Ok, I am completely clueless when it comes to jewelry and engagement rings, and have tried to read a lot of the recent posts here for answers. What I currently know is that I am in the market for an untreated natural sapphire engagement ring and my price range is probably around 4-5K. I think I would prefer a nicer stone over a larger stone with inclusions, and my girlfriend''s ring size is 6, so I think her hand size is somewhat average. Also, I think I''d prefer the setting in platinum.
I''ve read a lot of reviews about the Natural Sapphire Company and understand that most people seem to like their service, but say that some of the stones aren''t cut well and can be pricey. At the same time, I''m not aware of many alternatives for a large selection of untreated blue sapphires. So far, I''ve found 6 sapphires on their site that seem to fit my price range after setting, and I''ve picked out 4 of their settings and 3 from Brian Gavin (I''ve read a lot of posts here that say his settings are good, though they might be too pricey for me) that I like a lot. Was hoping that some of you guys could lend your expertise about the stones, potential settings, alternatives I might want to consider, and anything else that a guy with my complete lack of knowledge in this field should know. I considered trying to make an appointment in the store''s New York showroom, but since its almost a 5 hour drive and they aren''t open on weekends, that just isn''t possible right now.
Potential Stones:
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandedstones.aspx?stoneid=B3448
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandedstones.aspx?stoneid=B3501
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandedstones.aspx?stoneid=B3557
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandedstones.aspx?stoneid=B3526
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandedstones.aspx?stoneid=B3560
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandedstones.aspx?stoneid=B2853
Top two TNSC settings:
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Mountings/Rings/Pave/stoneid=JS833W14
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Mountings/Rings/MultiStone%20with%20Pave/stoneid=JS156W14
Two possible alternatives:
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Mountings/Rings/MultiStone/stoneid=JS214W14
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Mountings/Rings/Pave/stoneid=JS229W14
Brian Gavin settings:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5453
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5439
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5372
I really appreciate the help and look forward to hear everyone''s thoughts.
I''ve read a lot of reviews about the Natural Sapphire Company and understand that most people seem to like their service, but say that some of the stones aren''t cut well and can be pricey. At the same time, I''m not aware of many alternatives for a large selection of untreated blue sapphires. So far, I''ve found 6 sapphires on their site that seem to fit my price range after setting, and I''ve picked out 4 of their settings and 3 from Brian Gavin (I''ve read a lot of posts here that say his settings are good, though they might be too pricey for me) that I like a lot. Was hoping that some of you guys could lend your expertise about the stones, potential settings, alternatives I might want to consider, and anything else that a guy with my complete lack of knowledge in this field should know. I considered trying to make an appointment in the store''s New York showroom, but since its almost a 5 hour drive and they aren''t open on weekends, that just isn''t possible right now.
Potential Stones:
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandedstones.aspx?stoneid=B3448
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandedstones.aspx?stoneid=B3501
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandedstones.aspx?stoneid=B3557
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandedstones.aspx?stoneid=B3526
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandedstones.aspx?stoneid=B3560
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/nscnet/expandedstones.aspx?stoneid=B2853
Top two TNSC settings:
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Mountings/Rings/Pave/stoneid=JS833W14
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Mountings/Rings/MultiStone%20with%20Pave/stoneid=JS156W14
Two possible alternatives:
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Mountings/Rings/MultiStone/stoneid=JS214W14
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Mountings/Rings/Pave/stoneid=JS229W14
Brian Gavin settings:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5453
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5439
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5372
I really appreciate the help and look forward to hear everyone''s thoughts.