Upgrade: Difficult Decision

[chrono]

I have a rather interesting dilemma with regards to my upgrade that I was planning. As practically all regular PSers know, I was set to upgrade my RHR Jubilee from a 0.7ct to a 1.12 (or thereabouts). Unfortunately, there have been some delays with getting the Jubes in. They were supposed to come in a few weeks ago and I still don't know when or if more of what I am looking for will come in before the end of the year.

Well, I have been

in the meantime and scoured the net for some red spinels of fine quality. I was fortunate and found 2 to 3 prospective buys:
1. A 2.09 ct squarish cushion of yummy red (7.2 mm x 6.9 mm x 5.7 mm)
2. A 1.55 ct stop light red round (6.8 mm x 6.8 mm x 4.9 mm)
3. A 2.59 ct roval of very saturated red (waiting for dimensions)

Well, I can't have my cake and eat it too. I can only have one or the other, not both. Would you rather upgrade your RHR center stone or get a large red spinel for another RHR?

If you want pictures, just ask.

 

[iheartscience]

I like diamonds the best, so obviously I chose for you to upgrade the Jubilee! Going up to 1.12 would probably be quite a significant difference visually, right? Plus you only have one right hand so you can only wear one at a time, right? Jubilee all the way!

 

[Green with Envy]

HI!
I apologize for spilling the beans awhile back about your quest for a jubilee! i voted for the diamond because you can wear it with everything. Do you have other colored stone rings? Do you ever switch it up and wear one of them as a rhr? It sounds like you ONLY wear the jubilee- so my gut instinct is that you will love the colored stone... but might get tired of it sooner than a diamond. maybe they are not in yet... but good things come to those who wait!!

 

[chrono]

Thing,
The size increase will be from 5.3 mm to around 6.5 mm. A very noticeable jump, I hope. I sometimes wear 2 RHRs at the same time, but you are right, the Jube is almost always worn.

Green,
It''s all right about spilling the beans.

. Yes, I do have other coloured gemstone RHR but the red spinel is very special to me, for some strange unknown reason, so I know I''d probably wear it quite often as well, unlike my other gemstone RHRs. As a true gemstone lover, I''d never tire of colour if the gemstone is exceptional.

 

[777_LDY]

I think I need a pic of your current RHR to make an educated decision!

 

[chrono]

Here''s the vendor''s picture:

The Jubilee in it is the same one I have as my avatar.

 

[chrono]

This is the 2.09 carat squarish cushion (7.2 mm x 6.9 mm x 5.7 mm). The vendor emailed back with information that the stone is very red and fiery; the same colour as the round in the next picture:

 

[chrono]

This is the 1.55 ct round (6.8 mm x 6.8 mm x 4.9 mm) from the same vendor, who said this spinel is like the one above, except that it is round and a bit smaller.

 

[777_LDY]

Oh my, that is beautiful! I just love it!

That''s a hard decision! Ok, I placed my vote and voted for the oval spinel! While a larger diamond would be great I do love the size of the side stones next to your current stone, they seem to fit perfectly. I am also the type that likes variety which is why I choose the oval...different cut, diferent color, and a great size stone! No matter what you decide, you really can''t go wrong though, they are all wonderful options!!! Any chance you could get the stone this year and upgrade next year, or vice versa?

 

[chrono]

If I upgrade the Jubilee, I plan to have a new setting using a pair of existing smaller squarish red cushion spinels as side stones in another 3 stone style.

The reason I can''t get both (get stone this year and upgrade next year) is because I need to save for a new car. My Bimmer''s maintenance is eating up my upgrade funds so I''m saving to plunk down a wad of cash for my car upgrade.

 

[KtIceRN]

This is a hard one...

I really like the jubilee ring the way it is, a perfectly proportioned 3 stone ring.

So I voted for the cushion spinel.

One question though, how are you planning to set the spinel(s) it you get one of them?

 

[TravelingGal]

Ooh! I voted for upgrade until I saw those yummy cherry jolly ranchers!

The diamond would still eek out for me...by a tiny margin!

 

[:)]

I like the spinel for variety. I voted for the cushion b/c it was more interesting looking, although if you posted pics of the roval I might change my mind!

 

[Maisie]

I can see why its a tough decision Chrono! Those Spinels are gorgeous!!!!

 

[wen104]

Ok I love that ring it is beautiful but I would leave it as is because of that. I would go for the spinal cause the other ring is already so pretty. Then you can rotate them and upgrade later when the Jubes come in. Also I am a fan of diamonds around .70-.80 and prefer them but wonder if having one over 1ct on the right hand would be too much. Ow someone hit me please cause the bigger the better ya ya but I love spinals. I am trying to convince myself that my vote for the spinal was right. Ok I stand get the cushion spinal!

 

[E B]

Date: 11/12/2007 12:05:13 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Ooh! I voted for upgrade until I saw those yummy cherry jolly ranchers!

I did too, but I''d like to change my vote after seeing that gorgeous red cushion!

2 carats of that on your RH? A serious visual impact.

 

[canuk-gal]

Date: 11/12/2007 11:47:37 AM
Author: Chrono
If I upgrade the Jubilee, I plan to have a new setting using a pair of existing smaller squarish red cushion spinels as side stones in another 3 stone style.

The reason I can''t get both (get stone this year and upgrade next year) is because I need to save for a new car. My Bimmer''s maintenance is eating up my upgrade funds so I''m saving to plunk down a wad of cash for my car upgrade.

HI:

Ahhh, I was just going to ask after that pair of spinels...because this is what I would do. Bigger jube, with red jube jube''s beside it..

Now, where are those other tasty little devils from?????

cheers--Sharon

 

[chrono]

Top view of the roval: more to follow:

 

[Green with Envy]

Date: 11/12/2007 11:47:37 AM
Author: Chrono
If I upgrade the Jubilee, I plan to have a new setting using a pair of existing smaller squarish red cushion spinels as side stones in another 3 stone style.

The reason I can''t get both (get stone this year and upgrade next year) is because I need to save for a new car. My Bimmer''s maintenance is eating up my upgrade funds so I''m saving to plunk down a wad of cash for my car upgrade.

I think the jubilee RHR you have now is PERFECT! What would you do with the sapphire sides if you upgraded the diamond? do you have another project... or would you save them for a rainy day? They look so good in your currect setting.

but are you saying that you have two spinels that would be the sides for the new jubilee? I think if the proportions are right... that will be a stunning ring. You can not have two loose spinel and not wear them!!! you do not see red side stones as much as blue so it will be eye catching and more unique.

I am still voting for the jubilee... unless you post a pic of the other spinel and it is too die for.

How were you planning on setting if you get a spinel center stone?

 

[chrono]

Backside shot.

 

[chrono]

Semi side picture:

 

[Gypsy]

I vote Bigger diamond.

Although I ADORE both of those cushions and WANT THEM. LOL.

IF you are going to do the diamond upgrade next year though.. my vote is for the cushion or round spinel. I'm not loving the oval.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

i fear i would always choose to upgrade the diamond.....that''s just the way my mind works!

 

[chrono]

Yes, I have 2 other spinels (just under 1 carats each) that are dying to be set, which I can use as sidestones. As for the old setting, I plan to save it and reuse it later with an aquamarine (my birthstone).

As for the new spinel, I have no idea whatsoever how to set it, but if I do, it has to be a very yummy custom setting. That's about as far as I have planned.

ETA
That roval does look "funny", doesn't it? Despite the gorgeous red, I have reservations about the shape as well. I have asked the vendor about the cut since the crown appears to be low, but he hasn't had a chance to get back to me.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Chrono, what are the dimensions on the roval? It's a funny duckie....

Cheers--Sharon

 

[chrono]

Date: 11/12/2007 12:26:53 PM
Author: canuk-gal
HI:

Chrono, what are the dimensions on the roval?

slb

No idea. The vendor hasn''t gotten back to me yet. I have also asked about the cut since it looks bottom heavy and top light, not a good combo if the stone is to appear lively.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

The Cushion Spinel is gorgeous and has great personality to it (plus it looks unique and original - at least to a person who isn''t too familiar with colored stones). I vote for that or the Jubilee. Sorry, but the round & oval shapped spinels don''t do anything for me. They seem a bit blah.

 

[simplysplendid]

You can upgrade the jubilee anytime but a gorgeous red cushion spinel don''t come by often. I''d say get that cushion spinel and set it legacy-esque style!

 

[Green with Envy]

Now that you say you are going to put an aqua with the sapphires- that will be really nice.
I am now 100% sold that you need a bigger diamond with spinel sides.