I'm curious what other folks have to say - good thread idea!

However, I did finish one dream stone project right at the end of last year - I'm sure many folks can remember the roller coaster ride that was chasing after a pear cut sunny, big bird yellow sapphire It took nearly three months, but…I got lucky and found the perfect color and size right off the bat - the issue for me was cut! I've learned that windows drive me nuts, so with the help of many here, I opted to roll the dice on a re-cut, which turned out beautifully with all of its face-up size and produced my absolute dream yellow sapphire. I already had a setting for the stone, since the stone came as a ring - of course, it crapped out during sizing, but I got lucky and received a newly hand-made setting back, as the 'crapping out' was not anticipated by either my jeweler or by me. So, now the stone has a gorgeous home in a platinum ring with tapered baguettes and sits in a lovely yellow gold prongs.

Pics from start to finish here:

1) selecting the stone among other blue sapphires: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sapphires-attempts-2-3-and-4-pic-overload.195305/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sapphires-attempts-2-3-and-4-pic-overload.195305/[/URL]

2) re-cut: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/success-yellow-sapphire-attempt-4-re-cut-pre-post-pics.196104/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/success-yellow-sapphire-attempt-4-re-cut-pre-post-pics.196104/[/URL]

3) recap & finished ring w/many pics: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-9-vivid-yellow-sapphire-total-transformation-complete.196839/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-9-vivid-yellow-sapphire-total-transformation-complete.196839/[/URL]

Here's what I learned - everything takes longer than expected, and while I didn't have to compromise on what I was looking for, I did pay the piper in terms of taking a risk and pain-in-the-rear factor - that said, I'd do it all over again because the project came in on budget, and now my dream stone set in its dream ring (couldn't imagine setting it any other way). I'm happy to compromise on time and playing make it work to get everything else

Dream sunstone - Got lucky and stumbled on a dream stone that I couldn't have even dreamed up! Fun times setting it now…
Plenty of vendor and new pics here: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gorgeous-sunset-in-a-sunstone-another-jerry-beauty.197238/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gorgeous-sunset-in-a-sunstone-another-jerry-beauty.197238/[/URL]

I don't think I'll be on the lookout for other yellow stones or a sunstone, but I've enjoyed the process and the work involved (one would think it would be a deterrent, but no - it's like winning a really fun game that takes a long time to play) and have found that I've simply been bit by the CS bug! Next dream stone on the horizon…holy grail light violetish blue square step cut sapphire…beyond that, we're just talking a really fun wish list!

 

[FrekeChild]

1.) What is/was your dream stone(s)?
Ahhh....I have several. Periwinkle spinel. Gray spinel. Lavender spinel. Colorless spinel. Blue topaz.

2.) How long did it take to find it?
Um, a long time. Plus I kept adding more stones on to what I wanted. The more I saw, the more I wanted. So I've been a member here since December 2007...lets just say 6+ years.

3.) What processes/methods did you try and which one worked best?
Persistence. Stalking. Lots and lots of free time. Being in the right place at the right time is HUGE. Having enough money when you're at the right place at the right time is even more important.

4.) Did you have to change your original parameters of size, weight, color, shape, cut or budget?
Yeah. Size is usually the one that takes the biggest hit.

5.) How did you feel after you finally found it?
"My preccccioussssssssssssssssssss......"

6.) Was it hard trying to decide how to set it?
Oh yes. Very. Sometimes.
Periwinkle sat unloved for 4 years until I had liquidated a lot of my collection to buy something that slipped through my fingers. But then a PSer listed her amazing setting and I had to have it. Ordinarily I do not have that kind of money sitting around, nor would I normally spend it on a setting.
Colorless sat around for a while, but then a MWM came up on preloved, and I HAD TO HAVE IT. Luckily it fit this stone. Special stone and special setting. It's one of my favorites.
Lavender...I was originally going to set it as a three stone with two cushions. Then I sold off all three stones. Then I bought the asscher back, and ended up falling in love with a setting at my local jeweler's not long after.
Gray spinel...I still don't know, but I think a solitaire. It's awfully big to add lots of stuff to. I could triple halo it!
Blue Topaz 1, was easy. I sent Daniel M some inspiration pics, and told him to go wild. He did.
Blue Topaz 2, well, I really bought it more for the setting, it just turned out to be a happy accident that it was basically what I originally wanted as an ering.

7.) Was it enough to fix your craving for that specific type of stone?
Never. My appetite for gems seems to be insatiable.

8.) Will you post lots of pictures for us?
Lol! I have already....

Periwinkle: has a long back story. I wanted an oval for my ering, but everyone talked me out of blue topaz, and into blue spinels. I found one that made my heart sing, but it had sold to another...
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/i-need-help.76758/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/desperately-seeking-spinel.92677/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/one-year-and-a-couple-months-later.125382/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/enamored-spinel-sapphire-and-diamond.190679/

Gray Spinel: My very first "I want a gemstone and not for my ering". I've had a lot, more than I posted, but here are the more important threads:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gray.77096/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/quick-help-gray-silver-gemstones.81105/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/not-everyones-cup-of-tea.105633/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/the-gray-spinel-has-been-set.127957/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3ct-gray-spinel-oec.195142/

Lavender Spinel: I bought it secondhand, then sold it and then bought it back. Then set it.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/poll-next-setting-project-hot-pink-violet-or-green.185782/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/poll-next-setting-project-hot-pink-violet-or-green.185782/[/URL]
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/spinels-lavender-and-hot-pink.193272/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/violet-asscher-spinel-ring.193941/

Blue topaz: I don't think I have a thread on my daughter's birthstone ring/my push present, but it's an 8ct stunner from Barry Bridgestock. Some pics here:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/freke-has-a-lot-of-unposted-jewels.174584/
Blue topaz: anniversary present
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/took-a-risk-on-ebay.197561/

Colorless Spinel:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/close-enough-to-colorless-spinel.145088/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/freke-has-a-lot-of-unposted-jewels.174584/


Every day, I look at my jewelry box and get all giddy that I own all of this stuff. Dudes. I am so so SO LUCKY.

 

[endless_summer]

I wish other folks would chime in - I like reading fun threads like this

 

[T L]

1.) What is/was your dream stone(s)?
A very saturated stone with nice luster, that is typically untreated, and within my price range, as well as being a good size. These can include various garnets, spinels, chyrsoberyl, emerald.

2.) How long did it take to find it?
A while ago, it was far easier to find really good material, and affordaIbly too. These days, it still is, but you have to search harder. I really don't buy anymore.

3.) What processes/methods did you try and which one worked best?
I took lots of risks that I really don't recommend others do. For some of the risks I took, it worked out great, but for others, not so much.

4.) Did you have to change your original parameters of size, weight, color, shape, cut or budget?
No

5.) How did you feel after you finally found it?
Euphoric. It kind of gives you a rush, which is why this hobby and others can be addicting.

6.) Was it hard trying to decide how to set it?
Not really. I'm not that picky with settings, as I buy the stone primarily for the stone.

7.) Was it enough to fix your craving for that specific type of stone?
Yes.

8.) Will you post lots of pictures for us? [/quote]

Here are some of my favs.

 

[deskjockey]

I haven't really been on a dream stone hunt

Ultimately I want a big chromy demantoid, but I think that is more a budget issue than a "hard hunt" sort of issue.

In the nearer future, the challenge will be a golden/peachish or bronze-y topaz in a smaller size (7 mm or so). It seems all the ones I find in the color range I love are HUGE (or huge to me - I want a birthstone ring, and I think above 7-8 mm is too big for my fingers)

 

[SouthernSunset]

Yay! Great posts! I love hearing stories about how everyone finds their lovely stones. Its so exciting to see updates and finished pieces following along the whole journey. I remember joining in the end of your hunt endless, I feel less like a newbie now. I'm like, a level three newbie instead of level one haha.

Any other stone tales? :]

 

[endless_summer]

Yay! Great posts! I love hearing stories about how everyone finds their lovely stones. Its so exciting to see updates and finished pieces following along the whole journey. I remember joining in the end of your hunt endless, I feel less like a newbie now. I'm like, a level three newbie instead of level one haha.

Any other stone tales? :]

I really like reading them too! I don't know when I won't consider myself a newbie, but with everyone's help on the yellow sapphire, I certainly learned a whole lot in a very, very short amount of time. Folks here really helped me hone in on exactly what I wanted, helped figure out why I did and didn't like certain things, and really put in the time to help guide me through decisions along the way with that baby If it weren't for the PSers that put so much effort into helping me, I probably wouldn't have that first CS dream stone/ring now. And, having also discovered the ability to commission work here, well…other dreams might come true too (I feel like that Disney 'when you wish upon a star' song ought to be playing in the background as I write this…lol .

 

[chrono]

1.) What is/was your dream stone(s)?
This is a difficult one because I have so many dream stones. I go by colour, rather than variety although my favourites tend to be spinels and garnets; blue (purple and lavender included), pink and red spinels, green and orange garnets, chrysoberyl, and more. Basically anything with colour that stands out.

2.) How long did it take to find it?
Some were relatively quick as in a matter of weeks whilst others took around 2 years or so. It feels luck based at times. More often than not, the right stone pops up when I am not looking actively for it.

3.) What processes/methods did you try and which one worked best?
I suppose this one is related to #2 above. I scouted "new" vendors unknown to PS but made sure that they are reputable before buying, verifying their return/refund policies, and etc. Most of those "new" vendors back then are now in the vetted list and are now the favourites of PSers for the past 5 years or more.

4.) Did you have to change your original parameters of size, weight, color, shape, cut or budget?
I tried to be somewhat flexible but most of the parameters were quite firm (minimum carat weight, any shape but oval, any cut is fine as long as it's not horrible and I saved up as much as I could before and during the search process). The one thing I never sacrificed was colour and minimum size.

5.) How did you feel after you finally found it?
Elated!!! So over the moon that I worried I'll screw up the setting design and then hate the ring.

6.) Was it hard trying to decide how to set it?
Definitely because I knew the stone was IT and deserved the very best. Most stones took anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for me to finalize the design before I went out for quotes. My tsavorite is the prime example for how long it can take me to decide on the right setting. I purchased it back in 2008 and it is still unset.

7.) Was it enough to fix your craving for that specific type of stone?
100%. If it didn't fix the craving, then I knew I had not found the Holy Grail stone yet (that one of the parameters must be "off").

8.) Will you post lots of pictures for us?
They are all over the place in CS. Do you still want me to repost them here?

 

[pregcurious]

I am a relative noob compared to the previous posters, but here are my responses thus far.

1.) What is/was your dream stone(s)?
a) Yellow diamonds. I first came to PS to figure out a new setting for my engagement ring white diamond, and I originally wanted Fancy Yellow Diamond sidestones and contacted Leon Mege for a quote. Then, I had a death in the family, and I did not go through with the project. I ended up using Fancy Yellow Diamond melee in a halo instead, years later.
b) My first dream center stone is something I will not mention because I have yet to find it, and I do not want someone else to buy it. It is taking me so long because I will not compromise on any aspect of the stone.
c) My 2nd colored center dream stone was a Red Ruby or Spinel. I have had other dream stones (fulfilled), but the spinel is special.
2.) How long did it take to find it?
It took me 4 years to realize 1) I actually did want and 2) how I wanted to use colored diamonds in my new engagement ring setting. As for my 1st dream center colored stone, I have yet to find it after 5-6 years. I found the Red Spinel after 1.5-2 years?
3.) What processes/methods did you try and which one worked best?
For the colored diamonds, I figured it out through trial and error. For the Red Spinel, I looked in jewelry stores within driving distance, and also in DC/NYC/Boston. I also contacted everyone from Pala to some vendors you see on the recommended list, and cold called jewelry stores on the East Coast known for colored stones. The thing that worked best was contacting a reputable vendor who sources stones to the trade.
4.) Did you have to change your original parameters of size, weight, color, shape, cut or budget?
For Yellow Diamonds, I went from wanted sidestones to wanting a halo. For the Red Spinel, I wanted a cushion or a round stone, and I bought an oval.
5.) How did you feel after you finally found it?
For the Fancy Yellow Diamond setting, I was ecstatic when I saw the finished piece! For the Red Spinel, I was surprised. I was so surprised when I first saw it come out of the gem parcel paper. The appraiser I was working with said, "wow, that is red!" We both saw it for the first time at the same time.
6.) Was it hard trying to decide how to set it?
The Red Spinel is still not set after 4 years. I have tried 4 different metalsmiths/vendors over the years for other setting projects, and I think I found the right person to set the spinel. .
7.) Was it enough to fix your craving for that specific type of stone?
Yes. I am satisfied with the Fancy Yellow Diamonds in terms of them making up my "final" engagement ring setting. I am also happy with the Red Spinel.
8.) Will you post lots of pictures for us? [/quote]
The Red Spinel is in my avatar. It was appraised as between R 5/6 and slpR 7/4 (based on the GIA GEMset), or red to slightly-purple-red. The color may not appear accurately on your screen.

The setting with Fancy Yellow Diamonds is here. I got it earlier this month. I cannot stop looking at it!
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/fancy-yellow-diamond-halo-from-erd.197757/#post-3601362#p3601362']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/fancy-yellow-diamond-halo-from-erd.197757/#post-3601362#p3601362[/URL]
Here is a pic:

 

[SouthernSunset]

@endless, haha I know what you mean! Not a single soul I know personally cares all that much about jewelry, let alone knows anything. And I've been fascinated by it since I was a child. Finding PS made me so happy that I had somewhere to learn from! I don't comment as much because I don't know or have seen as many setting/stone combinations as others but I love reading every day. Plus everyone here is so nice and laid back, which I've never met on any other message board I've used, its great.

@Chrono, I'd love to see some more! If its no trouble anyways. I don't think I could ever see too much of one gemstone ever or too many of them. I'm also intrigued how you found new vendors, endless googling? Going to gem shows? Or are all the good online vendors discovered by now so I should give up

@pregcurious, yes I've always loved the red spinel of yours. Its like a perfect chunk of red goodness. And wow you were determined to find a stone! That's a very exhaustive list. How did you find/contact a vendor that sources stones to the trade? And good luck on your hunt for you first choice center!! I understand the compulsion to hide info, if I was any good at containing my excitement/questions/desire for opinions I'd do the same, sadly I'm not lol.

 

[pregcurious]

Southernsunset, thanks for the complement. I love CSs, and the hunt for the spinel was mostly fun. These hunts facilitate something I would want to do anyway, although that hunt had it's own drama and frustration. That's what makes the spinel valuable to me though, more so than my random finds (even if something was a dream stone to check off).

I found the vendor (Bruce Bridges) by accident when I was looking at tsavorite garnets. I cold emailed him off his website, and he was very responsive. He already had 2 stones in hand that fit my size criteria, but they were both ovals. I got other suggestions from my appraiser, PS, and jewelry stores.

There are some vendors on that list that I would not consider buying from, and not all the vendors PSers have bought from are on the list. I've only added people who I've done a transactions with, and I've verified the purchase in some manner (with an experienced independent appraiser, or a gem report). You should not give up on finding new vendors

I'm slightly introverted, so if something is not foremost in my mind, I don't express it. The hunt for the first center stone is always in the background for me, not an active thing anymore, so I don't post about it. I can only actively look for a stone for up to 2 years. Most of my stone purchases happened because the right stone just happened to fall in my path.