Finding the right setting

[john987willi]

To start off, this ring is for a 1 year anniversary that both my girlfriend and I have been picking out together for a while now. We have finally have gotten the list narrowed down to two different center stones. Both are tanzanite, VVS clarity, just different cuts.
http://www.gemselect.com/tanzanite/tanzanite-374703.php
http://www.gemselect.com/tanzanite/tanzanite-411464.php
She would like to do a gold setting, but my max price for a setting with shipping is $225. I have been searching around and I thought I would ask for advice for finding a good setting. So far I have found a few we have liked but are not absolutely in love with. She likes any color of gold. So we are looking at sides stone or not depending on the ring.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SOLID-10K-WHITE-GOLD-ANTIQUE-3-5MM-TRILLION-CUT-ENGRAVING-SEMI-MOUNT-SET-RING-/381510724032?hash=item58d3cfa9c0:g:1GoAAOSwcu5UR0Zv
http://www.tripps.com/index.php?p=product&id=38684
http://www.tripps.com/index.php?p=product&id=41744
http://www.tripps.com/index.php?p=product&id=38678
We really liked this ring, its just seems the sides stones on it are a little big.
http://www.tripps.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=1024&pg=1
And this one but it is out of our price range.
http://www.tripps.com/index.php?p=product&id=38502
I understand the price point makes the it difficult to get gold, but for I am hoping that there can be a few options. If you can help me with advice, or an example you know off the top of your head or even just a seller on ebay or a website, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[john987willi]

Something like this but not from a Chinese seller
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SOLID-10K-WHITE-GOLD-ANTIQUE-3-5MM-TRILLION-CUT-ENGRAVING-SEMI-MOUNT-SET-RING-/381510724032?hash=item58d3cfa9c0%3Ag%3A1GoAAOSwcu5UR0Zv

 

[john987willi]

or a oval center with 2 trillion sides

 

[dk168]

OP, would you mind sharing your reservations with regard to "Chinese seller" please?

The reason I asked is that, my go-to setting vendor is an eBay vendor based in China, who have made a number of rings for me, and I have a number of projects already lined up with them for the next 2 years (they already have the CSs in hand), that's all.

DK

 

[qubitasaurus]

Hey from what I've heard if you want to go with a tripps setting then you may also need to buy the tools (especially since tanzanite is an extremely soft stone). I would hate for you to chip it while trying to tighten the prongs. Look at the recommended vendors thread which is pinned at the top of the colored stone forum.

On a side note the oval seems to face up very large for a 1.18 ct stone (maybe it is normal and I just don't know?).

 

[carmen1]

For your budget, I'd contact DiamondZone in Chicago and ask if they have any stock settings for the 8x6 oval in your price range. You'll want to send the stone to them to set otherwise you'll end up paying a local jewel to set the stone in the setting which could take half of your remaining budget.

 

[chrono]

You'll want a bench who is skilled with setting softer stones to set the tanzanite. The ladies who posted above me shared sound advice.

 

[john987willi]

The only thing is that Chinese seller has a deliver estimate of may to June, and it would be too late. Also I was planning on taking a ring to a local jeweler to get it set, and polished if need be, and have the money set aside for it.

 

[Sungura]

Here is an option

look into this stone. http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/1-dot-18-d-block-tanzanite-oval-cut
At least one PSer purchased from this seller and was pleased. This gem will likely have a better color than the oval you posted. If it works out you can apply the savings to a slightly more expensive setting like this one from a seller on the preferred vendor list http://www.thelordofgemrings.com/co...white-gold-setting-oval-29?variant=7591548995

 

[carmen1]

The only thing is that Chinese seller has a deliver estimate of may to June, and it would be too late. Also I was planning on taking a ring to a local jeweler to get it set, and polished if need be, and have the money set aside for it.

Most of the settings you linked to were for settings with diamonds, and I do not believe the Tripps prices include the actual diamonds, so there's that. I doubt you'll have much luck finding a gold & diamond setting for under $225, even from the Chinese sellers on eBay, unless you can find a pre-owned setting.

Again, I think your best bet would be to add the funds you have set aside for local jeweler (I'm assuming this is ~$100, which is around what I pay to have stones set) into the price of the setting and ask Diamond Zone what settings they could to do for a total of $325 assuming you send them an 8x6 oval tanzanite. Good luck.

 

[Sungura]

I agree that diamond zone is a very good idea. so many PSers are pleased with the quality and service. Rings always look great in PSer photos. Diamond zone's Website and ebay photos are so so.

 

[john987willi]

Thank you for all the replies, it really helped alot with the decission making process