shape
carat
color
clarity

Montana Sapphire Setting

benjdow

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 16, 2015
Messages
7
Hi all, I'm a new member, but not new to the forum per se. For months I've poured over this forum and others researching gemstones for my future fiancé's e-ring. I'm fortunate that my girlfriend has given me complete autonomy to choose the engagement ring. I'm familiar with what she likes and I've totally sold her on a colored stone for an e-ring.

For the stone I wanted a natural stone from the U.S., I was originally after benitoite, but lost interest after losing an auction on ebay for $800 and seeing the same stone listed a few weeks later on a website for $6700. I also realized benitoite was too soft for every day use, regardless of how much I tried to ignore that factor. After a long exhaustive search, I found what I believe is the perfect stone, a color change Montana Sapphire. The color change is quite drastic. An employee from Jared insisted it was amethyst until I asked her to look at outside. I could tell she felt kind of dumb, I promptly went elsewhere.

I found a local jeweler who's well reviewed and been in business for a few generations. I'm curious what PS members think of the settings pictured below. He does custom settings, but these settings he says are from a designer in New York. The first one is $950 and the 2nd is $1950.Yea - nay? I'm open to thoughts and other recommendations.

For whatever reason, my camera (Galaxy S5) cannot capture the stone when it's blue. In your hand it's blue, in the camera screen it's violet. There first 2 pics are from the Faceter, Earth's Treasury, and the 3rd is one I took.

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benjdow

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 16, 2015
Messages
7
The other setting

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Bex

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Oct 15, 2013
Messages
134
What a gorgeous stone! If you're in NYC, check out ID jewelry. I think the second setting is lovely, but worry about the durability of the three sided pave. You could also propose with a temporary solitaire setting and then pick out the "forever" setting together.
 

lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,204
Bex|1448053358|3952209 said:
What a gorgeous stone! If you're in NYC, check out ID jewelry. I think the second setting is lovely, but worry about the durability of the three sided pave. You could also propose with a temporary solitaire setting and then pick out the "forever" setting together.


Completely agree about looking into ID jewelry. Lots of PSers have had great luck with them, and they produce quality work. The stone is gorgeous, so I think it will turn out great no matter what, but we are definitely happy to narrow down options :) I do like the second setting overall, but think that 3 sided pave can be tricky, especially if your future fiance is going to wear a wedding band when you two get married (because the side with diamonds will rub against the band and that is problematic).
 

PattyCo

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Sep 26, 2011
Messages
598
The second setting is so unique. Does it come with a band that fits it's unusual shape? :love:
 

chrono

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 22, 2004
Messages
38,364
A few things to consider.
1. Will she want her wedding band to sit flush with her e-ring?
2. Durability or pretty factor? 3 sided pave is gorgeous but will not hold up under 24/7 wear.
3. Is the setting white gold or platinum? My guess is WG. Does she have nickel allergies? Does she want the metal to be white all the time or is all right with bringing it back to be replated every few months/years?
 

benjdow

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 16, 2015
Messages
7
Thanks for the comments. I never considered durability of 3 sided pave, which would be an issue. I really like the uniqueness of it, though. I thoroughly browsed ID Jewelry. They have great prices, but the designs appear common. Isn't the Art Deco/Antique style trending now?

Chrono|1448288633|3953078 said:
A few things to consider.
1. Will she want her wedding band to sit flush with her e-ring?
2. Durability or pretty factor? 3 sided pave is gorgeous but will not hold up under 24/7 wear.
3. Is the setting white gold or platinum? My guess is WG. Does she have nickel allergies? Does she want the metal to be white all the time or is all right with bringing it back to be replated every few months/years?

1. Yes, which I now realize eliminates the 3 sided pave
2. Durability takes precedence
3. Yes, it's WG. She doesn't have allergies to nickel. She'd like it to be white as intended, and wouldn't have a problem taking it in on an annual basis, but more than that is pushing it.
 

benjdow

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 16, 2015
Messages
7
Update with pics, she said Yes, :)

Decided to stick with the 3 side pave, couldn't find anything else that had the same wow factor. She's perfectly fine without wearing a band, and totally enamored with the ring. Thanks PS for the research material!

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lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,204
benjdow|1449501472|3958536 said:
Update with pics, she said Yes, :)

Decided to stick with the 3 side pave, couldn't find anything else that had the same wow factor. She's perfectly fine without wearing a band, and totally enamored with the ring. Thanks PS for the research material!


wow, I love it!! I think it looks great on her hand, and I'm glad you are both so happy! :appl:
 

Acinom

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 15, 2013
Messages
10,535
Gorgeous stone and setting. The ring looks stunning on her hand. You have made great choices.

Congrats on your engagement?
 
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