Ruby/Topaz in a tension setting

[K&C]

My girlfriend and I have been shopping around for a ring, we have settled on a Gelin & Abaci TR-173 tension setting. Yesterday we went to a large chain store (great for window shopping ya know?) and found the exact ring, she tried it on, we conversed with the salesperson and so forth. After talking awhile she tells us that Gelin & Abaci will mount only Diamonds in there settings. She said they won''t mount a Ruby/Topaz/other fake stone not to be metioned here. She cited that they are not "hard enough" and "will only cause you problems". Is this B.S. or am i really unable to mount a Ruby/Topaz in a Gelin & Abaci tension setting?

 

[Barbara]

Date: 10/29/2006 9:03:27 AM
Author:K&C
My girlfriend and I have been shopping around for a ring, we have settled on a Gelin & Abaci TR-173 tension setting. Yesterday we went to a large chain store (great for window shopping ya know?) and found the exact ring, she tried it on, we conversed with the salesperson and so forth. After talking awhile she tells us that Gelin & Abaci will mount only Diamonds in there settings. She said they won''t mount a Ruby/Topaz/other fake stone not to be metioned here. She cited that they are not ''hard enough'' and ''will only cause you problems''. Is this B.S. or am i really unable to mount a Ruby/Topaz in a Gelin & Abaci tension setting?

Hello K&C,

I''m not sure what you mean by a ruby/topaz, but let me assume that you mean a diffusion coated red topaz. Tension settings do put a lot of pressure on the stones they are holding, and topaz is well known for having easy cleavage in one direction, also it is only 8 in hardness where as diamond is 10 and has less cleavage potential.

Their response might be a sales tatic to get you to purchase diamonds, or a liability issue if they fear that a softer or more fragile stone might crack or be lost. If this is an engagement ring to be worn 24/7/365, then it would be dangerous to use any kind of topaz in any kind of setting, especially one that has an inherently more fragile surface due to being diffusion coated. If it''s just a ring for fun and to wear on occasion, then perhaps if tell them you''d sign a waiver they might set your stone.

Barbara

 

[K&C]

sorry if i confused you by using ruby/topaz in that manner. I meant a ruby/topaz/similiar hardness stones. Also the lady stated that if we sent G&A anything other than a diamond to mount in the ring, they would refuse to mount it. I have a hard time beleiving that, which is why i am wondering if anyone on here knows otherwise.

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Date: 10/29/2006 4:00:17 PM
Author: K&C
sorry if i confused you by using ruby/topaz in that manner. I meant a ruby/topaz/similiar hardness stones. Also the lady stated that if we sent G&A anything other than a diamond to mount in the ring, they would refuse to mount it. I have a hard time beleiving that, which is why i am wondering if anyone on here knows otherwise.

Hi K&C:

Gelin & Abaci does set other stones beside Diamonds:

They will however first examine the stone prior to setting to see if the integrity of the crystal will withstand the pressure. Tension settings can have anywhere from 65 to 95 pounds pressure on the center stone. Any stone with a surface fracture is not suitable for tension mounting. Barbara brings up an excellent point of “cleavage” regarding Topaz.

Stones That Can Be Set do include those with a hardness of 8 and up, but again this is made on a stone by stone basis. Stones below hardness of 8 like tanzanites cannot be tension set. Rubies and sapphires are often set and have a hardness of 9. Also take note that hardness is defined by the Moh’s scale which really only measures “scratch ability” rather than “durability”. A harder stone ion the Moh’s scale can be better characterized by one stone that will be able to scratch another which is softer. Stone “Durability” (toughness) is a different issue all together.

A good example of this would be comparing both emerald and tsavorite garnet. Emerald ranks 7.5 on the Moh’s Scale and Tsavorite comes in at 7.25. Emerald is however the less “durable” stone in that it is well known for being brittle and chipping which can often be problematic. Tsavorite comes in lower on the Moh’s Scale, but is more “durable” and stands up better to everyday wear.

So a long-winded answer to your question is yes, G&A do set other stones beside diamond..

Hope this helped.

 

[K&C]

Exactly what i wanted to know. I posted this on here mostly because i wanted many 2nd opinions, so i also checked with the jeweler of choice in my area. She assured me of the same thing, so i called the "National chain store..." and talked with a manager their. I made them aware that there was a salesperson that was not knowledgable enough to be lending there opionion on this topic. I do not want to discipline that person, i just hope she does not fool someone into beleiving that G&A will only set diamonds.