About doublets

tdog · ‎04-05-2010

Does anyone have expertise on doublets? I have noticed that since the designers have started using inexpensive metals in their designs now, that the use of doublets has increased accordingly. Are doublets flawed or inferior stones that by using the quartz cover masks their imperfections? The upcoming cuff looks fabulous in the lapis, but I am wondering about the quality of lapis. I love good lapis. I see Michael Dawkins, Judith Ripka, Bixby, and others using lots of doublets now. I'm not sure if I like it or not. It changes the color of the stones, too.

ennui1 · ‎06-23-2013

The doublets on QVC are used to make a less-expensive stone appear more valuable and exotic.

In principle, I was raised to believe that doublets are cheap and inferior and I refuse to buy them. If the CP cuff were made with traditional, single stones, I might have been interested. I don't know why TPTB thought lapis and turquoise and MOP needed a crystal top.

Fragile stones, like opal, are often made with an onyx backing to provide strength and stability, but better opals are standalone.

YMMV.

DCAnnie2004 · ‎03-15-2010

I like the look because it can make opaque stones sparkle. It is true that inferior stones can be used (and smaller pieces) to make doublets, but I think they offer something on their own. Their use is not just on QVC - I own a turquoise lollipop doublet necklace from Ippolita that is the most complimented piece I own. Dara and Marilynn from philosophy wear Ippollita almost every time they are on air.

DCAnnie2004 · ‎03-15-2010

I would add that I received the lapis TSV cuff yesterday, and while I love opaque stones, I don't think this design would have been as beautiful without the doublet.

lalaluvsCPJ · ‎03-11-2010

On 2/19/2014 ennui1 said:
The doublets on QVC are used to make a less-expensive stone appear more valuable and exotic.

In principle, I was raised to believe that doublets are cheap and inferior and I refuse to buy them. If the CP cuff were made with traditional, single stones, I might have been interested. I don't know why TPTB thought lapis and turquoise and MOP needed a crystal top.

Fragile stones, like opal, are often made with an onyx backing to provide strength and stability, but better opals are standalone.

YMMV.

In the case of this particular piece I would have to argue your point on doublets being used to cover up "inferior" and cheap stones. CPJ has ALWAYS been known for their superior quality stones most especially their lapis. In fact I would have to say that the use of the faceted crystal quartz is most definitely used to enhance the look of this particular design. After all MOP is not an expensive stone so I certainly wouldn't think that CPJ was trying to cover up an inferior stone of any kind. The reviews of the TSV are absolutely phenomenal. You should give it a try! I think you would be pleasantly surprised!

lalaluvsCPJ · ‎03-11-2010

On 2/20/2014 dc2004 said: I would add that I received the lapis TSV cuff yesterday, and while I love opaque stones, I don't think this design would have been as beautiful without the doublet.

Couldn't agree with you more dc2004! The spectacular sparkle you get from the faceted crystal quartz adds to the beautiful allure of this cuff! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!!

sligo · ‎10-20-2010

On 2/20/2014 dc2004 said: I like the look because it can make opaque stones sparkle. It is true that inferior stones can be used (and smaller pieces) to make doublets, but I think they offer something on their own. Their use is not just on QVC - I own a turquoise lollipop doublet necklace from Ippolita that is the most complimented piece I own. Dara and Marilynn from philosophy wear Ippollita almost every time they are on air.

I Love Ippolita and Yurman also. They are more costly but "you get what you pay for" I have a local jeweler from whom my husband has purchased items from. (Terrible Sentence, sorry)My husband has designed the piece I would like and the jeweler has made it for me. I am terribly spoiled. However, I have asked the jeweler about doublets and his rec was not to purchase.

Bird · ‎03-09-2010

I'm not an expert but I do agree with ennui.

FWIW, I do not like faceted stones! What's the point of reflecting light off the stone, when yours truly would rather look at the actual stone. The beauty, the coloration, the depth. With the faceting, you lose the depth. Eh, unless there IS NO depth, thus the faceted quartz to mask that shortcoming...which, BTW, allows for a cheaper stone.

Imagine staring into a large tiger eye cab. Beautiful, mesmerizing. Now, facet that tiger eye, so your searching into the stone becomes interrupted by flashes of light and angles. Not for me!

All said, I did buy the bracelet. Two, actually, but I'd prefer to have cabochons. - Bird

Krimpette · ‎03-09-2010

I just won't buy doublets. I'm big fan also of Hagit Gorali. I recently purchased J290261 ring. 13.0 carats of pure, non-faceted, single amethyst stone. No doublet. No triplet. Absolutely stunning.

violann · ‎03-10-2010

I seem to have had bad luck in the past with doublet jewelry. I have had the quartz layer of beautiful doublet jewelry discolor, and I have also had the bonding medium fail and the gem layer be ruined. I think because of these experiences, I've come to dislike the idea of doublets, and although the style of the new CP bracelet is perfection, I won't be interested in buying it.