steelandstone
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2008
Posts: 500
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Post by steelandstone on Oct 30, 2009 14:39:30 GMT -5
Ahhh, so Chatham is a lab created emerald - no wonder the stone was so beautiful. Definitely the way to go with emerald, as Amber alluded to. Couldn't imagine what a natural one of that size and quality would cost - probably more than a home. No way to afford a mined one of that size. ( At least for my poor Azz) You really can't go wrong, same chemical, and physical properties and much less. It still was not cheap by any means. It takes at least a year or longer depending on the size to grow one in the lab. The sapphires I went with mined ones as I could afford those. |
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Post by Toad on Oct 30, 2009 14:44:44 GMT -5
You and me both, brother. I bet it is a lot more stable than a natural emerald also - aren't natural stones prone to fracture?
Congrats on the pending wedding.
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steelandstone
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2008
Posts: 500
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Post by steelandstone on Oct 30, 2009 19:17:34 GMT -5
You and me both, brother. I bet it is a lot more stable than a natural emerald also - aren't natural stones prone to fracture? Congrats on the pending wedding. I honestly don't know about the fracturing, I really don't play with gemstones that much yet. Trust me this was quite a undertaking for me. As much as i have come a long way with the silver work, I am not very versed in gemstone and gemstone setting. Most of the gemstone settings I use are called snap set settings from rio. This is only the 3rd or 4th time i have set a stone in a regular prong setting, and the first time I have ever tube set a gemstone. |
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Post by MyNewHobby on Oct 30, 2009 19:39:01 GMT -5
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!
I take it you love this mate of yours!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy crap!!!
That is gorgeous!!!!!
Julie
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Post by akansan on Oct 30, 2009 22:24:53 GMT -5
It's gorgeous, Phil.
Toad - my understanding is Chatham material is virtually identical and is pricier than other lab created gems. Most of the standard techniques to tell lab from mine materials fails with Chatham gems.
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Post by Toad on Oct 31, 2009 9:22:05 GMT -5
Theire website was very informative, I was planning to go back a read more.
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mossyrockhound
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2011
Posts: 1,315
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Post by mossyrockhound on Oct 31, 2009 18:08:19 GMT -5
You do really nice work! There's no doubt your fiancee' will say yes. Colored stones are much prettier than diamonds in my opinion.
Garry
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2009 18:41:52 GMT -5
I agree with Garry. Diamonds do nothing for me. I would much rather have colored stones.
Shan
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Post by frane on Oct 31, 2009 19:56:29 GMT -5
That is a beautiful ring and all the planning, design and creating just shows how much you love her! I wish you both many, many years of wedded bliss!
Fran
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Post by montanamuskrat on Nov 2, 2009 2:22:16 GMT -5
Beautiful setting, love the stones, and congratulations.
Debby and Tom
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joemojave
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2009
Posts: 133
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Post by joemojave on Nov 4, 2009 18:43:42 GMT -5
that emerald would be worth several million if it were natural, assuming pertfect cut, clarity, color, and saturation withouy any inclusions or flaws. synthetic is definately the way to go for any precious gems. Colored stones, on the other hand, should be avoided unless untreated and and natural imo. If you just want it to be pretty stick with cz or moissanite.
If you didnt already know this I hate to break it to you, but that ring should not be worn often. Emerald, even synthetic emerald, fractures easily because the cromium that colors it green does not really fit in the crystal lattice, so it is constantly under high stress.
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steelandstone
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2008
Posts: 500
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Post by steelandstone on Nov 5, 2009 2:22:45 GMT -5
that emerald would be worth several million if it were natural, assuming pertfect cut, clarity, color, and saturation withouy any inclusions or flaws. synthetic is definately the way to go for any precious gems. Colored stones, on the other hand, should be avoided unless untreated and and natural imo. If you just want it to be pretty stick with cz or moissanite. If you didnt already know this I hate to break it to you, but that ring should not be worn often. Emerald, even synthetic emerald, fractures easily because the cromium that colors it green does not really fit in the crystal lattice, so it is constantly under high stress. Thanks for the info but I am already fully aware of the hazards. This was a once in a life time deal on a nice stone I would not normally get for an occasion I will never repeat. We both have already started designing another ring that she will wear during the week at work. |
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Post by Bejewelme on Nov 6, 2009 13:31:11 GMT -5
Hey, what did she say?  ? Did she fall over when she saw that? Want to hear details!!! LOL Man another ring? ? Dang, lucky girl!!! Amber |
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Post by Toad on Nov 6, 2009 13:34:34 GMT -5
Two rings for one proposal - she must be worth it.
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steelandstone
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2008
Posts: 500
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Post by steelandstone on Nov 6, 2009 13:49:26 GMT -5
Hey, what did she say? ? Did she fall over when she saw that? Want to hear details!!! LOL Man another ring? ? Dang, lucky girl!!! Amber It all went well, first she was shocked, then she cried a little, then laughed, and was still shocked for about three hours, so much so I don't think she really awnsered me until that night when we both realized she actually never said it, but after 13 years, and 4 houses together I think we both knew the awnser. And yes she gets two rings, I knew this one would be a "Little Big" for everyday use; just could not pass on the stone so she will get a work week ring and a weekend ring. |
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steelandstone
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2008
Posts: 500
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Post by steelandstone on Nov 6, 2009 13:50:27 GMT -5
Two rings for one proposal - she must be worth it. I would never let her see this but yes she is worth it.  |
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Post by akansan on Nov 6, 2009 20:32:26 GMT -5
LOL - and we want pics of the work ring, too!
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Post by docone31 on Nov 7, 2009 21:18:35 GMT -5
Hey!
Aside from makeing a great looking ring, and I like tube settings. They look great.
You are one town up from me!
One day, drop in to the USA Fleamarket! Look for the Freeze Dried Hippies.
I am a silversmith also.
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Post by Bejewelme on Nov 9, 2009 11:24:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the update Phil, and yes we want to see the second ring!!!!! Amber  |
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Post by montanamuskrat on Nov 12, 2009 1:42:07 GMT -5
Great workmanship, no-one will have one like Her's!!!! She just might think it's worth the wait.
Debby and Tom
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? Did she fall over when she saw that? Want to hear details!!! LOL
