Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ring

[EastCoaster]

I am totally new to this, and my boyfriend/fiance knows absolulely nothing about fine jewelry.

I want to buy a replica of Kate Middleton's ring, only much more petite. Even if I had all the money in the world I wouldn't want one as big as hers. And I don't have all the money in the world. The budget is between $2,000 and $4,000.
I hate aping celebrities, but my Mom had one very much like it, and it's the style I've always wanted.

I'd prefer not to have to spend a lot of time sourcing the stone and just be able to buy a ring that's already made by a reputable jeweler. I do not want an inky ring, but I actually like the darker royal blue to ( gasp!) navy look. Heat treatment is fine, but diffusion and irradiation are not. It doesn't need to be as perfect as the standard pricescoper would demand, but it is going to be my engagement ring, and I want it to be nice.

There are two ready-made ones online which looked nice. One from angara and one from gemvara.
I like the classic, even old-fashioned look. I am the antithesis of bling. So, for example as between this angara version, and the gemvara version, I prefer the look of the angara.

http://www.angara.com/p/oval-sapphire-and-round-diamond-border-ring-sr0169s.html

http://www.gemvara.com/jewelry/diana-ring/oval-sapphire-platinum-ring-with-diamond/33yfc

The gemvara looks tougher and more modern to me.

The angara would also be significantly cheaper. The list price is cheaper, they offer discounts, and I wouldn't have to pay sales tax. Gemvara is in MA, so I would have to pay sales tax.

I would prefer to have a sapphire that's closer to 2 carats. I think that anything bigger would look huge on me, and I know that the price goes up a lot over 2 carats. I don't know my ring size, but I'm fairly petite. I'm going jewelry shopping tomorrow and will find out the size then.

If at all possible, I'd like to know something about the diamonds. I don't want to be responsible for some child having his arm blown off.

Suggestions? I think that my boyfriend is very nervous about going the online route, so I need to be able to reassure him. Are there local jewelers in the Boston area that people would recommend?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

Not a replica of Kate's / Diana's ... but pretty sweet in its own rights!!
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Modern-and-Estate-Pieces/Sapphire-Bezel-Ring/30254606_bqwBSm#!i=2604561488&k=HZfb4b3
$1465 and JbEG are definitely PS darlings!!


And another, but still not like what you are looking for.... (sorry!) but food for thought...

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Modern-and-Estate-Pieces/3ct-Sapphire-Halo-Ring/26275319_CBDvN2#!i=2188157132&k=Wfds2X5 $5450.

 

[pregcurious]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

I'm from Boston, and I can't think of any stores that specialize in colored stones. Before you buy a sapphire ring though, you should find out if the sapphire is untreated, heated only, or treated beyond just heat. The treatment will greatly affect the value of your stone. There's good information here:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/looking-for-a-blue-sapphire-start-here.185711/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/looking-for-a-blue-sapphire-start-here.185711/[/URL]

Most PSers focus on finding the best stone, then picking a separate vendor for the setting. It may be difficult for us to find you a quality stone in the setting you are describing because many of the vendors frequented here don't offer complete rings. The few rings they have may not fit your description (for example, Simply Sapphires has rings, but none match your description).

That said, here is one reputable vendor that sells completed sapphire rings, and they should have treatment information on their stones:
http://andrewsarosi.com/jewelry/blue-sapphire_c26/

The first ring on that page looks similar to Kate's ring:

If you're not very picky about the details of the setting or the stone, you can get the most bang for your buck by buying a stone from someone like Jeffrey Davies, who has very competitive prices on stones, and then asking him to put in a setting for you. His sapphires are here http://pinterest.com/jeffdaviesgems/sapphire/.. The caveat is that he is located in Thailand, and you would have to find out the return policy.

 

[carmen1]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

I was also going to recommend contacting Jeff Davies for the project. I've communicated with him about creating a custom setting for a gemstone I purchased in the past, his pricing was very reasonable and the photos of finished jewelry on his Facebook page look beautiful. I ultimately decided I needed to see the stone in person before I had it set, but I would definitely consider purchasing a setting or a finished piece of jewelry from him in the future. He does appear to have a few darker blue oval sapphires available on his pinterest page that was linked above. I'd prefer using him over the 2 vendors you posted about, as he can provide an AIGS report so you will know whether the sapphire has been treated, and he can answer any specific questions you have about a particular stone.

 

[FrekeChild]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

FYI, the gemvara image is of a CAD (computer aided design) so that's not actually what the ring would look like in real life. It would be much more refined.

 

[EastCoaster]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

Thank you Freke. I did know that it was CAD but didn't think about how that would affect it.

Thank you for the suggestion pregcurious. I'm okay with heated, since I don't want to spend too much but not otherwise treated.

I really appreciate everyone's advice a lot. I just know that my boyfriend easily gets overwhelmed at the thought of buying a non-commodity item on the internet. I'm going shopping today and will, at the very least, find out my ring size.

 

[pregcurious]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

I just remembered, All That Glitters is located in Methuen, MA. I have not purchased from them. Chrono purchased a garnet from them years ago, and successfully returned it. They have nice looking stones that you can go see in person. At the very least, I would recommend you go so you can see fine stones. Mall stores are very unlikely to have nice sapphires.
http://www.atggems.com/Photos_Sapphire1.htm

 

[movie zombie]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

if you are worried about blood diamonds, you will need to have diamonds sourced from Australia and/or Canada for the most part.
perhaps a vendor can help you with that if you decide to build your own ring.
I have no experience with this vendor but they do have Canadian diamonds with sapphire rings:

http://www.brilliantearth.com/rings/blue-sapphire/engagement-rings/

 

[Upgradable]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

I second Pregcurious' endorsement of All That Glitters. They have beautiful stones and good prices. They are a reputable seller and with a good customer service. Take a look at their first page of sapphires. I think there are several that may work well.
http://www.atggems.com/Photos_Sapphire1.htm

As for setting, I used ID Jewelry for my ruby (see my avatar) and have been completely thrilled with the outcome! And I'm a picky, very picky, consumer! Here's a link to the setting. Now, the listed price here is with the center stone, so the cost for mounting your stone in this ring would be considerably less. http://idjewelryonline.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_41&products_id=10622&cType=ER

I think you can get your girlfriend an OUTSTANDING, not ordinary, ring that will meet your budget. Let us know if you need any more help.

 

[EastCoaster]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

Thanks, Upgradable. I'm the girlfriend. My boyfriend/fiance is the nervous one, and I'm the slightly more obsessive, researcher. So, it falls to me.

That's exactly what I want. Kind of boring but what I like.

 

[SB621]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

You can also look at New York Estates Jewelers- they have a website and have some antique halo sapphire rings. However, I have no idea on treatment so I would get something in writting that if it doesn't check out you get a return.

 

[EastCoaster]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

Quick update -- I did shop today. In downtown Boston there was only one shop which had much in the way of sapphires in stock: DePrisco at 333 Washington Street. I did, however, find out my ring size: 4.5.


I made an appointment to go to skylight jewelers which mainly does custom work but was recommended here by a Bostonian. A couple of places I wanted to check out were closed. I e-mailed all that glitters to ask about viewing something.

I'm going to try to get in touch with Jeff Davies too.

 

[EastCoaster]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

Thanks all for suggesting Jeff Davies. He was super prompt and helpful and proposed something quite affordable.

The stone he suggested was electric blue. I'm not quite clear on how that compares to my preferred royal blue. It sounds more cornflowery.

 

[carmen1]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

Thanks all for suggesting Jeff Davies. He was super prompt and helpful and proposed something quite affordable.

The stone he suggested was electric blue. I'm not quite clear on how that compares to my preferred royal blue. It sounds more cornflowery.

Is it this stone? It doesn't look cornflower blue to me, but we may have completely different definitions of cornflower.

http://pinterest.com/pin/454441418620275846/

http://youtu.be/EGWIWJIZf1I

 

[chrono]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

Do you mind posting a picture of the recommended stone? One person's electric blue might be another person's navy blue.

 

[EastCoaster]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

I think that carmen1's stone is the recommended one. Let me check. I remember that it was 2.46 carats.

He said that he could do .03-.05 carat diamonds for the halo with a white gold band for $4,000 or just under.

UPDATE: Yes.

http://pinterest.com/pin/454441418620275846/

http://youtu.be/EGWIWJIZf1I

I think that I was imagining something slightly darker.

There was one mammoth ring her that was described as electric blue which looked like a neon sign. I was imagining something rich and dark--almost navy but still lively.

No, you're right that it's not cornflower, but it's a bit lighter than I wanted. Still, it might look darker in a halo. Who knows.

 

[chrono]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

I think this sapphire will be darker in person, which might be the right stone for you. Rich in colour (saturation)? I am doubtful but yes, it should be a decently lively looking sapphire.

 

[EastCoaster]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

That makes sense. I almost even like the undesired navy look though if it lets light through. My boyfriend/fiance is very nervous about dealing with someone outside the country, so we'll see.

There is a local jeweler/artist with whom I have an appointment who was reviewed here once called skylight. I want to see what they quote me. The style on his website doesn't fit mine, but the yelp reviews are all great.

 

[chrono]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

You like what you like and that's all to it. Just as we all don't like the same ice cream flavour, we all don't like the same coloured stones. There's no wrong or right, no reason or rhymme. Many here on Pricescope have made purchases from Jeff Davies, if that helps inspire some measure of confidence.

I caution that if the jeweller's style does not match what you like, you are more likely to be disappointed. There is a reason why he does that style best and so focuses on it. I would not commission an intricate all metal setting setting from a bench who specializes in diamond pave halos is an example I would use.

 

[EastCoaster]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

Yup, I'll be careful. It's just that it felt much more like a studio than a regular jewelry store.

http://skylightjewelers.com/

Although beautiful, the 23rd street jewelers and maytal hannah look aren't really me. Jeff may be the way to go.

 

[EastCoaster]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

FYI -- All that Glitters said that all of the stones were photographed online, and that they are not open to the public.

 

[carmen1]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

It would appear that Jeff will be able to replicate the style of ring you are seeking, based on these photos posted on his Facebook page:



His website has a link to Skype with him, maybe that would help your boyfriend get comfortable with the purchase?

 

[tara3056]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

Jeff is good to work with, but he does use bright lighting in his videos and pictures, so I, too, think this sapphire would be a bit darker in real life than shown, which sounds like it could work well for you. He has a good return policy, although returning overseas can be a pain. It would give you an option to view it in person before committing to having the ring custom-made, though.

 

[snowmom]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diamond-2-CT-Sapphire-Wedding-Engagement-Ring-Antique-Victorian-Art-Deco-18K-/321191666107?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ac883e1bb

This looks nice

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/4/6/3/0/1/8/webimg/626008760_tp.jpg

 

[emmmme]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

I was looking through Pristine Jewelry's shop on Etsy today and happened upon this ring:

http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/75992497/blue-sapphire-ring-surrounded-in-cubic

I've never purchased anything from Rogerio and Andrea in the past but I did pursue a custom project with them and they were absolutely wonderful. (It didn't work out because of problems on my end -- I'd very happily work with them again!) Their shop policies are reasonable and their service is prompt and friendly.

I see they have a similar setting with different stones and a plain shank here:

http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/92554254/white-sapphire-14k-rose-gold-diamond

If you contacted them, they could find a sapphire in the darker colour you prefer, and give you a price for the completed ring.

 

[Niel]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

does it have to be oval? or could it be just a plain shank halo with larger diamond halo? because i think this i a pretty sapphire and would leave you lots for a setting

http://www.mastercutgems.com/preview.php?cat=251&id=7039 ( i think its about $880 if im not mistaken )


I know its not oval, but that might make it just different enough to allow you to not feel like you're copying a celeb. Also, you could get a custom made halo with the remaining budget.. Make it a simple halo with rounds or even something a little more unique.




Just an idea.... Im no sapphire expert, so keep that in mind. Im bad at color.

 

[pregcurious]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

does it have to be oval? or could it be just a plain shank halo with larger diamond halo? because i think this i a pretty sapphire and would leave you lots for a setting

http://www.mastercutgems.com/preview.php?cat=251&id=7039 ( i think its about $880 if im not mistaken )

This one is already gone.

 

[Niel]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

does it have to be oval? or could it be just a plain shank halo with larger diamond halo? because i think this i a pretty sapphire and would leave you lots for a setting

http://www.mastercutgems.com/preview.php?cat=251&id=7039 ( i think its about $880 if im not mistaken )

This one is already gone.

Ah lame.

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

The experts will have to tell you more on if these are good or not but I went hunting for a vintage ring

http://www.rubylane.com/item/518197-RGA17412G/Vintage-18k-Platinum-Sapphire-Diamond

This one looks like the sapphire might have some issues but I'm not sure
http://www.rubylane.com/item/518197-RGA16710G/Antique-18k-European-Sapphire-Diamond

This one is stunning
http://www.rubylane.com/item/1039971-Ring-8/Victorian-Color-Change-Blue-Violet

Not quite the design but pretty never the less!
http://www.rubylane.com/item/670935-1320/Stunning-Late-Art-Deco-18K

Now I realize this isn't a sapphire center stone but it's very pretty and still has the halo and sapphires

http://www.rubylane.com/item/726095-JWL370/Decadent-Edwardian-1-25ct-Diamond

http://www.rubylane.com/item/1039971-ring-273/Classically-Beautiful-Bright-Sapphire-Diamond



Let me know if any of these are more appealing than others and I'll continue my search for you

 

[chrono]

Re: Absolute newbie: petite replica of Lady Di's sapphire ri

Most of the RubyLane rings show a lot of wear and tear on the diamonds and sapphire but this can be polished out later. None mention treatment and I would want verification that they aren't synthetics since synthetic stones were very popular during the Art Deco era.