To match his eyes

[hapless_groom]

I'm looking into engagement rings and my girlfriend has been very specific on certain things while leaving others up to me. She is wanting a white gold/platinum band with a gem the color of my eyes. Problem is I don't know the first thing about gems or where to start looking. If you could suggest a gem that fits or point me in a good direction to find them, I would be most appreciative.

Here's a couple eye pics

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Aw, what a sweet fiance!

Unfortunately, I can''t see the pictures

 

[hapless_groom]

Yeah. I''m working on that now.

 

[hapless_groom]

Sorry about the multiple posts. Hopefully this one works.

 

[T L]

You have grey blue eyes (like me!!), so a light blue sapphire might fit the bill.

 

[fierypyropixy]

Maybe an aqua that''s on the greyer side? Bonus: It will be cheaper since grey isn''t valued so much in an aqua. Not so bonus: It''s not as hard-wearing as the sapphire.

Perhaps there''s a spinel that could be grey?

 

[Burberrygirl]

I don't know what your budget is, but here's a pretty light blue sapphire from The Natural Sapphire Company.

 

[T L]

Date: 9/19/2009 2:52:36 PM
Author: fierypyropixy
Maybe an aqua that''s on the greyer side? Bonus: It will be cheaper since grey isn''t valued so much in an aqua. Not so bonus: It''s not as hard-wearing as the sapphire.

Perhaps there''s a spinel that could be grey?

Actually quite the opposite is true. Grey in aqua doesn''t lower it''s value at all. It''s value lies in deeper tones, regardless of saturation of color (RW talks about this in his book). Aqua is a very good idea, but that color would be more expensive, and not durable for an everyday e-ring.

 

[fierypyropixy]

Date: 9/19/2009 2:54:52 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

Date: 9/19/2009 2:52:36 PM

Author: fierypyropixy

Maybe an aqua that''s on the greyer side? Bonus: It will be cheaper since grey isn''t valued so much in an aqua. Not so bonus: It''s not as hard-wearing as the sapphire.


Perhaps there''s a spinel that could be grey?

Actually quite the opposite is true. Grey in aqua doesn''t lower it''s value at all. It''s value lies in deeper tones, regardless of saturation of color (RW talks about this in his book). Aqua is a very good idea, but that color would be more expensive, and not durable for an everyday e-ring.

Hmm, learn something new every day.

 

[LD]

What a lovely idea! I''d definitely go with Spinel or Sapphire.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I vote for sapphire because of the durability factor.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Blue grey diamond would fit the bill.................

cheers--Sharon

 

[Jypsie]

I immediately thought Spinel when I saw the color of your eyes.

 

[AprilBaby]

How romantic! Your eyes look like Moonstones to me.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Date: 9/19/2009 4:58:29 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I vote for sapphire because of the durability factor.

Do you think that Sapphire is more durable than Spinel? Spinel is only an 8 for hardness while Sapp is a 9 is that it?

But Spinel sparkles more than Sapphire...so I''d look at both.

 

[Arcadian]

Date: 9/19/2009 5:36:42 PM
Author: Jypsie
I immediately thought Spinel when I saw the color of your eyes.

I did too!

-A

 

[colormyworld]

Date: 9/19/2009 2:54:52 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

Date: 9/19/2009 2:52:36 PM
Author: fierypyropixy
Maybe an aqua that's on the greyer side? Bonus: It will be cheaper since grey isn't valued so much in an aqua. Not so bonus: It's not as hard-wearing as the sapphire.

Perhaps there's a spinel that could be grey?

Actually quite the opposite is true. Grey in aqua doesn't lower it's value at all. It's value lies in deeper tones, regardless of saturation of color (RW talks about this in his book). Aqua is a very good idea, but that color would be more expensive, and not durable for an everyday e-ring.

I really don't think color grading aqua is quite that cut and dry TL.

I agree that sapphire, spinel and aqua are your best choices.

 

[movie zombie]

blue/grey spinel. hard enough to be worn 24/7 but a QUALITY one is going to cost you. not any more than a QUALITY diamond though. and i gotta say that if you go QUALITY with that color....no extinction, no windowing, some big $.....you''re going to have an e-ring that will be a stunner. congrats! she said yes or you wouldn''t be looking!

mz

 

[Fly Girl]

I also think that a blue spinel would fit your eye color well.

Here is a picture of a greyish blue spinel from Art Cut Gems. Link

 

[marcy]

Another vote for spinel.

 

[Lovinggems]

I vote for spinel too.

Although if she only want a tiny stone grey blue diamonds would be lovely too...

Here''s one that''s 3mm for $1650 USD.

 

[Lovinggems]

A chubby pear 4.04 X 3.96 X 1.66 for $3550 USD.

 

[ma re]

I''d just like to add that you''ll have to see the stone in person for this, so online might not be the best idea for shopping, as colors you see on the screen (and many folks here can testify to that) can be a whole lot different than those you actually see IRL. And she sounds very specific (that the color has to match as closely as possible to your eyes), so buying in the shop might be easier. If you opt for that, make sure the store you choose has competent people inside who know a lot about gems, not just white diamonds, and can provide you with as many stones as possible to choose from. BTW, does she have (or you, for that matter) any idea about the size of the stone, or design that would suggest a certain size? Any preferences in terms of shape? Those things might limit some options too, as some varieties rarely come in sizes above a certain mark, or are rarely cut in certain shapes (but you can always have something custom cut to solve that one).

 

[oddoneout]

What an interesting idea for a stone for an engagement ring. I vote spinel or sapphire as well.

 

[AustenNut]

This 7.3mm trillion spinel has a similar color to your eyes.

This sapphire pear also has the right shading.

Here''s an oval sapphire that''s in right color family.

 

[gwendolyn]

What a cool stone search. Can''t wait to see what you choose!

 

[LittleLovely]

I think the oval sapphire that AustenNut posted is perfect! However, if you have some artistic license to go more gray or more green....

Top: Gray Sapphire from Cherry Picked
Middle: Montana Sapphire from Jeff White Gemstones
Bottom: Aquamarine from Jeff White

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Some of those spinels are a lovely match!

 

[movie zombie]

i like the color of many of the links provided......however, quality spinel is difficult to find and can be $1k per carat or more. i like the blue/grey diamond idea as well. since this is an e-ring, please make sure to do a LOT of research. having seen affordable spinel and high quality spinel, i can tell you the difference is night and day. ditto re sapphires. you might find a nice montana sapphire as well. shopping online as mentioned has its hazards, but it is a great way to educated as to what constitutes a quality stone. remember: you get what you pay for. and, yes, there is something for every budget just like in the world of diamonds.....but most women want a quality stone for an e-ring and in the world of color those aren''t cheap.

mz

 

[AustenNut]

Movie Zombie,

Have you been able to find any examples of stones that you would consider high quality? I haven''t done an extensive search, but when I saw the stones with the big price tags, they just were totally off in terms of color. I was thinking that perhaps the nature of the color desired here was one of the things that was suppressing the price. But perhaps I am wrong and I would love to see finer examples in this color range.