Where To Find A Yellow Sapphire?

[Jsmith8]

After my failed Pad search, I am now on the prowl for a yellow sapphire. I think they are just amazing in color but I don't know the first thing about finding a well cut, well colored loose stone and I'd hate to go to a mall jeweler!

I'm sorry to ask so many questions but I really am a newbie and you all are so well versed in the realm of colored gemstones. I hope you don't mind!

The only site I know of is The Natural Sapphire Company- are there any other sites that are well known for selling yellow sapphires?

Should I trust that all the sapphires on the Natural Sapphire Company are worth that value and well cut or is there a reason for such a variance in price on there?

What are all your opinions on this ring?
http://www.myjewelrysource.com/yellowsapphirerings/gr5727-yellowsapphire-engagementring.htm

Or these NSC rings?
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1372
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1423

Thanks!

 

[LD]

Fixing the links for you:

http://www.myjewelrysource.com/yellowsapphirerings/gr5727-yellowsapphire-engagementring.htm
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1372
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1423

Personally I love the ring in the first link. It''s very feminine and I love the combination of white/yellow. However, I am pretty sure that the central sapphire will be BE diffused. I recall from your Pad thread that this doesn''t worry you but still please ask the question so at least you go into it as an informed buyer (if you choose this one). In terms of price, it''s quite expensive especially when compared to the two from NSC.

J1372 - I don''t like the yellow sapphire in w/gold but that''s just a preference. On the plus side, it''s not enhanced, has wonderful clarity and according to NSC great colour as well. I think I''d want to see this in real life because it doesn''t scream a vivid colour on my monitor. Good price (especially when you compare it to the above ring.

J1423 - All my comments for J1372 apply for this one also. The colour seems paler but is described as intense. Again, you''d need to see this.

 

[Jsmith8]

Date: 3/1/2010 6:49:08 PM
Author: LovingDiamonds
Fixing the links for you:


http://www.myjewelrysource.com/yellowsapphirerings/gr5727-yellowsapphire-engagementring.htm

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1372

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1423


Personally I love the ring in the first link. It''s very feminine and I love the combination of white/yellow. However, I am pretty sure that the central sapphire will be BE diffused. I recall from your Pad thread that this doesn''t worry you but still please ask the question so at least you go into it as an informed buyer (if you choose this one). In terms of price, it''s quite expensive especially when compared to the two from NSC.


J1372 - I don''t like the yellow sapphire in w/gold but that''s just a preference. On the plus side, it''s not enhanced, has wonderful clarity and according to NSC great colour as well. I think I''d want to see this in real life because it doesn''t scream a vivid colour on my monitor. Good price (especially when you compare it to the above ring.


J1423 - All my comments for J1372 apply for this one also. The colour seems paler but is described as intense. Again, you''d need to see this.

Thanks for fixing the links for me!

I''m a little confused though. You stated that the first ring was quite expensive but it actually is the cheapest out of the 3 rings. I would definitely ask questions about all the rings I linked if I chose them. Unfortunately, I cannot see them in person first!

I wish there was a way to see a colored gemstone in person first but I really don''t want to go the Zales or Helzberg route.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Some more options:

Simplysapphires

GTrader

 

[Jsmith8]

I''ve contacted James Meyer about making a ring. We''ve discussed using the setting I attached the picture of with a round or cushion yellow sapphire. I''m more interested in finding loose stones after talking to him about this ring.

 

[VapidLapid]

there are a lot of very nice vivid yellow sapphires at:

http://www.ajsgems.com/

I think the ones at nsc are paler than they grade them but wh o knows with monitor differences- they''ve seen them in person and I haven''t.

www.sapphires.ca has quite a few untreated yellows too.

The first one you showed from mjs is the most expensive not by price tage but by value, ie. you get the least value there for the cost.

 

[Jsmith8]

I do like the sapphires on ajsgems but they all are heated/Lattice diffusion. I don''t mind a treated stone but can anyone inform me on what Lattice diffusion is and what it does to the stone?

Thanks!

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Date: 3/1/2010 6:35:49 PM
Author:Jsmith8
After my failed Pad search, I am now on the prowl for a yellow sapphire. I think they are just amazing in color but I don't know the first thing about finding a well cut, well colored loose stone and I'd hate to go to a mall jeweler!

I'm sorry to ask so many questions but I really am a newbie and you all are so well versed in the realm of colored gemstones. I hope you don't mind!

The only site I know of is The Natural Sapphire Company- are there any other sites that are well known for selling yellow sapphires?

Should I trust that all the sapphires on the Natural Sapphire Company are worth that value and well cut or is there a reason for such a variance in price on there?

What are all your opinions on this ring?
http://www.myjewelrysource.com/yellowsapphirerings/gr5727-yellowsapphire-engagementring.htm

Or these NSC rings?
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1372
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1423

Thanks!

Don't go to a mall jeweler...

Most sapphires and colored stones in general are cut for yield (weight retention) and color.
Most all are native cut unless they are re-cut commercially in the US. The variance in price on some of the
sites your visiting have to do with the quality and characteristics of the stones your looking at.

When you reach certain weights the price jumps, if it is a natural with no traditional heat treating (which is rare)
the price jumps again. A larger stone and now your paying more of a premium.

There are vendors and cutters who also import rough and of course yield a beuatiful stone than the traditional native cutting.

I would take a look at Palagems. You will have to go through a vendor who has trade access to price the
stones you find on the sight and get back to you with a quote.

I am a big advocate for vedors who contribute on this sight. I like going through a reputable vendor, relay your wants and needs, budget
size, and color , shape etc.... your looking for and a reputable vendor will have access too many more resources thaqn you yourself are aware of.
The hunt and leg work can be fun too.

I have purchased real nice sapphires (blue), a fire engine red spinel, and a remarkable Tsavorite through Wink.
All these stones were sourced from Palagems.

I have also purchased a really nice ruby through Richard Wise.

I also purchased a real nice yellow concave sapphire through Richard Homers site. (Specialized cutting though)
-Pricey depending on your budget-

I am really surprised you couldn't find a Pad you were looking for and wish you the best in your hunt.

 

[VapidLapid]

Heating of sapphires is a common and generally accepted treatment. It can be thought of as sort of annealing process. Some even argue that stones that come out of the ground not needing heating have already been heated in the ground and hence would not benefit from a subsequent heating. Unless the stone is destined to be sold at Christie''s in an Important Jewels auction then heating is just a personal preference. Personally, I prefer unheated. I also prefer butter and Pinot Noir!

Lattice diffusion is an invasive alteration of the mined material with the addition of foreign substance. The lattice is the three dimensional grid of atoms of elements that make up the sapphire, basically aluminum and oxygen. when a sapphire is heated in the presence of material containing beryllium or titanium some of those atoms are liberated by the heat and work their way (diffuse) into the atomic lattice of the sapphire. This can improve color and brilliance and together with the heat may even heal internal fissures or help dissolve melted inclusions and disperse the remains throughout the crystal so that it appears clean. To me a grilled steak with bernaise sauce is not, nor ever will be, a gently heated steer.

 

[T L]

How about yellow chrysoberyl instead. It's much less expensive, always untreated, and an 8.5 on the Mohs scale (just a tad softer than sapphire, but extremely durable). Some have very pretty greenish secondary tones. Most yellow sapphires are treated, and the ones that are not are very expensive. I'm guilty of talking people out of them all of the time.

http://www.ajsgems.com/chrysoberyls-gemstone-chrysoberyl-2046340427.html

 

[Jsmith8]

Date: 3/1/2010 9:06:39 PM
Author: VapidLapid
Heating of sapphires is a common and generally accepted treatment. It can be thought of as sort of annealing process. Some even argue that stones that come out of the ground not needing heating have already been heated in the ground and hence would not benefit from a subsequent heating. Unless the stone is destined to be sold at Christie''s in an Important Jewels auction then heating is just a personal preference. Personally, I prefer unheated. I also prefer butter and Pinot Noir!

Lattice diffusion is an invasive alteration of the mined material with the addition of foreign substance. The lattice is the three dimensional grid of atoms of elements that make up the sapphire, basically aluminum and oxygen. when a sapphire is heated in the presence of material containing beryllium or titanium some of those atoms are liberated by the heat and work their way (diffuse) into the atomic lattice of the sapphire. This can improve color and brilliance and together with the heat may even heal internal fissures or help dissolve melted inclusions and disperse the remains throughout the crystal so that it appears clean. To me a grilled steak with bernaise sauce is not, nor ever will be, a gently heated steer.

I''m sorry but I didn''t really understand that!

Is lattice diffusion typically a bad thing? I''ve seen this listed a lot as the treatment of the sapphire. Does it change the sapphire in a way that makes it unnatural or synthetic? Does it alter the composition of it to the point where it becomes less stable/hard for everyday wear?

 

[VapidLapid]

Yes Chrysoberyl is an excellent alternative, and undervalued currently so you''ll get more for your money. Jeff White has 2 wonderful chrysoberyls ready to go on his website.


http://www.whitesgems.com/

 

[Jsmith8]

Date: 3/1/2010 9:13:01 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

How about yellow chrysoberyl instead. It's much less expensive, always untreated, and an 8.5 on the Mohs scale (just a tad softer than sapphire, but extremely durable). Some have very pretty greenish secondary tones. Most yellow sapphires are treated, and the ones that are not are very expensive. I'm guilty of talking people out of them all of the time.

http://www.ajsgems.com/chrysoberyls-gemstone-chrysoberyl-2046340427.html

I will definitely look into the chrysoberyl alternative. I've never even heard of that stone before.

What do we think of these gems on ajsgems?

http://www.ajsgems.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.38-carats.html-0

http://www.ajsgems.com/sapphire/yellow-sapphire/yellow-sapphire-1.80-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/sapphire/yellow-sapphire/yellow-sapphire-1.68-carats.html

I want something more square in shape and it says the yellow sapphires are oval but they don't look oval to me. Maybe I'm misunderstanding shape! It's a total possibility!

SIDENOTE: Do we like the setting for a colored stone center or do we think the setting would hinder the performance of a colored stone?

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Date: 3/1/2010 9:23:03 PM
Author: Jsmith8

Date: 3/1/2010 9:13:01 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

How about yellow chrysoberyl instead. It''s much less expensive, always untreated, and an 8.5 on the Mohs scale (just a tad softer than sapphire, but extremely durable). Some have very pretty greenish secondary tones. Most yellow sapphires are treated, and the ones that are not are very expensive. I''m guilty of talking people out of them all of the time.

http://www.ajsgems.com/chrysoberyls-gemstone-chrysoberyl-2046340427.html

I will definitely look into the chrysoberyl alternative. I''ve never even heard of that stone before.

What do we think of these gems on ajsgems?

http://www.ajsgems.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.38-carats.html-0

http://www.ajsgems.com/sapphire/yellow-sapphire/yellow-sapphire-1.80-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/sapphire/yellow-sapphire/yellow-sapphire-1.68-carats.html

I want something more square in shape and it says the yellow sapphires are oval but they don''t look oval to me. Maybe I''m misunderstanding shape! It''s a total possibility!

SIDENOTE: Do we like the setting for a colored stone center or do we think the setting would hinder the performance of a colored stone?

(1) Stick with the James Meyer Ring. I like the bezel and milgraining...It will help protect your stone too...

(2) Heating itself is considered standard practice in the trade.

Lattice Diffusion=Unnatural. If your comfortable with the disclosure...Its artificial.

 

[Jsmith8]

Date: 3/1/2010 9:42:56 PM
Author: Colored Gemstone Nut

Date: 3/1/2010 9:23:03 PM
Author: Jsmith8

Date: 3/1/2010 9:13:01 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

How about yellow chrysoberyl instead. It''s much less expensive, always untreated, and an 8.5 on the Mohs scale (just a tad softer than sapphire, but extremely durable). Some have very pretty greenish secondary tones. Most yellow sapphires are treated, and the ones that are not are very expensive. I''m guilty of talking people out of them all of the time.

http://www.ajsgems.com/chrysoberyls-gemstone-chrysoberyl-2046340427.html

I will definitely look into the chrysoberyl alternative. I''ve never even heard of that stone before.

What do we think of these gems on ajsgems?

http://www.ajsgems.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.38-carats.html-0

http://www.ajsgems.com/sapphire/yellow-sapphire/yellow-sapphire-1.80-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/sapphire/yellow-sapphire/yellow-sapphire-1.68-carats.html

I want something more square in shape and it says the yellow sapphires are oval but they don''t look oval to me. Maybe I''m misunderstanding shape! It''s a total possibility!

SIDENOTE: Do we like the setting for a colored stone center or do we think the setting would hinder the performance of a colored stone?

(1) Stick with the James Meyer Ring. I like the bezel and milgraining...It will help protect your stone too...

(2) Heating itself is considered standard practice in the trade.

Lattice Diffusion=Unnatural. If your comfortable with the disclosure...Its artificial.

I definitely don''t want an artificial stone.

What''s the difference between lab grown sapphires and artifical sapphires? I''ve read that a lab grown stone is a true, authentic sapphire. Am I correct?

 

[chrono]

Lattice diffused is pretty much like a BE treated stone. It is still a natural sapphire but heavily treated (dyed of sorts that is permanent). Most people tend to shy away from this as it is a very invasive procedure.

Synthetic is a man made stone. The chemical composition is the same but mother nature didn't make it naturally under the earth. Since it didn't go through the upheavals of nature and time, a synthetic stone is usually perfect in colouring and clarity. Most people shy from this as well except those who are concerned about mining practices and the environment.

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Date: 3/1/2010 9:49:58 PM
Author: Jsmith8

Date: 3/1/2010 9:42:56 PM
Author: Colored Gemstone Nut

Date: 3/1/2010 9:23:03 PM
Author: Jsmith8

Date: 3/1/2010 9:13:01 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

How about yellow chrysoberyl instead. It''s much less expensive, always untreated, and an 8.5 on the Mohs scale (just a tad softer than sapphire, but extremely durable). Some have very pretty greenish secondary tones. Most yellow sapphires are treated, and the ones that are not are very expensive. I''m guilty of talking people out of them all of the time.

http://www.ajsgems.com/chrysoberyls-gemstone-chrysoberyl-2046340427.html

I will definitely look into the chrysoberyl alternative. I''ve never even heard of that stone before.

What do we think of these gems on ajsgems?

http://www.ajsgems.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.38-carats.html-0

http://www.ajsgems.com/sapphire/yellow-sapphire/yellow-sapphire-1.80-carats.html

http://www.ajsgems.com/sapphire/yellow-sapphire/yellow-sapphire-1.68-carats.html

I want something more square in shape and it says the yellow sapphires are oval but they don''t look oval to me. Maybe I''m misunderstanding shape! It''s a total possibility!

SIDENOTE: Do we like the setting for a colored stone center or do we think the setting would hinder the performance of a colored stone?

(1) Stick with the James Meyer Ring. I like the bezel and milgraining...It will help protect your stone too...

(2) Heating itself is considered standard practice in the trade.

Lattice Diffusion=Unnatural. If your comfortable with the disclosure...Its artificial.

I definitely don''t want an artificial stone.

What''s the difference between lab grown sapphires and artifical sapphires? I''ve read that a lab grown stone is a true, authentic sapphire. Am I correct?

Lab Grown sapphire,
They are chemically identical to a real sapphire exept that fact the real ones were plucked out of the earth and the lab created ones were gorwn in a lab. There is a way to tell if it is a fake upon close examination by a professional. WHen using heat to induce growth in the structure of the gem it leaves behind a trace or residue within the crystal stucture which rules it out as a natural.
Lab Sapphires are identical to the real thing apart from the fact they are "grown" in labs. Therefore they are "perfect" gems. They are made up of exactly the same compounds that make real Sapphires/Rubies, apart from minute "manmade" identifiers.
Corundum, which makes Sapphires and Rubies is a very abundant mineral, most often used in grinding wheels and abrasives. This type of Corundum is of very poor quality and also lacks impurities that would make them Sapphire/Rubies and is generally grey or dark red.
Lab grown Sapphires are made from this poor material and reconstituted and nurtured via various methods to form gems.

Lab Grown=It did not come out of the ground and was "Grown" in a lab.

In Lattice diffusion the original stone is "authentic" but the color is "artificially induced by the process.

 

[Jsmith8]

Does anyone know of the quality of gems from gemselect.com?

 

[ma re]

If you''re OK with getting a highly treated stone (BE, lattice diffusion), it doesen''t matter much where you got it, there are numerous vendors out there. But, if you''d like an untreated or heated only yellow sapphire, do remember that they''re generally light yellow in color and rarely have any hint of orange. Very vivid colors or bright orange undertones are the first visual sings of high treatment in yellow sapphires. Naturally they''re very rare, most often rather small, expensive and generally a buttery shade of yellow. But if you''re only looking for a fashion piece and are not interested in things like rarity and inherent value of the stone, treated ones can be a great buy.

 

[Pandora II]

A very yellow Mali garnet would be another possibility, and with their high RI, boy do those babies sparkle!

 

[Jsmith8]

Date: 3/2/2010 3:51:37 AM
Author: ma re
But, if you''d like an untreated or heated only yellow sapphire, do remember that they''re generally light yellow in color and rarely have any hint of orange. Very vivid colors or bright orange undertones are the first visual sings of high treatment in yellow sapphires. Naturally they''re very rare, most often rather small, expensive and generally a buttery shade of yellow. But if you''re only looking for a fashion piece and are not interested in things like rarity and inherent value of the stone, treated ones can be a great buy.

I would prefer a lighter yellow without any orange tint!

 

[ma re]

Date: 3/2/2010 9:55:25 AM
Author: Jsmith8

I would prefer a lighter yellow without any orange tint!

In that case I''m not sure you''ll run into many BE treated/lattice diffused (i.e. very cheap) ones, but if you browse only heated or totally untreated ones, you shouldn''t have much problems finding the right one of that description.

 

[Jsmith8]

Date: 3/2/2010 11:42:13 AM
Author: ma re

Date: 3/2/2010 9:55:25 AM
Author: Jsmith8

I would prefer a lighter yellow without any orange tint!

In that case I'm not sure you'll run into many BE treated/lattice diffused (i.e. very cheap) ones, but if you browse only heated or totally untreated ones, you shouldn't have much problems finding the right one of that description.

So would you recommend me sticking to sites like The Natural Sapphire Company?




Are these two yellow sapphires good quality? It states that there have been no enhancements.

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Yellow/Y2121/Cushion/stoneid=Y2121

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Yellow/Y2396/Cushion/stoneid=Y2396

 

[T L]

Here''s more yellow sapphires. This is a reputable company and they stay away from invasive treatments like lattice diffusion.

http://www.simplysapphires.com/html/yellow.html

 

[Jsmith8]

Does anyone have any experience with Thanex Gemstones on ebay?
It says they are natural but heated- is this correct?

http://myworld.ebay.com/thanex/

 

[Gailey]

Date: 3/2/2010 1:31:06 PM
Author: Jsmith8
Does anyone have any experience with Thanex Gemstones on ebay?
It says they are natural but heated- is this correct?

http://myworld.ebay.com/thanex/

Toolhaus report not encouraging.

More feedback on Thanex here. Type Thanex into the search box.

 

[Jsmith8]

Date: 3/2/2010 2:41:25 PM
Author: Gailey

Date: 3/2/2010 1:31:06 PM

Author: Jsmith8

Does anyone have any experience with Thanex Gemstones on ebay?

It says they are natural but heated- is this correct?


http://myworld.ebay.com/thanex/

Toolhaus report not encouraging.

Yeah! Eventually I looked them up on there as well. I''ve read a lot of mixed reviews with the NSC as well so I''m just scrounging around trying to find more information on other places and I''m coming up short handed! When they said creating a custom ring was a lot of work I had no idea!

 

[T L]

Date: 3/2/2010 1:31:06 PM
Author: Jsmith8
Does anyone have any experience with Thanex Gemstones on ebay?
It says they are natural but heated- is this correct?

http://myworld.ebay.com/thanex/

Don''t buy sapphires off ebay unless it comes with a reputable gem lab certificate WITH A PICTURE OF THE STONE that you can verify it''s authenticity online. AIGS fast track for example. Make sure the cert discloses all treatment as well.

 

[LD]

Date: 3/1/2010 6:58:15 PM
Author: Jsmith8

Date: 3/1/2010 6:49:08 PM
Author: LovingDiamonds
Fixing the links for you:


http://www.myjewelrysource.com/yellowsapphirerings/gr5727-yellowsapphire-engagementring.htm

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1372

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1423


Personally I love the ring in the first link. It''s very feminine and I love the combination of white/yellow. However, I am pretty sure that the central sapphire will be BE diffused. I recall from your Pad thread that this doesn''t worry you but still please ask the question so at least you go into it as an informed buyer (if you choose this one). In terms of price, it''s quite expensive especially when compared to the two from NSC.


J1372 - I don''t like the yellow sapphire in w/gold but that''s just a preference. On the plus side, it''s not enhanced, has wonderful clarity and according to NSC great colour as well. I think I''d want to see this in real life because it doesn''t scream a vivid colour on my monitor. Good price (especially when you compare it to the above ring.


J1423 - All my comments for J1372 apply for this one also. The colour seems paler but is described as intense. Again, you''d need to see this.

Thanks for fixing the links for me!

I''m a little confused though. You stated that the first ring was quite expensive but it actually is the cheapest out of the 3 rings. I would definitely ask questions about all the rings I linked if I chose them. Unfortunately, I cannot see them in person first!

I wish there was a way to see a colored gemstone in person first but I really don''t want to go the Zales or Helzberg route.

This is because the stone in the first ring is likely to be BE diffused (i.e. a poor colour sapphire to begin with, stuck in an oven with Beryllium to change it''s colour to something very pretty). The NSC stones are natural untreated. There SHOULD be a big price difference between the two and there isn''t - hence the first ring is expensive by comparison - but that''s skewed because it has diamonds and the other rings don''t.

Just to clarify here are the treatments (or lack of) that are on the market - the most common ones:-

1. Natural and untreated - the most costly.
2. Natural and heated - A stable treatment that purely heats the gem to improve colour. Accepted by most.
3. Treated - this could be by dyeing, filling, BE diffusion or other - all treatments are stable but de-value a stone. Collectors will very rarely buy these.

BE diffusion is what happens when you take a yucky colour natural sapphire and put it in a oven, with Beryllium or another substance and then cook it until it becomes a pretty colour. The colour goes all the way through the stone and is stable BUT you''ve got a natural sapphire however the colour is man-made - not as nature intended. BE diffused sapphires tend to be extremely cheap and can''t be compared in price to ones that are natural or natural and heated.

 

[Gailey]

Jsmith8,

If you feel comfortable, tell us how much you anticipate spending on the stone. It would help us try and find one for you.

Also helpful to know would be: colour (pad or yellow - got that), size and shape.