First Time Poster - Kirk Kara Sapphire Engagement Ring

[sskim3]

So I have been researching countless hours for rings and stones. The SO didn't want a diamond and wanted something different. We debated between yellow diamonds and blue sapphires. And ultimately, decided on the blue sapphire since we loved the color and brilliance of the gem. We went in circles regarding what type of ring: vintage, art deco, simple halo, etc.

The other day we were at a jewelry store and she fell in long with a mount that had loads of filigree detail and milgrain edging.

So I looked at many ring mounts, I settled on the Kirk Kara K1010DC-R mount. It has a unique basket which was a style that we fell in love at Tiffany's and loved the detailing. Plus, the jeweler said he would cut 10% of the setting which I can't complain. Here are details on it:
https://kirkkara.com/item/K1010DC-R
http://s3.amazonaws.com/ISHOWIMAGES/Kirk_Kara/ORIGINAL/44100006_2.png

Since the setting has a limitation of 6.5 mm setting for the main stone, I settled on a sapphire from mastercutgems. I already purchased it. Here is the stone details:
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Products-301-ANAGEE_Sri_Lanka_Gems/7712-Sri_Lanka_Natural_Blue_Sapphire_1_20_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1

Unfortunately, my jeweler didn't seem happy that I was curating a stone not with him. He kept on telling me that he's an expert with years of experience and doesn't want me to compromise the stone. He was giving me estimates that were 2x-3x the cost of what mastercutgems which seemd on the high side during my research.

I am hoping I made the right decisions and looking forward to see how everything turns out. I see many positive things about mastercutgems, but have slight worry if I made the right decision. Hoping to get the thoughts on others if I am doing this the right way.

 

[lovedogs]

So I have been researching countless hours for rings and stones. The SO didn't want a diamond and wanted something different. We debated between yellow diamonds and blue sapphires. And ultimately, decided on the blue sapphire since we loved the color and brilliance of the gem. We went in circles regarding what type of ring: vintage, art deco, simple halo, etc.

The other day we were at a jewelry store and she fell in long with a mount that had loads of filigree detail and milgrain edging.

So I looked at many ring mounts, I settled on the Kirk Kara K1010DC-R mount. It has a unique basket which was a style that we fell in love at Tiffany's and loved the detailing. Plus, the jeweler said he would cut 10% of the setting which I can't complain. Here are details on it:
https://kirkkara.com/item/K1010DC-R
http://s3.amazonaws.com/ISHOWIMAGES/Kirk_Kara/ORIGINAL/44100006_2.png

Since the setting has a limitation of 6.5 mm setting for the main stone, I settled on a sapphire from mastercutgems. I already purchased it. Here is the stone details:
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Products-301-ANAGEE_Sri_Lanka_Gems/7712-Sri_Lanka_Natural_Blue_Sapphire_1_20_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1

Unfortunately, my jeweler didn't seem happy that I was curating a stone not with him. He kept on telling me that he's an expert with years of experience and doesn't want me to compromise the stone. He was giving me estimates that were 2x-3x the cost of what mastercutgems which seemd on the high side during my research.

I am hoping I made the right decisions and looking forward to see how everything turns out. I see many positive things about mastercutgems, but have slight worry if I made the right decision. Hoping to get the thoughts on others if I am doing this the right way.

Welcome! First of all, I think you did GREAT on the center stone--it's lovely! But I'd STRONGLY recommend going with a different setting. I like that setting, but it is a relatively easy one for a skilled bench to reproduce (e.g. David Klass, Brilliantly Engaged), and is WAY overpriced as is. In gold, I'd be shocked if that setting was more than 2K--just because there aren't that many diamonds in the halo, and the engraving/details are beautiful, but not worth what they have it priced at online. So my overall advice would be to look into having someone else make a setting just like that one. You'll save at least 1K (IMHO), and get a higher quality product in the end.

I honestly think DK is the master of beautiful galleries and milgrain work. Here's just a few examples from his FB page





The other option is to look at settings from higher end online stores (Whiteflash, James Allen, Brian Gavin). Those will be a better product, and are priced much more reasonably (not always cheaper, but the product is worth what they charge). I'll look at those vendors a bit later, but that's my overall recommendation for you

ETA: potential options from James Allan (obviously lots more online, but these had halo + engraving that you mentioned liking).

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-hand-engraved-bright-cut-pave-halo-engagement-ring-item-49482

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/designer-engagement-rings/14k-white-gold-milgrain-bezel-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-item-49516

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-pave-cross-over-engagement-ring-item-52602

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-diamond-filigree-engagement-ring-item-52620

 

[GregS]

I agree with the what was said above. 3k for that setting is too high. Another thing about that setting that would concern me is the engraving. While nice it may not hold up well to daily wear.

My personal preference, and what seems to be the norm is to sink your money into the stone. The setting generally ends up costing considerably less.

 

[chroman]

It sounds like your jeweler is trying to use FUD to get your stone business.

While its true there are pleanty of sketchy places out there to buy gems, you didn't use such a site! The stone looks nice from the photos. Do you have it in-hand yet? If you have seen it in person and fall in love with it, the you have your stone, despite what anyone else with a vested business interest has to say.

 

[sskim3]

So I reached out to get other options. I would have liked to go with Brilliantly Engaged but it looks like I am gonna go with David Klass due to price point.

I'll keep the group updated on progress.

And the stone is on route now to me. Wondering if I should go with a bigger stone, but we'll see. Hopefully, I don't run into any issues/delays and everything finishes up in a month!

 

[lovedogs]

So I reached out to get other options. I would have liked to go with Brilliantly Engaged but it looks like I am gonna go with David Klass due to price point.

I'll keep the group updated on progress.

And the stone is on route now to me. Wondering if I should go with a bigger stone, but we'll see. Hopefully, I don't run into any issues/delays and everything finishes up in a month!

I'd recommend looking at the stone in a ton of different lighting situations, etc, to give a good sense of how you feel. I hope you love it I think DK will be great for this type of project! And his prices are very reasonable. As other's have said here (posts by Neil in particular), we recommend that you get CADs from DK and then post them here for "tweaking". I'm not a CAD expert, but many are wonderful at reading them (Neil, again, haha). So make sure to keep us updated as you move through the process. I think this project will be gorgeous!

 

[chroman]

Do you have a good feel for what your ideal stone looks like (color, shape, size, budget, etc)?

If you feel like you had to comprimise from that ideal to get something that fit that setting, people here like helping to find stones. Since you are talking about going with DK, you have a lot more freedom about what stone to pick. OTOH if you love Dana's stone, nevermind

 

[sskim3]

I am hedging my bets right now. Dana's stone is en route. And I already emailed Jeff White to see if he has anything readily available that may interest me.

I just spoke with David Klass and he is very friendly and upfront about everything. If all goes well, I'll get my first drawings tomorrow (latest Monday).

Fortunately for me, my SO isn't big on forums. So I can post freely.

 

[deskjockey]

oooh this is exciting! I hope you like the stone, but I think that by doing it this way you might be able to find something a little better that fits in the total budget To me it looks like the stone may be dark in person but otherwise quite nice (especially for the price!)

 

[sskim3]

oooh this is exciting! I hope you like the stone, but I think that by doing it this way you might be able to find something a little better that fits in the total budget To me it looks like the stone may be dark in person but otherwise quite nice (especially for the price!)

I am crossing my fingers since stones look different in person!

I wish I could change the title now since it isn't going to be a Kirk Kara ring but rather a Kirk Kara inspired ring. So I am hoping to get good news from Jeff, but if any of you see a good sapphire in the 1.25-1.75 ct range, let me know! Of course cheaper is better, but the max budget I would want to spend is in the $2K range at this point unless the stone blows my mind away.

I guess I am looking for a round, but a cushion could work as well.

Appreciate the help!

 

[chroman]

This might be on the verge of too dark, but maybe not, and its a cushion:
http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1223-sapphire-cushion-mixed-cut-2-03cts

Are ovals of any interest? I love the color on this one:
http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1109-oval-portuguese-style-2-18cts

 

[sskim3]

So I'm new at looking at something like this.

I am not sure I'm a huge fan of the prongs and would want to go with a simpler one since I will be having a sapphire.

Regarding width of the band, is 3 mm too thick for a 4.5 sized finger?

I do wonder how the center mount will look if I did go a cushion or oval route.

Thoughts? Comments? Concerns?


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[chrono]

Hold off making any further decisions until you have seen the sapphire in person and love it. Settings can be made to fit the stone but the stone is rarely able to be made to fit the setting.

 

[chroman]

It looks like there is a slight taper to the band. Would this make it harder for a stock wedding band to sit flush?

 

[sskim3]

It looks like there is a slight taper to the band. Would this make it harder for a stock wedding band to sit flush?

Valid point. We've talked about this and it wasn't the biggest concern with her. This came up with the vintage rings we saw.

If she changes her mind, I'll see what David has in mind so it can be flush.


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[sskim3]

Hold off making any further decisions until you have seen the sapphire in person and love it. Settings can be made to fit the stone but the stone is rarely able to be made to fit the setting.

That makes sense. I guess I'm just over anxious and in a rush to push things along.


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[chroman]

If you are still kicking around the idea of something in the 2K range, how about the color on this cushion:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/278890398/2ct-bright-cornflower-blue-sapphire?ref=shop_home_active_14

 

[sskim3]

If you are still kicking around the idea of something in the 2K range, how about the color on this cushion:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/278890398/2ct-bright-cornflower-blue-sapphire?ref=shop_home_active_14

Would that be better than this one on Dana's site?

https://mastercutgems.com/Products-301-ANAGEE_Sri_Lanka_Gems/7726-Sri_Lanka_Fine_Color_Shift_Sapphire_1_81_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1

I should be getting the 6.2 round tomorrow at work to look at to see if it's a keeper.


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[chroman]

Would that be better than this one on Dana's site?

Ultimately, *better* is all a function of your subjective preferences.

Some folks would find the window in Elle's stone maddening and wouldnt buy it. Other folks might fall for the color and think the window acceptable (Others might love the color, and get someone to recut it to close the window).

If you are going for a blue sapphire, the color shift to purple in that last stone from Dana might not the top pick. I suspect you can find an all-blue stone with good cutting with the 2K budget.

Can't wait for your package to arrive tomarrow!

 

[lovedogs]

Would that be better than this one on Dana's site?

Ultimately, *better* is all a function of your subjective preferences.

Some folks would find the window in Elle's stone maddening and wouldnt buy it. Other folks might fall for the color and think the window acceptable (Others might love the color, and get someone to recut it to close the window).

If you are going for a blue sapphire, the color shift to purple in that last stone from Dana might not the top pick. I suspect you can find an all-blue stone with good cutting with the 2K budget.

Can't wait for your package to arrive tomarrow!

I think both of those options are gorgeous--I agree with Chroman that it's really personal preference in terms of what color you prefer. If it were me (and you don't end up sticking with the one you originally ordered from mastercut), I might be tempted to get both and return whichever one wasn't my favorite.

If I were worried about the window in Elle's stone but really loved it I'd have Dan Stair re-cut it, he's incredibly talented and would easily be able to tell you whether it could be recut and the approximate cost. My guess is that it could easily be recut to remove the window, but don't know enough about recutting to know how much ct weight it might lose.

 

[sskim3]

So I got the round stone from Dana and I am not 100% satisfied with it. Some of you are right that the stone is too dark.

I am now looking at lighter stones. Most likely going to go the cushion route. Along with the ones listed on the prior post, Roger Dery has some available. I'm waiting for him to send me pictures.

What a process...

 

[sskim3]

I found this on Roger's website.
http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/sapphirebluerd1_59ct_9505/
Is this too dark as well?

We did see this ring the other day in person and fell in love with the color of the stone:
http://www.sohogem.com/round-cut-ceylon-blue-sapphire-and-diamonds-in-platinum/

I haven't found anything similar to it yet. The cornflower blue seems like a close match though.

 

[lovedogs]

I found this on Roger's website.
http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/sapphirebluerd1_59ct_9505/
Is this too dark as well?

We did see this ring the other day in person and fell in love with the color of the stone:
http://www.sohogem.com/round-cut-ceylon-blue-sapphire-and-diamonds-in-platinum/

I haven't found anything similar to it yet. The cornflower blue seems like a close match though.

I think the one posted above from mastercut: https://mastercutgems.com/Products-301-ANAGEE_Sri_Lanka_Gems/7726-Sri_Lanka_Fine_Color_Shift_Sapphire_1_81_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1 is a good alternative if you find the one you ordered too dark in person. The one linked looks substantially lighter. This one from Roger will likely work better than the one you linked, http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/sapphirebluerd3_18ct_8873/ since it appears brighter/lighter. But it's significantly larger, so likely more expensive. But you could ask him if he has anything similar to that color in a smaller size (potentially one of his ovals?)

 

[sskim3]

I think the one posted above from mastercut: https://mastercutgems.com/Products-301-ANAGEE_Sri_Lanka_Gems/7726-Sri_Lanka_Fine_Color_Shift_Sapphire_1_81_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1 is a good alternative if you find the one you ordered too dark in person. The one linked looks substantially lighter. This one from Roger will likely work better than the one you linked, http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/sapphirebluerd3_18ct_8873/ since it appears brighter/lighter. But it's significantly larger, so likely more expensive. But you could ask him if he has anything similar to that color in a smaller size (potentially one of his ovals?)

I am leaning towards the 1.81 from Dana unless I find something else that blows me away....

Here is my update for now....

I am waiting for Roger to provide me pics and dimension of 6 stones that he has in his arsenal.

Also, since I am in NYC, I made an appointment at gemsny.com for Friday. I found a few that could work but if I find something beforehand, I will cancel the meeting.

I did come across some others:
http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1204-cushion-portuguese-cut-1-54-cts --> seems a little too light but not sure
http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1212-round-roulette-cut-2-01cts --> seems too dark (this is maddening...)
http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1223-sapphire-cushion-mixed-cut-2-03cts --> is the inclusion going to drive me crazy?
http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1193-cushion-brilliant-cut-1-29cts --> cut is gorgeous but seems too light
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/p-60312-cushion-blue-sapphire-b6795/ --> most expensive per carat.....

Also, I have told DK to create the 3D model with the cushion since that looks like the stone shape I am going to go with instead of round.

Hopefully, I have some good updates in the next 24 hours.

 

[chroman]

Bummer that the stone in hand is too dark. How do you like the hue? in the photos, it looks like it might lean a little purpleish. Is that just the camera, ir does it look that way IRL?

I suspect the 1.59 from Roger may also be dark, at least based on the photos. The 1.81 from Dana probably is brighter, and there it likely is a choice about the color shift in hue. The 2.03 cusion from gemfix linked above might also be too dark, come to think about it.

Another recent poster found some interesting options that Roger had which weren't posted, so its at least worth an ask.

I'm finding I keep getting drawn to the slightly silky / glowy linked stones (the 2.18 gemfix oval and that Elle cushion). Probably not helping too much

ETA: Just saw you are in NYC. Have you reached out to Yvonne Raley yet?

 

[sskim3]

Slightly silky is okay. Some of the stones I liked were slightly silky. Regarding Yvonne, I have no idea who she is. Do you have info?


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[Sungura]

Yvonne Raley of Cecile Raley Designs
Easiest to contact her through an Etsy conversation

I've always admired this sapphire and I think the proportions would look great on a size 4.5 finger. The link below takes you to her shop. Her pictures tend to be less attractive then the actual gem

Unheated Ceylon Sapphire Color Chan...http://etsy.me/28L5rz9]http://etsy.me/28L5rz9[/url]

 

[sskim3]

Yvonne Raley of Cecile Raley Designs
Easiest to contact her through an Etsy conversation

I've always admired this sapphire and I think the proportions would look great on a size 4.5 finger. The link below takes you to her shop. Her pictures tend to be less attractive then the actual gem

Unheated Ceylon Sapphire Color Chan...http://etsy.me/28L5rz9]http://etsy.me/28L5rz9[/url]

Wow that is very pretty. I may see if I can make a visit since I live in Jersey City as well.

Roger got back to me and I am falling in love with his stones.

Besides the 2 ct and 1.86 ct, I am going to see if any of the others work for me.


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[chroman]

Well the 1.59 round defantly doesnt look dark in that photo!

The 1.58 cushion also jumps out to me in that lineup. Looks like you are headed in the right direction!

 

[lovedogs]

Yvonne Raley of Cecile Raley Designs
Easiest to contact her through an Etsy conversation

I've always admired this sapphire and I think the proportions would look great on a size 4.5 finger. The link below takes you to her shop. Her pictures tend to be less attractive then the actual gem

Unheated Ceylon Sapphire Color Chan...http://etsy.me/28L5rz9]http://etsy.me/28L5rz9[/url]

Wow that is very pretty. I may see if I can make a visit since I live in Jersey City as well.

Roger got back to me and I am falling in love with his stones.



Besides the 2 ct and 1.86 ct, I am going to see if any of the others work for me.


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ohhh I LOVE those Roger stones! I think all would work great, with the exception of maybe the darkest two (2.73 and 1.53). I think they are incredible, but my personal favs are the 1.59 and 1.86