Please help me choose my first coloured stone!

[elliemay]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of creating a three stone ring -- I just bought two 4mm diamonds from Dreamer D to use as sidestones and would like to find a coloured stone for the centre.

I'd prefer something quite pastel -- ideally a very pale blue, or maybe lavender? I'm leaning toward an oval (I prefer fattish ones) or a cushion cut (again, fattish -- not too rectangular), but am open to all suggestions. Not sure what the ideal size would be -- just whatever would be in proportion to 4mm sides and not *too* over the top as I'd like this to be a RHR I wear on a pretty regular basis.

Budget? Less than $200? I'd like to spend as little as possible (wouldn't we all?) as I'll need to save money for the setting (will have that made, so not trying to fit a stone in a ready-made setting).

Does anyone have any suggestion for a total newbie to the coloured stone world? I'm a bit afraid to choose anything because I'm afraid of windowing and diffusion and extinction and all the other things y'all talk about over here!

 

[distracts]

There are a lot of nice lavender spinels out there, and imo they'd look good with diamonds. There are a few on DB, so first you should look through there and see if anything catches your fancy! To go with 4mm rounds, I would be looking in the 5.5-7mm range.

I think this could be a good contender: http://diamondbistro.com/category/199/Natural-%28mined%29/listings/27579/Light-Violet-Spinel.html

 

[minousbijoux]

Check out the ones Michael has over at Litnon. A few very pretty ones. I don't know if its just happenstance, but the prettiest spinels I have seen/bought have been Burmese. He has some:

http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=view&cat=110

 

[VapidLapid]

Here is a fattish oval sapphire that is even unheated in a pastel lavender blue under $200

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=6486

 

[elliemay]

Thank you so much for those great suggestions! I'm going to pick my way through those websites now!

I really love the sapphire you posted, VapidLapid, but I'm concerned that it might be too hazy. I'm looking for something very clear -- I keep finding myself drawn to white sapphires with just a drop of blue or really pale aquamarines.

I think I might break out the photoshop to see how everyone's suggestions might look!

 

[T L]

Don't rule out pale lavender spinels too. This one has just a hint of lavender in it, and is quite sparkly and affordable. It's mine, and it's not for sale, but you should look for one.

ETA: Ooops, I saw that Distracts and Minous already mentioned spinels, sorry!

 

[deorwine]

elliemae, my experience with mastercutgems' stones has always been that they almost always look less hazy in real life; for some reason his pictures come out hazy. You should at least shoot him an email and ask.

 

[chel180]

Here are some pastel colored gems you might be interested in, all under or around $200. I have never bought from the ebay seller although I know others on here have, Peter on the other hand is great.


http://www.torraca.net/gems.php?search=gid&for=Spin354&t=Spinel


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unheated-...emstones_1&hash=item3373ea00f4#ht_3507wt_1139


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAZZLING-...ltDomain_0&hash=item4ab5d29303#ht_3493wt_1139


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Full-Fire...emstones_1&hash=item3373ea0141#ht_3503wt_1139

 

[elliemay]

Ooh, that pear is gorgeous, chel! I don't think it'll work for the design I have in mind, but it could be the start of a whole different project!
I'm really starting to see how coloured stones can turn into a major addiction!

I've spent so much time looking that I'm starting to fall in love with every stone I see...

 

[elliemay]

I'm seeing a lot of blue green sapphires and really like the colours. They're all heated. Is this a no-no?

 

[chel180]

For your budget I don't think you are gonna be able to afford an untreated sapphire. I have a heated sapphire and it doesn't bother me. A beautiful stone is a beautiful stone. There are different types of treatments some are better than others, with gently heat treatment being considered the most acceptable.

 

[T L]

I'm seeing a lot of blue green sapphires and really like the colours. They're all heated. Is this a no-no?

No, not all blue green sapphires are heated, but I wouldn't worry about it if they were. It's typically not a color that's diffused, although, I can't say that with 100% certainty because gem treatments change all the time. However, greenish sapphire is relatively inexpensive so it's not a loss if you were to buy one. Just don't over pay for one.

I still think light spinel is the best value however. I paid $30 for my 1.8 carat stone above, and I know Srilankamall sometimes has well cut lighter lavender spinels (they're an ebay store). I have some very pretty ones from them that are of Sri Lankan origin, but I don't have photos on me at the moment. The one above is Tanzanian.

Aquamarines are a little too soft for regular wear, and they don't have the RI, or sparkle, luster that a spinel has. I don't even like sapphire sparkle and luster as much as a well cut spinel.

 

[elliemay]

Thanks chel and TL. I've ruled out aquamarines as I realised they are just too soft -- I'm quite hard on my rings. My search now is limited to spinel and sapphire and I think I'm leaning toward something blue/green, green/blue, teal (my fave colour), or deeper aqua. I thought I wanted a very pale stone, but I think it would be a bit washed out when paired with diamonds and white gold. My inital plan was to make something very delicate and antique looking, but I have that in my e-ring, so I think I'll be able to design something a bit more streamlined (though still far from modern!) which will look better with a more saturated (as opposed to dark) stone.

I feel like I'm constantly changing my mind on what I want, but I guess that's because I've just started looking!

 

[minousbijoux]

I feel like I'm constantly changing my mind on what I want, but I guess that's because I've just started looking!

Hey some of us who've been around the block once or twice have a hard time setting stones because we can't make our minds up...

 

[distracts]

I've spent so much time looking that I'm starting to fall in love with every stone I see...

This is not an uncommon problem.

 

[elliemay]

Just popping in to add an update.

I bought something totally unlike anything I'd originally set out to buy. Not a cushion. Not an oval. Not pink. Not blue. Not lavender.

Round and green!

I saw this tourmaline on eBay and just really, really liked it. Now, I don't know the first thing about tourmaline (or any CS!) and may have bought a total dud, but I liked the colour and the cut. Only $70, so if I made a huge mistake, I won't feel too terrible about it.




It'll take a while to arrive, so I may change my mind in the meantime, but my current plan is to pop it into the mount currently holding my tranny.




I love the setting, but I'm starting to get a little itchy about it because I'm not 100% confident in the prongs and am always checking to see if my diamond has fallen out and because the roundness of the setting really lends itself to being a RHR rather than an e-ring.

I'd love to know what y'all think (about the stone and/or about putting it in that setting)!

 

[T L]

Just popping in to add an update.

I bought something totally unlike anything I'd originally set out to buy. Not a cushion. Not an oval. Not pink. Not blue. Not lavender.

Round and green!

I saw this tourmaline on eBay and just really, really liked it. Now, I don't know the first thing about tourmaline (or any CS!) and may have bought a total dud, but I liked the colour and the cut. Only $70, so if I made a huge mistake, I won't feel too terrible about it.




It'll take a while to arrive, so I may change my mind in the meantime, but my current plan is to pop it into the mount currently holding my tranny.




I love the setting, but I'm starting to get a little itchy about it because I'm not 100% confident in the prongs and am always checking to see if my diamond has fallen out and because the roundness of the setting really lends itself to being a RHR rather than an e-ring.

I'd love to know what y'all think (about the stone and/or about putting it in that setting)!

How big is the tourmaline? If it's around 2 carats, that's a fair price, but that color goes for very little, and you're paying mostly for the cutting I think. The faceting is nice, but there might be a tiny window. If I were you, I personally would have held out for a spinel, as they sparkle more, and have a finer luster, or even a chrysoberyl if you like lime green or yellowish green or greenish yellow.

Love the setting, but I think the setting is too good for the stone you're planning on putting in there. I hope you don't mind my honesty as you did ask for opinions. However, what I think isn't as important as what you think, and if you love it, then go for it.

Here's a diamond cut round chrysoberyl, just in case you were wondering. They sparkle like mad when well cut, are even harder and more durable than spinel, and can be quite affordable and beautiful. Not sure if it's the color you're looking for, but it is a pastel, and you mentioned you wanted a pastel if I remember.



ETA: Not sure who you bought the stone from, but make sure its not a prasiolite, as that is the color of some of them. Prasiolite is a treated green quartz and worth very little.

 

[elliemay]

Thanks, TL -- all opinions are welcome!

I do agree that the setting might be a bit nice for a CS (well, a CS within my budget!), but I hate to see it go to waste. I've only had it for a couple of months and really do adore it, but I'm starting to feel that it wasn't the best choice for everyday wear for me.

The tourmaline is 1.28 ct (6.6 x 6.6 x 4.0), so I probably didn't get a great deal. I'll take some pics as soon as I receive it and post those for more feedback. I can return it, so it isn't a huge deal if I get it and totally hate it.

 

[T L]

Thanks, TL -- all opinions are welcome!

I do agree that the setting might be a bit nice for a CS (well, a CS within my budget!), but I hate to see it go to waste. I've only had it for a couple of months and really do adore it, but I'm starting to feel that it wasn't the best choice for everyday wear for me.

The tourmaline is 1.28 ct (6.6 x 6.6 x 4.0), so I probably didn't get a great deal. I'll take some pics as soon as I receive it and post those for more feedback. I can return it, so it isn't a huge deal if I get it and totally hate it.

The setting isn't too nice for a colored stone, but it's too nice for the colored stone you picked out. I can see a beautiful sapphire, ruby, emerald or some other really nice gem in there.

At 1.28 carats, I think you got ripped off, sorry to be so blunt.

 

[elliemay]

Thanks, TL -- all opinions are welcome!
The setting isn't too nice for a colored stone, but it's too nice for the colored stone you picked out. I can see a beautiful sapphire, ruby, emerald or some other really nice gem in there.

At 1.28 carats, I think you got ripped off, sorry to be so blunt.

Oh, no, I don't think the setting is too nice for CS -- I meant it's too nice for a CS that would fit within my <$200 budget!

I'll see how I feel when I have the stone in-hand. I don't mind paying too much for something if I really love it, so we'll see. I'll keep looking in the meantime, though, just in case!

 

[FrekeChild]

Thanks, TL -- all opinions are welcome!
The setting isn't too nice for a colored stone, but it's too nice for the colored stone you picked out. I can see a beautiful sapphire, ruby, emerald or some other really nice gem in there.

At 1.28 carats, I think you got ripped off, sorry to be so blunt.

Oh, no, I don't think the setting is too nice for CS -- I meant it's too nice for a CS that would fit within my <$200 budget!

I'll see how I feel when I have the stone in-hand. I don't mind paying too much for something if I really love it, so we'll see. I'll keep looking in the meantime, though, just in case!

I most definitely disagree.

Sticking around the 6-6.5mm mark since I don't actually know how big a stone your setting will fit.

http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=4019

http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=4097

http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=4068

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=6421

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=6422

Etc.

The stone you bought looks like it has a window. You can get a precision cut stone or even a nice "native" cut stone for within your budget.

 

[elliemay]

I most definitely disagree.

Sticking around the 6-6.5mm mark since I don't actually know how big a stone your setting will fit.

http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=4019

http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=4097

http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=4068

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=6421

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=6422

Etc.

The stone you bought looks like it has a window. You can get a precision cut stone or even a nice "native" cut stone for within your budget.

With what do you disagree, FrekeChild?

I do think my setting is too nice (or maybe I should say too expensive) for a $200 stone. It feels a bit silly to put a $50-$200 stone (coloured or not) into a $1500 setting, but I love the setting and don't want it to just sit in my jewelry box unworn. I've only had it 60 days and selling it seems silly since I know I'll not get back anywhere near what I paid for it. I feel stuck, so to me a good compromise it to fill it with a CS, wear it as a RHR, and find something different for my diamond.

I do like the BB tourmaline you posted, but am confused -- is it worth more than the stone I bought because of the BB cutting? I've hung around here long enough to know that BB stones are in demand!

 

[ChrisA222]

That stone is for sure going to have a window...look at how the bottom of your stone looks...see how rounded it is? Kind of like a bowl shaped? Then look at how all those other stones that were shown look...they all come to a point like a diamond would. That to me is what is going to cause a window in your stone, whereas the sides or edges will sparkle but the center of the stone wont...as if your stone was cut for weight.

I hope I am wrong, and I am no expert here..but thats just my opinion. As for what you said about a <$200 stone not deserving that setting...thats not necessarily true...just need to find the right stone, thats all. Like some others mentioned, a Chrysoberyl or Spinel, or Garnet are all going to have much higher brilliance, sparkle, or fire..in addition to being harder than Tourmaline. Tourmaline is great if the color is killer...but in a pastel color, I wouldn't have chosen Tourmaline.

Sorry...but again, if you love the color of the stone IRL and the cut is better than what I'm picturing, then that's all that matters! A lot of people on here insist on precision cutting, and that to me isn't necessary (although there are great cutters out there!) but the stone needs to be able to reflect light back to you throughout the stone, not just the edges. If the stone turns up and you don't love it, then return it and consider one of these three (Garnet, Chrysoberyl, or Spinel) as they are all great affordable stones with very high brilliancy and durability,

Hope this helps!

 

[elliemay]

Thanks, Chrisa! I know I'm way out of my depth with this as I know so little about coloured stones.

I've gone ahead and ordered the tourmaline from Barry that was suggested by FrekeChild. It's the right size and looks much better cut, though it doesn't have quite as much blue in it as I would ideally like.

In an ideal world, I suppose I'm looking for a 6.5-6.8mm bluish green or greenish blue round diamond cut stone. Tourmaline is a bit soft, but I can't seem to find anything else that meets those requirements...but then I probably don't know all the best places to look!

I have a feeling this might take a while.

 

[T L]

Thanks, Chrisa! I know I'm way out of my depth with this as I know so little about coloured stones.

I've gone ahead and ordered the tourmaline from Barry that was suggested by FrekeChild. It's the right size and looks much better cut, though it doesn't have quite as much blue in it as I would ideally like.

In an ideal world, I suppose I'm looking for a 6.5-6.8mm bluish green or greenish blue round diamond cut stone. Tourmaline is a bit soft, but I can't seem to find anything else that meets those requirements...but then I probably don't know all the best places to look!

I have a feeling this might take a while.

The tourmaline you picked out, as well as the one on Barry's site is not greenish blue or bluish green. They are both yellowish green with a large amount of grey mixed in. If that's the color you like, then fine, but they're both not bluish green or greenish blue.

Aquamarine is bluish green or greenish blue, and if you're going to get a tourmaline, might as well get an aqua. Both have low RI, and chip easily. However aqua is abundant and you should be able to find a 6 to 7mm round aqua relatively easily. It will cost a lot more from a precision cutter, but I know Bob Kast (Bobkast.com) cuts them in rounds. He's a precision lapidary as well, but he charges on the lower end, so you should be able to find something in your budget. He can also custom cut you one at a very reasonable price (probably less than $100)

 

[T L]

I most definitely disagree.

Sticking around the 6-6.5mm mark since I don't actually know how big a stone your setting will fit.

http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=4019

http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=4097

http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=4068

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=6421

http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=6422

Etc.

The stone you bought looks like it has a window. You can get a precision cut stone or even a nice "native" cut stone for within your budget.

With what do you disagree, FrekeChild?

I do think my setting is too nice (or maybe I should say too expensive) for a $200 stone. It feels a bit silly to put a $50-$200 stone (coloured or not) into a $1500 setting, but I love the setting and don't want it to just sit in my jewelry box unworn. I've only had it 60 days and selling it seems silly since I know I'll not get back anywhere near what I paid for it. I feel stuck, so to me a good compromise it to fill it with a CS, wear it as a RHR, and find something different for my diamond.

I do like the BB tourmaline you posted, but am confused -- is it worth more than the stone I bought because of the BB cutting? I've hung around here long enough to know that BB stones are in demand!

Precision cutting can carry a large premium sometimes. I suspect that rough wasn't very expensive for Barry, so yes, you're primarily paying for his cutting on that particular stone.

 

[elliemay]

The tourmaline you picked out, as well as the one on Barry's site is not greenish blue or bluish green. They are both yellowish green with a large amount of grey mixed in. If that's the color you like, then fine, but they're both not bluish green or greenish blue.

No, I know. The blue green/green blue is what I'd want in an ideal world. I haven't found anything that's the perfect colour yet (in or out of my budget).

 

[T L]

Do you have a photo of what you would consider the "ideal color?" Maybe we can help out then with that search, or better be able to tell you what your options are.

 

[Enerchi]

Hi Elliemay, did you get a chance to cruise thru Gemfix.com? here is the link to their zircon page. The B/G tourmalines have no rounds at the moment. On the aquamarine page, there is a sweet round for $235 (3rd row down ) but not sure if aqua was still in the running or not.

http://www.gemfix.com/zircon_blue.html

I have purchased 3 stones from gemfix and all were exact colours to what was posted online. I had a great experience with Laura and Andrew!

 

[T L]

Hi Elliemay, did you get a chance to cruise thru Gemfix.com? here is the link to their zircon page. The B/G tourmalines have no rounds at the moment. On the aquamarine page, there is a sweet round for $235 (3rd row down ) but not sure if aqua was still in the running or not.

http://www.gemfix.com/zircon_blue.html

I have purchased 3 stones from gemfix and all were exact colours to what was posted online. I had a great experience with Laura and Andrew!

FYI: Zircons are very soft, and I would not at all recommend them for rings. Aqua is better for infrequent wear.