Need help with custom gemstone ring

[QueenG]

Hello everyone! After receiving great advice on this form about e-rings, and in the proccess becoming obsessed with jewelry, I decided to have a custom gemstone RHR designed. Nothing too fancy, just something for everyday. I love the idea of an oval or maquise-shaped colored stone set east-west in a full bezel in white gold. Something sleek and modern like Sholdt. Whiteflash has been doing wonderful custom work lately, as evident by the pics in their folder on this site. Do you think they would able to do a nice job with this? Also, do I have to get the gemstone from them or can I have a stone sent from another vendor? Any gemstone vendor recommendations? I''m not really sure what type of stone I''d like to go with, but preferably something uncommon and not super-expensive. Maybe something pinky-peachy (tourmaline, is it?)? Or perhaps something green? Purple? Blue? I just want a stone that calls out to me! Thanks so much in advance!

 

[QueenG]

Oh my, I got so excited that I didn''t specifiy certain things! I need a stone that is strong enoguh for everyday wear and tear.

Colors:

I think it''s pink spinel that I like, not the tourmaline (although I have seen some that are also quite beautiful).

Greens I like are more earthy, not bright. I saw some green amethysts that I liked, but I''m unsure if going with such a pale color is smart with gemstone rings.

Smoky Quartz is also rather lovely.

Tanzanite?

Opinions are welcome!

 

[Pandora II]

Do you have an idea of budget for the stone?

How much do you intend to wear the ring? My e-ring is a tsavorite which is a 7 - 7.5, I only wear it when I am out and not doing anything that could possibly damage it, the rest of the time it goes in it's box.

If you want a stone that will wear well, you should probably go for a sapphire which is a 9 on the Mohs. Spinel is an 8 on the Mohs, Tourmaline is softer still at 7 - 7.5 as is quartz - fine if you are careful with your hands, and don't want to wear it 24/7.

Real green amethyst is an extremely rare stone - what is sold as green amethyst is poor quality amethyst that has been heat-treated or irradiated.

Tanzanite is absolutely not suitable for everyday wear. Personally I wouldn't even put it in a ring. Prices have also gone through the roof.

Regarding colour - go with whatever you like, there are no rights or wrongs.


ETA: I buy all my rocks through Wink - www.winkjones.com.

Some have come from Palagems who are trade-only (have a look at their website they have beautiful things - and prices to match

www.palagems.com)

I've also just bought 3 titanites from Richard Homer (through Wink).