In love with this Ring! Please Help!!!!

[tenyearanniversary]

So I am in love with this ring that I saw on Christie's ........which is kind of bad because I just received my 10-year anniversary ring and it's not even my anniversary for another 7 months!!

Any suggestions for how to have this ring made for a few thousand? I'm sure I can't use an emerald or sapphire or ruby in this range......any stones have the color of emerald or sapphire or ruby that would be more inexpensive and beautiful in its own way? Where do I find them?

Thanks for any help!!

 

[T L]

Well, nothing is quite like an emerald, but you can find large cabochon tsavorites in oval shapes, that may be affordable. The setting may also be duplicated by an etsy seller, but considering the large diamonds in it, I don't think it will be that inexpensive.

So, I would do a large cabochon tsavorite or if you can find a smaller faceted tsavorite, then that would help. They tend to run higher in price over two carats. I find tsavorite cabs look most like emeralds. Here's a couple from a seller I recommend. I have a gorgeous large tsavorite cab from him.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-56ct-Hi-End-Oval-Cabochon-Green-Tsavorite-Garnet-NR-/250977179058?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6f67d5b2#ht_2617wt_958

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-13ct-Notable-Cabochon-Intense-Green-Tsavorite-Garnet-/330672813385?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cfda2b549#ht_2618wt_958

Use a low priced etsy seller to make the setting, like Daniel M.

You know, if you're super picky about the quality of the setting, it will cost you more of course.

Use 14K white gold instead of 18K or Platinum. Although platinum is running less per ounce than gold right now, since it's more dense, a purer alloy, and more difficult for metal smiths to work with, it will end up costing more to have this replicated in platinum.

Get a smaller stone, so you don't need to use as much metal or diamonds.

Good luck!

 

[colorluvr]

TL is correct, Tsavorite cabs can be pretty and not horribly expensive. The stone in my avatar is a Tsavorite cab. The setting may not be your thing (people either really like it or really don't - lol) but it does show one set.

 

[chrono]

How big of a stone are you thinking of? A tsavorite garnet might come close but tends to get pricey once it reaches over 2 carats. It is going to cost over 2K to get over the 2 carat mark, and continues upwards exponentially. Still, it can be worn in a ring as a RHR stone. Other types of green stones are either too brittle, tends to be too dark or has durability issues.

It's really the diamonds that are going to cost a good portion of your budget. There are quite a lot of good sized diamonds.

 

[T L]

How big of a stone are you thinking of? A tsavorite garnet might come close but tends to get pricey once it reaches over 2 carats. It is going to cost over 2K to get over the 2 carat mark, and continues upwards exponentially. Still, it can be worn in a ring as a RHR stone. Other types of green stones are either too brittle, tends to be too dark or has durability issues.

It's really the diamonds that are going to cost a good portion of your budget. There are quite a lot of good sized diamonds.

Included stones, like cabs or even some included faceted stones can be reasonable around the two carat mark in a tsavorite garnet. I find that inclusions are a good way to keep cost down. Since the OP is looking for an emerald replacement, an included tsavorite would most mimic an emerald anyways. The two carat tsavorite cab I posted above is $199.

Now, if you want a very clean, world class colored tsavorite, the price points are much much higher.

 

[tenyearanniversary]

Well, nothing is quite like an emerald, but you can find large cabochon tsavorites in oval shapes, that may be affordable. The setting may also be duplicated by an etsy seller, but considering the large diamonds in it, I don't think it will be that inexpensive.

So, I would do a large cabochon tsavorite or if you can find a smaller faceted tsavorite, then that would help. They tend to run higher in price over two carats. I find tsavorite cabs look most like emeralds. Here's a couple from a seller I recommend. I have a gorgeous large tsavorite cab from him.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-56ct-Hi-End-Oval-Cabochon-Green-Tsavorite-Garnet-NR-/250977179058?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6f67d5b2#ht_2617wt_958

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-13ct-Notable-Cabochon-Intense-Green-Tsavorite-Garnet-/330672813385?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cfda2b549#ht_2618wt_958

Use a low priced etsy seller to make the setting, like Daniel M.

You know, if you're super picky about the quality of the setting, it will cost you more of course.

Use 14K white gold instead of 18K or Platinum. Although platinum is running less per ounce than gold right now, since it's more dense, a purer alloy, and more difficult for metal smiths to work with, it will end up costing more to have this replicated in platinum.

Get a smaller stone, so you don't need to use as much metal or diamonds.

Good luck!

Thank you so much! It is very helpful to know that you had positive experiences with this seller! I don't typically like cabs, but I can see the beauty in it in this green color.

Unfortunately I love SIZE. So I'll have to pony up, or wait awhile. Thanks so much!

 

[tenyearanniversary]

TL is correct, Tsavorite cabs can be pretty and not horribly expensive. The stone in my avatar is a Tsavorite cab. The setting may not be your thing (people either really like it or really don't - lol) but it does show one set.

Your ring is really lovely! I am really loving the cabs in the Tsavorite. Are cabs less expensive or more in Tsavorites?

 

[tenyearanniversary]

How big of a stone are you thinking of? A tsavorite garnet might come close but tends to get pricey once it reaches over 2 carats. It is going to cost over 2K to get over the 2 carat mark, and continues upwards exponentially. Still, it can be worn in a ring as a RHR stone. Other types of green stones are either too brittle, tends to be too dark or has durability issues.

It's really the diamonds that are going to cost a good portion of your budget. There are quite a lot of good sized diamonds.

Included stones, like cabs or even some included faceted stones can be reasonable around the two carat mark in a tsavorite garnet. I find that inclusions are a good way to keep cost down. Since the OP is looking for an emerald replacement, an included tsavorite would most mimic an emerald anyways. The two carat tsavorite cab I posted above is $199.

Now, if you want a very clean, world class colored tsavorite, the price points are much much higher.

That is a great tip for me about the inclusions! When you say inclusions, do you mean that it is acceptable for Tsavorites to not be eye-clean, just like emeralds?

 

[T L]

How big of a stone are you thinking of? A tsavorite garnet might come close but tends to get pricey once it reaches over 2 carats. It is going to cost over 2K to get over the 2 carat mark, and continues upwards exponentially. Still, it can be worn in a ring as a RHR stone. Other types of green stones are either too brittle, tends to be too dark or has durability issues.

It's really the diamonds that are going to cost a good portion of your budget. There are quite a lot of good sized diamonds.

Included stones, like cabs or even some included faceted stones can be reasonable around the two carat mark in a tsavorite garnet. I find that inclusions are a good way to keep cost down. Since the OP is looking for an emerald replacement, an included tsavorite would most mimic an emerald anyways. The two carat tsavorite cab I posted above is $199.

Now, if you want a very clean, world class colored tsavorite, the price points are much much higher.

That is a great tip for me about the inclusions! When you say inclusions, do you mean that it is acceptable for Tsavorites to not be eye-clean, just like emeralds?

Almost all tsavorites are included, so one should expect them to have some, unless you can spend a fortune on an eye clean one. I personally don't mind inclusions, as they keep the price points down, and most are not that easily visible to the naked eye. Since you're on a budget, an included tsavorite is the way to go IMHO. Here's my cab from that ebay store, and it's 4.5 carats. This gives you the idea of size as he has another in that size range for sale. I have to set it eventually, and I want to do it in rose gold. It has eye visible inclusions, but I like the color, and if I were to get an emerald this size and clarity, it would cost a fortune. The stone is still transparent despite being included.

 

[colorluvr]

TL is correct, Tsavorite cabs can be pretty and not horribly expensive. The stone in my avatar is a Tsavorite cab. The setting may not be your thing (people either really like it or really don't - lol) but it does show one set.

Your ring is really lovely! I am really loving the cabs in the Tsavorite. Are cabs less expensive or more in Tsavorites?

If you are asking if cab tsavorites are less expensive than faceted tsavorites, then the answer is yes (at least in my limited experience). The tsavorite in my avatar was less money than the pear tsavorite in my new pear ring, and the cab is a bit larger in ct. weight.

The stone in my ring is 3.05ct (as opposed to Tl's 4.05ct) and it measures approx. 8 x 10.

 

[T L]

TL is correct, Tsavorite cabs can be pretty and not horribly expensive. The stone in my avatar is a Tsavorite cab. The setting may not be your thing (people either really like it or really don't - lol) but it does show one set.

Your ring is really lovely! I am really loving the cabs in the Tsavorite. Are cabs less expensive or more in Tsavorites?

If you are asking if cab tsavorites are less expensive than faceted tsavorites, then the answer is yes (at least in my limited experience). The tsavorite in my avatar was less money than the pear tsavorite in my new pear ring, and the cab is a bit larger in ct. weight.

Your pear is also very clean, and very saturated, which also lends to its value. I have seen included faceted tsavorites for not much money, but I think tsavorite cabs look most like emeralds because they exhibit a softness that a faceted stone does not, and emeralds do the same thing with light whether faceted or cabs.

 

[colorluvr]

Another thing you need to keep in mind about cabs is that their depth can vary greatly. Some are more gently rounded and some have a higher dome which can change how they look in a setting. Mine was deep enough for my jeweler to set it in a deep gold bezel which he added to this setting (this ring used to have a prong set diamond) and still have a lot of the stone showing.

 

[colorluvr]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cab-tsavorite-in-eddie-sakamoto-setting.161013/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cab-tsavorite-in-eddie-sakamoto-setting.161013/[/URL]

This is the thread where I originally posted my ring - there are some side shots that show the depth of the bezel and stone better.

 

[movie zombie]

another vote for TL's cab suggestion.

 

[pregcurious]

In addition to a tsav cabochon, I think you should consider a blue-green tourmaline. The main thing I like about the ring you posted is the rich blue-green of the emerald, which I find very calming. Tsavorite garnets tend to be yellow-green, although there are some that are more pure green (and are more expensive.)

Here's an example of a blue-green tourmaline with nice saturation. Based on the dimensions, it's not very deep, so I would ask if it has a window:
http://www.ajsgem.com/tourmaline/blue-blue-green/blueblue-green-tourmaline-2.57-carats.html

 

[tenyearanniversary]

How about this tourmaline? It's 3.72 carats

 

[pregcurious]

The tourmaline you posted is yellow-green on my screen. I do not like the cutting on it.

Can you tell us what you like about the ring you posted? You've already mentioned size. Is the shade of green important to you, and if it is, what green are you looking for? Do you have a preference for faceted gems versus cabochons? Do you have a preference for ovals over other shapes? You get the idea.

 

[chrono]

Tsavorites should generally be eye clean but if you don't mind some minor inclusions to bring down the price, then by all means, do so. Yes, cabochons are almost always less expensive than faceted stone because they are not as clean and clear but the upside is that you can get a bigger stone for less $. A cabochon tsavorite will also look more emerald-like compared to a faceted tsavorite.

The AJS tourmaline you posted looks yellowish, which is quite different from the bluish green of an emerald.

 

[T L]

Tourmalines also chip easily (at least in my experience). Garnets are more durable. Most green tourmaline has some yellow or grey component, and would not look very emerald like. The stone you chose is a prime example of that.

 

[tenyearanniversary]

The tourmaline you posted is yellow-green on my screen. I do not like the cutting on it.

Can you tell us what you like about the ring you posted? You've already mentioned size. Is the shade of green important to you, and if it is, what green are you looking for? Do you have a preference for faceted gems versus cabochons? Do you have a preference for ovals over other shapes? You get the idea.

Sorry I've been so unclear!! What I like about the ring is the setting. I love the look of it and I like how pretty the stone is, and the size of the stone. I also love emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. So I would like something that looks like one of those three without the hefty price tag. Hmm.......sounds like a fantasy the more I describe it!! I like the suggestion of cabochon, but I like faceted stones. So I guess what I'm saying is can someone help me figure out how to get this ring made in this size (I would guess at least 4 or 5 carats) and make it look kind of like emerald, sapphire, or ruby?

 

[T L]

The tourmaline you posted is yellow-green on my screen. I do not like the cutting on it.

Can you tell us what you like about the ring you posted? You've already mentioned size. Is the shade of green important to you, and if it is, what green are you looking for? Do you have a preference for faceted gems versus cabochons? Do you have a preference for ovals over other shapes? You get the idea.

Sorry I've been so unclear!! What I like about the ring is the setting. I love the look of it and I like how pretty the stone is, and the size of the stone. I also love emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. So I would like something that looks like one of those three without the hefty price tag. Hmm.......sounds like a fantasy the more I describe it!! I like the suggestion of cabochon, but I like faceted stones. So I guess what I'm saying is can someone help me figure out how to get this ring made in this size (I would guess at least 4 or 5 carats) and make it look kind of like emerald, sapphire, or ruby?

A natural stone that is as blue, red or green as a nice emerald, sapphire, or ruby would be very expensive unless you got a be-treated stone, or a synthetic. We're not allowed to discuss synthetics here, so perhaps you should look into beryllium treated sapphires or rubies. Even a four carat tsavorite will be expensive, and I can't recommend green tourmalines because they chip so easily (even if you're careful like me).

 

[tenyearanniversary]

The tourmaline you posted is yellow-green on my screen. I do not like the cutting on it.

Can you tell us what you like about the ring you posted? You've already mentioned size. Is the shade of green important to you, and if it is, what green are you looking for? Do you have a preference for faceted gems versus cabochons? Do you have a preference for ovals over other shapes? You get the idea.

Sorry I've been so unclear!! What I like about the ring is the setting. I love the look of it and I like how pretty the stone is, and the size of the stone. I also love emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. So I would like something that looks like one of those three without the hefty price tag. Hmm.......sounds like a fantasy the more I describe it!! I like the suggestion of cabochon, but I like faceted stones. So I guess what I'm saying is can someone help me figure out how to get this ring made in this size (I would guess at least 4 or 5 carats) and make it look kind of like emerald, sapphire, or ruby?

A natural stone that is as blue, red or green as a nice emerald, sapphire, or ruby would be very expensive unless you got a be-treated stone, or a synthetic. We're not allowed to discuss synthetics here, so perhaps you should look into beryllium treated sapphires or rubies. Even a four carat tsavorite will be expensive, and I can't recommend green tourmalines because they chip so easily (even if you're careful like me).

Thank you so much for your response!! I'm not really interested in getting a synthetic. Is Beryllium treated sapphire or ruby well accepted by any jewelry collectors at all? I know that heat treatment is somewhat accepted in sapphires?

 

[T L]

The tourmaline you posted is yellow-green on my screen. I do not like the cutting on it.

Can you tell us what you like about the ring you posted? You've already mentioned size. Is the shade of green important to you, and if it is, what green are you looking for? Do you have a preference for faceted gems versus cabochons? Do you have a preference for ovals over other shapes? You get the idea.

Sorry I've been so unclear!! What I like about the ring is the setting. I love the look of it and I like how pretty the stone is, and the size of the stone. I also love emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. So I would like something that looks like one of those three without the hefty price tag. Hmm.......sounds like a fantasy the more I describe it!! I like the suggestion of cabochon, but I like faceted stones. So I guess what I'm saying is can someone help me figure out how to get this ring made in this size (I would guess at least 4 or 5 carats) and make it look kind of like emerald, sapphire, or ruby?

A natural stone that is as blue, red or green as a nice emerald, sapphire, or ruby would be very expensive unless you got a be-treated stone, or a synthetic. We're not allowed to discuss synthetics here, so perhaps you should look into beryllium treated sapphires or rubies. Even a four carat tsavorite will be expensive, and I can't recommend green tourmalines because they chip so easily (even if you're careful like me).

Thank you so much for your response!! I'm not really interested in getting a synthetic. Is Beryllium treated sapphire or ruby well accepted by any jewelry collectors at all? I know that heat treatment is somewhat accepted in sapphires?

True gem afficionados won't touch be treated stones, but since you have a small budget, but want a relatively large stone in a red, blue or green color, that's an option. If you want a light pink stone, a purple stone, a less saturated green or blue stone, there might be more affordable options, but true blue, red and green are the most expensive gemstone colors.

 

[DiamondsAndRust]

Might this stone work?

http://www.gemfix.com/images/stones/tourmaline_green_blue/tourmaline_gb_862.jpg

It's listed under Newest Gems and the description is

Tourmaline Oval
Weight: 5.30 cts
Measurements: 13.3x9.8 mm
Clarity: VS-SI
Origin: Afghanistan
Enhancements: None
Price: $ 650.00
Order/Stock No.: tourmaline_gb_862
Description: Intense medium blue-green color. Great size, some visible inclusions sprinkled throughout.

 

[tenyearanniversary]

Might this stone work?

http://www.gemfix.com/images/stones/tourmaline_green_blue/tourmaline_gb_862.jpg

It's listed under Newest Gems and the description is

Tourmaline Oval
Weight: 5.30 cts
Measurements: 13.3x9.8 mm
Clarity: VS-SI
Origin: Afghanistan
Enhancements: None
Price: $ 650.00
Order/Stock No.: tourmaline_gb_862
Description: Intense medium blue-green color. Great size, some visible inclusions sprinkled throughout.

Thanks! That looks nice, no? But I think some have said that tourmaline is too easily damaged, is that right?

 

[chrono]

I am sorry to tell you that you are requesting a 5 star hotel room & service for the price of a 1 star motel room. Something has to give in your specifications.

Diffused stones are frowned upon by collectors for the invasive treatment that the stones have undergone. However, they are very inexpensive and affordable. They serve a different market where a person wants a large stone that is very well coloured for a fraction of the price.

 

[T L]

Might this stone work?

http://www.gemfix.com/images/stones/tourmaline_green_blue/tourmaline_gb_862.jpg

It's listed under Newest Gems and the description is

Tourmaline Oval
Weight: 5.30 cts
Measurements: 13.3x9.8 mm
Clarity: VS-SI
Origin: Afghanistan
Enhancements: None
Price: $ 650.00
Order/Stock No.: tourmaline_gb_862
Description: Intense medium blue-green color. Great size, some visible inclusions sprinkled throughout.

Thanks! That looks nice, no? But I think some have said that tourmaline is too easily damaged, is that right?

I am very careful with my gemstones, and I have tourmalines with scratches and chips on them. It's very frustrating, and one of the reasons, I stopped buying tourmaline (along with low luster and RI).

Chrono is right again, if you want a 4+ carat red, blue or green stone, that is also durable, you will need to look into be-treated sapphires/rubies, green tsavorite cabochons, or get something with lower saturation levels, in order to accommodate your budget. You may be able to find a very included 4+ carat faceted tsavorite, but I have never seen a 4+ carat one, no matter the inclusions, that sold for so little. On top of that, you want a certain shape, which also complicates the matter. It may take a while to get what you want then, if you're lucky.

As you said, it's the setting that you really care about, so if you want a really nice setting, and to recreate that ring, then you need to spend as little on the stone as possible.

 

[Pandora II]

Be diffused really is going to be the way forward. You can get red garnets but they won't look anything like a ruby and in a 4ct size will be very dark.

Please be careful if you start looking at rubies - there are many on the market that look great, but they are lead-glass filled (sometimes a lot more glass than ruby) and the minute a jeweller tries to set them they will run into problems - torches will melt them, pickling solution will eat away at the glass (even lemon juice is damaging).

Top rubies are the most expensive stones bar natural coloured diamonds. Top rubies, sapphires and emeralds will blow the price of a similar size white diamond out of the water - they are by no means a cheap alternative.

Just for information, synthetic emeralds are not cheap as the production process is very long - I've bought natural emerald sidestones for less than the cost of synthetics!

 

[slg47]

ERD makes a similar setting...
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/vintage-platinum-ring-pid-1055-44.html

 

[tenyearanniversary]

I am sorry to tell you that you are requesting a 5 star hotel room & service for the price of a 1 star motel room. Something has to give in your specifications.

.

Exactly!! Haha! Now I see you all understand my needs!!