I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/comments?

[chrono]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

I believe that Yvonne buys her stones from Prima, so she's tacking on a middle man fee to what she bought the stone for directly from Prima. Just something to consider.

The fee covers the additional time she has taken to do all these hand shots, video and answer questions that Jaimeen or whoever it is at Prima does not have the time to do. Under normal circumstances, I would purchase directly from Prima but TLB needs additional information which Yvonne can provide.

ETA
Went to FB and was sorely disappointed when viewing the video. If nothing else, the extinction is more pronounced than in the pictures.

 

[two_little_birds]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

I believe that Yvonne buys her stones from Prima, so she's tacking on a middle man fee to what she bought the stone for directly from Prima. Just something to consider.

The fee covers the additional time she has taken to do all these hand shots, video and answer questions that Jaimeen or whoever it is at Prima does not have the time to do. Under normal circumstances, I would purchase directly from Prima but TLB needs additional information which Yvonne can provide.

ETA
Went to FB and was sorely disappointed when viewing the video. If nothing else, the extinction is more pronounced than in the pictures.

Chrono, that's incorrect. The two middle stones are the exact fees Prima had them advertised for. The two other stones (far left and far right) are indeed marked up by Yvonne. So indeed that is something to consider. Yvonne is friends with Jaimeen and can easily access any stones from Prima.

The far right stone, IMO is not worth $2,460 or even close. But that's my opinion. As much as I like the 1.61, I'm shying away from it because of the price - especially given that the 1.54 is very similar and $400 cheaper. The front runner for me right now is the 1.19.

These were Yvonne's comments:

If we call them, 1, 2, 3, 4 from left to right, I can make some comments.

1. Top brilliance, a little extinction, a hint of violet.
2. Top brilliance, best cutting, clean, best pink in my view.
3. Not as brilliant, but nice cutting, clean, color a little too soft.
4. Not as brilliant, ok cutting, slightly peachy.

That means my vote is for stone no. 2.

These were my comments in reply:

1. 2nd choice for me, but yes I can see the extinction.
2. Not a fan, looks to have a window. Saturation looks too light.
3. My favorite pick so far, nice cutting, clean and color looks good.
4. A definite no. Just not a fan. Cutting isn't great and the color is too fair. Looks sleepy as well.

 

[two_little_birds]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

Yvonne also mentioned:

In terms of color warmth, 1 is the coldest, then 3 then 2. The middle two that Jenna (Prima) picked have the best mahenge color. Some warmth, not too much. Very open color.

 

[two_little_birds]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

TLB, I have been following this thread with bated breath and the suspense of what you are going to choose is killing me! And I need a money tree...

Thanks PattyCo, this has certainly been a challenge!

 

[chrono]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

I agree the the second (from the left is the nicest of the 4). It looks nice but not wow though. Is the price reasonable to you?

 

[two_little_birds]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

I agree the the second (from the left is the nicest of the 4). It looks nice but not wow though. Is the price reasonable to you?

Yes, at $1,540 I think it's reasonable.

This is also a consideration, but only if I can get the stone loose - http://youtu.be/WN5Hes2vGJo

 

[chrono]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

It is difficult to compare the two, as the light conditions JuliaB used is the most ideal (lots of sunlight and diffused). Although the colour is nice, it doesn't scream neon to me either. Are the neon stuff just not out there anymore?

 

[T L]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

It is difficult to compare the two, as the light conditions JuliaB used is the most ideal (lots of sunlight and diffused). Although the colour is nice, it doesn't scream neon to me either. Are the neon stuff just not out there anymore?

Mahenge spinels tend to look more saturated in sunlight too due to fluorescence. I have seen some with very weak fluorescence however, that remind me of rhodolite garnets, even in the sun. They should be more ruby or pink sapphire like.

 

[two_little_birds]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

It is difficult to compare the two, as the light conditions JuliaB used is the most ideal (lots of sunlight and diffused). Although the colour is nice, it doesn't scream neon to me either. Are the neon stuff just not out there anymore?

Mahenge spinels tend to look more saturated in sunlight too due to fluorescence. I have seen some with very weak fluorescence however, that remind me of rhodolite garnets, even in the sun. They should be more ruby or pink sapphire like.

Thanks Guys!

 

[y2kitty]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

What are the details on that emerald cut in the middle???????

 

[two_little_birds]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

What are the details on that emerald cut in the middle???????

I love the color on that one, but it's too included for me.

 

[two_little_birds]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

It is difficult to compare the two, as the light conditions JuliaB used is the most ideal (lots of sunlight and diffused). Although the colour is nice, it doesn't scream neon to me either. Are the neon stuff just not out there anymore?

Well JuliaB won't sell the stone separately so it's not an option anyways.

 

[chrono]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

Sorry to hear this.

 

[Xrisus]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

Some of my best spinel was sourced from Yvonne, her time is invaluable. That being said, I recently found this 1+ ct spinel (a little over 7x5) recently if it interests you. Of course we run into how do I tell you where to get it without someone snatching it first. The price I saw it for was just under $1700. Albeit, I've never purchased from the vendor and know nothing about them (they are located in the US).

 

[Xrisus]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

Now looking at it on another monitor, it probably does not meet what you desire.

 

[Xrisus]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

Yup sounds like the same stone; the third party site I see it listed on still has the price at $1695. If it is the same stone, I have no idea why they would do it that way, but in no way do I understand gemstone commerce. I just collect the little money drainers!

 

[lilmosun]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

Could be a different site that doesn't have the stone but will buy it if they can sell at a higher price.

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

I just collect the little money drainers!

Quote of the week, if not the year!

 

[two_little_birds]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

I decided to get the 1.19ct, although the smallest of the bunch... it really was my first choice.

Yvonne has a never video of it on her Facebook page.

 

[lilmosun]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

That would've been my choice...I even thought about going back for it if you decided to pass. (So thank you for helping me behave haha)

Hope you love it and can't wait too see how you have it set!

 

[sparkleismyfavcolor]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

Congratulations!!

That one was my favorite. Can't wait to see pics when you get it!

 

[Xrisus]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

Congatulations, I don't think you will be dissapointed. Even if you are, Yvonne has a great no hassle return policy. She is great to work with!

 

[two_little_birds]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

Thanks everyone, I'm really excited!

I'm still not certain on how I'll set it, but it will probably be a RHR.

 

[Marlow]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

Best choice imo

 

[chrono]

Re: I have this Mahenge currently on hold... thoughts/commen

Looking forward to your receipt of the spinel!