Would you buy this spinel?

Date: 9/14/2007 9:59:33 AM
Author: Chrono
Harriet,
Yes, it is quite a good sized inclusion and this picture was taken at its worst angle to highlight the inclusion. So, are you saying you would pass up on this spinel?

Date: 9/14/2007 9:41:24 AM
Author:Chrono
BUT it has an inclusion on one corner of the stone. I'm thinking this can be hidden by a prong. However, I'm not used to inclusions in my gemstones.

Date: 9/14/2007 10:36:25 AM
Author: Green with Envy
I would pass, too. a better one will come along- and if you buy this one- you will probably still want the next one without any inclusions as well.

Date: 9/14/2007 10:36:57 AM
Author: Richard M.



Have you actually seen the stone or are you judging from a greatly magnified image?
Nope, haven't seen it in person.  I'm basing my judgement on a magnified picture and in emails with the vendor.  This stone is so cheap that it's not worth the hassle of shipping back and forth.  That's how good a deal it is.  This stone is going for less than $200!
Is the stone described as eye clean? Often, inclusions that seem very obvious in blown-up images are trivial or not even visible to the naked eye. I'm not saying that applies to this particular stone, but it's something to consider.
This stone is described as slightly included by the vendor.  His description of slightly included is the inclusion is visible with some effort. The inclusion has a minor effect on its appearance and no durablity concerns.
Colored gems are not diamonds, and aren't judged by the same clarity standards. GIA has set 3 clarity 'tiers' for colored stones. Type I stones (aquamarine, for instance) can be expected to be at least eye clean; Type II gems typically grow in nature with some minor inclusions that may be eye-visible in cut gems; Type III gems usually grow in nature with many inclusions (think emerald) and inclusions are eye-visible.

Pink spinel is a GIA Type II gem, and even stones with 'Minor inclusions somewhat easy to see with the unaided eye' are classified as 'Fine' in clarity under the most commonly used grading system.

I'm not trying to influence your decision in any way: that's personal. But judging color by diamond 'rules' is just wrong, and can deprive consumers of much pleasure (and many great bargains!)


Richard M.

Date: 9/14/2007 3:47:30 PM
Author: Chrono
Thanks all! Thanks for putting some sense back into my brain. I'm going to pass on it because I just can't get over the inclusion. The colour is also nice but a brighter one would be MUCH better.