HELP! Aqua + Rose Gold E-ring

[alfaman]

Hello all,

My lady is one unusual kind. She takes olive green for her manicures. It is little surprise she prefers gemstones to solitaires. I have probed intensively and my gut tells me a diana-esque sapphire halo should do the job. However, things have taken another twist over this weekend and I am now more along the line of getting her an aqua/turqoise with a rose gold setting. I thought this color theme is really odd. The 2 colors appears so far apart in the spectrum but they complement and bring out the best in each other really well. In satorial sense, I have matched these 2 colors and it turned out really well and impressive most times.

Just look at LM's award-wining tourmaline ring and you know what I mean..

OK. Here comes the damper. I only have a budget of $2.5K. Where should I start?

 

[pokerface]

Here is an aqua/rose gold ring available on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/61176901/aquamarine-cushion-gemstone-ocean-blue

I have purchased from that seller and was pleased.

However, I think that aquas are too soft to be used in an engagement ring. I would recommend looking for a Montana sapphire, which is generally lighter in color and less expensive than sapphires from Ceylon/Africa. Sapphires are more durable than aqua but can look quite similar.

Edit: Wild Fish Gems has a number of sapphires that might appeal to you. Here is one: http://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/1086/12868

 

[movie zombie]

you could have something made with that budget. do NOT scrimp on $ for the stone. the stone imo is more important than the setting. a good high quality aqua would be lovely.

some of us have e-rings that are not for 24/7 wear...myself included. i wore an aqua as a teenager for years without there being a problem.....then one night many many years i had the ring on and my hand hit a wall just right....not only did i get a chip but there appears to be an internal fracture. luck of the draw.

if she wants an aqua, get her an aqua. oh, and i like that color combo....however, aqua comes in many shades of blue. right now what is popular is the crystal blue color....you might get a great deal on an aqua that is "greener"...but again, please do not scrimp on quality of the stone! get educated first and then purchase it......getting something made this close to 12/25 is going to be pretty hard to pull off......

 

[Aerix]

I read the part about possibly a turquoise instead. Have you considered possibly an antique ring? I've seen quite a few antique turquoise diamond rose gold rings. I looked on eBay and came across this one gorgeous ring: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Victorian-E...68921916?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3f110bbe3c

It's also available on Weston Jewelry's website: http://www.westonjewelry.com/victor...urquoise-and-diamond-ring-solid-14k-gold.html

It's at the top of your budget, but feel free to make them an offer. I'm not sure, but I think a few other members have bought from Weston and were quite pleased. The turquoise in that ring is a little worn, but I think it adds to the charm and history of it. If you'd like, I'm pretty sure it could easily be removed by a competent jeweler, then it could be repolished by one of the recommended gem cutters here.

Here are links to a few other similar rings I've seen:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ART-DECO-NO...141?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c21c63ced

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Tur...387?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b28b83d3

This one has a round stone:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-TUR...61585725?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item4842fdf83d

 

[pregcurious]

I like that onegarnetgirl ring.

Here's a PS webpage featuring aquamarines:
https://www.pricescope.com/blog/march-birthstone-aquamarine

The Jeff White aquamarine featured on the page and posted by babysteps is amazing. I've posted a pic below to spice up this thread. It has a beautiful greenish blue color, and a step cut like the Asscher looks really great in lighter colored stones.

Princess Diana wore an aquamarine ring after her separation:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/royal-jewels.73838/page-74']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/royal-jewels.73838/page-74[/URL]

 

[T L]

Aquamarine is totally inappropriate for an ering because it chips quite easily. It's my birthstone, and I've had many in my life, and trust me, even after careful wear, they still chip. Tourmaline is the same way. Get a light colored spinel or sapphire instead.

 

[pregcurious]

I think your budget is going to be decent for an aqua or a light blue spinel. You can contact lapidaries to find out if they have rough to cut you a light blue spinel if you can't find one. These are aquas from two lapidaries that are popular on PS:

Here is a 3.49 carat Asscher from Peter Torraca for $500:
http://www.torraca.net/gems.php?search=gid&for=Aqu393

Dan Stair recently sold a 6 ct aqua for $360:
http://www.customgemstones.com/BERYL/aq1552.html

Here is a beautiful aqua ring from Lang Antiques (very reputable), just to give you an idea for pricing:
http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-4134

 

[aviastar]

I love the rose gold and aqua color combo, but I would be nervous to wear an aqua every day. If you want (and she wants) a ring she will have to really baby, then I think your budget it healthy.

This one is under budget, rose gold, and a nice size:
http://huntcountry.com/media/images/rings/3007.jpg

 

[marymm]

For durability and longevity, I echo the above poster who suggested you consider going with a Montana sapphire - they come in a range of colors with many having a greenish-blue color - I checked the GemFix.com site, and what if you went with a round like this -


http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_montana.html - 3rd row down, 1st on left - $980

and paired it with this Split-Prong Grace setting from Brian Gavin Diamond, but in their 14kt Rose Gold?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...aire/split-prong-grace-18k-white-gold-5507w18

I only saw one BGD ring in Rose Gold (a bezel style), but the color *looks* like it would go well with a greenish-blue stone...

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e.../full-bezel-with-bridge-14k-rose-gold-5541r14


OR... blow the bulk of your budget on a bigger Montana Sapphire - this one - which is AGL certified as untreated -

http://www.gemfix.com/newest_gems.html - 2nd row from the bottom, on far right - $2,200

and pair it with simple setting for now, like BGD's 6-prong solitaire, but in their Rose Gold -

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/e...re/six-prong-solitaire-14k-white-gold-5351w14 - $325

 

[aviastar]

LOVE those Montana sapphires- and the color looks perfect for rose gold!

Nice finds!

 

[pregcurious]

I like the color of those Montana sapphires also, but am concerned they may have a gray tone in person. If you compare them to the aquas on the same page (in one of the rows above), they don't look as crisp.

Can you get pictures of rings that your GF likes? That might help you select the cut of the stone, and the setting. When I think aquas, I think of rectangular or square stones (even though they come in round/oval shapes), and your GF may have a specific cut in mind.

 

[T L]

I like the color of those Montana sapphires also, but am concerned they may have a gray tone in person. If you compare them to the aquas on the same page (in one of the rows above), they don't look as crisp.

Can you get pictures of rings that your GF likes? That might help you select the cut of the stone, and the setting. When I think aquas, I think of rectangular or square stones (even though they come in round/oval shapes), and your GF may have a specific cut in mind.

To me, aquas are pretty greyish too. Also consider light colored Umba (Tanzanian) sapphires. They're pretty close to aqua in my estimation, but I think the sparkle and scintillation is much better, as well as the luster. I would recommend a lab report to preclude diffusion though. Here's a photo of mine (it's at AGL for lab grading). My stone is very crisp, but that's my own personal opinion. Not an aqua fan, so I'm a bit biased. The one sapphire above isn't very crisp because it has some silk in it.

 

[alfaman]

Hello all,

Thanks for all the responses!!

I wanted to keep my lady in suspense so I am going into this 80% my own gut. Thought I did pretty well with her Mulberry bag present so here I am, trying to test the limits of my aestheticism again.

After speaking further with my head and heart, I think I should clarify further that I am quite open to the nature of gemstones.
Yes. I read Aquas and Tours are not really our EDC. I am more for the sapphires. A sapphire with the right hue. The Area 51 where blue meets green and turqoise (you know what I mean).

This is the color theme I am trying to achieve.
http://www.micropave.com/index.php/rings/paraiba-ring.html

Yes. I quite like what BGD has done and looking forward to the experience. Such a pity the prongs are not in rose gold.
Oh yes. I hope JW has something for me as well.

Have a good Monday everyone.

 

[T L]

This is the color theme I am trying to achieve.
http://www.micropave.com/index.php/rings/paraiba-ring.html

Aquas are a lot more grey and dull than fine paraiba tourmalines, so be aware of that. John Dyer sells something called "Lagoon beryl" which is a more saturated type of aqua, but it's very pricey.

Here's a large and blue/green sapphire that will be far more duarable than an aqua or tourmaline. It's not the neon of a fine paraiba, but for that, you need $$$$.

http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=8683

Here's a photo of a sapphire ring in rose gold, while not the color of the center stone in the Leon ring, I also love this combination.

 

[chrono]

I am sorry to say I've not seen aquamarine of that colour and if it does exist, it's going to cost an arm and a leg for its rarity.

 

[alfaman]

True guys.
I think my task is really mission impossible. Guess you can't have it all.
Will my odds be better if I consider lab-gemstones?

The closest setting available. Don't you find the copper-like rose gold is refreshing?

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEGSignatureSettingsandSpecia/Halos/The-Bella-Halo-Featuring-a-9mm/16713089_WPwSgd#1282709088_3gNWrmp

 

[pregcurious]

Alfaman, did you look at the $500 Asscher cut aquamarine from Peter Torraca? He describes it has having a small feather in the center of the table. The price is very good. I don't know if the small feather would bother you or your fiance, but Peter is located in the US and you should be able to return the stone via registered USPS (with insurance) if you don't like it. I would pick this over a lab stone anyday.
http://www.torraca.net/gems.php?search=gid&for=Aqu393

While I would personally prefer aquamarine for the durability, your fiance might have her heart set on aqua. It's up to you guys.

That would leave you $2K for the setting. I am not sure the aqua will fit in a standard setting (width: 9.22mm, length: 9.22mm, depth: 7.25mm). You may be able to afford a halo setting with a plain gold shank. I can't see the price of jBEG b/c I'm having web issues, but something similar to last halo on this page is what I was thinking (picture in yellow gold). All the jbEG settings can be made in rose gold:
http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/jbeg_signature_settings__special_order_portfolio

If you are willing to set in something that is not a halo, you can get a less expensive setting with a little bit of pave on the sides.

 

[T L]

True guys.
I think my task is really mission impossible. Guess you can't have it all.
Will my odds be better if I consider lab-gemstones?

The closest setting available. Don't you find the copper-like rose gold is refreshing?

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEGSignatureSettingsandSpecia/Halos/The-Bella-Halo-Featuring-a-9mm/16713089_WPwSgd#1282709088_3gNWrmp

Rose gold is a very particular kind of taste, and not all people love it, nor may she love the concept of getting a synthetic gem. I know most women would probably be kind of aghast at a man made gem. $2500 will get you something natural, and very nice, but trying to recreate a neon paraiba rose gold ring, is probably far and away out of that budget.

 

[alfaman]

Preg,
Thanks for the heads-up. I was informed by Peter as I typed, that the bargain has been sold.

Yeah. RG is quite an accquired taste. I am thinking if I can't land a stone with the right hue, the whole theme will look very odd.
The RG is not as forgiving as white/silver. I suspect the PT aqua would have struggled to fit into the shoe.

 

[T L]

Preg,
Thanks for the heads-up. I was informed by Peter as I typed, that the bargain has been sold.

Yeah. RG is quite an accquired taste. I am thinking if I can't land a stone with the right hue, the whole theme will look very odd.
The RG is not as forgiving as white/silver. I suspect the PT aqua would have struggled to fit into the shoe.

I actually think white metal is very unforgiving. I am a rose gold addict, and I love it with blue, violet, and greens stones (and 'cool' colored gem). Unless a stone is highly saturated in color, white metal tends to bring out undesirable modifiers like grey and brown in a stone. Yellow and rose gold tend to mask those better.

 

[movie zombie]

unless you know for a fact that she wants a 100% red/pink gold ring, TL is right, and i'd consider going a two-tone color ring.

also, you've got to be kidding re a man-made, synthetic for an e-ring, right?! oh, yeah, that's a really big NO way jose.

you've got the budget to get something nice. i'm wondering if you've waited until the last minute and are now scrambling to make a holiday gift deadline? please reconsider and take your time!

re the link to the ring you posted: i do not like the red gold halo.....otherwise, the other settings are nice enough.

eta: there is red gold and then there is red gold: for instance, i have a rather substantial 18k red gold chain that i wear 24/7. unless i put it up against 18k yellow or green gold it is not that noticeable...but to my eye warmer. 14k red gold i do not like at all....it is way to pink for my taste and looks to my eye a bit like costume jewelry......... its not enough to specify red gold with a vendor...make sure you're clear about which you want.

 

[0-0-0]

After speaking further with my head and heart, I think I should clarify further that I am quite open to the nature of gemstones.
Yes. I read Aquas and Tours are not really our EDC. I am more for the sapphires. A sapphire with the right hue. The Area 51 where blue meets green and turqoise (you know what I mean).

This is the color theme I am trying to achieve.
http://www.micropave.com/index.php/rings/paraiba-ring.html

IMO and from what I have seen in person if the blue/green "glow" is what you are after I think a nice tourmaline is your best bet given your budget. I remember walking into Gemfix and the plate of blue/green tourmalines stood out the most among the blue/green gems. None of them were actual Paraibas, but relative to the blue/green aquamarines and sapphires the blue/green tourmalines looked like they glowed.

 

[alfaman]

TL/Zombie,

Hey. Thanks for adding another persepctive to the the ring color tone. Come to think of it..a subtle 2-tone adds more weight to the crown. I was trying to rush this out last week but you guys are right, I should take all these slow and not jump into any wagon. I am actually enjoying this process very much. Just like getting a new ride - reading reviews, discuss with petrol-heads, going for test drives. Oh well, the little purchasing power helps! ok, mine is quite negligible.

Mok,

Yep. I googled that gemfix has an interesting collection of screaming gems. As to the lab-gems consideration, I was given another friendly lashing by Peter as well.

 

[pregcurious]

Darn, I knew that Peter Torraca aqua wouldn't last long...that's the problem with posting anything on PS.

There is a nice aqua at http://www.gemfix.com/aquamarine.html
I like the one pictured below, for $785

For ~$1300, you could have it set in a rose gold bezel at Brian Gavin Diamonds (http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/full-bezel-solitaire-18k-rose-gold-5365r18). This setting is shown with a white gold bezel, but you could ask if they would make it for you in all rose gold. This is if your GF likes bezels.

EDIT: I just noticed you posted a Paraiba tourmaline ring from Leon Mege. I'll keep the link above to the aqua in case you are still open to a lighter blue. Paraibas have a very unique neon blue to them, which makes them one of the most expensive colored stones. You can see them here:
http://www.paraibainternational.com/products.php?category=3

 

[alfaman]

On the hindsight, is Mrs Clinton into gemstones? She was in Myanmar last week.

I didn't know how wealthy Burma used to be till I started reading on her visit and my e-ring hunt.

 

[movie zombie]

not legal to import color stones from burma....maybe mrs clinton can fix that for us!

 

[alfaman]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8mm-Bezel-EMERALD-45ct-Pave-DIAMOND-14K-ROSE-GOLD-ENGAGEMENT-Halo-Milgrain-RING-/370555721487

This has all the ingredients but the end result looks weird.
The rose gold needs more matt and copper.

 

[Clairitek]

Darn, I knew that Peter Torraca aqua wouldn't last long...that's the problem with posting anything on PS.

I just stumbled upon this thread when I searched for Peter Torraca asschers in the search funciton. I was the one who bought it (before I saw this thread). I'm sorry! At least this time it wasn't a lurker who poached a good suggestion.

To the OP- I hope you are able to find the ring of your girlfriend's dreams. I think its super sweet that you're working so hard on finding her something that suits her. Best of luck in your search!

ETA: I really love the color of those Montana sapphires. I think they are really lovely. A nice hue for sure.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I love the montana sapphires too, also, what about zircon?

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=6183

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83969678/iolani-ring-in-18k-yellow-gold-sterling (I'm think that Sally could do in rose gold...)

 

[movie zombie]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8mm-Bezel-EMERALD-45ct-Pave-DIAMOND-14K-ROSE-GOLD-ENGAGEMENT-Halo-Milgrain-RING-/370555721487

This has all the ingredients but the end result looks weird.
The rose gold needs more matt and copper.

you're nicer than me....i think it just plain looks tacky and the "emerals" photoshopped.