For the princess to be...

September 6, 2007 5:47 PM

Finding it impossible to locate natural ruby solitaire/stud sterling silver or white gold (not plated) earrings for my soon to be daughter-in-law. Can someone point me in the right direction? Will shop online or in the New York City / Long Island area.

Fortunoffs, Macys, Bloomingdales - I need to find tasteful natural ruby earrings for my soon-to-be daughter-in-law to match the ruby in my engagement ring. Don't want diamonds, have issues with the issues associated with them (the ones in my engagement ring are long-long-time heirlooms from my boy's family) - but must be appropriate for a 'tween girl and classy enough that she'll want to keep them for the rest of her life.

I just really want to make a gesture that she's part of the 'new family' we're forming, not feeling left behind - while not breaking the bank (we're comfortable, but not exactly rich). Can someone please point me in the right direction?

I want to present them when I ask her to be my maid of honor, so very important. Really want natural ruby solitaire/stud sterling silver or white gold (not plated) earrings for my soon to be daughter-in-law. Can someone point me in the right direction? Will shop reputable online or in the New York City / Long Island area.

This shouldn't be so hard, right?

posted by eatdonuts to clothing, beauty, & fashion (11 comments total)

There are several fine items on this page at Amazon. Any shapes you're looking for?
posted by brina at 5:58 PM on September 6, 2007

Lyndhurst is next weekend in Tarrytown. There should be jewelers there who could accomodate you.
posted by MtDewd at 6:07 PM on September 6, 2007

On Szul.com, you can "build your own." Pick the setting, the size of the gem, and off you go.
posted by houseofdanie at 6:42 PM on September 6, 2007

I would check out The Clay Pot in Brooklyn. If they don't have anything on hand, they can probably make something for you. The other options are Me and Ro Jewelry, Michael C. Fina or Ross- Simons (all three are brick and mortar or online). If you want a place in the jewelry district, I had my wedding stuff made at Bucciari on 5th/47th St. Ask for Ara or Kevin. Both are totally stand up guys. Email me via my profile if you need more specifics.

I've not personally shopped there, but I've heard *amazing* things about Yanina & Co. in Cedar Grove, NJ. I've seen their work firsthand, and it's just stunning.
posted by dancinglamb at 6:43 PM on September 6, 2007

PS- I think the word you're looking for is step-daughter, not daughter-in-law
posted by Flamingo at 6:49 PM on September 6, 2007

Not quite exactly what you asked for, but sapphires and rubies are the same material, just with different impurities that make different colors. If you are willing to consider pink sapphires, I would highly recommend visiting The Natural Sapphire Company. They also have other unique colors which might be closer to what you are looking for.

We got an engagement ring there. We chose the stone, and they set it in white gold in the setting we wanted. Plus, they were really very nice to deal with. If nothing else, give them a call. They probably know who deals in natural rubies.
posted by procrastination at 7:22 PM on September 6, 2007

Oops, I should mention they also made matching earrings for the ring we purchased, again to our specifications.
posted by procrastination at 7:24 PM on September 6, 2007

IAAJ. Be careful what you ask for: Jewelers will hear the words "natural ruby" and assume that you mean "untreated ruby". What you really want (I think) is to ask for "genuine ruby" (as in, not synthetic) or just "ruby".

The vast majority of rubies that come into this country are treated to enhance their color. This is standard practice. When a Jeweler hears the word "natural" they usually think "untreated", which jacks the price up many many times. It's very hard to find a nicely colored ruby that does not require heat treatment, and they're expensive because they're so rare.

Also, if you truly want to match the ruby in the ring (as in, the same shade of red), then be sure to bring the ring with you when you shop. Humans do not have accurate color memory, and there are thousands of different reds.
posted by Flakypastry at 4:17 AM on September 7, 2007

I'm a little confused -- is she becoming your daughter-in-law or your stepdaughter?
posted by footnote at 5:55 AM on September 7, 2007

I can personally recommend Papandrew Jewelers (11 Sunrise Plaza, Valley Stream, NY, 516-872-3575).

Its a long-time family business, and they make beautiful, beautiful jewelery, with friendly, personal service.
posted by seppuku at 10:45 AM on September 7, 2007

Blue Nile ruby solitaire white gold studs.

Don't ask a bricks-and-mortar jeweler to match a Blue Nile price; it's rude, and they won't be able to anyway.
posted by ikkyu2 at 12:40 AM on September 8, 2007