Jeff White Sapphire complete!

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/19/2009 4:58:02 PM
Author: stacy
Okay, I was already totally jealous of your collection, but now?!


Seriously, that is a dreamy sapphire and the setting is perfection! I bet you cannot wait to get that baby on your finger. I know I can''t wait to see handshots because you ALWAYS have stunning photos.


Congratulations!

he he, thanks stacy, I''m glad you like it.
Yup, getting my mani this weekend and promise lots of shots of course

 

[kas baby]

I think that setting does what it should do best- protect and show off that gorgeous sapphire!!

It''s simply beautiful

...I''m anxiously looking forward to hand shots of this beauty

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/19/2009 5:48:20 PM
Author: cushioncutnut
GOrGEOUSSSS! I can''t wait to see more pics though!!! I love all the details!! Those prongs look lovely without being overbearing!!!! and the milligrain....and, and, and......................JUST DREAMY!!!!!

Thankyou CCN - yours is one of my fave sapphire rings, I hope mine is as dreamy as yours IRL

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/19/2009 6:46:01 PM
Author: dreamer_dachsie
Gorgeous. And I cannot believe the color of the saph! Each picture is better than the one before. I am very curious to hear what you think of it when you see it in person, esp. the color. Sometimes saphs photograph bluer than they seem to the eye, so I can''t wait to hear what you think when you see it!


More handhots! But of course, you will do a lovely photo shoot

More handshots will have to wait till next week dreamer! Lesley was very efficient and my package has already left Houston!

I am confident the colour will be just as expected - I''ve seen a ton of photos of this stone now from both Jeff and Brian, and Jeff did an awesome job in getting me my "ideal blue".

I''m very excited to meet my sapphire for the first time

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/19/2009 7:01:11 PM
Author: pierreone
Wow, so nice. The sapphire is beautiful and they did a great job with the setting. Hope you love it. Thanks for sharing.

Thankyou pierreone, also for being part inspiration for this project

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/19/2009 11:32:32 PM
Author: kas baby
I think that setting does what it should do best- protect and show off that gorgeous sapphire!!

It''s simply beautiful


...I''m anxiously looking forward to hand shots of this beauty

Thanks kas...admittedly both of those were high priorities!

But I do hope the setting has merits of its own though

Like I said, I know its nothing revolutionary, but it is exactly what I wanted and I think it turned out beautifully.

Importantly, I will also be able to wear it without stressing about damaging my awesome sapphire

 

[bling addict]

Beautiful ring AJ! Hoping the next few days go quickly for you -- looking forward to seeing your photos!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/20/2009 4:56:56 AM
Author: bling addict
Beautiful ring AJ! Hoping the next few days go quickly for you -- looking forward to seeing your photos!

Thankyou BA, so do I! You can bet as soon as it lands I will be annoying customs as usual, lol..

 

[arjunajane]

And, just for Ms Curious Chrono, because she asked so nicely

Here is the final CAD we went with...you can probably see what I mean about how
it doesn''t entirely represent the final product. But I trusted Brian knew what I wanted, and he did to a tee.

I will post the first CAD (the one we scrapped/changed) with the whole "story" once the ring arrives.

 

[SapphireLover]

She''s a beauty AJ. Seriously, that is one fab ring. I can''t wait to see pictures of it on your hand in the Aussie spring sunshine.n

 

[chrono]

Thank you, Ms AJ.

OK, I understand now why you didn’t want to show us the CAD. It is slightly different in that that little strip of metal really made the flow up to the melee a LOT better.

 

[cushioncutnut]

Date: 11/19/2009 11:33:03 PM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 11/19/2009 5:48:20 PM
Author: cushioncutnut
GOrGEOUSSSS! I can''t wait to see more pics though!!! I love all the details!! Those prongs look lovely without being overbearing!!!! and the milligrain....and, and, and......................JUST DREAMY!!!!!

Thankyou CCN - yours is one of my fave sapphire rings, I hope mine is as dreamy as yours IRL

It is!!! My sapphire pales in comparison to yours. I sure wish I bought a custom cut sapphire! I just love how your sapphire gloooows! I am not disappointed in my sapphire by any means...........I just think my excitement of building my 20th Anniversary ring got the best of me!!

....and looking at your CAD''s.... they can surely be deceiving since they look so computer generated. I never did a CAD with my sapphire because I think the CAD''s would have thrown me way off course. I could just see myself driving someone crazy trying to change what didn''t look right to me....

Your ring IRL though looks remarkable. I can''t wait to see the entourage of pictures you will be posting!!!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/20/2009 7:21:53 AM
Author: SapphireLover
She''s a beauty AJ. Seriously, that is one fab ring. I can''t wait to see pictures of it on your hand in the Aussie spring sunshine.n

Thankyou sapphirelover, and you got it on the pics - fingers crossed for sunshine next week as the weather''s been patchy.

However, I noticed walking around to meetings today that the gardens at the University where I work are looking especially lovely. Now that all the students are gone for semester, I think I can safely do a photoshoot on campus without being looked at like a crazy person

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/20/2009 7:44:34 AM
Author: Chrono
Thank you, Ms AJ.

OK, I understand now why you didn’t want to show us the CAD. It is slightly different in that that little strip of metal really made the flow up to the melee a LOT better.

ya exactly - plus of course the shoulders aren''t cut out silly!
and the milgrain etc..

I guess I also just wanted to take a different approach to what I usually do ''round here (posting step by step) and really enjoy the experience of working one on one with Brian, yanno?

As it is, I second-guessed myself enough without having PS''ers in for the critique too, lol..

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/20/2009 8:41:24 AM
Author: cushioncutnut

Date: 11/19/2009 11:33:03 PM

Author: arjunajane

Date: 11/19/2009 5:48:20 PM

Author: cushioncutnut

GOrGEOUSSSS! I can''t wait to see more pics though!!! I love all the details!! Those prongs look lovely without being overbearing!!!! and the milligrain....and, and, and......................JUST DREAMY!!!!!

Thankyou CCN - yours is one of my fave sapphire rings, I hope mine is as dreamy as yours IRL

It is!!! My sapphire pales in comparison to yours. I sure wish I bought a custom cut sapphire! I just love how your sapphire gloooows! I am not disappointed in my sapphire by any means...........I just think my excitement of building my 20th Anniversary ring got the best of me!!

....and looking at your CAD''s.... they can surely be deceiving since they look so computer generated. I never did a CAD with my sapphire because I think the CAD''s would have thrown me way off course. I could just see myself driving someone crazy trying to change what didn''t look right to me....

Your ring IRL though looks remarkable. I can''t wait to see the entourage of pictures you will be posting!!!

Not at all CCN, your ring has always been a standout and I know you love it - I love the colours in your stone, I have all your photos in my inspiration folder for this project

I know what you mean about the excitement. Don''t get me wrong, I am over the moon with my ring, no regrets. But often throughout the process I did think "should I just take a step back and re-evaluate my choices?", instead of just forging ahead and wanting the ring on my finger asap, kwim?. (It is for my 5 year anniversary, combined with a gift to myself for getting my dream job).
I think those feelings are natural with custom, even with someone like me who was very specific about what they wanted

I can say I am very happy I was working with Brian and Lesley and not, say, someone like Leon who wouldn''t communicate/give updates etc half as much. I would''ve gone mad I think, ha!

Ya, after the 2nd round of CADS, at one stage I just had to go - yep, I trust Brian to execute my ideas/requests accurately - and of course he did.
CAD is a great tool, but it does give you more incentive to nit pick is what I found (compared to say when I''ve worked with completely hand made artists just from one sketch). Kinda odd, as you would think it would be the opposite, no?..

You betcha re the photos - let''s hope my camera does a good job of photographing blues hey?!

 

[E B]

Oh, WOW.

It''s gorgeous. Can''t wait to see your shots, arjuna!

 

[Spirit]

Hi Arj! Just checked in and found all this news! Congratulations!!! Your finished ring is beautiful and has so many different design elements that you love all rolled into one! The look is classy and elegant while sturdy and practical. I hope you wear it in good health and enjoy it forever! The sentiments attached to it should remind you of all the fun you had in the planning stages and all your PS friends who shared your journey.
( Hmm - I guess if we were really such great friends we could have all chipped in and shared in the cost!

) never mind...It''s a winner!

 

[risingsun]

I absolutely love it, AJ

Only one full frontal view...bah

I know you will make up for this omission as soon as it is in your hot little hands

I'm so pleased for you. It is a beauty

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/19/2009 10:39:43 PM
Author: arjunajane
Of course, I will start a proper thread with masses of my own photos once it arrives.
But I just wanted to send a huge THANKYOU to Brian and Lesley for their wonderful exemplary service during this whole project.
I wouldn''t have wanted to do it with anyone else, and I can''t wait to work with them again.


Thankyou all so much for your comments.
To answer some of your questions, I am beyond happy with the result.

To explain the design choice:
I had sooooo many photos of rings and different ideas swirling around for this project. Like many of you I''m sure, I have amassed a huge inspiration folder and was torn in a number of directions on how to do this project.

But in the end, the style and cutting of the sapphire really dictated alot of the design.
I knew I wanted something substantial, not tiny and dainty, which I believe we''ve achieved. In the end I took a combo of three different designs (all quite similar) that I really loved, and came up with my version.

The ring is platinum, with 0.28cts of F/G VVS BG signature melee in the shoulders accented with milgrain.
The smallest part is 2.5mm at the bottom of the shank, and it tapers up to I think around 3.75mm where the diamond shoulders/channels are.
I asked Brian to add that extra ''strip'' of platinum overlay on the sides of the shank, so that the channels transition more smoothly into the shank, and I''m really happy with that extra feature.

I chose a straight bar head with single claw prongs as I''ve always loved that look. The prongs are intentionally a lil heavier than some may prefer in order to protect the pointy corners of the stone''s cut, but I still think they work well with the overall ring.

I know we didn''t reinvent the wheel or do anything too original - but I wanted simple, classic and importantly to showcase the amazing JW sapphire, and I think we achieved that.


The other direction I was considering was something VC-esque, all vintage with pierced or carved details - but I think this suits the sapphire better

I was wondering what that was, and if I was seeing things. Interesting idea!

Photos look great, looking forward to seeing your pics!

 

[icekid]

What a gorgeous tribute to that beautiful JW sapphire. Very nice! I must admit though, I''d rather see your photos aj than the glam shots by BG. You take such great pics.

 

[cushioncutnut]

Date: 11/20/2009 9:29:11 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 11/20/2009 8:41:24 AM
Author: cushioncutnut

Date: 11/19/2009 11:33:03 PM

Author: arjunajane

Date: 11/19/2009 5:48:20 PM

Author: cushioncutnut

GOrGEOUSSSS! I can''t wait to see more pics though!!! I love all the details!! Those prongs look lovely without being overbearing!!!! and the milligrain....and, and, and......................JUST DREAMY!!!!!

Thankyou CCN - yours is one of my fave sapphire rings, I hope mine is as dreamy as yours IRL

It is!!! My sapphire pales in comparison to yours. I sure wish I bought a custom cut sapphire! I just love how your sapphire gloooows! I am not disappointed in my sapphire by any means...........I just think my excitement of building my 20th Anniversary ring got the best of me!!

....and looking at your CAD''s.... they can surely be deceiving since they look so computer generated. I never did a CAD with my sapphire because I think the CAD''s would have thrown me way off course. I could just see myself driving someone crazy trying to change what didn''t look right to me....

Your ring IRL though looks remarkable. I can''t wait to see the entourage of pictures you will be posting!!!

Not at all CCN, your ring has always been a standout and I know you love it - I love the colours in your stone, I have all your photos in my inspiration folder for this project

I know what you mean about the excitement. Don''t get me wrong, I am over the moon with my ring, no regrets. But often throughout the process I did think ''should I just take a step back and re-evaluate my choices?'', instead of just forging ahead and wanting the ring on my finger asap, kwim?. (It is for my 5 year anniversary, combined with a gift to myself for getting my dream job).
I think those feelings are natural with custom, even with someone like me who was very specific about what they wanted

I can say I am very happy I was working with Brian and Lesley and not, say, someone like Leon who wouldn''t communicate/give updates etc half as much. I would''ve gone mad I think, ha!

Ya, after the 2nd round of CADS, at one stage I just had to go - yep, I trust Brian to execute my ideas/requests accurately - and of course he did.
CAD is a great tool, but it does give you more incentive to nit pick is what I found (compared to say when I''ve worked with completely hand made artists just from one sketch). Kinda odd, as you would think it would be the opposite, no?..

You betcha re the photos - let''s hope my camera does a good job of photographing blues hey?!

Well thank you! That makes me feel good to know that my ring was in your inspiration folder! I just bet you are going to be over the moon when you get your ring!!! Wouldn''t it be fun to be in the room of every PSer as they were opening the box of thier next jewelry aquisition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[cushioncutnut]

Date: 11/20/2009 2:59:57 PM
Author: icekid
What a gorgeous tribute to that beautiful JW sapphire. Very nice! I must admit though, I''d rather see your photos aj than the glam shots by BG. You take such great pics.

I totally agree!!!! I like seeing the jewelry in there own natural lighting......... not so staged!!

 

[Fly Girl]

AJ, it''s going to be awesome!!!!

 

[Kelli]

WOW! That''s a beauty! I wish I could play in your jewelry box!

 

[stepcutnut]

Looks lovely, can''t wait for your pics

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Beautiful!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/20/2009 9:56:07 AM
Author: Spirit
Hi Arj! Just checked in and found all this news! Congratulations!!! Your finished ring is beautiful and has so many different design elements that you love all rolled into one! The look is classy and elegant while sturdy and practical. I hope you wear it in good health and enjoy it forever! The sentiments attached to it should remind you of all the fun you had in the planning stages and all your PS friends who shared your journey.

( Hmm - I guess if we were really such great friends we could have all chipped in and shared in the cost!

) never mind...It''s a winner!

ha ha, I was wondering when you were going to show up blue sister!
I like your description - elegant yet sturdy, exactly.
Definitely, this whole thread plus everything I experienced in finding the sapphire was alot of fun plus educational.

I really treasure my experiences with Jeff, Brian & Lesley, and of course you guys.
Plus once the ring arrives, Fi and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary and so creating new sentiments attached to the ring.
We had a weekend away planned for now, but I''ve pushed it back a week so that I will have my ring - a true PSer, right?

It will also always remind me of when I changed gears and started on a career path that I sincerely love, which is when I went looking for the sapphire to mark the occasion..

Thanks lovey for your comments!


btw, where are things at with your blue beauty? Any ideas on settings yet?

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/20/2009 12:00:53 PM
Author: risingsun
I absolutely love it, AJ

Only one full frontal view...bah

I know you will make up for this omission as soon as it is in your hot little hands

I''m so pleased for you. It is a beauty

Thankyou marian, and Absolutely!
I''m looking forward to the photoshoot - got my nails done today, he he..

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/20/2009 6:10:07 PM
Author: cushioncutnut

Date: 11/20/2009 2:59:57 PM

Author: icekid

What a gorgeous tribute to that beautiful JW sapphire. Very nice! I must admit though, I''d rather see your photos aj than the glam shots by BG. You take such great pics.

I totally agree!!!! I like seeing the jewelry in there own natural lighting......... not so staged!!

How interesting, practically everyone that has posted has commented that they''d like to see the real life pics (thankyou icekid for your comment about my pics!).

I always thought folks like the glamour shots...I must admit I agree it is nice to see how the ring actually looks in reality, but I do love having my BG pics as mementos

well, here ya go guys...I reckon this is pretty close to RL size

Interesting really, how all of a sudden the milgrain looks finer etc..

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/20/2009 1:44:58 PM
Author: TravelingGal
I was wondering what that was, and if I was seeing things. Interesting idea!


Photos look great, looking forward to seeing your pics!

Thanks Tgal..he he, do you mean interesting = interesting...or interesting, as in another word for unattractive..? lol..

It will of course be less noticeable IRL, and will sit below view when on the finger.
However, considering my penchant for admiring rings from profile and side views, I already think it will become one of my fave features