The hunt begins anew: Blue Sapphire or Spinel for e-Ring

[rimshotsnap]

With my dreams of an alexandrite e-ring now dashed (tried the stones in different settings; they just don't look that good), I am starting fresh on a hunt for either a blue sapphire or spinel as the center stone. Time is very short to land a stone, but I am still hopeful I can find one that's a "wow."

I am looking for something in the 1.0-1.5 ct range. Open to any shape stone, but the cutting must be fine. The more sparkle, the better, and she likes blues more than grays. Would like to spend under $2500 and find a pretty good deal. Bonus points for unique attributes: uncommon cut, color change, etc.

I will begin my hunt in earnest starting tonight. I greatly appreciate additional suggestions, resources, or specific stones I might consider.

Thanks doesn't begin to do justice to how grateful I feel for your help.

 

[Niel]

Can you post the ideal blue you're after?

What do you think of concave cuts?

 

[rimshotsnap]

Wow. I have never heard of or seen concave cuts before, but I really, really like this. It hits pretty much all the marks-- big points for sparkle, and bonus points for uniqueness. Thank you! I may just give this a shot. Have you or others bought from Richard before? Any feedback?

Great question on the color. I didn't have a very specific shade of blue in mind, though I think for a sapphire, something corn-flowery. Perhaps like this:


I wouldn't expect to find a spinel in quite that color, so I'm a bit flexible. I would say nothing with grey or strong purple undertones.

 

[Marlow]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-48ct-COBALT-BLUE-SPINEL-LUK-YEN-VIETNAM-GIA-CERTIFICATE-INCLUDED-/371371219856?rmvSB=true&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F711-53200-19255-0%252F1%253Ftype%253D4%2526toolid%253D10014%2526campid%253D5336448802%2526customid%253Dsearch%2526mpre%253Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.com%252Fitm%252F1-48ct-COBALT-BLUE-SPINEL-LUK-YEN-VIETNAM-GIA-CERTIFICATE-INCLUDED-%252F371371219856%2526srcrot%253D711-53200-19255-0%2526rvr_id%253D880855590185

This one is interesting imo.

A higher price but a 1,48 ct blue spinel from Luc Yen is very rare - I pay 500 EUR pct for melee ( 0,07-0,14 ct) and smaller stones.

http://www.ssef.ch/research-publications/facette/

Facette 21 - there is an article about cobalt bearing spinel from Luc Yen.

This spinel is imo a group b stone with a smaller cobalt content and a shift - have some small stone - they are pretty.

A group a stone ( vivid blue ) in this size and clarity would be 5 figures.

 

[dk168]

How about this one from Jeff Davies:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CUSHION-C...804?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aed84694c

If interested, then make an offer to him to see if he would accept - I was pleasantly surprised when my significantly lower than asking price offer for a modified EC electric blue topaz was accepted.

He may have others in his stock that he has not got round to listing, therefore, it is worth reaching out to him and enquire.

DK

 

[agingsparkle]

This may not appeal (it's a very different look) but star sapphires are unusual and I think really neat… here's one that's even purple! http://eragem.com/natural-purple-star-sapphire-cabochon-diamonds-milgrain-details-14k-white-gold.html..

That site has a lot of sapphires, stars and traditional ones, and while it might not suit your fiancee, I wear a 1920s ring and love that it has a history. I certainly don't see it wherever I go and I'm always asked about it. So a vintage or antique style might also be something special.
Good luck!

 

[dk168]

Offerings from Mastercutgems:

http://mastercutgems.com/preview.php?cat=251&id=8458

http://mastercutgems.com/preview.php?cat=251&id=8008

DK

 

[Niel]

I've not purchased from him before but people on this site gave, and he appears to be a well respected vendor.

He also should have stones available that aren't on his site. At least, form previous experience he often has more inventory than what's listed.

I would email him with your budget and see what he has. That one I posted is under your budget, I think it's 1600 if o remember?

I find lighter colors seem to look best in that type of cut (if you look at his sapphire collection there's a really lovely pink trillion but sadly shes not after pink)

 

[dk168]

I have purchased from RH, and am very satisfied with his product and services, with easy transactions and great communications.

DK

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I love concave cuts but some people dislike them - how do you think she will react to it? A concave cut will usually shimmer instead of sparkle.

 

[rimshotsnap]

All: Thank you so much for these offerings! I quickly went from not knowing where to start to narrowing down the field. I did my own searching last night and found a few more that intrigue me (including my top choices from the suggestions as well). They all appeal to me for different reasons:

http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/1-dot-06ct-unheated-ceylon-blue-sapphire-by-eric-normand

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cornflower-Blue-No-Heat-Sapphire-Trillion-1-39ct-EyeClean-Srilankan-Unheat-/121235147201?hash=item1c3a2d89c1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-48ct-COBALT-BLUE-SPINEL-LUK-YEN-VIETNAM-GIA-CERTIFICATE-INCLUDED-/371371219856?rmvSB=true&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F711-53200-19255-0%252F1%253Ftype%253D4%2526toolid%253D10014%2526campid%253D5336448802%2526customid%253Dsearch%2526mpre%253Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.com%252Fitm%252F1-48ct-COBALT-BLUE-SPINEL-LUK-YEN-VIETNAM-GIA-CERTIFICATE-INCLUDED-%252F371371219856%2526srcrot%253D711-53200-19255-0%2526rvr_id%253D880855590185&rmvSB=true

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CUSHION-CUT-1-67CT-BLUE-SAPPHIRE-CEYLON-CERTIFIED-SEE-VIDEO-/321812457804?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aed84694c&clk_rvr_id=881030100308&rmvSB=true

And the Richard Homer stone above. I think that's the field: Time to narrow things down, and I would love your help.

Here's my current assessment of these choices:

• LT stone: Unique cut, smaller side (but would be fine for the ring), not top sapphire color (also fine), and a good value
  Wild's: Most expensive, looks like an incredible color, pay a premium. Could it be worth it?
  Cobalt spinel: Only spinel of the bunch, very unique and probably more rare. More "sparkly." How much more careful would she have to be with the ring?
  Jeff Davies' cushion: Looks beautiful to me, upper size limit of what I think would work. Should I care that it's been heated?
  Richard Homer: Pay a premium for unique cut: May really love it or hate it. Seems like I would have to see it in person?

It seems like my final step is to choose several of these (not sure how many) and do the same thing I did with alex and compare them in person? Would it be excessive to take a look at all five, if possible? They are all quite different, and I don't see how else I could choose from them!

 

[Marlow]

Quite similar to the Wilds sapphire...

http://thegemtrader.com/Feb13SapphirePage.htm

Heated but half of the price - both vendors are top!!

 

[Niel]

If you go to Google,you can see videos of concave cuts to get a sense.

There's this too, that might help

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-concave-cut-stones-jewellery.196266/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-concave-cut-stones-jewellery.196266/[/URL]

 

[Niel]

Also,I'd pass on the blue spinel as I think IRL it'll be greyish. And I know you said you want to avoid grey.

 

[Niel]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/239917817/unheated-ceylon-sapphire-color-change

I like this trillion

https://www.etsy.com/listing/239222396/certified-unheated-ceylon-sapphire-fancy

https://www.etsy.com/listing/238529708/unheated-ceylon-sapphire-oval-145

 

[rimshotsnap]

One question about the gem from Wilds: the color looks almost too vivid to be real. Is this a trick with photography, or can I expect the stone to look like this IRL?

 

[Niel]

One question about the gem from Wilds: the color looks almost too vivid to be real. Is this a trick with photography, or can I expect the stone to look like this IRL?

It very well could be photoshopped to improve the color. I'd ask if they could provide photos of it on the back of the hand in different lighting

 

[dk168]

With regard to heating and other treatment, IMHO, it is down to personal choice and preference.

For me, certain colours can only be achieved by heating and/or irradiation, such as neon electric blue in Topaz and Zircon, and bright yellow lemon quartz. I do not object to heating and irradiation, or oiling for emerald, so long as the treatment is declared upfront.

Certain treatments are to be avoided, and I would advise the OP to read this sticky thread first on CSs, as it has a lot of information on treatments: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-to-coloured-gemstone-buying-read-this-first.174284/

Untreated sapphires in good colour and clarity are available at a price, whether they are worth the extra money, only one can decide.

I believe it is a mind-clean thing like diamonds - I would settle for a E VS1 rather than to pay through the nose for a D IF for the same weight and cut quality. I would not hesitate to purchase a heated sapphire or ruby if it ticks all the other boxes such as colour, weight, cut and price.

DK

 

[Marlow]

I would go for the trillion Niel posted!

 

[rimshotsnap]

I would go for the trillion Niel posted!

I really like this stone as well. The only thing that gives me pause is the shape: I'm sure it can be turned into a beautiful ring, but my novice mind can't really visualize it. I have great trust in my jeweler to make it work, but it doesn't seem like a very common shape. Do I have any reason to worry about that?

 

[Niel]

I would go for the trillion Niel posted!

I really like this stone as well. The only thing that gives me pause is the shape: I'm sure it can be turned into a beautiful ring, but my novice mind can't really visualize it. I have great trust in my jeweler to make it work, but it doesn't seem like a very common shape. Do I have any reason to worry about that?

I think an antique style plain shank halo would be lovely. Still classic but with a twist, which I feel like you said she'd like.....but I can't remember.

Other ideas.

 

[Niel]

Another idea. But only a single halo

 

[dk168]

My trillion ring setting contribution:



DK

 

[Marlow]

I would go for the trillion Niel posted!

I really like this stone as well. The only thing that gives me pause is the shape: I'm sure it can be turned into a beautiful ring, but my novice mind can't really visualize it. I have great trust in my jeweler to make it work, but it doesn't seem like a very common shape. Do I have any reason to worry about that?

Don't wait to long! The setting is no problem course we have many PSer who have a lot of experience and ideas!!

 

[gingercurls]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/finegemsandcabs/permalink/1038006786219236/

Untreated
Custom cut
Nice color
Unusual shape/cutting because of the apex style crown
$650

 

[lovedogs]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/finegemsandcabs/permalink/1038006786219236/

Untreated
Custom cut
Nice color
Unusual shape/cutting because of the apex style crown
$650

I absolutely love this stone, and this vendor is very trustworthy (IMO, and I think others here would agree). The stones by Jeff Davies are also very pretty---but the Luk Yen one is my favorite of the ones shown, and the price is great for it.

I also like the trillion Neil posted, but I personally prefer the shape of the 2 above, and the colors of those "speak" to me more. But up to you of course to see what "speaks" to you. You have lots of amazing choices now that sapphire is an option

 

[Niel]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/finegemsandcabs/permalink/1038006786219236/

Untreated
Custom cut
Nice color
Unusual shape/cutting because of the apex style crown
$650

I absolutely love this stone, and this vendor is very trustworthy (IMO, and I think others here would agree). The stones by Jeff Davies are also very pretty---but the Luk Yen one is my favorite of the ones shown, and the price is great for it.

I also like the trillion Neil posted, but I personally prefer the shape of the 2 above, and the colors of those "speak" to me more. But up to you of course to see what "speaks" to you. You have lots of amazing choices now that sapphire is an option

What an interesting cut! I've never seen a ring like that. Does it make it more prone to chips? Being a point on the top of the table? I'd be concerned but I really don't know

 

[MollyMalone]

For those of us who don't have a Facebook account, would someone kindly share the specs on that stone? Thanks!

 

[Niel]

For fun.... Ideas for the setting. The bow on top is probably over the top for you but ignore it and you get an idea for a halo/ shank combo for a similar shape

 

[minousbijoux]

Please do NOT get a trillion! At least talk to your SO if you are seriously thinking about it. I would say the shape generally is for hard core gem lovers and not for a one ring - e.g. engagement ring - situation unless its the future wearer who wants and chooses it. There is no doubt that beautiful rings can be made with trillions as previously illustrated by Niel and DK, but I would be disappointed if my fiance made that call for me without consulting me first.