Need Opinions and Advice

[Cehrabehra]

Hello... it's me and my pet rock teardrop the funky aqua and we need some advice on matters we know nothing of

My father in law goes back to the states early tuesday and he will be sending it to a jeweler for setting and I have some last minute decisions to make and I have so very little experience with these things... here, let me get to my point

I need to figure out two things - one: do I want metal under the stone and how does that affect cleaning and two: what color metal should I go with? silver, argentium, or white gold unplated? I am leaning toward the latter two but I have absolutely no experience in what metal does to a semi-transparent stone and whether it makes any difference and what would look best with my stone. Also I could do yellow gold under and white gold around or silver around... i don't want yellow gold around for certain.

I need to have a discussion about this but I really have no one to do it with except all of you

Thanks!

Oh and here's a pic I took today with my silver ring under - you can tell where it is and where it isn't... it's a grey silver.

 

[chrono]

Sarah,
It is really up to you if you want a backing or not. Which appearance do you prefer? I actually prefer no metal so I can appreciate the transparency of the aqua. As for the metal type, I’d go with unplated white gold to give it a slightly warmer look. I feel that a shiny silver white colour might take away from the watery feel the aqua imparts.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 6/10/2010 8:14:44 AM
Author: Chrono
Sarah,

It is really up to you if you want a backing or not. Which appearance do you prefer? I actually prefer no metal so I can appreciate the transparency of the aqua. As for the metal type, I’d go with unplated white gold to give it a slightly warmer look. I feel that a shiny silver white colour might take away from the watery feel the aqua imparts.

I waffle between a warm white gold and the super white silver, as soon as I lean one way I consider the other lol

As for having a backing or not - I am really torn. I love that nude color that comes through the stone... but I love the glowy brilliance from the backing. I should do some comparisons inside... that was just out in strong full sun.

The thing I worry most about with the backing is how does it stay clean? If gunk got under there you would see it through a semi transparent... I just don''t know anything about this type of setting.

thanks Chrono

 

[MakingTheGrade]

My problem with closed bezels is the cleaning thing. I''m really OCD and it drives me nuts to see stuff I can''t get to!

 

[Kismet]

I really like the closed back look. However, I''d only do that in gold and not in silver.

 

[movie zombie]

set in sliver, with or w/o backing. depends on look you''re going for: glam or every day functional? personally, i''d go every day functional set in silver.

mz

ps i know a jeweler artists that was doing a lot of this type of aqua [cabs] and he did back them. he works entirely in silver. checkout his work here: robersilversmith.com

 

[Liane]

Date: 6/10/2010 10:45:18 AM
Author: MakingTheGrade
My problem with closed bezels is the cleaning thing. I''m really OCD and it drives me nuts to see stuff I can''t get to!

Same. I can''t stand closed backings. Partially closed is okay if and only if the stone is one that I can throw in the ultrasonic. Otherwise I always insist on a design that allows the piece to be cleaned with a toothbrush.

Unless it''s costume jewelry, then I don''t care because I never clean any of that stuff.

As for the metal -- unplated WG would be an interesting contrast, but personally I''d go with a white metal. IMO that just suits the personality of the stone better. But both would be pretty, there''s not really a wrong choice there.

 

[Indylady]

I like the idea of a warm unplated gold. I think both will work just fine though, especially since I''m assuming it will be a fairly thin bezel framing the aqua.

 

[brandy_z28]

I love the look with the silver ring behind it!

I''d hate not being able to clean it though. Man, I''m no help...

I wonder if there would be a way to have the ring set in a split shank with a band that fit inbetween so you could leave the bezel open but still get the reflection of metal under the stone? I''ve seen wedding sets like that, I think.

 

[iLander]

I guess I''m the only yellow gold fan here. I have an antique piece, an aqua with yellow gold, and it''s just regal. The stone is a bit darker, though. Maybe you can check ebay to see pix of pieces with yellow gold and aqua?

But then again, I have weird aqua taste, I like the greenish blue unheated color (shrug)

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 6/10/2010 7:34:27 PM
Author: iLander



I guess I''m the only yellow gold fan here. I have an antique piece, an aqua with yellow gold, and it''s just regal. The stone is a bit darker, though. Maybe you can check ebay to see pix of pieces with yellow gold and aqua?


But then again, I have weird aqua taste, I like the greenish blue unheated color (shrug)

yeah I love the color - it''s exactly what I wanted and I thought I was getting something else which would have been fine but this is perfect. It''s funny to me that it is so non-ideal in the gem world because I don''t think it could be more perfect for what I wanted if I''d actually tried to get it - total luck!! I didn''t think it would have so much green but deep down I think I hoped it would.

I do love yellow gold and sometimes I regret making the move away from it but right now the only yellow gold I wear is in my stud earrings that I''ve worn for 10 years that you can''t see and I am reluctant to have this or anything else set in yg right now. I have one amethyst ring in yg that I got 14 years ago that I still wear but I really don''t like mixing white and yellow lol

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 6/10/2010 10:49:13 AM
Author: Kismet
I really like the closed back look. However, I''d only do that in gold and not in silver.

only in gold all the way around or gold in back and silver around? I have not a single... oh wait my driver has a gold ring! Unfortnately it is RAINING today ugh!!! I''ll have to see what it looks like... I think tomorrow is supposed to be sunny again.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 6/10/2010 11:17:44 AM
Author: movie zombie
set in sliver, with or w/o backing. depends on look you''re going for: glam or every day functional? personally, i''d go every day functional set in silver.


mz


ps i know a jeweler artists that was doing a lot of this type of aqua [cabs] and he did back them. he works entirely in silver. checkout his work here: robersilversmith.com

I am going for every day functional - it is a $30 stone, there''s no reason to make it to special to wear lol

Thanks for the link - I''ll go look now

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 6/10/2010 11:24:51 AM
Author: Liane

Date: 6/10/2010 10:45:18 AM

Author: MakingTheGrade

My problem with closed bezels is the cleaning thing. I''m really OCD and it drives me nuts to see stuff I can''t get to!

Same. I can''t stand closed backings. Partially closed is okay if and only if the stone is one that I can throw in the ultrasonic. Otherwise I always insist on a design that allows the piece to be cleaned with a toothbrush.


Unless it''s costume jewelry, then I don''t care because I never clean any of that stuff.


As for the metal -- unplated WG would be an interesting contrast, but personally I''d go with a white metal. IMO that just suits the personality of the stone better. But both would be pretty, there''s not really a wrong choice there.

Do you think the gold will bring out the color more or the contrast of white? What I am going for here is a drop of water ( a tear, a drop of ocean water, a raindrop) set like it is rolling down my finger. Yellow gold for sure isn''t in the running for the main ring, but maybe for the backing? I hope it is sunny manana.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 6/10/2010 11:48:09 AM
Author: IndyLady
I like the idea of a warm unplated gold. I think both will work just fine though, especially since I''m assuming it will be a fairly thin bezel framing the aqua.

actually no, it''s going to be a super chunky bezel. At least 2mm around on all sides. The bezel is going to be double bullnosed - totally rounded, no details, very simple.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 6/10/2010 1:00:05 PM
Author: brandy_z28
I love the look with the silver ring behind it!

I''d hate not being able to clean it though. Man, I''m no help...


I wonder if there would be a way to have the ring set in a split shank with a band that fit inbetween so you could leave the bezel open but still get the reflection of metal under the stone? I''ve seen wedding sets like that, I think.

I was surprised myself how much the stone changed, I thought it would be more subtle and negligible but it''s kinda huge lol

And as for your design suggestion, this is a cab so it is flat on the bottom and I think the design you''re describing is better for faceted gemstones? no?

 

[T L]

Date: 6/10/2010 10:45:18 AM
Author: MakingTheGrade
My problem with closed bezels is the cleaning thing. I''m really OCD and it drives me nuts to see stuff I can''t get to!

Yeah, and moisture can get trapped under there as well, and what if the silver tarnishes? I know it''s argentium, but who wants to take the chance??

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 6/10/2010 10:12:19 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

Date: 6/10/2010 10:45:18 AM

Author: MakingTheGrade

My problem with closed bezels is the cleaning thing. I''m really OCD and it drives me nuts to see stuff I can''t get to!

Yeah, and moisture can get trapped under there as well, and what if the silver tarnishes? I know it''s argentium, but who wants to take the chance??

It might be white gold though... or yellow gold under and white around... but I am concerned about the cleaning thing too.

 

[Fly Girl]

You know, if you aren''t sure about some elements, I''d suggest leaving it up to the pro, i.e. your jeweler. He/she might be in the best position to decide what will look and work the best with this stone. Especially, in your situation, where you have to work through an intermediary.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 6/10/2010 11:52:41 PM
Author: Fly Girl
You know, if you aren''t sure about some elements, I''d suggest leaving it up to the pro, i.e. your jeweler. He/she might be in the best position to decide what will look and work the best with this stone. Especially, in your situation, where you have to work through an intermediary.

Ultimately this is what I will do - I just wanted to go into that discussion with as much info as possible Do you have any thoughts? I''m working with DanielM at Etsy My father in law is just mailing the package...

 

[Fly Girl]

Date: 6/11/2010 4:11:17 AM
Author: Cehrabehra

Date: 6/10/2010 11:52:41 PM
Author: Fly Girl
You know, if you aren't sure about some elements, I'd suggest leaving it up to the pro, i.e. your jeweler. He/she might be in the best position to decide what will look and work the best with this stone. Especially, in your situation, where you have to work through an intermediary.

Ultimately this is what I will do - I just wanted to go into that discussion with as much info as possible Do you have any thoughts? I'm working with DanielM at Etsy My father in law is just mailing the package...

I have similar cabs to yours backed with a shiny metal. Whatever color metal that looks best for your stone. A couple have pure silver, which I'm told will not tarnish. Others are backed in gold. I think the light return adds a lot to the stone's attractiveness. I don't ever soak them in liquid, no swimming or doing dishes while wearing those rings and pendants (well, o.k. to wear the pendant and put hands in water

). I wipe the pieces with alcohol and dry them to clean after each wearing. So far, so good.

BTW, I just ordered an aqua cab myself Link. Hope I like it as much as you like yours. I'll be following your aqua's story here.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 6/11/2010 10:25:24 AM
Author: Fly Girl

Date: 6/11/2010 4:11:17 AM

Author: Cehrabehra

Date: 6/10/2010 11:52:41 PM

Author: Fly Girl

You know, if you aren''t sure about some elements, I''d suggest leaving it up to the pro, i.e. your jeweler. He/she might be in the best position to decide what will look and work the best with this stone. Especially, in your situation, where you have to work through an intermediary.

Ultimately this is what I will do - I just wanted to go into that discussion with as much info as possible Do you have any thoughts? I''m working with DanielM at Etsy My father in law is just mailing the package...

I have similar cabs to yours backed with a shiny metal. Whatever color metal that looks best for your stone. A couple have pure silver, which I''m told will not tarnish. Others are backed in gold. I think the light return adds a lot to the stone''s attractiveness. I don''t ever soak them in liquid, no swimming or doing dishes while wearing those rings and pendants (well, o.k. to wear the pendant and put hands in water

). I wipe the pieces with alcohol and dry them to clean after each wearing. So far, so good.


BTW, I just ordered an aqua cab myself Link. Hope I like it as much as you like yours. I''ll be following your aqua''s story here.

ooh I love how you described your stone as stormy! I love it! Does it really look like that? I''m thinking of getting a 2nd one as well for a friend of mine... but I want to get through this one first lol

Unlike you I want to be able to wear this in water, I am super lazy and if I take things off I tend to forget to put them back on :/ I don''t know of any special concerns with aqua... I know of them re white gold but am willing to eat the risk there.

 

[Fly Girl]

Date: 6/11/2010 9:53:31 PM
Author: Cehrabehra

Date: 6/11/2010 10:25:24 AM
Author: Fly Girl

Date: 6/11/2010 4:11:17 AM

Author: Cehrabehra

Date: 6/10/2010 11:52:41 PM

Author: Fly Girl

You know, if you aren''t sure about some elements, I''d suggest leaving it up to the pro, i.e. your jeweler. He/she might be in the best position to decide what will look and work the best with this stone. Especially, in your situation, where you have to work through an intermediary.

Ultimately this is what I will do - I just wanted to go into that discussion with as much info as possible Do you have any thoughts? I''m working with DanielM at Etsy My father in law is just mailing the package...

I have similar cabs to yours backed with a shiny metal. Whatever color metal that looks best for your stone. A couple have pure silver, which I''m told will not tarnish. Others are backed in gold. I think the light return adds a lot to the stone''s attractiveness. I don''t ever soak them in liquid, no swimming or doing dishes while wearing those rings and pendants (well, o.k. to wear the pendant and put hands in water

). I wipe the pieces with alcohol and dry them to clean after each wearing. So far, so good.


BTW, I just ordered an aqua cab myself Link. Hope I like it as much as you like yours. I''ll be following your aqua''s story here.

ooh I love how you described your stone as stormy! I love it! Does it really look like that? I''m thinking of getting a 2nd one as well for a friend of mine... but I want to get through this one first lol

Unlike you I want to be able to wear this in water, I am super lazy and if I take things off I tend to forget to put them back on :/ I don''t know of any special concerns with aqua... I know of them re white gold but am willing to eat the risk there.

My new aqua cab just arrived in the mail. Photo on the left is next to a window with rainy daylight. Photo on the right is under incandescent lights (camera was adjusted to expect incandescent, so it removes the yellow). The stone has a flat bottom and a very faint eye that moves around. I''m liking it. I think it is probably similar in color to yours.