Help finding a hall of mirrors?

[bianka]

So after many fruitless attempts to find colors that speak to me, I'm trying to focus instead on cut. I'd really like an emerald or asscher cut with a hall of mirror effect. Cut and finger coverage (size 5) are paramount. I'd like to stay under $5K for the stone. Wayyy under would be better. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[dk168]

I would advise contacting cutters such as Jeff White - his Asscher and EC cuts are beautiful.

This my custom 6ct+ EC Aqua from Jeff:





DK

 

[Acinom]

Will you indeed be satisfied with a great cut in a color you do not really like? What colors were you looking for initially?

I can recommend:
- Jeff White from Whitesgems
- Gene from Precision Gem
- Doug Menadue from Bespoke Gems
- Jeff Davies
- Gemfix

 

[Acinom]

Some non step cut examples by these cutters:

Jeff Davies has a huge inventory with already cut stones. Doug Menadue has a lot of rough and can custom cut for you in any shape. Gene does not do custom cutting anymore? But it's worthwhile to have a look at his inventory. Not a lot of stepcuts, but amazing colors.

 

[Acinom]

And last: a 10 sided yellow Danburite and blue green Afghan tourmaline elongated cushion by Gene (Precision Gem)

 

[Acinom]

I need to add Chris Auletta if you are open to other shapes. He buys the best zircons and other beautiful stones. He lets them cut and recut by the best cutters, like Dan Stair and Christiane Morin

 

[chrono]

Will you indeed be satisfied with a great cut in a color you do not really like? What colors were you looking for initially?

I would also like to know the answer to the above questions. Step cuts in coloured stones don't quite behave the same ways as step cuts in colourless diamonds. You are most likely to need to go the custom faceting route.

 

[bianka]

I would advise contacting cutters such as Jeff White - his Asscher and EC cuts are beautiful.

This my custom 6ct+ EC Aqua from Jeff:





DK

DK: That aqua is soo dreamy. Jeff White's work is so, so good. Thank you for posting.

 

[bianka]

Acinom,
Beautiful stones. Excellent question. I like most colors, but I obviously have preferences. I think that if a cut isn't what I prefer (for instance, a cushion or oval) the color would have to be spot-on to my tastes (so, for instance a grey spinel with little/no tendency towards purple) but if the stone is a very good asscher or emerald, I'd be willing to compromise significantly on color. Does that make sense?

In terms of colors and stones I've looked for, I've been all over the place I must admit.

 

[bianka]

Will you indeed be satisfied with a great cut in a color you do not really like? What colors were you looking for initially?

I would also like to know the answer to the above questions. Step cuts in coloured stones don't quite behave the same ways as step cuts in colourless diamonds. You are most likely to need to go the custom faceting route.

So I've definitely learned the slow and hard way that colored stones don't behave the same way as colorless diamonds.

But here are two stones I admire / drool over--

Niel's chrysoberyl
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/files/uploadfromtaptalk1379956432430.jpg']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/files/uploadfromtaptalk1379956432430.jpg[/URL]

Mochiko42's blue zircon
https://www.pricescope.com/files/images/vendor402.jpg

 

[Acinom]

Ah, you are referring to shape instead of cut.
Mochiko's zircon is from Jeff Davies I believe. You can reach out to him and see if he has anything you love. He receives new stones quite often so it's worth it to have a look at his FB and website regularly.

 

[chrono]

You are looking for a fat emerald cut rather than a octagonal cut? No colour preference?

 

[bianka]

Acinom,
Yes, I seem to have found a few options with Jeff Davies. Thanks to you for the recco.

 

[bianka]

You are looking for a fat emerald cut rather than a octagonal cut? No colour preference?

I like octagons but prefer fat emeralds, Chrono. I don't have strong color preferences other than not liking hot pinks or neon oranges very much.

 

[bianka]

This is really cheap. I very much like the windmill. Any reason not to buy this Jeff Davies amethyst? (I know the color isn't considered top-notch but I like it)
http://jefferydavies.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DMJ6284a-590x600.jpg

 

[Niel]

so all you want is a big step cut? dont care about color or hardness ?

 

[Acinom]

This is really cheap. I very much like the windmill. Any reason not to buy this Jeff Davies amethyst? (I know the color isn't considered top-notch but I like it)
http://jefferydavies.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DMJ6284a-590x600.jpg

I am not an expert but I personally like this stone. You could ask Jeff to send you some handshots to determine the colour better. If purple is a great match with your skintone and if you love the look, I see no reason not to buy it. It will look great in a ring! Do you intend to set it in a ring?

 

[bianka]

so all you want is a big step cut? dont care about color or hardness ?

No, I wouldn't quite say that, though I understand I haven't been especially clear. I've thought about it more and can say this:
- I'm not a fan of "improved" asschers. I seem to run into them often enough that is part of the reason I started this thread.
- I don't want a honking window.
- Clarity is important. So for instance, someone had previously recco'd I buy a blue-green sapphire ring on LT. I declined but wasn't 100% sure why. A large part of that was due to the silk inclusions, I now realize.
- Top color is not important. So even though Rose de France amethysts are not highly regarded, I like them.
- Hardness isn't terribly important. I intend to develop a little collection of rings and I'll wear the fragile pieces when / where they won't be harmed.
- I do truly like most colors but, if setting parameters for this purchase, would probably tend towards more subtle colors rather than neon greens, fireball oranges, hot pinks, rich purples.
- Accessibility and reasonable pricepoint are important. Since I am a newbie I'm not going to bother, for instance, looking for the best paraiba in the world or trying to find The Perfect Pad.
- I can set stones in platinum, 22K yg or 18K rose gold but don't particularly like other alloys on my skin.
-It's okay if the stone "needs" a halo or side stones.

 

[minousbijoux]

You are wise to choose the more subtle colors in your search for an asscher/step cut/octagon. I find that stones with medium or lighter tone are best. Also, depending upon how dark the stone is, its often best to steer clear of stones with vivid or intense saturation, in order to clearly see the design and all facet reflection well. That explains why stones like aquamarines, amethysts, chrysoberyls, and light mint grossulars make such excellent asschers.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

I'd recommend contacting Ryan Quantz. He's been cutting some asscher gray spinels lately that are gorgeous. He's also cut some very pretty emerald tourmalines, if you scroll through his Instagram. Wonderful guy and very reasonable on price. Worth a message.

https://www.instagram.com/quantzstudios/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RyanQuantzStudios

 

[chrono]

There's good things and not so good things about asschers in coloured stones.

1. They will be very deep and more often than not, require a custom setting.
2. Step cuts are not kind to coloured stones, so you are lucky to prefer lighter and subtle colours, which also shows off the steps better.
3. Due to it being a step cut, you might see a tilt window more easily, even if precision cut.
4. Given your price point, chrysoberyl, light amethyst, and tourmaline might be good options.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Just came across this and thought it'd be worth mentioning, especially since you're alright with occasional wear.

1.56ct tanzanite
$350
Low heat
VVS
7.14 x 5.06 x 4.72mm
http://gemrite.com/tanzanite/94-tanzanite-156-cts.html
*Definitely watch the video

ETA: They also have this one - http://gemrite.com/tanzanite/95-tanzanite-368-cts.html - which would look super cool set N-S!

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Jerry has a large emerald cut aquamarine.

17.94cts
20 x 14mm
$1,076
http://gemartservices.com/stones.php?id=aqu001

 

[Acinom]

Jerry has a large emerald cut aquamarine.

17.94cts
20 x 14mm
$1,076
http://gemartservices.com/stones.php?id=aqu001

I love this!!! Great find SparkliesLuver

 

[Sungura]

I have two asschers: a grey spinel cut by Ryan Quantz (purchased through Elle at Gemstone Project) and an Aquamarine I just had custom cut through Johannes Orstadius. Im thrilled with both. Here is a quick picture of my Aqua I just took outside today. Gary at Finewater Gems also cuts beautiful asschers and other step cuts. I suggest you reach out to both Johannes and Gary

Johannes Orstadius is very responsive on Facebook or here is contact for his company [email protected]
Gary Braun www.finewatergems.com

 

[Acinom]

I have two asschers: a grey spinel cut by Ryan Quantz (purchased through Elle at Gemstone Project) and an Aquamarine I just had custom cut through Johannes Orstadius. Im thrilled with both. Here is a quick picture of my Aqua I just took outside today. Gary at Finewater Gems also cuts beautiful asschers and other step cuts. I suggest you reach out to both Johannes and Gary

Johannes Orstadius is very responsive on Facebook or here is contact for his company [email protected]
Gary Braun www.finewatergems.com

This is a stunning aqua