There is a lot to consider when choosing a gemstone. I have put together this information to help.
Stone types
Ethical sourcing for both metal and stones is critical to me. Both casting companies that I work with use recycled metals. In addition I only purchase stones that are ethically sourced. This means that the two companies that I work with are using best practices when it comes to sourcing stones. Some of the stones are traceable back to the mine they came from, some are not, but I feel good about all of the stones I purchase from both businesses. In addition, I do use lab grown stones which avoid the ethical issues around mining labor. Please contact me with specific questions. I am happy to help!
Natural
Natural stones are often seen as the top contender when it comes to gemstones. All of the gemstones I use in my work are responsibly sourced, and I use no conflict diamonds. Read more about the no conflict diamonds here
Lab Grown
These are stones that are physically the exact match as their natural counterparts. Lab grown stones are man made. The benefit of the lab grown stones is that they can be less expensive than their natural counterparts. They do not have any of the ethical issues related with mining.
Imitation
Not a stone type I use. These are stones that are made to look like natural gemstones, but do not share the same physical, chemical or optical properties.
Round Stones
Brilliant Cut
A brilliant cut stone is a round stone with 58 facets that optimizes the stone’s brilliance, and is the most sparkly of all cuts. They are cone shaped with the base of the cone being the top of the stone.
Rose Cut
The rose cut is the ideal choice for someone who wants a stone that sits low and creates a low profile ring. Not all stones are available in rose cut. These stones have a flat bottom and are faceted on the top.
Cabochon
Cabochon cuts tend to be for semi precious stones rather than precious stones, but some precious stones are available in cabochon cut. This cut is flat on the bottom and rounded on top.
Colorless Stone Options
Natural Diamond
Natural diamonds are beautiful and can be overwhelming when you are faced with all of the choices that exist. What color? Clarity? Cut? How many Carats? It can be a lot. I can help guide you through the process of choosing if you want to go this direction!
Lab Grown Diamond
Lab Grown Diamonds are chemically the exact same as the ones that exist in nature. They are a less expensive alternative if you are not committed to a natural diamond.
Moissanite
Moissanite is a lab grown diamond alternative that has a similar hardness and index of refractivity (sparklyness) to diamond. It is a budget friendly, beautiful colorless stone.
Colorless Sapphire
I would not recommend this stone as a diamond alternative. Beautiful in it’s own right, it will not have the same optical and reflective properies as a diamond, so I would recommend going a different direction.
Sourcing Stones
All CRJ sourced stones are from no conflict sources and are GIA certified. It is rare, but at times stones will break in the setting process, especially if they have inclusions, chips or other imperfections. If I am sourcing the stone and it breaks while setting, I will replace that stone. If you provide the stone, I will send you a release form for that stone.
CRJ sourced stones
I can walk you through the process of choosing the best stone for your project. I can source several stones for you to see in person or virtually and you can choose the stone that you like best.
Customer provided stones
Do you have family stones or stones from another ring you want me to use? That’s great! I can help brainstorm the best uses for your family treasures.
Customer sourced stones
Sourcing your own stones? Look for GIA certified sources to guarantee that you are getting what you pay for. Make sure the source accepts returns.