New shots in my inbox

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I was going to wait until the entire project is completed and the piece is in my hands before posting pictures, but some new shots arrived in my inbox today and I don't think it's fair to hold off any longer. Special thanks to faegrace and bright ice for pointing me in the right direction.

First, Jeff's shots:



Initially, Jeff did not think that the rough was deep enough for some of his square cushion designs, and I was also open to a more rectangular cut. But after he preformed the rough he recommended this cut as the best option. The design is very deep ... ~90%.

And now, today's new shots:





I have no idea who's photos are more accurate for color as I have not seen the stone in person yet, but I think my SO should be happy with either rendition or any of the variations in between.

Now for the bad news. I originally planned to put the aqua in a bezel pendant, but Brian has advised that there's a pretty high chance of damage during the setting process, given the steep pavilion and thin girdle in some spots. Brian suggests using 4 split claw prongs instead.

Any ideas/suggestions on how to set the stone?

 

[SB621]

Holy mother of aqua What are the stats?

I'm totally in love. I might have to contact the cutter now to see if there is more rough because I want to join the Aqua train of love

I'm so jealous!!!!!! and as far as settings I actually think the double claw prong would be better. To me that goes more with the antique cushion cut vs. a bezel but that is just my .02 cents.

 

[tyty333]

OMG Yummy!!!

 

[bright ice]

Gorgeous! But I am somewhat biased here. I would go with the claw prongs. It's a beautiful color I think you will find Jeff's photos to be more accurate.

I look forward to see how you set it!!

 

[slg47]

wow, it's gorgeous!!!!

 

[m-2-b]

Love the pretty blue color in both lightings!

 

[marcy]

Wow, what a beautiful aqua. I can't wait to see it when you get it.

 

[pregcurious]

Thanks for posting! It's so pretty.

 

[amertrine]

seriously pretty.

 

[chrono]

Very beautiful rich colour. Jeff had to cut such a deep design for several reasons: namely the low RI of aquamarine "forced" his hand. The extra depth of the stone will enhance the tone of the stone, plus the high crown and busier design of the cut will give the stone more sparkle, and lessen any chance of the usually easily seen window tilt that aquamarines are infamous for.

What is the mm measurement of the stone?
Are you planning to halo the stone or will it be a drop design with an accent stone?

 

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Stats are 10.3 mm and 5.75 ct. When I first contacted Jeff in June, he said he has several really nice pieces from Nigeria that cut in the 3-6 ct range. He also showed me a piece from Brazil that he thinks can cut ~15 mm in his AGTA design. Sadly, the color did not match what I was looking for. If anyone gets it please please please post lots of pictures!

Thanks for all the comments! If it looks anything close to either set of pictures in person I would be absolutely thrilled. Jeff did say that it is an extremely nice stone in terms of color before I asked him to send it directly to Brian, and Lesley confirms that it is very beautiful. I can't wait to see this project completed!

The aqua is going into an everyday pendant. I was considering a bezel setting thinking that it may offer the stone some protection from accidental knocks during daily wear. But if it's too risky during the setting process, it somewhat defeats the purpose. The original plan was for a modified Barbara Pendant http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5352 , but I'm now somewhat back to the drawing board. And after looking at more double/split claw prong designs, I have to agree that they suit the cut of the stone more.

 

[chrono]

Double claw prongs is going to be perfect for your new aquamarine!

 

[Arkteia]

wow, what a beautiful aqua!

 

[bright ice]

I am going to follow your thread closely. I "may" have to have a pendant myself for mine. We will see what BGD does with yours

 

[Zzz]

that aqua is gorgeous!

 

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I'm here to report some progress.

Several images of the wax, modeled after the V-Prong Lever Backs: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5373

 

[JewelFreak]

It's going to be stunning! Knockout aqua -- what cutting!

 

[minousbijoux]

First off, Jeff White is amazing! I absolutely love the color and the cutting. Applause, please.

I agree that prongs are more consistent with the stone cutting than would be a bezel, but I have one question re the cast. Are the prongs going to come together and stay together, or will the cast/design be refined to split the prongs apart at the top?

 

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I agree that prongs are more consistent with the stone cutting than would be a bezel, but I have one question re the cast. Are the prongs going to come together and stay together, or will the cast/design be refined to split the prongs apart at the top?

Split claw prongs at the top.

 

[bright ice]

Looks really nice. I can't wait to see the completed project. It suits the stone very well.

I am waiting to set my Aqua from JW so I am watching your thread closely

 

[minousbijoux]

Yippee! I love split claw prongs!

 

[Saoirse2]

Gorgeous Stone!

 

[sapphirecats]

that aqua is amazing!!! congrats, you have a real beauty!

 

[JillyC]

wow! Can't wait to see that finished and on your hand!

 

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I should be picking this up next week. Hopefully it'll look as nice in person!

 

[anotsomadhatter]

Wowza!

 

[PositivelyPeanut]

I would love to have that. What a lucky lady!

 

[kt]

oh wowwwwww...that is lovely!!!!

 

[JewelFreak]

Wow, it's so beautiful it doesn't look real! The setting shows it off so perfectly.

 

[pregcurious]

So pretty!