What happened to Raddygast and

[Matata]

that beautiful red spinel? Wasn''t it being set in a custom setting? Did I miss the post?

 

[belle]

yeah, what happened with that!? i still have those amazing pictures of it saved

.....wonder if it''s done?

 

[raddygast]

I still check in from time to time.

It's not done yet. Once I found the stone, had it doubly appraised, and spent about four weeks looking at it under various lighting at various times throughout each day, I basically tucked it away. Have met with my jeweller and discussed several designs and have seen some sketches. I even told her which one I was heavily leaning towards, and it was her preference too, but I basically told her that there was no rush and I didn't want to push things. In case you're curious, it'll most likely be a full bezel setting with 95 Plat 5 Ruthenium. Haven't completely decided on the band width though. Full bezel may not sound like the best thing to show off the cut, but I actually think it accentuates the EC shape, and to be honest I think it improves color -- currently the stone is still sitting in my makeshift "aluminum foil" full bezel. And this designer makes the most fine and delicate and symmetrical bezels I've seen.

Currently I have some issues with coughing up the cash for the platinum to be used in the setting, so I'll be taking my time. I don't feel right in getting the jeweller to make the waxes and go full-speed ahead on the setting until I manage to tuck more money away for the cost. I am lucky that I'm not being penalized for bringing in an "outside stone" -- in fact, after seeing the insanely high replacement value (quoted by the most reputable high-end appraisal lab in Toronto, according to most chic jewellers in town), she no longer brought up any doubts about the stone or made any disclaimers about its potential durability problems or the possibility that if it broke in the setting process I would be liable myself. Incidentally, the appraisal by this Canadian lab came out to almost triple what I paid for it, although some of that might come down to a slightly different Canadian market (where, I imagine, connoisseur stones, and most colored stones in general, are probably rarer and higher in value).

The stone itself, while an EXCELLENT deal, set me back a bit with my pauper student's budget. Luckily I bought at a great time (regarding exchange rate).

Don't worry people, I will keep you all posted. I'll definitely take a billion pictures and stick them all up here. And as I am known to be very ranty, I'll probably post a large accompanying journal detailing my personal quest for the stone and the whole overall journey.

And just because I bumped into this post, I think I'll be spending the next couple of days falling in love with the rock yet again. The shape is just so exquisite.

 

[belle]

hey raddygast!! thanks for the update. i''m glad to hear the stone, er umm, you are doing well!

you are smart to not rush in to anything as far as the setting. take your time, that beauty deserves it!
(i will be looking forward to seeing the finished piece though!!)

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Have been thinking of you also; I am scarce here myself these days and I have nothing like your excuse (doctoral studies and all)!!! BTW, have you seen the "yellow thread" and the setting R Wise posted with that marvellous yellow diamond? Could it possibly give pause for considertion with your own delicious spinel??? Saw that ring and thought of you immediately........

cheers--Sharon

 

[velouriaL]

I wondering too! Thanks for the update. Can''t wait to see the final product!

 

[raddygast]

Thanks guys.

Yeah, I saw that fancy yellow EC diamond ring. I like the design quite a bit but it would not be so striking with my stone due to its reduced length-to-width ratio. That yellow diamond was quite a bit longer than it was wide, so the "open-mouthed" setting is really pronounced.

 

[Gale]

Glad to know you''re still around Raddy. I too am looking forward to seeing the final product.

Would someone please direct me to the thread with the yellow Richard Wise ring in it?

 

[widget]

Gale: It''s in the thread titled: "show me your fancy yellows" in the colored gemstone forum.

Raddygast: I like it when you check in so I can drool over your avatar! That stone continues to mesmerize me!!!

widget

 

[Gale]

Thanks Widget!