Help finding sapphire for engagement ring

[Behr]

Hey guys,

Been doing some reading on the forum over the past few days and have been thinking about picking up a loose stone to fit into a setting for an engagement ring. Looking for a deeper blue sapphire, something like royal. Willing to spend $2-4K on the stone, though willing to push higher if there's something that really catches my eye. I have been looking for stones in the 1.5K range, definitely something <2K given my girlfriend has smaller hands (ring size 4.5). Was worried something larger might look a bit gaudy.

Been looking at these:
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1313

https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1176

https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1323

Questions. Should I be looking at karat or actual sizing when thinking about ring settings? Do these stones seem reasonable at the price point? I have little sense of what pricing for these stones are like.

If you have any other suggestions for where I could look/a potential stone, please let me know!!

 

[lovedogs]

Hey guys,

Been doing some reading on the forum over the past few days and have been thinking about picking up a loose stone to fit into a setting for an engagement ring. Looking for a deeper blue sapphire, something like royal. Willing to spend $2-4K on the stone, though willing to push higher if there's something that really catches my eye. I have been looking for stones in the 1.5K range, definitely something <2K given my girlfriend has smaller hands (ring size 4.5). Was worried something larger might look a bit gaudy.

Been looking at these:
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1313

https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1176

https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1323

Questions. Should I be looking at karat or actual sizing when thinking about ring settings? Do these stones seem reasonable at the price point? I have little sense of what pricing for these stones are like.

If you have any other suggestions for where I could look/a potential stone, please let me know!!

I don't like the first 2 stones because I think they will be incredibly dark IRL and once set. The third one is great (IMHO). And yes, you need to make sure you have the dimensions correct for a setting. Do you already have a setting in mind? We always recommend choosing the stone before choosing the setting.

 

[arkieb1]

I think the first two will probably be quite dark and the third has too much grey in it for my taste you want something dark but still vivid and keep in mind sapphires generally photograph a bit lighter than they will appear in real life.

 

[chroman]

I’llecho what others said about avoiding the first two.

The third looks like it’s going in the right direction!

Does it need to be a round?
https://www.finewatergems.com/store/p47/1.65_ct_Unheated_Violetish-Blue_Sapphire.html

 

[lovedogs]

I’llecho what others said about avoiding the first two.

The third looks like it’s going in the right direction!

Does it need to be a round?
https://www.finewatergems.com/store/p47/1.65_ct_Unheated_Violetish-Blue_Sapphire.html

Yes, the one you just linked is GREAT! To OP: don't look at the light box pics, look at the on-hand pics.

 

[chroman]

Oh hello.

I’m a sucker for a slightly sleepy stone, which isn’t everyones cup of tea. And the cutting might not be up to some folks’ standards (which might be reasonable given its sleepy).

But that color. Thats what we like.
https://www.earthstreasury.com/product/2-04-carat-cornflower-blue-ceylon-sapphire-heated/

 

[lovedogs]

I like this one. I don't think it would be too dark IRL, but worth seeing in hand to see what you think. Dana's pics are always accurate and if anything they undersell the beauty of the stone. He'll also make video if you want. https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...e_Blue_Sapphire_1_33_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1

 

[Behr]

I’llecho what others said about avoiding the first two.

The third looks like it’s going in the right direction!

Does it need to be a round?
https://www.finewatergems.com/store/p47/1.65_ct_Unheated_Violetish-Blue_Sapphire.html

When we went ring shopping together she gravitated towards round stones, a few oval stones in particular settings so I was hoping to keep the shape round.

#Edit: the sapphire you linked is gorgeous, just not the right shape I'm afraid =( Thanks for the suggestion though!

 

[Behr]

I like this one. I don't think it would be too dark IRL, but worth seeing in hand to see what you think. Dana's pics are always accurate and if anything they undersell the beauty of the stone. He'll also make video if you want. https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...e_Blue_Sapphire_1_33_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1

When querying about the stones, should I ask to see them in any particular lights (natural, warm, cool, etc?) Anything else I should ask to see when I ask about them?

 

[lovedogs]

When we went ring shopping together she gravitated towards round stones, a few oval stones in particular settings so I was hoping to keep the shape round.

#Edit: the sapphire you linked is gorgeous, just not the right shape I'm afraid =( Thanks for the suggestion though!

I would strongly suggest putting color as the #1 priority for sapphires. There are millions of settings but less sapphires with Excellenr color. Just a thought

 

[chroman]

And a setting can always be custom made to fit a stone.

About lighting - many times a sapphire can change appearance with lighting, sometimes showing a blue/purple shift, so the more lighting conditions the better!

 

[mdi]

When querying about the stones, should I ask to see them in any particular lights (natural, warm, cool, etc?) Anything else I should ask to see when I ask about them?

Just a thought, but why don't you have her help you pick the stone since she will be the one wearing it? Then you could do the setting yourself and keep it a surprise until the proposal.

Just from personal experience,t was no way I was letting my color blind partner pick out my sapphires, haha!

 

[fantapanda]

i’m not an expert but was looking for a sapphire myself for my engagement ring. i initially went for a “royal blue” color but when i got my first stone, i felt it was too dark. after some trial and errors, i definitely learnt that what may be the “ideal” or sought after color isn’t for me. anyway, here’s one i think looks great- the video in the description seems helpful in figuring out if it’s too dark or not.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/222326...-231cts-oval-for?ref=user_profile&pro=1&frs=1

good luck with your hunt!

 

[chroman]

Two more - I didn’t see this in your gemfix links, perhaps because its over the 2k mark?
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1326

And
https://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G810860

You might also try sending emails to Roger Dery or Jeff White to see if that have anything in their stash.

 

[shinyrocks]

Of the three that you linked, I really like the third one. It is a lighter blue, so I doubt it will look "royal," but it also probably won't black out in indoor lighting either. There is a trade-off there. With regard to whether to think about ct. weight or physical size: I would buy based on physical size, since that is what you'll "see" visually.