Creating my dream paraiba ring

[SparkliesLuver]

I just received the paraiba melee! I seriously can't believe how tiny these guys are. Something tells me I'll have to do my "playing around" at work since there's no way I'll be able to do this at home with all the distractions. Hopefully I can start tomorrow!

 

[Acinom]

I just received the paraiba melee! I seriously can't believe how tiny these guys are. Something tells me I'll have to do my "playing around" at work since there's no way I'll be able to do this at home with all the distractions. Hopefully I can start tomorrow!

Tiny yet strong and powerful. I like!!!!

 

[mochiko42]

I just received the paraiba melee! I seriously can't believe how tiny these guys are. Something tells me I'll have to do my "playing around" at work since there's no way I'll be able to do this at home with all the distractions. Hopefully I can start tomorrow!

Oh, how adorable and gorgeous! Look at the NEON!

Whatever you do, DON'T open the case. Seriously, it would be so easy for one to fall out and disappear in your carpet or bounce under a cabinet etc..

 

[SparkliesLuver]

They really are, Acinom. You never know what something will look like until you see it IRL, and these didn't disappoint!

They do have some neon, mochiko! Glad it's not just my eyes that see it. I know, I realized that after tilting the box around for a few minutes, contemplating opening it. Hm. Maybe I'll just put my stone on top of the box to evaluate? Is that what you'd suggest?

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Here's a quick photo comparison...

 

[lilmosun]

Gorgeous stones!

Use the top of a small shoe box or bracelet box and place it under the gem jar when opening. Open the jar slowly and down in the box top. Works great for melee parcels (actually any sized stones)

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Thanks, lilmosun. Ohhhh, good idea. I'll take some pictures with my pear on top, see how daring I feel and go from there. haha

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Excuse the awful lighting in the closet, but here's a quick picture. They look like a pretty darn good match to me! Can't wait to take more tomorrow at work.

 

[Acinom]

That's a great match Sparkliesluver. I love love love how the project is evolving. It will be a stunning ring.

 

[tourma-guy]

Can't wait to see the finished ring. Such a fantastic design.

 

[Rockinruby]

They look wonderful together!

 

[Siameseroo]

They look amazing!! I can't wait to see your ring!

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Thank you so much Acinom, tourma-guy, Rockinruby and ricezo!

I decided to take one more picture this morning at work where the air is calm. I must say, this is the last time I'll be taking these out of the jar. I didn't think I'd get nervous handling them but I did. I don't want to lose any, and I can see how that's so easy to do. I've decided to keep them! And a huge thank you goes out to lilmosun for suggesting I open the jar upside down and into something. Excellent advice.

 

[Acinom]

I just cannot believe the amazing match Great photo.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Me either, Acinom. Deep down I was a little worried that the colors would be totally off, since I usually don't get lucky when it comes to stuff like this. I've asked several of my friends who have an excellent eye for color and they said "keep!" so that was reassuring...in addition to all of the comments here. Thank you!

 

[Lovinggems]

I'm in love with the last picture, gorgeous Caribbean blues.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Thank you, Lovinggems. I too love that color - it makes me so happy!

 

[kgizo]

Such beautiful stones!!!! I can't wait to see it finished and hand shots.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Thanks, kgizo. It'll be awhile, unfortunately, but that leaves me time to play with and admire my stones. Have to get my piggy bank back up to where I want it so I can do the setting without skimping anywhere. I want to ensure I do these stones justice!

 

[_lovesvintage_]

Very exciting!!! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this journey. Those stones are a perfect match as others have said. I can't wait to see the finished ring.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Thanks for stopping by, _lovesvintage_. Of course! I enjoy sharing my journey with the PS community - I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[katharath]

OMG, the melee looks amazing with the big gem!!!

 

[Rockinruby]

Oh wow! That last picture is even better! I can't believe how well they match. This is really exciting project! Btw, I would have been terrified to open the jar!

 

[lilmosun]

Glad I could help (I forgot to mention to count them every time you make a move...but I am sure you figured that out lol).

 

[SparkliesLuver]

haha. Thank you, katharath. I think that was the exact same reaction I had internally when I saw them together.

Yeah, that last picture sums it all up for me too, Rockinruby. I took a big breath before opening it.

I definitely did, lilmosun, and I made sure to count them one last time when they were back safe in the jar. Crazy how something so little can make you so nervous!

 

[SparkliesLuver]

I've reached out to several vendors for rough quotes, and I heard back from Victor Canera today. Apparently he does not work with outside melee - he only works with outside center stones - and he doesn't work with anything other than diamond melee. If I want to use him, this poses a lot of big questions. Hopefully I hear from other vendors soon.

 

[minousbijoux]

Wow, they really do look great together. I am so confident this is going to be just amazing and inspire many more to come!

That's too bad about Victor Canera. I guess working with melee is tough, especially non-diamond melee.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Thanks, minou. I'm pretty excited about using the melee, so I'm not sure I can ditch that aspect of the project altogether.

I know, it is. I guess so! I'm interested to hear what the others have to say. Maybe my purchase of the melee was a bit too preemptive.

 

[Acinom]

I've reached out to several vendors for rough quotes, and I heard back from Victor Canera today. Apparently he does not work with outside melee - he only works with outside center stones - and he doesn't work with anything other than diamond melee. If I want to use him, this poses a lot of big questions. Hopefully I hear from other vendors soon.

Oww, the stone and melee would have looked amazing in a Canera creation.
Did you also contact David Klass? He might be working with outside melee.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

I thought so too, Acinom.

I just called my best friend and talked about it because I was bummed. But she helped me see that I need to find someone who is able and willing to work with the design I want (which is the paraiba melee) instead of the other way around. She's right. VC isn't the designer for me on this ring.

I did contact several others, so I hope their response is different.