I came across a website that has a few medium yellow sapphires listed at about $200/ct. They are described as unheated natural sapphires. I haven't come across any natural, unheated sapphires close to this price range. They look natural in photos (unusual cuts and shapes, and more inclusions that I would expect in a synthetic). And there are some threads here that mention this vendor. Is that price ever justified in your opinion? By their hue or saturation, or clarity perhaps? Or does it fall far below what you'd normally expect?
I'm always intent on being a savvy consumer, so I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.
(Is it within forum policy to post a link to a non-PS vendor? Let me know, and I'll link through because that would certainly allow better assessment.)
Back story
Last week, I purchased what the vendor assures me is a lovely yellow sapphire. I'm expecting it in the post this week and will post photos to make a call on it (in my other thread, I took it pretty much as a done deal and was researching custom settings).
I paid about $1000/ct. I was after a particular cut (oval brilliant), minimal windowing and bow-tie, in a particular size range (8x6mm to no more than 10x8mm), and a saturated medium intensity. I looked for about a month and contacted some popular vendors (about 8 of them), but given how particular these requirements were I had scarce options. Eventually, I got one cut by a vendor recommended through another forum. By comparison at the time, the price seemed on the high end, but I wasn't able to find a back up option.
I feel like I should have spent 2 more weeks researching when I came across the aforementioned $200/ct sapphires. While I don't need a bargain for what will be a very important stone for me (to eventually propose with), I do want to be informed enough to get value for money!
I'm always intent on being a savvy consumer, so I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.
(Is it within forum policy to post a link to a non-PS vendor? Let me know, and I'll link through because that would certainly allow better assessment.)
Back story
Last week, I purchased what the vendor assures me is a lovely yellow sapphire. I'm expecting it in the post this week and will post photos to make a call on it (in my other thread, I took it pretty much as a done deal and was researching custom settings).
I paid about $1000/ct. I was after a particular cut (oval brilliant), minimal windowing and bow-tie, in a particular size range (8x6mm to no more than 10x8mm), and a saturated medium intensity. I looked for about a month and contacted some popular vendors (about 8 of them), but given how particular these requirements were I had scarce options. Eventually, I got one cut by a vendor recommended through another forum. By comparison at the time, the price seemed on the high end, but I wasn't able to find a back up option.
I feel like I should have spent 2 more weeks researching when I came across the aforementioned $200/ct sapphires. While I don't need a bargain for what will be a very important stone for me (to eventually propose with), I do want to be informed enough to get value for money!