May I ask for your help in assisting my BF?

[montanaflower]

First and foremost, I just wanted to say how much all of your posts and amazing advice has opened my eyes to the many factors involved in finding and creating beautiful jewelry. As someone who has only ever relied on what they tell you at the jewelry store at the mall, I can't tell you how much I value all of your input and ideas.

That said, I am still very much a novice in terms of knowing what to look for and am having a hard time giving my boyfriend ideas on where to find the 'perfect' engagement ring when the time comes. I mentioned that I would prefer a sapphire ring, instead of a diamond, in white gold and he started looking around, but he's having a hard time because he's always just bought whatever the guy at Zales suggests. I'm a little worried he's going to be talked in to overpaying for a lab created sapphire or whatever they have on hand so I told him I'd ask here to see if maybe you kind PSers can point us in a better direction?

His budget is about $2000. I am partial to Montana sapphires (more green than blue) or pink, basic heat is ok and I like this type of simple, elegant setting http://www.shaneco.com/detail/round-diamond-infinity-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold/41046616 or this one https://www.etsy.com/listing/93665187/flower-design-diamond-engagement-ring?ref=shop_home_active_5 but I am very open to other suggestions. My ring size is 7-7.5

From what I've read on here, it sound like a lot of you order the stones you like then have them set by a local jeweler or order a custom setting, but I'm trying to make it as easy as possible for him as he's not exactly the best at multitasking Any suggestions on making this simpler would be much appreciated. If you read this far, thank you so much for any help you can provide!

 

[lilmosun]

Buying colored stones on-line is difficult - you need to see a stone in person to know if its "the one". And you want a stone that speaks to you. Folks here can suggest stones but its a matter of personal taste and based on pictures which may not be how they look in real life.

Could you suggest finding a stone together and then letting him take it from there -- buying a setting (using your pictures as guidance) and having the stone set? Based on your settings choices, budget $1200 for a stone and set aside $800 for the setting.

 

[GliderPoss]

OK firstly welcome! I think as this is a big decision and as an important piece you will likely wear for a long time - it's truly worth the extra effort. I simply don't accept lazy boyfriends excuses in this matter!

I'd would either:
1. Look for an individual sapphire (Australian sapphires are also greeny/blue) then get a setting to fit it - try to find calibrated sizes ie, 6x6mm or 8x8mm. Great list of vendors pinned at the top of this thread.
OR
2. Look at rings that are already made, including pre-loved on Ruby Lane, Etsy, Diamond Bistro and Loupe Troop etc. You can easily get the ring resized if need be. Make sure you ask lots of details and for extra photos in a variety of lighting situations.

$2000 is plenty for a simple sapphire solitare so just enjoy the hunt and you can then direct your boyfriend to something specific.

Best of luck - keep us posted!

 

[chrono]

You probably aren't going to find a ready-made Montana ring at your local B&M store. The reason most of us purchase the stone first, then have it set is that it gives us more options to find a stone that we love (and at better pricing) and also the setting that we love (and at better pricing). I highly suggest getting involved in the stone hunting process though because colour is very personal and Montana sapphire love to colour shift, so the blue green will not stay blue green most of the time.

Places where you can potentially do a one stop shop:
JuliaB - http://www.etsy.com/shop/JuliaBJewelry
Yvonne Raley of Cecile Raley Designs - https://www.etsy.com/shop/yvonneraley

Places where you can find a Montana sapphire:
MountainMamaGems https://www.etsy.com/shop/MountainMommaGems
http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_montana.html

 

[carmen1]

I believe Blazengems is also a trusted source for Montana sapphires. I know it is a bit more effort than one-stop shopping, but finding the right sapphire and then working with local jeweler or someone like David Klass or an etsy designer on the setting will get you exactly what you want!

http://blazengems.com/retail/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83_53_54&products_id=1290

 

[deskjockey]

I was in your shoes a while back, and honestly I just sourced the stone myself and had him buy it I got mine from Mountain Momma on etsy, but in addition to her and the sites already mentioned, I'd get ahold of Dana at mastercut gems(just contact him, he has montanas scattered throughout his site so it's easier just to email), and visit the Earth's Treasurywebsite as well (he's got a whole bunch up now).

I would just find the stone you like, point him to it, and go from there. If you get a stone with a fairly standard measurement (5, 6, 6.5 mm) you should be able to find a premade semi mount. We got mine at a regular chain jewelry store (I may upgrade it in the future) in their clearance case. Another good place to look is at Gabriel and Co, their prices are pretty reasonable, you can find jewelers that stock them at their website. The only potential difficulty in getting a stock setting is that sapphires are often cut deeper than diamonds, and they are designed for diamonds. Mine just barely fits, LOL.