Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring...

[hanshananigan]

Hi All,

I am looking to buy a sapphire to put together a ring for my wife. This is my first attempt to buy a gem (or jewelry) online so it is exciting and a bit overwhelming at the same time. The "Gem 1214 - Montana Sapphire" at Precision Gem caught our eye: http://www.precisiongem.com/Gemstones/Gemstones/Sapphire.html (note the price is wholesale). My wife has not decided on a setting, yet- it will likely have modest white-stone pave. Your thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Hanshan

 

[movie zombie]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

write or call gene. he's honest about the stones he cuts. welcome to the wonderful world of color stones!

 

[hanshananigan]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

write or call gene. he's honest about the stones he cuts. welcome to the wonderful world of color stones!

Thank you Zombie! I did write Gene, based on the fine reputation he has built on this site, and of course he is helpful. I'm always happy to get second opinions as well- in this case, about the prospect of this gem looking good in a ring, or suggestions for settings, etc. 'So many smart and tasteful folks here!

 

[Aoife]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

This looks like a very pretty stone. A couple of thoughts for you to consider:

Montana sapphires, while beautiful in their own rights, look different than what most people expect from sapphires. Not everyone likes this look. Personally, I'm a huge fan, but it's all about expectation. Have you seen them IRL? Here is a photo of a pair I own similar to this one on Gene's site:



The bottom stones are the Montana sapphires.

Gene is a talented cutter, and has an excellent return policy. If you think you might like the sapphire, it would be well worth taking a look at it in person. Ultimately, that's more important than anyone else's opinion.

My final suggestion is to settle on a stone before you think about how you are going to set it. Each gemstone has its own personality, and once you have the right stone, it will be easier to decide on the setting that will show it at its best.

 

[hanshananigan]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

Aoife, that is the kind of stuff I am looking for - very, very helpful - thanks! I think it is likely that we will buy the gem and go from there. I will have my wife take a look at your lovely earrings and go from there.

 

[chrono]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

Expect to see a green modifier in your new Montana sapphire (which is actually very common). Some hints of gray is also not uncommon.

 

[movie zombie]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

most that like the montana's are drawn to the "bit of green" seen in montana's. i'm not keen on zoning but there are those in which the coloring is well distributed. same with australian sapphires but they do tend to be a lot darker.

 

[Aoife]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

I agree with Chrono and MZ, and that's why I posted the photo of those earrings. Montana sapphires have a specific "look" that not everyone is drawn to, especially if they see the word "sapphire" and are expecting something like this:



I also have found that Montanas are particularly susceptible to darkening when set, and in addition, any secondary hue seems to be emphasized.

 

[T L]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

Expect to see a green modifier in your new Montana sapphire (which is actually very common). Some hints of gray is also not uncommon.

I was at Intergem about a year ago, and a lady showed me her large Montana sapphire, and it looked identical to my blue spinel, which has some grey in it. They were twins in color. I think Montana sapphires often resemble blue spinels, so if you like that look, blue spinel is also a good option.

 

[hanshananigan]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

Thanks All! I had my wife read your very helpful suggestions and info, and we decided to buy the gem. As recommended, we will take a look at the gem, get a sense of it's character, and choose a setting from there. I'll probably post again when we get completely confused by the many options for settings. Thanks again!

 

[movie zombie]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

no probably about it, sir! we thrive on color stone **** and will have hurt feelings if you don't report in.....please note we'd also like pictures!

if its as nice as the picture you should not be disappointed. good luck with the setting. some of us have found that getting the stone was the easy part.....commiting to a setting style can be absolute agony!

 

[Aoife]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

That's great, Hanshananigan! I hope you both love the stone when you receive it, and will post here again with your reactions, and with your setting plans.

 

[hanshananigan]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

Thanks - will do!

 

[chrono]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

Another poster here who would greatly appreciate your return to PS with your pictures and opinion about the new sapphire and setting design.

 

[hanshananigan]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

Well, my wife checked around about 10 stores and various online retailers and finally found a setting in our price range at the local jeweler who sold us her engagement and wedding rings.

I can't find the original pic from Gene, but I was really happy that it was a very accurate representation of the 2.02 Ct Montana sapphire. It looks great! The ordering process was very smooth as well. But back to the setting... 14k white gold, and the rest speaks for itself. Wifey is very happy!




Thanks for all the encouragement, info, and advice, PS'ers!

 

[hanshananigan]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

I notice on another computer screen that those pics (in natural lighting) do not do the stone justice! I can't even replicate the darkness of the first pic. I'll have to try more pics in different light and w a different camera later.

 

[movie zombie]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

color stones are so very difficult to photograph!
thank you for getting back to us.
glad your wife is happy!
i'm betting the 2nd picture is closer to reality than the first one.
is there a link to gene's photo of the stone!
the cool metal goes well with the stone and your wife's skin color.
congrats!

 

[NKOTB]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

Looks great! I'm a fan of Gene's cutting. Nice setting!

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

You have done very well. The setting is the perfect compliment to the Montana sapphire. Very pretty.

 

[chrono]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

You've got to attemp to photograph the sapphire again - I can't wait to see more accurate pictures. In any case, I love the tiny table and super high crown on it, which should make it a very lively stone.

 

[txgreeneyes]

Re: Requesting your opinion on a sapphire meant for a ring..

Wow!! Gorgeous setting for a beautiful gem!