That looks very similar to the LOGR legacy ring on ebay (lord of the gem rings) - you might want to just see if they can make you the ring, maybe with tanzanite? Blue spinels are very difficult to find in that color, they often have a grey cast. Or you could just get the setting from LOGR and a BTD sapphire, and have the perfect blue and the perfect ring!

I have a tanzanitering and it's also very soft. It was my e-ring but i found i was chipping it and scratching it with everyday wear.... It's such a shame because good grade tanz is stunning!

After speaking with the vendor (who said kyanite is a "common" alternative to sapphire), I decided against them.

And I found this stone on DB:

So now the decision is between a BTD kashmir, BTD dark ceylon or the spinel from DB.

Anyone have a favorite of those 3?

This plus the LOGR legacy setting might be just the ticket.

Thanks for all your input. My new OMC Asha in rose gold and this and I think I'll be set (for a few years I hope.)

That spinel is purple/gray. If that is what you were looking for, I would go for it. Otherwise, I think that a kashmir cushion would be as close as you could get to replicating the original photo you posted - and in my mind would be perfecto. I don't know if you are thinking rose gold for this ring too, but I love rose gold and blue sapphire. It's delicious.

+1

This type of question comes up all the time and it really depends on what you are after. If you are going for "the look" and have no issues with lab grown stones, you are NOT going to be able to get a more beautiful blue stone (IMHO) than one of the BTD sapphires, especially for the price.

Having said that, I'm an earth-mined stone junkie now, so I buy earth-mined stones for my rings, even though I own a couple of BTD sapphires. Are the earth-mined stones prettier - no, but I love earth-mined stones for their uniqueness. It's a very personal decision and there is no right or wrong as far as earth-mined vs lab grown.

As far a spinel vs sapphire, it is next to impossible to find an earth-mined spinel the same color blue as a sapphire. If you do, you will discover that they are quite pricey. As others have stated, blue spinels almost always have a tinge of gray to them in some lighting (often referred to as steely). Some people love that look, but if you want blue blue, a spinel is going to be tough to find in that color unless you are willing to shell out a lot of money.. Also, a spinel (although a great stone for a ring) is not quite as durable as a sapphire, so you might want to consider that also.

As far as the seller of the kyanite saying that those stones are often used as a substitute for sapphires in rings... uh, NO... for the reasons that have been stated here - not durable enough for a ring IMHO.

Tanzanites are gorgeous, but are have to be babied a bit, as they are not as durable as a spinel OR a sapphire.

HTH

Considering I am very rough with my rings and constantly washing my hands (work with dogs) and am very active. Kyanite is an easy no.

So I think the obvious answer is hold out for a natural sapphire or just go economical with the BTD Sapphire.

My next question is Dark Ceylon vs. Kashmir.

I think there was a thread a while back where someone posted an IRL comparison photo of the two, but I don't remember who did it. I can't help, as the two I have are both kashmirs. An 8mm rb which is being removed from it's setting as we speak and a 9x7 oval.

If you want it to look like the picture, Kashmir, if you want it darker, the dark ceylon. When you make custom rings, you get to make lots of decisions!! (I think that's why I'm addicted)

I have the kashmir and it is amazing. That would get my vote.

I saw your photos of the 10mm Cushion. Did you get it set? Can I see photos?

What finger size are you wearing your 10mm?

I'm a 5.5. I want to go big, but every time I try "big" on at the jewelry store, It's too big. But I stare at pics here and on PS with women with teeny tiny size 3's and 4's hands with 2ct+ on and they look spectacular and proportional. What is wrong with my hands??

Right now -- I'm on the fence between Kashmir Cushion and Kashmir Asscher. <--- want to put it in something halo'd ... something bead set... something legacy possibly.