Good day! Thought I'd join, say hello, and share my recent precious gemstone shopping experience. I don't have a large knowledge base of any of these baubles, but I certainly love how they sparkle. I'm more of a hobbyist when it comes to jewelry, but since I'm spending more these days it pays to do a little due diligence. I also encourage anyone looking to buy to research and ask lots of questions. Tangentially, thank you to Pricescope. I read more than my fair share of threads relating to diamond shopping when I was going through that process. And this post is me giving back, for what that is worth.
But now I'm married and thought that this holiday season should see the first ruby purchase for my new bride. I'll first say that I found it a touch more difficult than engagement ring (diamond) shopping. I felt that the guidelines/advice/rules were more straightforward and clear with diamonds than with rubies. I initially also had a few misconceptions about rubies; primarily that they were considerably cheaper than diamonds, and that I could walk into a jewelry store here in the DC area and have a wide selection to pick from. Fast forward to the end of my story and you can see from the pictures I ended up with (what I consider beautiful) ruby and diamond pendant. The design is from Simon G and it was sold to me at Charleston Alexander, a local store here where I live.
When I began to read about rubies, I was introduced to the concept of heat-enhancing. This was very confusing to me, because on the surface "heat-enhancing" or just the word "enhancing" brings about images of "lab-created" or otherwise altered, and therefore bordering on "fake" or "non-genuine" stones. No offense meant to those who like lab-created stones, that's just not what I was after. It took me a lot of reading and thought to accept the concept of heat-enhancing. Also, unless I wanted to shill out tens of thousands of dollars for a real, untouched, stone I was pretty much left with only heat-enhanced options. So, my recommendation would be to read a lot about that process, ask the jewelers questions when shopping, and just be careful. Due some homework.
Next was the short supply. I went into perhaps 5-7 different (what I would call high end) stores and was surprised that each of them only had maybe 2-3 ruby pendants. And, they were all pretty similar in style. That was a little discouraging. Although, they nearly all said that they could have something made to my specs, or change out this sapphire for a ruby, etc. I did shop online a bit, but I'm not one to buy from online vendors (that's just me). I like the personal interaction and the chase!
I will say that my experience at Charleston Alexander was great. On my first visit, they actually told me to come back the following weekend for a showcase with some of their partners and there would be more selection. That's how I found my piece, and got it at 20% less.
So, there you have it. The necklace sits in its hiding place waiting for Santa. Happy holidays!
But now I'm married and thought that this holiday season should see the first ruby purchase for my new bride. I'll first say that I found it a touch more difficult than engagement ring (diamond) shopping. I felt that the guidelines/advice/rules were more straightforward and clear with diamonds than with rubies. I initially also had a few misconceptions about rubies; primarily that they were considerably cheaper than diamonds, and that I could walk into a jewelry store here in the DC area and have a wide selection to pick from. Fast forward to the end of my story and you can see from the pictures I ended up with (what I consider beautiful) ruby and diamond pendant. The design is from Simon G and it was sold to me at Charleston Alexander, a local store here where I live.
When I began to read about rubies, I was introduced to the concept of heat-enhancing. This was very confusing to me, because on the surface "heat-enhancing" or just the word "enhancing" brings about images of "lab-created" or otherwise altered, and therefore bordering on "fake" or "non-genuine" stones. No offense meant to those who like lab-created stones, that's just not what I was after. It took me a lot of reading and thought to accept the concept of heat-enhancing. Also, unless I wanted to shill out tens of thousands of dollars for a real, untouched, stone I was pretty much left with only heat-enhanced options. So, my recommendation would be to read a lot about that process, ask the jewelers questions when shopping, and just be careful. Due some homework.
Next was the short supply. I went into perhaps 5-7 different (what I would call high end) stores and was surprised that each of them only had maybe 2-3 ruby pendants. And, they were all pretty similar in style. That was a little discouraging. Although, they nearly all said that they could have something made to my specs, or change out this sapphire for a ruby, etc. I did shop online a bit, but I'm not one to buy from online vendors (that's just me). I like the personal interaction and the chase!
I will say that my experience at Charleston Alexander was great. On my first visit, they actually told me to come back the following weekend for a showcase with some of their partners and there would be more selection. That's how I found my piece, and got it at 20% less.
So, there you have it. The necklace sits in its hiding place waiting for Santa. Happy holidays!
Sadly, an untreated ruby of good colouration is outside the realm of our budgets so many of us open our options to include heated rubies. Then one has to decide what level of heat is acceptable / not acceptable (level of flux healing, diffusion, lead glass filling, etc). It is definitely exhaustive! Congrats on a lovely ruby sapphire for the missus.
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