Which shape with which shape?

[coda72]

Well, I''m a bit late in the voting process, but I like the princess sides with the round center (the first one). But then again I like different shapes paired together. I have a square (radiant) center stone with pear sapphire sides, and I don''t think many or any people on this site would choose that. The round stone with pear sapphire sides seems like a safe choice, and I agree with the white metal. If the Bluenile setting is anything like my setting from diamond.com, then there will be a gap between the center stone and the side stones. It bothers me sometimes, but not enough to do anything about it.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Date: 9/8/2006 3:31:56 AM
Author: onlyforher
I am curious DeeJay, what ct are the side diamonds on your ring? How big is the center sapphire (in sapphire ct.s)?


Which dealers would you guys recommend for sapphires? I've looked thru the resources page but don't see any that specialize in stones besides diamonds. Perhaps I missed.


Thanks for the input DeeJay, that *is* a nice ring! Chipping could be an issue with her active lifestyle too... hmm.


She's not used to wearing rings, so I might go for the smaller (better cut and color) diamond with the sapphire sidestones (G).. That seams like the safest way.


Thank you all for your input. These are great forums!


-Onlyforher

Only - Thank you for the compliment! My goal there was not to horrify everyone with a HUGE pic of my hand (LOL) but just to show you how beautiful a ring with a sapphire center might be in real life. I do also LOVE the ring that Mrs. S. posted. (If I didn't already have mine I would consider it.

) But I think your idea with a diamond center and sapphire sides will be absolutely just as lovely!

My stones are a 4.01 center (used to be 4.18

) with .70 sides. Don't forget though that a 4 ct sapphire = rougly a 3 ct diamond.

As for chipping--it was TOTALLY my fault. I don't think under normal circumstances it would be a problem. Sapphires and rubies are, after all, the next hardest stones after diamonds. I just did a truly boneheaded thing and it was probably not the kind of thing that your girlfriend (or any other normal person) would do in such a careless way. Ug.

There are several vendors mentioned in these threads--have you been over to the Colored Stones forum? You might browse a couple of posts and see what you find. Off the top of my head Cherrypicked and Wink Jones come to mind, but there are many many others.

 

[Larissa]

I agree with round/oval center in either diamond or sapphire with round/oval/pear sides, set in a white metal.

I guess that means I vote for G? I''m a bit confused on the voting system now.

I honestly like the idea of sapphire middle and diamond sides. If you upgrade later, the sapphire could be reset into another ring, and the diamonds into stud earrings allowing her to keep and reuse all the original parts of the engagement ring.

I, personally, am not too fond of the halo idea.

 

[mrssalvo]

I do agree with whomever said that you need to be 100% sure she''d be ok with a colored stone as the center if you go that route. some gals would love it, others may not. You can find a beautiful .75 diamond and do the sapphire pear sides and stay on budget which might be a better option. I vote "G" now too. definitely white metal...

 

[Rod]

Date: 9/8/2006 10:16:32 AM
Author: mrssalvo
I do agree with whomever said that you need to be 100% sure she''d be ok with a colored stone as the center if you go that route. some gals would love it, others may not. You can find a beautiful .75 diamond and do the sapphire pear sides and stay on budget which might be a better option. I vote ''G'' now too. definitely white metal...

I''m with mrssalvo on this. Unless you know she''d like a colored center stone, I''d stick with a diamond as the centerpiece. Maybe old fashioned, but through the ages, diamond has been the traditional ering stone. So, I''m voting "G." White metal, round center diamond, paired (pun intended) with side pear''s in shaphire. It would be super elegant, timeless and classy.

 

[Mexi]

^^ I agree with Rod - white metal, round diamond center, pear sides in blue sapphire.

 

[Larissa]

I was under the impression that, before diamonds really came in vogue around 1920-1930, that sapphires were the traditional engagement stone.

 

[Rod]

Dunno......you may be right, but I believe for most people, diamonds are what is traditional today. Found the following Wikipedia on the history of the engagement ring. Interesting......

History
The inception of the engagement ring itself can be tied to the Fourth Lateran Council presided over by Pope Innocent III in 1215. Innocent declared a longer waiting period between betrothal and marriage; plain rings of gold, silver or iron were used earliest. Gems were more than baubles; they were important and reassuring status symbols to the aristocracy. Laws were passed to preserve a visible division of social rank, ensuring only the privileged wore florid jewels. As time passed and laws relaxed, diamonds and other gems became available to the middle class.

At one time, engagement rings mounted sets of stones. One traditional sentimental pattern mounted six to celebrate the joining of two families: The birthstones of the bride''s parents and the bride (on the left), and the birth stones of the groom and his parents (on the right). The parents'' stones were mounted with the mother to the left of the father. The bride and groom''s birthstones would be adjacent in the center. Another similar pattern, for four stones, mounted the birthstone of the parents'' marriages, and the birthstones of the bride and groom. These token rings often disassembled, to expose a channel in which a lock of the suitor''s hair could be treasured.

The first recorded diamond engagement ring was presented by the Archduke Maximillian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy as a betrothal gift in 1477. However, the diamond engagement ring did not become the standard it is considered today until after an extensive marketing campaign by De Beers in the middle of the 20th century.

A Victorian tradition was the Regards ring, in which the initials of the precious gems used spelled out the word ''regards''.

In the early 20th century, the jewelry industry in the United States attempted to start a trend of male engagement rings; going so far as to create a supposed "historical precedent" dating back to medieval times. The attempt failed, although the industry applied lessons learned from this venture in its more successful bid to encourage use of male wedding rings [1]

[edit]

 

[Larissa]

Yep, that''s pretty much what I''ve heard/read. Until DeBeers took over the diamond mines, diamonds weren''t the thing to have. Thanks to awesome advertising they were able to take a precious (but not near as rare as some other stones) stone, jack up the price, and make it into "tradition."

Ahhh, the joys of awesome advertising!!

 

[woobug02]

B.......woo......I have those same shapes together

 

[onlyforher]

Ahh, so go with the old-traditional (diamond sides, sapphire center) or regular-traditional (sapphire sides, diamond center). I''m not sure on the Halo. I think it would look too ''big''. I want something elegent.

Hmm.. I''ll be spending some time with her (and a lot of friends) this weekend. Perhaps one of her best friends would know if she''s always wanted a center diamond.

She dosen''t wear earrings or any other jewlry, so I don''t have to worry about the ring matching anything.

Also, how does a guy go about getting her finger size? She does not have any rings (so I can''t borrow one to trace), I''d feel funny saying "Hey, I bet my fingers are bigger than yours, let''s measure them." She''d instantly know what I was up too. Perhaps I''ll stick with the old compare my fingers to hers, then measure mine later, and guess at hers. I think I''d get fairly close. Or perhaps just out-right say ''so, how about a finger size?''. She''d bust out laughing and then give it to me.... and then expect a ring in the next 3 months or so. How did you or your Sig.Oth. do it?

Thanks,
-OnlyForHer

 

[Larissa]

At least everyone agrees on no heart shape or yellow gold!! Right there, you''re off to a great start no matter which stone type you chose as center

I agree, her perference on diamond vs sapphire center makes ALL the difference in this case. However, her friends, if they''ve never discussed it or thought about it, are more likely to default to the usual diamond. So asking friends may not tell you want *she* really wants. Rings aren''t discussed in my circle so, if asked, my friends would have probably said defaulted to the norm where I''m from (1 carat set in white band). They were amazed 1-that my .5 looked big to them and 2-that we spent that much money on a luxury item. Until they are getting ready to be engaged, they''ll remain clueless about rings.

As far as ring size, we shopped together (and yes, he still managed to surprise me) so he knew my ring size.

How do you feel about discussing the ring (ring size and center stone perference) with her?

 

[onlyforher]

Yea, I might just plain discuss it with her. That''d be the most upfront and honest way. But if I can get the details out of her without her expecting it, that would be even better!

I''m comfortable discussing it with her. I tell her everything, so it''d be hard to hide my intentions.

She says my eyes say more than my words.

Thanks everyone. I''ll update this thread when I get back.

-OnlyForHer

 

[Rod]

Date: 9/8/2006 1:05:53 PM
Author: onlyforher
Yea, I might just plain discuss it with her. That''d be the most upfront and honest way. But if I can get the details out of her without her expecting it, that would be even better!

I''m comfortable discussing it with her. I tell her everything, so it''d be hard to hide my intentions.

She says my eyes say more than my words.

Thanks everyone. I''ll update this thread when I get back.

-OnlyForHer

Sometimes surprises can so so wonderful, BUT......often surprises fall flat because we just didn''t really know what was in someone''s heart. For such an investment, many here would recommend that if there is any way you can get her to show things she likes and what her preferences are, you''ll be able to invest in something you know she will truly adore. You would still be the one to determine when and where you''d pop the question, but at least when you do, you''d be giving her something you know will make her heart go pitter patter.

 

[onlyforher]

I just got back from an excellent weekend, the best parts of which were spent with her.

She reminded me that blue was her favorite color, and that she certainly wouldn''t mind a sapphire in the center surrouned my diamonds.. [The -surrounded- part sounds scary to me. My pocket book is not exactly bottomless!]

I''m not into the ''halo'' effect myself, and I think the sapphire in the center with pear-shaped diamonds (or circular, with an oval saphire) would look really neat. Or perhaps an elegant sapphire with diamonds all the way around it would look neat too. Just not a big thick thing, as I''m still trying to look elegant.

Now that we know she''s fine with the main stone as a sapphire, what are your suggestions as far as the shape of the center stone and the shape of the sidestones? (Choices are pear, oval, square/princess and circle) The princess cut sapphire with princess diamonds looked really neat (and a little higher than I wanted to pay too).

Thanks, OnlyForHer

 

[JulieN]

Ooh, those are not princess cut; they are French cut, oui.

msflutter's ruby halo: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-ruby-red-pave-halo.34793/

I think oval is the most common shape for sapphires, and you will pay more for a very round one of comparable quality. I like round the best in a 3-stone, especially if mixing shapes, and any shape will do for halo.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Round sapphires are indeed hard to find, as I discovered when I was looking for mine, ergo my oval. I love the look of a really fat oval with round sides. Or, here is AGBF's tanzanite with pear sides. Gorgeous!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

good decision! I love sapphires (and it will help your checkbook) I think she would be happy with any of the designs you were talking about!

 

[onlyforher]

Thanks DeeJay, ABGFs looks like an awsome creation. Thanks EBree, for that link to the natural Sapphire company.

Ring 10 - From TheNaturalSapphireCompany

Looks like a nice one, but it's not currently in house. I like it because of the diamonds surrounding it (delicate, not a solid halo), and the diamonds on the band of the ring do have a sort-of pear shape. It has an elegent look.

When I search google for "Sapphire ring" I get all sorts of junk. What sites do you guys recommend for sapphire engagement rings? Also, I'm still trying to keep my $$ below $3000. She's awsome, but I'd rather be happy with her with less of a ring, than to be making payments for a long time for a way bigger ring. (Which is just as easy to lose as a small ring)

http://www.sndgems.com/sapphire-rings.htm have a nice selection, but the price is a little high!
I wish the Natural Sapphire Co. had more settings like the picture above. *sigh*

Oh, and I'd like to go with Pallidium if possible, so I won't need to re-polish the thing very often.

Thanks,
OnlyForHer

 

[Alastor]

I also like B. Heart shaped diamonds don''t appeal to me. I think they''d make cute earrings for a teenager and that''s about it.
Forget the centre stone being anything other than a diamond. If you are going to go down that road ask your future fiancee''s opinion FIRST. You are going to spend alot of your money on something you hope she will LOVE. It would be horrible to spend so much $$ and have her reaction be not what you would hope for.

If you are going to go with the diamond as I''ve suggested try to go close to .75
.75 is a magic number (I could be wrong but I don''t suspect I am) meaning as soon as you reach .75 you pay a premium over stones that are .73 etc etc. I know .50 is a magic number and so is 1ct.

Palladium is stronger than gold you are correct, but it is also more expensive. Go with 14 k white gold. 18k white gold might be too soft but 14 k white gold should be fine. White gold is also stronger than yellow gold due to the alloys mixed in with the gold to give it the white look. One way to avoid having to polish the gold ring so often is to do more of her share of the housework. (Dishes, laundry, general cleaning) LOL

When you are buying an engagement ring on a budget such as yours the focus should first be on the diamond and second on the metal.

You should think about forgetting the side stones or anything like that for the time being. Focus on a gorgeous solitaire in 14k white gold. You can always upgrade to something more at a later date.

I''d suggest a stone .65-.68 Ideal cut, H-I colour, SI1.

I can''t wait to see what you do get her though.

***The above has all been personal opinion and nothing more.***

 

[Alastor]

I always try to give some sort of example of stones available. I use bluenile.com as they have a HUGE selection of diamonds. I entered in my search fields and found this stone.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&pid=LD00194223&filter_id=0

.65 cts, I, VVS2, Ideal cut. 5.52X5.56X3.47

bank wire price=2004 USD delivered to your door.

Now you still have 500 to 1000 USD to play around with a setting and perhaps even side stones!!!! OMFG I freakin ROCK!!!

***The VVS2 clarity rated stone shown above was the only stone to come up with the search parametres I input into bluenile''s databse.***

 

[onlyforher]

Thank you for your input Alastor. When I talked with her she said she wouldn''t mind the center stone being something besides a diamond at all. A diamond on white gold without some sort of color looks kinda ''blah'' to me. Thanks for the great find on the diamond! Good clairity, everything, except shouldn''t table% be closer to 57%?

If it''s a center sapphire with diamonds around it, or a center diamond with sapphires around it, it dosen''t matter to me or her. I''m still kinda in love with (G), or that flower-looking one from Natural Sapphires. Why dosn''t BlueNile have those two pear sapphires on white gold or Palladium?

And why does the Java on Union Diamond take so long to load?

Most royal engagements have sapphires, not diamonds. I think DeBeer should be punished for inflating prices like it does. LOL, like my one little purchase would change anything.

Any other suggestions?
OnlyForHer

 

[Alastor]

The table closer to 57%???

I don''t believe so. My jeweller, and GemScan of Canada (an Independent grading laboratory),
states that an ideal table is closer to 53%.

 

[JulieN]

Tolkowsky is 53%. AGS Ideal goes up to 61. You're believing everything your jeweler tells you?

Maybe you can ask Blue Nile if they have a white gold version. Maybe cut down your search on Union. It always works for me, though there is a wait.

 

[Alastor]

Considering he is my uncle and Godfather indeed I do believe everything my jeweller tells me. Are you a gemologist yourself?

 

[Alastor]

I''m a BIG fan of Debeers. If it wasn''t for Debeers we wouldnt be here on PS. If it wasnt for Debeers everyone in the world could have a handful of diamonds. If it wasn''t for Debeers diamonds would not be a consumer luxury coveted and loved by people all over the world.
If it wasn''t for Debeers alot of gemologists would be unemployed.

Debeers controlling the diamond market hasnt created universal bliss. People speak of blood diamonds and child slave labour in India and elsewhere. The notion of blood diamonds is absurd. If an african warlord wants to start a war he could finance it in various ways. If there was no value in diamonds these wars would still occur. If there was no value in diamonds alot of children would starve to DEATH. I am not pro war or pro child labour. Both are abhorrent to me. The reality is you cannot blame Debeers for people who start wars or for greedy leeches who use child labour.

The fact that diamonds cost as much as they do is a good thing. You must remember that you DONT need a diamond. A diamond is a luxury. You can still get married and live your life without a diamond, just like you can lead your life without a Mercedes or a Vacheron Constantin.

 

[JulieN]

maybe you both need education. 57% table is fine. table is just one variable. having 53% table means nothing without the other variables. and, no, I am not a gemologist.

 

[Beacon]

Alastor - JulieN is totally correct. It is not necessary to be a gemologist to have this basic information. Tolkowsky is at 53 table, but it is well accepted that Tolkowsky is but *one* definition of ideal.

Best to keep an open mind - there are people here with tremendous experience with stones.

 

[sumbride]

If you want to see another gorgeous ring with a sapphire center, check out Selkie's ring. Just search for "Selkie". She hasn't posted lately. She's very active and her ring is perfect for her lifestyle. And it's so pretty! I've seen it in person!

eta: Here's the thread on her ring.

 

[Alastor]

Keep an open mind? I just reviewed my posts. I replied to only that my jeweller told me an ideal table is closer to 53%. I then said a reputable Independent diamond grading company (gemscan) says the same. I never said that AGS is incorrect that an ideal table is up to 61%. I never mentionned anything about what any other reputable lab or PS member said. When JulieN made that comment regarding how naive I might be in regards to my jeweller I stated that I have confidence in my jeweller and the reason why I have such confidence in what he told me. I never said you have to be a gemologist for this basic information either. You are jumping to innumerable conclusions. Thank You.