How to set a semi-precious stone as a RHR

[bgray]

I need some guidance on a project. I have a pin (vintage 40''s?). Its a simple sterling silver bar pin with a (looks like the size of a 2.5 to 3 carat diamond) shimmering icy blue old mine cut light blue stone (topaz). I have love dit for years--to my eye the stone is so clear and so stunningly cut (small table high crown) and the color has an ever so slight purple-y quality--but a jeweler who eye-balled it said it was just a blue topaz....

I would like to make it into a ring but since the stone seems to have nominal value (which is probably the case as the pin is nothing special) what does one do with it that doesnt cost so much as to be a stupidly over expensive project YET the stone is really gorgeous?????? Ideas?

I dont want it to look like an engagement ring....

 

[stone-cold11]

I don''t think Topaz is a good stone for everyday wear as a ring stone, it is too soft and is much more likely to get chip and scratches as a ring than as a pendant stone.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/26/2009 3:57:33 AM
Author: Stone-cold11
I don''t think Topaz is a good stone for everyday wear as a ring stone, it is too soft and is much more likely to get chip and scratches as a ring than as a pendant stone.

I am no expert on coloured gems but I think SC is right.

 

[Lula]

Hi, bgray,
Topaz is my birthstone and I love it in all colors. Your stone sounds lovely.

From what I understand, topaz is hard enough for a ring; however, its composition does make it more likely to chip or break if hit hard or at a certain angle. But if this is not an every-day ring, you should be fine

I ordered a Swiss Blue topaz from Wink to put in an old setting of mine; he is very picky about what stones are suitable for a ring, and he okay-ed my choice of stone, so I'm thinking it would work in a ring.

You might want to shoot Wink an e-mail or give him a call (you can find his contact information on the High Performance Diamonds website HPD).

Wink has a lot of experience with colored gems and has both custom design and pre-made settings available on his winkjones.com site.

You might also do a search for "vintage topaz rings" or antique amethyst rings" or "antique aquamarine rings" to get some ideas on how to set it. These are all stones that are not "expensive" but are often seen in vintage jewelry in lovely settings alone, or set with diamonds or other stones.

You may get more response if you post this topic under the Colored Stones forum.

Good luck with your project and remember to post pictures when it's complete!

 

[bgray]

thanks all!

 

[Lula]

You could also consider setting it in sterling to keep the cost down, but I''d want to double check that with a jeweler to make sure it would be strong enough to protect the ring.