Where can I buy a 3.5mm Sapphire for ring?

[NonieMarie]

Hi
I recently bought a diamond platinum eternity band with a small sizing bar (equal to about 3 of the .20 ct stones in the ring). I don't like the sizing bar so thought I could have a jeweler set a small bezeled sapphire (representing my sweetie) in the middle of it. The bezel will be 18k yg.The finished size will be the same mm as the diamonds. He quoted $220 for a 3.5mm AAA Ceylon Sapphire. Can someone help me find a better price? What should I be looking for?
Thank you

 

[chrono]

Will this be the only sapphire in the band, so it does not have to colour match the other stones?

 

[NonieMarie]

Yes, it will be on the outside of the sizing bar. I just looked up Rio Grande and they have them for $30. Could the Sapphire my jeweler wants to set be a better quality? I know nothing about colored gems. It seems like a big markup.

 

[NonieMarie]

http://www.big-sky-gems.com/Pages/YogoSapphireRounds.aspx

I found these. Has anyone seen Yogo Sapphires? I want a med to darkish blue. The price is less then half that I was quoted plus they say the stones are not treated.

 

[Anise]

Yogos are known for a pure cornflower blue, so not medium blue or dark blue, although about 2% come in a pretty violet color (not for me, but some might like it). They can be priced very reasonably as long as you don't want anything near or over 1 ct weight (the roughs tend to be smaller).

 

[chrono]

Since you plan to bezel the sapphire, opt for one shade lighter, no darker than a medium blue because it is likely to darken further once set.

 

[NonieMarie]

I spoke to Stephen Links at Big Sky Gems. He is going through his 3.5s and will let me know what he has. He said he does have some med blues so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I know it is a small stone but it represents my fiance and it will make it even more special that I found it myself. Also, it's less then half what my jeweler was going to charge me. I'll have to wait a little longer to get it on my finger but perfection takes time.

 

[minousbijoux]

Thanks for the reminder about his site, especially since so many people lately have been looking for pretty Montanas.

...and of course, good luck with your search!

 

[innerkitten]

Well ncegems has them in 3mm and 4mm but wouldn't be what I'd call top color. I bought three from them. One was pastel pink, one was steel blue, and one purple. Very pretty but the colors but not typical sapphire blue.

http://stores.ebay.com/NCEGEMS