Lucida setting - okay for dark stones?

[jchristman]

Hi all,

I just purchased the dark blue Gem 1192 from Gene:

http://www.precisiongem.com/Gemstones/Gemstones/Sapphire.html

It is dark (which is what I wanted), but has beautiful blue flashes.I am very happy with the color of the stone loose, however since it is dark I don't want it going black when set.

I really like the Lucida style settings like this stock setting from Unique:

http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/show/2005?from_style=1

Is this a good choice for a dark stone. I don't want it going too dark. My concern is that the extra horizontal piece that goes around the stone will restrict the amount of light entering from beneath. What do you all think??

Thanks,
Jason

 

[LD]

Prong set is definitely the way to go with this stone if you don't want it to darken. However, please bear in mind that ALL stones darken somewhat once set because they will be encased in metal and so light will be limited. You can get solitaire rings that have less metal at the base of the head that may work a bit better but depending on the depth of your stone and the setting, you may also be able to get a jeweller to thin the side piece of metal for you on this ring. Alternatively if you looked for something like a semi bezel that suspended the stone so there was nothing underneath that might work too.

 

[jchristman]

Thanks for the help!

A local jeweler was showing me Stuller settings; they have a similar style without the horizontal bar or basket:

http://www.stuller.com/products/120979/?groupId=5058

It's certainly more open, and even though I prefer the extra horizontal piece and the way the cathedral arms actually join the head, it might be a worthwhile trade-off to keep the sapphire brighter.

Jason