Please help me set this tourmaline

[alpaca]

Hi everybody! I’m new to posting but I’ve been interested in gems for a while, and lurking to read and learn more. I’ve been itching for a new ring and since bright blue is my favourite color, I purchased this little tourmaline (just shy of a carat) but it has quite a big window. Is there a way to hide that? I also know that tourmalines are not the most durable so I’d like a bit of protection for the stone, but I’m not a fan of bezel settings. Would a halo offer some protection? Or is there another option? Finally, I don’t know which metal to choose. Yellow gold is the closest to orange, which is the complementary color to blue, so is that the best choice?

 

[DAF]

Here's my trilliant Paraiba set into an 18k white gold and diamond halo pendant.

It's a piece by Kat Florence.

I think the white gold makes the blue stand out more, plus the D Fl diamonds make it all that much more (IYKYK)

 

[Starstruck8]

No setting can give perfect protection. I've shown this example before. This spessartite has about as much protection as it's possible to get, but it still wasn't enough:




A suitable halo can do a pretty good job - the diamonds will take most of the knocks. Lots of PSers have tourmalines and garnets set in halos. (Though probably not for continuous everyday wear.)

I think the white gold makes the blue stand out more, plus the D Fl diamonds make it all that much more

+1 to white metal. Also, a white metal cup behind the stone would make the window less noticeable.

 

[alpaca]

Here's my trilliant Paraiba set into an 18k white gold and diamond halo pendant.

It's a piece by Kat Florence.

I think the white gold makes the blue stand out more, plus the D Fl diamonds make it all that much more (IYKYK)

That is beautiful! What made you decide to go for a pendant over a ring or something else?

 

[alpaca]

No setting can give perfect protection. I've shown this example before. This spessartite has about as much protection as it's possible to get, but it still wasn't enough:




A suitable halo can do a pretty good job - the diamonds will take most of the knocks. Lots of PSers have tourmalines and garnets set in halos. (Though probably not for continuous everyday wear.)


+1 to white metal. Also, a white metal cup behind the stone would make the window less noticeable.

Wowza that is a gorgeous spess, chip and all. I was actually also considering a two stone design with a spess because I think the orange and blue would make each other pop. Would a basket darken the stone at all? Thanks for the input, this is very valuable.

 

[Mrsz1ppy]

Wowza that is a gorgeous spess, chip and all. I was actually also considering a two stone design with a spess because I think the orange and blue would make each other pop. Would a basket darken the stone at all? Thanks for the input, this is very valuable.

@Neptune has an amazing spess and paraiba? Not sure but the colors pop! Check it out.

 

[LilAlex]

Lovely hue to that stone, @alpaca! I also would go white metal -- and you could do a small halo of white diamonds. I see it in more of an "elegant" ring (like an aquamarine) than in a jaunty "fun" ring but maybe that's just me.

 

[T L]

With a stone like that, any metal color would do. I would pick the metal color you love. A halo is better protection than leaving the sides bare in a plain setting. I would just set it lower perhaps.

 

[alpaca]

With a stone like that, any metal color would do. I would pick the metal color you love. A halo is better protection than leaving the sides bare in a plain setting. I would just set it lower perhaps.

Setting it lower is a good suggestion, thanks! I think I'll probably set it in a delicate halo in rose or white gold then. I don't have much yellow gold jewelry, though I don't dislike it, I'm just more drawn to the other options.

 

[DAF]

That is beautiful! What made you decide to go for a pendant over a ring or something else?

It's not bespoke, but it is OOAK. I just wanted a larger, less included Paraiba for my collection. The detail and finish on Kat Florence pieces are amazing. I also have a pair of oval Paraiba earrings set in white gold and diamonds from her.

...and a whole bunch of other pieces I've accumulated over the past two and a half years.