Thoughts on ~1ct purple sapphire + platinum setting?

[z147]

Hi PS! First off -- what an awesome community. These forums have been utterly invaluable in learning far more about gems, settings and the general jewelry business than I ever expected. Thank you!

Now, a slightly more selfish post Could you please give me your general thoughts on my gem and setting ideas? I'd really appreciate it.

The timeline: gem obtained and set by June 22. (We're going on a beach week with friends that Saturday.) In a pinch, I could probably have the set ring sent to the rental house on June 25 or June 26, but I'd really prefer to have it before then. Obviously I'm in a bit of a crunch, so I'm hoping to finalize the sapphire purchase today or tomorrow, have the sapphire sent to a jeweler (and pay an expedite fee if required), and then have it in hand by late next week.

The cost: $2500 or less. I'm envisioning $500-1000 for the sapphire and $1000-1500 for the setting. Sound reasonable?

The gem: my girlfriend has said firmly that she does not want a diamond (hooray!). She hasn't expressed any other particular preference on stones, so I'm taking a bit of a leap of faith towards sapphires. I like their appearance and semi-precious status and I think my girlfriend would as well. Ideally I'd find one from Tanzania (my gf has spent a significant amount of time there and treasures the country!), but that's been tricky.

Color, cut: Her favorite color is purple, so I've been looking primarily for a purplish sapphire -- but also open to indigo/violet/any other similar hue. One of my concerns is that a darker hue may look too inky/black, which I'd like to avoid! I'm looking for a round or Portuguese cut since those seem to be especially suited for sparkle/brilliance.

Weight/size: Something I'd especially like your thoughts on! I'm quite sure that I'd like the sapphire to be rather modestly sized, both to fit my girlfriend's finger size (7-7.25) and to look elegant without being too flashy. I think a weight of 1.25cts~ or less and a size of 6.5mm or smaller are probably ideal.

Sample sapphires that I like:
Gemfix sapphires: http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_blue.html
#929, 1.32cts, $790
#954, 1.26cts, $880
#992, 1.13cts, $985

Natural Sapphire Company: I've heard some pretty negative things about them so I'm only including these links as samples
0.93cts, $513.83 http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Unique/U3025/Round/stoneid=U3025
0.74cts, $754.80 http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Unique/Round/Stoneid=U2866
0.60cts, $448.80 http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Unique/Round/Stoneid=U2594

Wildgemfish
0.55cts, $550 http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/11081/15807 (bummer about the inclusions)

The setting: after a fair amount of reading, I think platinum is probably the way I'd like to go -- for weight, durability, and appearance. My girlfriend can occasionally be a little forgetful (like us all!) and I'm hoping that platinum might stand the test of time better than 18k white gold or palladium. I'm partial towards a contemporary design that would place the sapphire low in the setting, so it'd be more protected and less likely to get caught on something. She's talked about liking bands that are interwoven/interlocking (symbolizing our intertwined lives!).

Sample settings:
GabrielNY -- I don't know much about this outfit, but I like several of their designs (even though most have the gem sitting high in a solitaire/exposed setting).
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6683PTJJJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8133PTJJJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6678PTJJJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER8072PTJJJ
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6682PTJJJ (possibly the current frontrunner from Gabriel because of the interwoven arms)
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7909PT4JJ (sideset diamonds; I kinda like the style and a nod to 'tradition')
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER6680PTJJJ

American Set Co: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=221042704423#ht_2147wt_1185

Krikawa: http://www.krikawa.com/jewelry/body-of-work/details.aspx?style=173

Retail rings/designs that I really like:
Brilliant Earth: Sapphire Cascade Ring w/ Diamond Accents in Platinum, $2925 - http://www.brilliantearth.com/Sapphire-Cascade-Ring-with-Diamond-Accents-Platinum-BE134FD2R6-SB6RD/ -- looooove this ring, but I think it's pretty overpriced for what I'm getting. If I could find the exact setting somewhere else, I'd probably jump on it in a second!

Gemvara:
http://www.gemvara.com/Customized-Page/jewelry/v/2311061 - (palladium)
http://www.gemvara.com/Customized-Page/jewelry/v/2391075 - (18k white gold)

---

Whew, sorry for the massive post! Again, any and all comments are much appreciated. Thanks a lot for your time and thoughts!

 

[minousbijoux]

Your timeframe is really tight. That said, the only Gemfix stone I would consider is 992. The others do not read as at all saturated with color. Keep in mind that while people seem to really like Gemfix, some people have reported that the color appears a little intensified on their website (disclosure: I have not bought from them).

I would not buy stones from NSC, particularly if you are in a hurry, as one of the biggest complaints on here is that the stones IRL are quite different than pictures. I would not consider the Wildfish stone as it is too small. You might want to contact Roger Dery, Spectral gems, and Gene Flanigan, Precision gems, as they both go to Tanzania on a regular basis. Barry Bridgewater of AC Stones has beautiful cutting and may have something lying around.

I can't help you with the settings, but I too like the one from Brilliant Earth. Keep in mind that part of the reason that ring is so compelling is because that stone is so gorgeous and vivid.

Others will undoubtedly chime in. Oh, and did you read the buying corundum pinned thread at the top of this forum?

Good luck!

 

[SB621]

I hate to tell you this but a good sapphire can be just as expensive as a diamond, if not more! You didn't mention treatment. Is heating allright with you? I'm assuming so as that would fit into your 2500 budget.

If you don't mind buying secondary jewerlry I would also check out the pre love forum and Jewels by Erica Grace. Buying off the secondary market can help when you need something asap and our buying on a budget.

 

[chrono]

I do not find any visual benefit to a busier style Portuguese facet pattern on smaller stones. It ends up looking too cluttered and splintered.

929 - nice purple but the blue side isn't that great.
954 - Quite dark and gray, unattractive to my eye.
992 - quite sweet, considering the limitation of your budget. This will be my pick out of all your choices.

Personally, I refuse to deal with NSC. You can do a PS search to read about it and make up your mind if you wish to give them your business.

 

[marymm]

I also prefer #992 out of the 3 GemFix stones you posted - and I think it would look super in that Cascade-style setting.

FYI: Etsy vendor Raven's Refuge makes a very similar setting - they work in Platinum too and I'm sure they could modify the setting to accommodate a larger mm size and also flush-mount tiny diamonds to more closely approximate the Cascade setting - http://www.etsy.com/listing/64116805/conflict-free-diamond-engagement-ring-in - you'll have to inquire directly as to whether they can accommodate your expedited schedule, but I do highly recommend their craftsmanship and customer service.



* I do think your timeline likely presents a problem - it is June 12th today and you're talking a 10-day turnaround to have a finished ring back in your hands on June 22nd. Maybe you could find the sapphire and propose with that? Or have everything in the works, propose at the beach with a miniature engagement-ring charm, and time the finished ring to be sent to you on your return?

I pretty much think you should *not* rush an enagement ring - really you should examine the sapphire in person (during the return period) to make sure it is exactly what you want (videos and pics viewed on websites and computer monitors do not necessarily correlate to what the stone will look like in person under your typical lighting sources), before handing it off to a vendor to set into a ring.

 

[minousbijoux]

I pretty much think you should *not* rush an enagement ring - really you should examine the sapphire in person (during the return period) to make sure it is exactly what you want (videos and pics viewed on websites and computer monitors do not necessarily correlate to what the stone will look like in person under your typical lighting sources), before handing it off to a vendor to set into a ring.

I agree with Marymm. What if you didn't see the sapphire, had it set and didn't like it? What if you see the sapphire and decide you don't like it?

The other thing is that purple sapphires are pretty rare. I have one I recently received and have decided to sell. It is an absolutely gorgeous color, is unheated, untreated and most likely from Tanzania. BUT it is a pear shape and more significantly, has a slight milky quality or haze to it where microscopic inclusions create a silky/haziness. It is 1.31 carats. If it interests you, I guess I could get my rear in gear to put it up on the Bistro. But it sounds like you really want a round.

Chrono has a good point, that at some point, depending on size, you should be careful of having too many facets which will just reflect light and not let you see the color as clearly.

 

[chrono]

Woah...didn't see the dateline you have set. I'm not sure if you can even make that date. You MUST see the stone in person to decide if that's really what you (and she) wants. It is always good to verify that the stone looks like the picture, and stones almost always shift under indoor lighting so you'd want to make sure you are okay with that too. I would never purchase a gemstone sight unseen and then have it sent away to be set right away. Can the setting wait? Just propose with the stone or at least stick it in a temporary setting (plain generic 4 prong solitaire setting)? Then after the proposal, perhaps let the happy lady have a say in the setting selection?

 

[z147]

Thank you all for the very thoughtful comments! I'm glad you all like #992 as well -- that's now my favorite

The points about my accelerated timeframe are well-made, and I do feel rather sheepish for trying to orchestrate everything in such a hurry. (Procrastination and a lack of punctuality seem to run in my family, grr!) June 22 isn't far away at all, but I'm starting to wonder/hope if I could still get the setting prepared over the next 2 weeks and then have it shipped directly to our rental house ~ June 27, which would still give me a day or two to propose.

marymm: thank you for the RavensRefuge recommendation! His work looks fantastic and I've e-mailed him to ask about squeezing me in.

minousbijoux: thanks for your vendor suggestions! I've been in e-mail contact with a few of them over the past couple weeks but nobody's quite had what I'm looking for. I appreciate hearing about your pear sapphire -- it sounds great! -- but I'm still pretty keen on a round style.

Chrono: you're quite right, after further searching there are waaaay too many red flags about NSC. I'll stay away. The simple solitaire setting is a good idea and I think I'll keep it in mind as backup!

sarahbear621: I'm not concerned about heat treatment, but thanks for double-checking!

 

[bobsiv]

I would check out spinels and tanzanites, both come in purple and are commonly from Tanzania. IMHO sapphire prices are a little ludicrous right now.

 

[minousbijoux]

But Bob, don't you think it will be as expensive to get a real purple spinel as to get a sapphire? That is, assuming the OP doesn't want a "platinum purple" spinel which seem so abundant.

 

[VapidLapid]

I think you really need to give yourself more time, buying a sapphire, especially in todays hyped up sapphire market is not someting you should rush into.

Of the gemfix stones I like the color of 992 best. However, with a depth of 63% I cannot think but that the stone is conspicuously windowed, despite their photoshopping magic.

Tanzanite it too soft for an e-ring.
Spinel would be a good choice if you can find a good one in your colors. ROger Derry has this one on his site that would make a smart looking ring, if you can consider the square motif. It would look great with two little asscher diamonds next to it.



http://www.spectralgems.net/A-spinel.html

You also might consider putting the majority of your budget to the stone and getting a make do setting that you could upgrade later.

 

[VapidLapid]

Here from multicolor is a LARGE purple Tnzanian spinel. If set in a temporary setting to upgrade later you might consider having it recut too- it would still be huge

http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?/details/spinel/sn10503aa/&1244716636

Or if you could consider a pear, this one is quite nice looking and I think ready to go

http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?/details/spinel/ysp210aa/&1244716636

 

[athenaworth]

Have you thought about proposing with a temporary ring and then let your finance help in the process of building her real ring?

 

[athenaworth]

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82397315/purple-sapphire-engagement-ring-in-18k?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=purple+sapphire&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all



http://www.etsy.com/listing/94333340/pinky-purple-oval-sapphire-and-diamond?ref=sr_gallery_19&ga_search_query=purple+sapphire+ring&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

http://www.etsy.com/listing/89627918/square-cushion-cut-6x6-mm-purple?ref=sr_gallery_21&ga_search_query=purple+sapphire+ring&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all (over your budget but stunning)

 

[VapidLapid]

Here is a beautifully cut purple spinel from Tanzania



http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=4094

 

[VapidLapid]

This one is all kinds of perfect if you can do oval. It would leave you $700 for the setting, which could be done.
And it is from Tanzania




http://www.swalagemtraders.com/search-gems/detail.php?pid=2369&cPage=2&sort=&perpage=8&cat=&display1=1&display2=&display3=0&category=&variety=239&key=&match=&indicate=&reserve_type=&pagefrom=search

 

[GliderPoss]

I agree with the others about the timeline being too short - I would hate to receive a "rushed ring" and would prefer to know my fiance put more time and thought into getting it right the first time! I also think you should look at spinel - I have a lovely 2ct purple spinel which looks just like sapphire - very sparkly and bright.

 

[LD]

As a fan of purple sapphires I just wanted to add another complication to your search (sorry)!

Good purple sapphires are rare as hens teeth. There are also many different colours of purple (i.e. blue/purple, pink/red/purple) and they can look incredibly different. Some can veer towards being incredibly dark so it's best to see a number before you buy "the one". Also they can change colour in different lighting (most sapphires do but purple ones are prone to it).

I realise your timelines are tight but it might be better, because of the real variety of colour, to choose the stone together - maybe propose with a plastic ring and then choose the stone and setting together?

To give you an indication, I'm posting several of my purples so you can see how different they look. Can you see how the ring looks different in two different lighting sources? This one is my favourite and I love the way it looks in all lighting but I wanted to show you the differences.

BTW also make sure they're not BE diffused as some purples are.

 

[minousbijoux]

Hi LD! I've missed you around here!

Anyway, that purple is really really beautiful. One of the very few saturated purples I have seen. Truly lovely. I should see if I can take photos of mine and post them. From the pics he provided, the OP seems to be willing to consider a slightly less saturated stone, so at least that will make the search easier.

 

[rainydaze]

In clicking on some of the links in the replies to your thread, I came across this gorgeousness. It's not your preferred shape/cut, and it's not from Tanzania, but it's a purple sapphire and it certainly caught my eye! I know nothing about colored stones though, so if you would consider it at all, definitely have it vetted by more knowledgable PSers!

http://www.swalagemtraders.com/search-gems/detail.php?pid=638&cPage=3&sort=&perpage=8&cat=&display1=1&display2=&display3=0&category=&variety=237&key=&match=&indicate=&reserve_type=&pagefrom=search

 

[SB621]

This one is all kinds of perfect if you can do oval. It would leave you $700 for the setting, which could be done.
And it is from Tanzania




http://www.swalagemtraders.com/search-gems/detail.php?pid=2369&cPage=2&sort=&perpage=8&cat=&display1=1&display2=&display3=0&category=&variety=239&key=&match=&indicate=&reserve_type=&pagefrom=search

Helloooooooooo Gorgeous!!!!!!! Dang VL why did you have to post that right after I paid off my cc

 

[VapidLapid]

This one is all kinds of perfect if you can do oval. It would leave you $700 for the setting, which could be done.
And it is from Tanzania




http://www.swalagemtraders.com/search-gems/detail.php?pid=2369&cPage=2&sort=&perpage=8&cat=&display1=1&display2=&display3=0&category=&variety=239&key=&match=&indicate=&reserve_type=&pagefrom=search

Helloooooooooo Gorgeous!!!!!!! Dang VL why did you have to post that right after I paid off my cc

Don't blame me, blame Swala; they have no business tormenting us like this. Oh wait, actually, I think that is their business. well it's just not fair, don't they realize we have bills that we have to pay sometimes?