Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need help!

[Nokaiser]

Hi,

I have visited countless sites and forums and I still feel like I don't know what I am doing. I am looking to buy an engagement ring. Listed from most important to least, I am look for:

Price: ~$5000 (stone), ~$6000 with setting
Color: Sky/ Light Blue or just Blue (very little violet or green)
Brilliance: Excellent
Clarity: FL or VVS1
Cut: Round (different specific round cuts are interesting)
Size: ~2 Ct

A few that I have liked for reference:
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1162-round-roulette-cut-2-03cts
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/p-65275-round-blue-sapphire-b8106/
http://www.gemsny.com/loose-sapphires/2.22-Carat-Round-Sapphire-SU40074ARD/

Let me know if I missed anything or if you have any questions!

(Additionally if I'm supposed to post this elsewhere please let me know as well first time)

 

[chroman]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

With CS, weight and face-up size dont usually relate. Do you have a size, in mm, of your ideal round?

Hows the color on this to you - too saturated?
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ..._Unheated_Sapphire_2_45_ct-Gem.php?FromPage=1

 

[chroman]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

Both the gemfix and NSC stones you linked look oretty well cut to me. The gemfix looks like it has some zoning, which you may or may not like.

The gemsny stone looks dark and dreary; personally I'd pass on that one.

I also found these, if that sort of color appeals?
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/2-30-carat-aqua-blue-montana-sapphire/
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-montana-858

Yeah, not a ton of nice bigger rounds turning up ATM!

 

[Arcadian]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

With sapphires, throw out ct weight and go by the actually mm of the stone. You're looking at rounds so that makes things easier. Compared to a diamond of the same carat weight, a sapphire will look smaller.

So what type of finger coverage are you looking for? Do you plan on a halo or not?

Are you married to unheated stones? If you're not you open up to being able to get some extremely heat only stellar stones.

FL - throw that out the window.

Sapphires are Type II gemstones. That means the VVS you think you might be looking for in a diamond will be a bit different in a Type II gemstone.

In a sapphire you can find some things you don't normally expect;
zoning
crystals
silk
cracks


silk is good to some degree. Kashmir sapphires wouldn't be so sought after if they didn't have that glow to them. But of course there can be too much of a good thing, so go for a little silk.

I don't mind crystals as long as they're small and hidable

cracks are a no
zoning, is a no unless I want something unusual (some zoneing can be very pretty)

For the curious -
https://gemfix.com/gia_clarity_system
And if you have some time on your hands;
https://www4.gia.edu/tryelearning/220-08/media/resources/cs08_printable.pdf (its long but very very interesting if you're a glutton for information)

Sapphires will change colors depending on your environment. You said you want light blue, you're showing medium blue. Some in this color band can show violet depending on the lighting situation. You will need to see them in your environment and your particular lighting situations to be sure you get what you want (don't depend on show room lighting)

Make sure you purchase from a dealer/cutter/jeweler with good feedback and a good return policy. Speaking of, always find out about the return policy before purchasing!


Of your choices I like 1 and 2. Three is wonky and cut very badly.

I also like what chroman has posted. its a bit deep but should hold color well. Other than that, it looks very good from most sides. I would send an email to Dana and ask questions about eye cleanliness and if the stone shifts too much to the violet side.

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

This may be darker and a different shape than you're looking for, but I think it's gorgeous and unique. It's not round, but a hexagon that would work well in many of the same settings.

http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/2-50-carat-deep-blue-green-montana-sapphire/

You're definitely set on round? I can't argue that as the cut is lovely. I only ask because I like this emerald cut at the bottom of the page. Other members can speak to quality as I'm new at this.

http://www.whitesgems.com/availablegems.html

 

[Nokaiser]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

chroman - thanks for the recommendations, I like both links you've sent, the earthstreasury.com one looks great, although I would like a little closer to blue. I reached out to gemfix to ask about the zoning, they have a showroom in San Diego (1.5 hours from me so hopefully I can take a look sometime).

Arcadian - Thanks for providing all that info. I guess I've been mislead to think FL was possible (gemsny), VVS would be great. No zoning as you mentioned. Medium to light blue is probably what I prefer you are right.

As for mm, I really do not know how to choose, I do not plan on having a halo but I do like pave. She has a 4.5 ring finger size for reference.

I am not married to unheated stones. (should I be?)

If you have any other recommendations I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[Arcadian]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

chroman - thanks for the recommendations, I like both links you've sent, the earthstreasury.com one looks great, although I would like a little closer to blue. I reached out to gemfix to ask about the zoning, they have a showroom in San Diego (1.5 hours from me so hopefully I can take a look sometime).

Arcadian - Thanks for providing all that info. I guess I've been mislead to think FL was possible (gemsny), VVS would be great. No zoning as you mentioned. Medium to light blue is probably what I prefer you are right.

As for mm, I really do not know how to choose, I do not plan on having a halo but I do like pave. She has a 4.5 ring finger size for reference.

I am not married to unheated stones. (should I be?)

If you have any other recommendations I would greatly appreciate it!

4.5 huh? Ok so unlike my man hands, a 8mm round would look fantastic on her....lol But it will be quite the stone. Does she like big jewelry?

Also, with a big 8MM round, Just be aware your setting will also have to accommodate the stone's depth. It can sit high off the finger so an off the shelf setting may not work. Head over to Show me the bling [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/forums/show-me-the-bling-rings-earrings-jewelry.8/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/forums/show-me-the-bling-rings-earrings-jewelry.8/[/URL] and look at some rings over there. You will also want to get a few quotes for custom.

Also does she have a ring thats she's been coveting? (Pinterest page maybe?) you can also try to quiz her friends.

Pave is nice but if she's hard on her jewelry, you could be in for lots of fixes down the road. If she's the type to take her rings off to do dishes, or workout or other heavy activities, she should be fine. You also have to remember that if you go with pave, make sure that your setting has enough metal to be structurally sound. (the band should be at least 2mm for structural soundness if putting pave there.)

IMO worth making the trip into gemfix. Some don't like natural sapphire company. They can be a bit expensive at times but they do sell a genuine product. IMO the stone you chose is priced comparatively well.

FL in a sapphire is like a unicorn; practically nonexistent. But thats ok, life is all about teachable moments, which helps you know what you should be looking for...which isn't unicorns.

If you open up to heated stones (to which I mean heat treated ONLY) then you can get some very nice stones for a bit cheaper and add more to the setting budget. Yes having unheated is great, but not so great if its not within budget. If unheated is preferred but heated only in a really outstanding stone, that also helps us help you too

So whats your timeline?

 

[chroman]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

The other thing about clarity ratings is that some vendors will put them up but not count "silk" as part of it. For example, here's one that gemfix says is VVS, but is rather silky (its an oval.. Just an example, not a suggestion for you):
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1286

If you like the mastercut stone, keep an eye on it - they claim they're going to start a sale on 1/29, so it may get marked down. Dana is great, so feel free to shoot them questions if you have them. I see a little wisp of something in the hand shot - not sure what it is (fuzz? Inclusion?) I dont see it in the other photos, but they can fill you in and if its "eye clean".

Not being tied to a specific size, and being open to heated will open up more options. The rounds I've seen seem to be in the neighborhood of 8mm, some a little smaller (like 7., some a little larger (like 8.2)..

I just saw this, and dang. Its my new fav:
http://jefferydavies.com/gemstones/sapphire/mj6749-sapphire-gia-2-72ct/
If its not too saturated for you, I'd inquire about purple shifts

There's a giant gem show in Tuscon AZ at the end of the month, so some vendors may be about to restock. Another option might be to reach out to a vendor who is going and might be open to hunt for you.

ETA: not sure how I missed this one before.. Its a darker tone, but less saturated. Not sure if its the direction you're thinking:
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/2-38-carat-rich-blue-montana-sapphire-heated/

 

[Burmesedaze]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

I'd just like to chime in to say good luck. That's a healthy budget and should land you something decent. But with CS, you need to see them IRL imho before deciding. No other way about that.

I love reading all the advice given here in this thread, they're always such a great help.

 

[chrono]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

Nothing is better than being able to see the stone in person to see how it behaves as it moves about under different light conditions. Do contact Gemfix to set up an appointment, since it is a 1 / 2 person shop.

Sapphires will not stay one shade, they like to shift a little, so I would give it a chance if it isn't pure blue. Throw FL, VVS, VS and all that out the window. The criteria for clarity in coloured stones is that it is eye clean (for sapphires).

Arc has covered the pave, halo and durability issue. Diamond accents are pretty but not suited to 24/7 wear. It's fine for those who remove their rings to do housework, etc.

Heated allows for a beautiful stone and affordable prices. It is a personal choice but heating (no diffusion) is pretty much accepted everywhere by almost everyone. You will also have far more options if you go with heated.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

2.73ct Montana sapphire
7.4mm
Eye clean
Unheated
$4,914
http://johndyergems.com/catalog_pages/gemstone-Sapphire4587.html


2.10ct sapphire
6.91-6.84 x 5.39mm
Eye clean
Heated
$2,250
https://www.etsy.com/listing/232958385/210ct-blue-sapphire-precision-cut-round?ref=shop_home_active_29

I'll keep looking.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

Oh, and I'd reach out to Roger and see what else he has. There's this on his site but it's heated: http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/sapphirebluerd3_18ct_8873/

 

[Nokaiser]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

Thank you all for the help!

Arcadian - Now I'm thinking 8mm might be too big?! She is very understated. I know what she wants more or less and what I'm looking for, size is the issue.

For setting, I'm thinking about reaching out to Victor Canera (although it might be out of my price range) for the following: https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-evelyn-solitaire-with-flush-stems

Timeline - probably mid march although an opportunity for the proposal is presenting itself at end of Feb.

Chroman - this one is absolutely beautiful, probably new top choice. Is it too big? http://jefferydavies.com/gemstones/sapphire/mj6749-sapphire-gia-2-72ct/

They also have this one available what do you all think (looks a little too violet but the video looks great) http://jefferydavies.com/gemstones/sapphire/mj6340-sapphire-gia-1-72ct/


SparkliesLuver and Chrono - thanks for your advice and recommendations as well, I will take them into consideration!

You all are great!

 

[chroman]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

The 1.72 is nice as well (I still like the bigger one ! If you look at the measurments:

1.72ct - 7.51 x 4.26
2.72ct - 7.8 x 5.6

So the larger one doesn't face up *that* much more, but the bigger one is much deeper.

If you like them both, you could ask if JD will send a hand shot of both, side by side

 

[pinkjewel]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

Since you said you didn't want violet I see a lot of violet in the 1.72 sapphire. It's a pretty gem- but definitely has violet. The larger one looks more like a true medium blue. I love the gems I've received from Jeff.

Oh, and I second reaching out to Roger- he may have some rough he can cut- and he cuts fast!! And he's a really nice guy, too.

 

[Nokaiser]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

Hi Team! (I feel like you guys are part of my team now )

A few updates, I have reached out to Roger, Jeffrey Davis and Andrew & Laura From Gemfix.

They will all get back to me with pictures and videos. Roger has some that are not on the website yet that he will send pics of.

My top choices at the moment are:
1. http://jefferydavies.com/gemstones/sapphire/mj6749-sapphire-gia-2-72ct/
2. https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1162-round-roulette-cut-2-03cts -- No visible zoning, just lighter in center

I am looking forward to getting the additional pictures and gems from Roger to add to the comparison.

On to picking potential settings, I will be most likely going off of advice from this thread: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-jewelry-in-la.227892/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-jewelry-in-la.227892/[/URL]

You are all a huge help and have gotten me on the right track!

 

[chroman]

Re: Analysis Paralysis, Round Light Blue Sapphire - need hel

Yay! Thanks for the update - it sounds like you're doing great!