Help me find the perfect "raspberry"...

[lucky_in_love]

I am looking to propose to my girlfriend. We have both been married before so she wants something different. My last name means "raspberry" and we've discussed a red stone engagement ring and she loves the idea and meaning behind it. Setting isn't important right now, but she's thinking about a 3-stone flanked by two diamonds. She's a tall woman, 5'10" and her ring size is 8. Ideally looking for a stone in the 2-3ct size range, maximum budget of 7-8K. I know NOTHING about coloured stones or diamond so I'm looking for major help here. Open to different types of red stones as long as they'd be strong enough for an engagement ring. HELP!

P.S. She prefers stones that are cushion cut.

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

I think you would be looking at pink sapphire for the color, durability and cost you want. Go through the recommended vendors listed with your fiance and look at the gems to see what "raspberry" means to her. Some people might recommend spinel but IMHO I find them a little too prone to chips for everyday wear.

 

[Burmesedaze]

I think you would be looking at pink sapphire for the color, durability and cost you want. Go through the recommended vendors listed with your fiance and look at the gems to see what "raspberry" means to her. Some people might recommend spinel but IMHO I find them a little too prone to chips for everyday wear.

I agree with Lisa on spinels being too prone to chips for daily wear.

Not that sapphires will escape unscathed but would be hardier. Reddish pinks will cost more than pinks and check if you have a preference for heated/unheated which will command a premium.

Goodluck!

 

[lucky_in_love]

She definately doesn't want anything pink. She wants red. She also doesn't care if it's been heated/non-heated.

 

[lucky_in_love]

Example of colour she likes:

https://gemfix.com/gems/ruby-19-561

 

[dk168]

She definately doesn't want anything pink. She wants red. She also doesn't care if it's been heated/non-heated.

Eh, hmmm, raspberry has pink/blue in it last time I looked.

DK

 

[T L]

I agree with Lisa on spinels being too prone to chips for daily wear.

Not that sapphires will escape unscathed but would be hardier. Reddish pinks will cost more than pinks and check if you have a preference for heated/unheated which will command a premium.

Goodluck!

She definately doesn't want anything pink. She wants red. She also doesn't care if it's been heated/non-heated.

Red stones in ware expensive, especially above 2 carats. Is she open to some red garnets?

Both spinels and corundum are prone to chips. If you can’t handle chips. then a colored stone is out of the question. I think spinel is durable enough if you’re careful with your ring, and you take it off to sleep, shower, or do any heavy work with your hands like housework or gardening. It will chip, but it won’t be noticeable without a loupe, if you’re careful.

I’ve practically worn my violet spinel every day for years. You cannot see any chips on it with the naked eye.

 

[lovedogs]

The color red she wants is going to be very expensive. I think Garnet might be the only option in budget, but it's softer than spinel or sapphire, and more prone to chipping.

 

[T L]

The color red she wants is going to be very expensive. I think Garnet might be the only option in budget, but it's softer than spinel or sapphire, and more prone to chipping.

To be honest, I think garnet is very durable, despite its 7 on the mohs scale. Again, if one is careful, it shouldn’t be a big deal. Garnets tend to be very dark though, so that’s something to be aware of.

IMHO, if she’s hard on her jewelry, one should avoid colored stones altogether. However, even diamonds chip, they’re also prone to chipping. My mother chipped two huge chunks out of her diamond. The good thing about diamond is that it doesn’t scratch. Hardness and durability are not always related.

 

[lovedogs]

To be honest, I think garnet is very durable, despite its 7 on the mohs scale. Again, if one is careful, it shouldn’t be a big deal. Garnets tend to be very dark though, so that’s something to be aware of.

IMHO, if she’s hard on her jewelry, one should avoid colored stones altogether. However, even diamonds chip, they’re also prone to chipping. My mother chipped two huge hunks out of her diamond. The good thing about diamond is that it doesn’t scratch. Hardness and durability are not always related.

Totally fair point! But the other issue is that red Garnet won't look like a red Ruby or red spinel. It will be darker.

 

[Rfisher]

Good thing is that you’ve already perused a reputable source like gemfix - so you know somewhat what the going retail rate is for the ideal ruby you wish.
So - for your budget.
Conservatively assuming 2k off the top for sidestones /setting-
What are you willing to compromise?
Size
Color (lighter, pinker/purple-er, dark ‘brickish’)
Cut (how much of a window /wonky pavilion can you handle)
Treatment ( moderate + residues? Not ‘glass filled/composite’ ruby)

 

[voce]

This is a raspberry ruby. Any redder, and you would lose the raspberry connection. Maybe she just wants a ruby regardless of whether it's actually raspberry color or not.

 

[T L]

Totally fair point! But the other issue is that red Garnet won't look like a red Ruby or red spinel. It will be darker.

True, but that Gemfix ruby she liked was like a Garnet to me, which is why I recommended Garnet. Some spinels and rubies look like garnets, in which case I rather spend the money on a garnet.

 

[Burmesedaze]

Go for a garnet then.

If it chips, it's replaceable without breaking the bank.

 

[Rfisher]

https://jupitergem.com/gemstones/ruby/

Here’s another site for you to peruse for more on what’s out there. They have report stones and no report stones. Pictures are relatively accurate from what I experienced, but also ask for hand shots. They run periodical sales - so definitely are willing to negotiate off asking price.
I’m not sure if Gemfix negotiates, but I’ve only had inexpensive stones from them.

 

[arkieb1]

The red the OP likes colourwise is rubies and spinels, otherwise garnets as suggested but they often tend to be darker reds, the problem with the red the OP likes is that I doubt you will find a heat only ruby or a bright red spinel much over 2 carats that is clean in that price range and a nice cushion shape... if you are happy with a ruby that has minor flux you might find something in that price range in a nice bright red.

 

[chroman]

Is the 7-8K just for the stone, or isnthat to total budget for the finished ring?

Just in case its for the stone only:
https://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G89192

If its for the ring, my guess is 2ct with good res color is likely out of budget.

 

[lovedogs]

I think this color is pretty perfect, but it's smaller than you want.

https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...d-Pink_Sapphire_1_48_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1

 

[chroman]

Too pink? Check our their other spinels too. There’s at least one that is a bit less pink
https://www.finewatergems.com/store/p288/1.76_ct_Burmese_Red_Spinel.html

 

[lovedogs]

Already completed ring and might be too pink, but it's gorgeous.
https://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=11689

And
https://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=11699

https://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=10715

 

[T L]

This Is the kind of garnet I was talking about. It may go darker in certain lighting, but it reminds me of that Gemfux ruby.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz3wmamJhq_/?igshid=12emr9tko21x4

 

[arkieb1]

I'm not sure if it is still for sale but if it is, this would just about be perfect, a good price, cushioned shaped and it currently belongs to a PSer;

https://loupetroop.com/listings/loo...tone/2-dot-9-unheated-ruby-w-slash-gia-report

 

[lucky_in_love]

Eh, hmmm, raspberry has pink/blue in it last time I looked.

DK

Raspberry like the fruit.

 

[lucky_in_love]

This is a raspberry ruby. Any redder, and you would lose the raspberry connection. Maybe she just wants a ruby regardless of whether it's actually raspberry color or not.

Way too pink. She said this reminds her of a Mahenge. She wants red, like the fruit (raspberry).

 

[lucky_in_love]

Is the 7-8K just for the stone, or isnthat to total budget for the finished ring?

Just in case its for the stone only:
https://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G89192

If its for the ring, my guess is 2ct with good res color is likely out of budget.

Love the still photo - video of stone is too dark though.

 

[lucky_in_love]

This Is the kind of garnet I was talking about. It may go darker in certain lighting, but it reminds me of that Gemfux ruby.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz3wmamJhq_/?igshid=12emr9tko21x4

This is stunning, but again the still photo looks amazing but the video shows the stone as being much darker.

 

[Rfisher]

I'm not sure if it is still for sale but if it is, this would just about be perfect, a good price, cushioned shaped and it currently belongs to a PSer;

https://loupetroop.com/listings/loo...tone/2-dot-9-unheated-ruby-w-slash-gia-report

Oops. That’s mine. I don’t think it’s the look what the OP wants.
Not to derail the thread, but the setting for it is complete - got to de-list the stone!

 

[lucky_in_love]

7-8K is just for the stone. Budget for setting and side diamonds would be seperate.

 

[arkieb1]

Oops. That’s mine. I don’t think it’s the look what the OP wants.
Not to derail the thread, but the setting for it is complete - got to de-list the stone!

It was a really well priced ruby, can't wait to see your ring!!!

 

[voce]

Way too pink. She said this reminds her of a Mahenge. She wants red, like the fruit (raspberry).

Wow, then she must see colours way different from most people. The fruit raspberry has a lot of pink in it; can she not see it? See the pictures that I posted that came up when googling for raspberry. Those are 60% tone red, which borders on pink, whereas what she likes is 80% tone red.