Advice on Pink Spinels PLEASE!

[bellapoo]

I have been looking for a new right hand ring recently, and while I would kill for a pink diamond, I don't have that kind of money unfortunately. However, I have been looking at pink spinels and think they are so gorgeous! I don't know anything about spinels and would like some opinions! I have a very small budget, and I may have to wait a little bit before I set the stone because I want a very blingy setting with a halo and pave What does everyone think about the following spinels:

I want a pink spinel, preferably light pink/peachy (to resemble a pink diamond)


1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330477643192&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

2. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310218755022&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

3. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120625652810&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

For all I know, these stones may be crap. But, I'm only 22 years old, and I'm ok with a lower quality stone in a beautiful setting that looks nice. This is not a big investment by any means.

Also, are spinels usually oval shaped? That seems to be mostly what I have found...?

If these stones aren't good, where else should I look?

Thanks everyone for your advice and opinions!!

 

[bellapoo]

I found this one also:

http://www.gemselect.com/spinel/spinel-270827.php

Maybe I shouldn't go the eBay route?

 

[T L]

What's the most you're willing to spend on a stone? Ebay is a great source for spinels actually. All of mine came from there!

I really like the soft pink color of this one, and the cutting is phenomenal. It does remind me of a pink diamond, and the Portuguese faceting would really help in the sparkle department.
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-37ct-Flawless...ultDomain_0&hash=item4ced639715#ht_2282wt_917

I'm not too crazy about your choices above, bad cutting, color and the last one has an enormous window.

 

[purplemelody]

Hi bellapoo. I was also looking for a peachy pink spinel a while ago, maybe you can take a look at the thread I posted:
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...e-me-on-cushion-cut-tourmaline-garnet.147559/

At the end, I bought an oval pink spinel (more bluish pink in the vendor's picture) from Gemburionline. It is quite sparkly under sunlight and turns to a more peachy pink indoor. I love it!

There is a peachy pink Malaya garnet here on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-CUT-FABULOU...279?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item483ad0ee17
I've never bought from weblorn so I don't know how close will it look IRL. Malaya garnet also tends to look brownish in certain light. Though I find them quite mysterious and has the peachy pink colour you may be looking for.

Or you can check out Bob Kast or Barry from ACS for pink tourmalines as alternative. They usually have round pink tourmalines, seldom pink spinels though. Good luck finding your dream pink stone!

 

[bellapoo]

tourmaline_lover: I would probably cap it at $150. That stone is pretty, but I think I want more of a peachy pink color. Thank you for being honest about my previous selections. Like I said, I have absolutely no knowledge about spinels! Is a "window" that rectangular part in the center of the stone?

purplemelody: I would love to see that oval pink spinel you speak of! I actually do not want a round spinel though, because my ering will be a round brilliant. I'm going for either oval or cushion. Thanks so much!

Here is a picture of a pink diamond ring that I want to imitate:


And here is another stone I have found:
http://cgi.ebay.com/LOVELY-OVAL-1-8...849?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23070399c9

Although it may have a window that tourmaline_lover was talking about...?

 

[T L]

Be careful purchasing peach spinels however, especially on ebay, since many photos are doctored, and they end up being way more brown than a delicate shade of pink/orange, which is what you want.

 

[bellapoo]

Tourmaline_lover: That's true. I will have to be careful about that.

What do you all think about this one? I know it is a bit over my budget, but maybe they would accept a lower offer.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-35CT-STUNNING...609694&po=LVI&ps=63&clkid=5398024960300125542

If its a really good one, I might have to go for it even though its a bit more than I had planned. I really love the color and it's huge

And the previous one, in my last post- Opinions?

 

[T L]

Well, that one is better than the other ones you picked. I would ask him how much brown it has, and if it shifts to a more brown color in certain lighting.

 

[davi_el_mejor]

Well, that one is better than the other ones you picked. I would ask him how much brown it has, and if it shifts to a more brown color in certain lighting.

And ask about zoning too, I see a strange line running throught middle

 

[T L]

I think that's just a needle, I don't think that's zoning. I've never ever seen a spinel with zoning, but I could be wrong.

 

[bellapoo]

I sent the questions. Thank you!

 

[minousbijoux]

Hi Bellapoo: I love the color you are trying to get and think that that soft but sparky peachy pink is gorgeous. I think TL is dead on in the description of ebay vendors enhancing photos. From my experience, I have learned that when they are enhanced, its because they are 1) kinda boring and undersaturated; or 2) kinda brown tinged. Exaggerate the color a little, and it minimizes the problem - its why a good return policy is a must. I also like the one that TL recommended. That said, that pink color spinel shows up routinely on ebay so I'm thinking it might not be that hard to find a good one in your price range.

 

[LD]

Of the first 3 you posted:

1. Check out Thaigemstore with a search on here before you buy from them.
2. Looks very pink. Might be lighter in real life so might look more pink diamondish.
3. Looks very odd and I'm pretty sure it won't be like this in real life. The background is deceiving here also.

4. The one from Gemselect - has a HUGE window. It's also wayyyyyyyy too peachy/brown and so won't really look like a pink diamond.

The one TL posted from Odyssey is pretty but quite lilac looking. If you like that colourway it's certainly worth a look.

The one you've found at DesertFox on Ebay? I've bought from them with varied success in the past. In my experience they're expensive for what you get. The photographs also really don't represent what you get. However the Vendor is great and if my memory serves me correctly he'll accept returns.

Have you looked at AJS, Multicolour etc? Also Dan Stair at Customgemstones often has paler pink spinels so he may be able to help.

 

[T L]

Don't forget to ask Barry at acstones.com. He may have something pink/orange in a spinel. I have purchased a couple lilac colored spinels from Odyssey, and they actually go more peachy in certain lighting.

There's some on Gene's page too.
http://www.precisiongem.com/html/html/Spinel.html

I really like gem 705, but it's above your budget. Gene cuts awesome gems too, and he is very fair in his pricing. You do pay a premium on precision cut gems though.

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

Well, I read through your post.
I HAVE worked with Weblorn before and she is just such a nice
person!!!!!
Would you consider something a bit "peachier" in a sapphire instead?
Because she has SUCH a pretty one up, in a very pretty cut,
and just might work with you on the price.....
(Beautiful Orange Sapphire Oval)
Also, the Dan and Barry suggestions are right on!

 

[arjunajane]

hi bellapoo, you have already been given great advice on vendors to check out, but if I can also suggest gemline/litnon and mastercut gems to add to the list of contacts. I think Dana from Mastercut could be a promising source as he seems to have alot of inventory and often prices that easily rival ebay. It sounds as if you are quite particular on the colour you're after, so my personal route would be to contact some of the aforementioned vendors and work toward finding just the right gem within your budget; often choosing from ebay can be a challenge for the uninitiated, is all. Best of luck in finding your spinel!

 

[minousbijoux]

LD: I just did a search on the vendor as you suggested. All I can say is WOW Had I read that first, I would probably not have bought from them if for no other reason than solidarity. You should never have had to go through that. Their pics are still enhanced - not quite so exaggerated - but I think I'll think twice in the future. Thanks for your post.

-Minou