Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emeralds?

peekrood · Mar 23, 2011

Hello all,

I'm planning on proposing and am looking for an emerald engagement ring (my gf's favorite color is green and she's not into super expensive stuff so I'm not doing a diamond for the main stone).

Anyway, this is the front runner in my search:
http://cgi.ebay.com/14k-Gold-Emeral..._Gemstones&hash=item27b97270d6#ht_4495wt_1141

I've tried to read up as much as I can about how to tell quality stones but it's hard for me to get a handle on this one since it has a few small diamonds too.

Is there anybody with an eye for emeralds out there who is able to help?

thanks!
pk

Selkie · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

There isn't really that much information about the stone in the listing, but here are a few things to think about:
1) They claim the emerald is not "enhanced." Be suspicious of this, because most, if not all commercial emeralds are at the very least oiled to hide cracks and inclusions. See if you can find out more info on whether the stone is oiled, heated, etc.
2) Emeralds are one of the more naturally included ("flawed") stones. At that price, the clarity is likely to be low, and the color not so great. It's very hard to tell from the photos, but it looks cloudy to me. And the color is...meh. It is very difficult to find inexpensive nice looking emeralds that haven't been treated within an inch of their lives.
3) Emeralds are somewhat brittle and need to be babied a bit. You can run the risk of damaging them just through daily wear. Cleaning them in an ultrasonic or steamer is not recommended.
4) The vendor appraisal is frankly, BS. Only trust an independent appraisal (NOT a jewelry store), and you'd want to schedule that early in the 7-day return period.

In my opinion, tsavorite garnets make a nice alternative to emeralds. They too are softer than diamonds or sapphires, and would also need to be babied, but in general I like the color and clarity of tsavs better than emeralds (of the same size and price).

minousbijoux · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

I second the idea of tsavorite - unless you don't mind cloudy, visually apparent inclusions, I would steer clear of emeralds.

Indylady · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

I love emeralds--I love the glow. Fine emeralds are comparatively more expensive, and more rare, than diamonds. A good emerald is still going to take you time to find.

I wouldn't buy that emerald.

Check out Embassy Emeralds for reasonably priced emeralds. I haven't bought from them, but their inventory is expansive and will give you a good idea of what emeralds can look like at different price ranges. Check out Richard Wise's site for some serious eye candy. If you can give me a price range, I'll see what I can find for you.

peekrood · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

Thanks so much for all the input. This is really helpful.

Any ideas on where I can find a comparable tsavorite garnet ring? I haven't had much luck finding stuff online so far.

As far as price range, my girlfriend told me that she doesn't want me to spend more than $1000. I realize that this limits what I can get her but we don't have a lot of money and we are probably paying for our own wedding so we are trying to keep costs down. That's one reason I thought I'd stay away from a diamond as a main stone.

JewelFreak · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

I third the idea of tsavorite, lol. I have an emerald & diamond half-eternity wedding ring that I never wear at home -- regular household activities are too perilous for it. An engagement ring you had to take off all the time would kind of defeat the purpose.

Barry Bridgestock has some tsavorite rings -- this link will take you to 2, and there's a peridot one also, worth peeking at. Look at the 3rd page of this tab for another possibility. http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewCat_h.asp?ProdSort=0&idCategory=7&page=2

Good luck & smart of you to find a place to ask questions.

--- Laurie

Indylady · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

Pre-set Tsavorite rings..the only place I've seen them is by John at Simply Sapphires. Not positive but I think they'll be above your price range.

Most on this board like to chose a loose gemstone, and then chose a setting or have a custom setting made for the stone.

Under $1,000. Should be do-able.

What's a carat, or mm size that you're going for?
Shapes?
Diamonds in the setting?

Google: Gemburionline and Odysseygem and check out their Ebay sites. Mastercutgems, Precisiongem, Gemrite are all vendors that sell precision cut gemstones and should have tsavs on stock at the moment. Check these out as well.

Then, go to Ebay and so a search for "diamond semi mount" and list from low to high. You'll find a lot of options. Also check out Etsy vendors Daniel M, Heart of Water, Julia Kay Taylor.

To help you get started:
http://www.gemrite.com/cubecart/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=281
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-25ct-Top-Notch-Cushion-Intense-Green-Tsavorite-Garnet-/370319298116?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5638c00e44
http://cgi.ebay.com/Diamond-7x7mm-Cushion-14K-Gold-Semi-Mount-Ring-/270722639338?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item3f0853a5ea
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cushion-9mm-Diamond-Semi-Mount-14k-White-Gold-ring-/260755331611?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb63a9a1b

chrono · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

I agree with the opinions posted by the Pricescopers above.
1. There are rarely emeralds that have not been treated. These either cost major money or is African material which is typically not as richly coloured. This one looks to be poorly coloured.
2. I highly discourage emeralds as an engagement ring because it is typically more fragile due to the internal inclusions. This stone looks to be quite included.
3. There is a 15% restocking fee if you aren’t happy with the ring and return it.

If you are insistent on having an emerald, you should be able to get a beautifully coloured (rich chrome green) Colombian 1 ct emerald that is moderately treated for around $500. Given your budget, you might be able to get either a simple American made standard setting or Chinese made setting with some diamond accents using the remaining $500. A tsavorite isn’t exactly a durable stone for an everyday wear engagement stone either but at least it is untreated and with caution, can be worn occasionally.

KarenFe · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

I'm most likely the odd man (woman) out here, but does she really want an engagement ring? You say she doesn't want you to spend a lot, and that you don't have a lot of money, and that you will probably be paying for your wedding yourself. I come from a family where a lot of the women only wear a wedding band.

Maybe hold off on an engagement ring and just have a wedding band? Then one day for an anniversary get her an anniversary ring if she wants one. Just a thought which probably isn't very popular on a gem and jewelry forum. But I do like the simple look of a solo wedding band myself.......

That and I tend to bristle when advertising marketing makes us think we need to do or buy certain things, but that's a different story and a different forum.

Just my 2 cents.

ooo~Shiney! · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

KarenFe makes sense, if you are into being sensible.

When I got married, DH and I couldn't afford much, and paid
for our own wedding, which was the best we could afford at the time (not much, but it was very enjoyable and memorable !)
My mother gave me my Grandmother's gold wedding band, which was engraved on the inside with their initials and wedding date.
I had the ring engraved with Mine and DH initials and wedding date (which was exactly 70 years later!)
Now my ring is 100 years old!

It no longer fits me, but it has the most awesome sentimental value.

peekrood · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

Thanks to all for the input. This is really helpful for a first time jewel/ring buyer. To answer some of your questions:

She does want an engagement ring for sure.
Also, I'm looking for a roundish or oval cut. 5mm range. a lil bigger or smaller is fine
Carat wise, I don't care as long as I can afford it and it looks halfway decent.

I'm not married to an emerald I just wanted something green because its her favorite color and it would be a little bit different than the usual.

THANKS AGAIN!

tyty333 · Mar 23, 2011

kelpie · Mar 23, 2011

Pandora II · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

My e-ring is a tsavorite. In my opinion it's not suitable for 24/7 wear (but then no stones are) and I don't do housework etc while wearing it.

I'm fairly paranoid and so only wear it when I go out or if people come round for dinner or something. I've had it for 4 years and just have a teeny chip and a scratch so far. They can be polished out eventually so I'm not too worried.

I would definitely go with a tsav over and emerald. I did my SIL's e-ring with an rb centre and emerald pear side-stones ad she's always saying that she would have much prefered tsav pears instead. For one, they can go in an ultrasonic which makes cleaning easier!

briolette · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

If her favorite color is green, there are so many other options aside from emerald. I agree the tsavorite would be fab but what about:
-green tourmaline
-chrome tourmaline
-demantoid garnet
-mali garnet
-peridot
-green sapphire
-chrysoberyl
-green tanzanite (in a protective setting)

Green is my favorite too!

suchende · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

If cost is the only reason you're considering going with a colored stone center, there are certainly some lovely diamond rings in your budget, and are more durable (this is not your desired shape, just an example of what you could get at your price point):

http://www.doverjewelry.com/catalog/engagement_rings_under_5k/estate_045cts_princess_diamond_gold_engagement_ring.html

jewelsbyericagrace.com has this really pretty emerald for $395:

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-diamonds/25ct-Emerald-Vintage-Ring/12034347_Z8JkY#853888641_Vfk6Z

So yeah, with a little patience, I think $1,000 is a very workable budget and you shouldn't let the idea that it's not a lot of money hold you back too much.

edit: just realized the JBEG emerald has a crack, so that's actually not a good candidate.

LD · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

I can only think of two green stones that would really stand up to every day wear (over an extended period of time) and they are green sapphire BUT finding a lovely shade of green may take time and Alexandrite. Alexandrite is most definitely durable and suitable for every day wear. However, it's incredibly rare and tends to be bottle green during the day and good ones change colour to a purple red at night. These do command a premium though and I wouldn't recommend you bought of Ebay. www.multicolour.com have some if you want to take a look.

In terms of the Ebay auction you linked to, warning signs for me are:-

1. Non-disclosure of treatment
2. In-house appraisals (they're about as good as you valuing your own house)
3. The gemstone in the photo itself isn't of particularly good quality and has more jardin than you would typically associate with a decent Emerald - having said that, that's a very basic view on a picture only.
4. Colour. It's very blue and, from the photo, not the best colour for an Emerald.

As others have said, an Emerald is not really a good choice for a durable engagement ring - although i have to say that my Mother wore hers for every day of her married life and it remained virtually unscathed BUT she knew how to look after jewellery and was very light on her jewellery.

T L · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

For your budget, I think you'll get a lot more bang for your buck with a tsavorite, and they're typically untreated as well, and more durable.

For me, only fine emeralds will do, and they can be at least $2K/ct to $20K/ct, depending on the size and the level of treatment. A lighter green emerald might be an option as they are typically less included and as a result, less full of fissures and cracks, but again, if she likes deep rich green, that might be an issue. The only other gem I can think of that comes closest to the color, but not quite the color, of a fine emerald, is a tsavorite.

Most emeralds you see in the market place are highly included, heavily treated, and really poor quality, so emeralds don't have the best reputation, but to me, there's really no match for the green color of a high quality Muzo Columbian emerald (the finest mine in the world for emeralds). However, if on a budget, I think a tsavorite is a nice option and can be very beautiful when it's fine quality. Also, tsavorites sparkle and emeralds just glow and glisten like green satin, so she might like the sparkle factor in a tsavorite better.

FrekeChild · Mar 23, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

This is most certainly different. And Green. And from a trusted vendor...Well, two trusted vendors.
http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=3564

chrono · Mar 24, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

The ACS tsavorite ring Freke linked to seems to meet your requirement of a complete ring with a green stone already set. Having it bezeled will also give it a measure of protection, at least from the side.

Green tourmaline – not advised for an everyday wear e-ring as it can chip easily. Also, unless you spring for a chrome tourmaline, it’s typically grayish.
Chrome tourmaline – nice green but can be expensive. Again, not recommended for an e-ring.
Demantoid garnet – even softer than a tourmaline, very expensive, most shift to a sickly olive colour indoors and doesn’t hold up well in a ring.
Mali garnet – good dispersion but many aren’t that green. The yellow element is usually fairly strong.
Green sapphire – definitely everyday wear material but most green sapphires aren’t attractive and tend to have some other modifiers mixed within.
Chrysoberyl – A pure green chrysoberyl is rare, usually having some yellow in the mix. Still, a good candidate considering the high luster, dispersion and durability.
Tanzanite – NEVER! Heat sensitive and not a good idea in a ring, much less an e-ring.

tefutefu · Mar 24, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

The JKT & ACS combo ring look very lovely

I'm voting for that too but my concern is that wouldn't it be hard to look for a matching wedding band, since it's not a "typical" e-ring style?
Having said that, I would wear that ring anytime (if I can actually afford something like that lol)

vintagelover229 · Mar 24, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

Hello!
I've been doing some hunting and some things are slightly over budget, but it may be something you can get inspiration from. I'll have a quite a few links (and some are very unique rings so if you don't like them just keep in mind I stuck with color and budget and not always something that is everyone taste).

First is a band, it's a size 5 and can't be sized but it's in your budget and is both diamonds and emeralds.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Diamond-Emerald-Eternity-Wedding-Band-Aniv-Ring-18K-/120702021626?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item1c1a66affa

The next is slightly over budget but is a nice ring (keep in mind I know nothing about emeralds, just going by visual appearance and budget at this point). It does have a diamond as the center stone and offers quite a large amount of finger coverage.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Art-Deco-Old-Mine-cut-Diamond-and-Emerald-Ring-WOW-/330544869753?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item4cf6027179

This one is right above your budget
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Style-WG-Diamond-and-Emerald-Ring-Fabulous-/120589188315?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item1c13acfcdb

This is another nice looking one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-PLATINUM-VIBRANT-EMERALD-DIAMOND-RING-c1900-/380285132432?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item588ac29e90

And this one is over your budget by quite a bit but I thought you might like it (2500.00 ring)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ART-DECO-55ct-DIAMOND-EMERALD-PLATINUM-SOLITAIRE-RING-/230539256897?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item35ad35e441

Under budget and I really like this one for some reason
http://cgi.ebay.com/Antique-Colombian-Emeralds-Diamond-Platinum-Ring-/230595785361?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item35b0947291

Right over budget again
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-92ct-DIAMOND-55ct-EMERALD-WHITE-18K-RING-1970-/230500310522?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item35aae39dfa

Another idea is to get a a diamond solitaire and get her a nice wrap with emeralds
http://cgi.ebay.com/Enhancer-Wrap-Set-Designer-Diamond-EMERALD-Wedding-Band-/360118733901?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item53d8bfcc4d

This is also a nice one (not emerald but tsavorite)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Estate-18K-Yellow-Gold-Green-Tsavorite-Garnet-Ring-Dias-/250789859229?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item3a643d8f9d

Another ring with just a splash of green
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2871

ETA: This is a very nice green tourmaline and diamond ring that is actually under budget and the green is BEAUTIFUL!
http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-3517

ETA: this is slightly over budget but I couldn't resist posting it with the rose cut halo!
http://www.rubylane.com/item/518197-RGA17026V/Lovley-Antique-Edwardian-18k-Gold

Arcadian · Mar 24, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

FrekeChild|1300935875|2878661 said:
This is most certainly different. And Green. And from a trusted vendor...Well, two trusted vendors.
http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=3564

Will agree with Freke on this.

If you want a green stone not caring if its an emerald, finished ring, under 1K, this is perfect.

-A

tyty333 · Mar 24, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

Arcadian|1300983652|2878994 said:
FrekeChild|1300935875|2878661 said:

This is most certainly different. And Green. And from a trusted vendor...Well, two trusted vendors.
http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=3564

Click to expand...

Will agree with Freke on this.

If you want a green stone not caring if its an emerald, finished ring, under 1K, this is perfect.

-A

Love this too...would make a very pretty engagement ring and the diamonds are a nice added touch!

suchende · Mar 24, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

Just spotted this that has an "engagement-y" feel

http://www.etsy.com/listing/38915876/green-lady-ii-14k-ring-with-tourmaline?ref=sr_list_38&ga_search_query=green+tourmaline+ring&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade%2Fjewelry

peekrood · Mar 24, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

Thanks to everyone who has been posting. I've been perusing your suggestions with some help from her sisters who are also in on the scheme (they are my style coaches

anyway, what do you think of this one? The dealers have a cool story too.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/18656815/283-carat-aaa-green-cushion-cut?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_search_query=green+tourmaline+ring&ga_page=8&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

Also, I've discovered that she wants a silver colored ring (metal doesn't matter: platinum, silver, white gold is all fine).

T L · Mar 24, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

peekrood|1301003606|2879441 said:
Thanks to everyone who has been posting. I've been perusing your suggestions with some help from her sisters who are also in on the scheme (they are my style coaches

anyway, what do you think of this one? The dealers have a cool story too.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/18656815/283-carat-aaa-green-cushion-cut?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_search_query=green+tourmaline+ring&ga_page=8&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

Also, I've discovered that she wants a silver colored ring (metal doesn't matter: platinum, silver, white gold is all fine).

Tourmaline is a fragile stone and chips easily. Does she like greyish green like that stone? If so, perhaps a green sapphire might be a better, and more durable choice.

Pandora II · Mar 24, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

Not fussed on the colour of that stone - would also like to see a face-on shot to check colour distribution and the cut.

I really don't like the use of AAA etc for stones. It means nothing more than how many A's the vendor feels like typing...

chrono · Mar 25, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

There are several things I don't like about that ring:
1. A, AA, AAA, AAAA and etc means nothing. It is not a standarized quality grading system so any vendor can call their stones whatever they want.
2. The green tourmaline is obviously gray and showing some dark areas within. A good stone should show more brightness.
3. Tourmalines do not make a good engagement ring stone because it is easy to chip or otherwise damage.
4. Although the description said the stone is set, the top right prong is clearly NOT touching the stone, making me question the workmanship of the setting.

Michael_E · Mar 25, 2011

Re: Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emerald

Chrono|1301054891|2879866 said:
4. Although the description said the stone is set, the top right prong is clearly NOT touching the stone, making me question the workmanship of the setting.

None of the prongs are touching the stone, how odd. From the description on that page, "Please note that the center stone is not fully set, but will be once this is sold. This allows me to safely size the ring and perhaps recast the ring for you in a different color gold."

As for the obviously gray cast to that stone, I would look more to poor lighting choices during picture taking, since I've never seen a green tourmaline which had such a gray overtone.

Am I getting ripped off? anybody with an eye for emeralds?

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