Anyone bought from AJS before?

[kama_s]

Hi guys. I am contemplating a stone from AJS. Since they are a large supplier of stones, they don't have the time/resources to take additional photos of a stone, except for what is posted on their site - which is typically just one single picture under 5000K.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback on your experience with them. If you didn't like the stone, was it easy/hassle-free to return the stone? Was the stone as-represented? Thank you.

 

[chrono]

My last AJS purchase was several years ago so my comments may not be accurate since their policies have changed and possibly their photography methods too. The stone was less intense than pictured. Way back then, when AJS accepted requests for additional pictures, I noticed a possible natural inclusion/fracture on the pavilion in the back view picture and inquired about it. I did not see the fracture in the face up picture. They were honest in their reply. Returns were to the US office years ago but they no longer do this. I think returns are now back to their Bangkok office.

 

[eos512]

I have not bought from AJS yet. But i have heard that their reputation for true representation is no long that good as before. And I have noticed that their pictures do have some difference with their videos. Why not check those above 5000? I think they have the video. Then you will have a sample of how large the difference will be

 

[kama_s]

Thanks so much, Chrono and Eos512. I was hesitant to begin with, and this kinda seals the deal for me. I live in Canada, so there is added hassle on shipping and returning. Just not worth the trouble, to be honest.

 

[FrekeChild]

Yes. Rung was super accommodating and I had a great experience. Plus, the stone is one of my best buys, so I'm really happy that I jumped when I did, and that the picture was accurate to the stone. It's not an easy stone to photograph in general, but I was super excited when I got it in person.

 

[Xrisus]

I have a stone coming in from the mail from them somtime soon, I'll post comparison shots when I get it. Sometimes the guy there (Ron?) can do a video for you, othertimes he can't (and I can't remember the reason why).

 

[Xrisus]

Freke - that's the "strawberry soda" spinel right?

 

[FrekeChild]

Freke - that's the "strawberry soda" spinel right?

Lol. Yes. Named for it's bubbles and the color! Some day I'll reset it into something more suitable!

 

[FrekeChild]

Freke - that's the "strawberry soda" spinel right?

Lol. Yes. Named for it's bubbles and the color! Some day I'll reset it into something more suitable!

 

[chrono]

I haven't seen some of these posters but they've left comparison pictures and sometimes a review.

Megeve
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/vendor-pictures-and-owner-pictures-of-ps-stones.109420/page-7']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/vendor-pictures-and-owner-pictures-of-ps-stones.109420/page-7[/URL]

Arcadian
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/vendor-pictures-and-owner-pictures-of-ps-stones.109420/page-8']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/vendor-pictures-and-owner-pictures-of-ps-stones.109420/page-8[/URL]

Shiney
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/vendor-pictures-and-owner-pictures-of-ps-stones.109420/page-12']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/vendor-pictures-and-owner-pictures-of-ps-stones.109420/page-12[/URL]

 

[dzop]

I haven't bought for a few years, but back in 2007-2010 AJS may well have been the best source on the internet. I bought some sapphires from them that are absolutely gorgeous.

 

[kama_s]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. Chrono, thank you for pulling links rom the vendors thread, appreciate your help.

After speaking with a few others who had good success with AJS, I decided to give them a shot. I bought this rubellite: http://www.ajsgem.com/tourmaline/rubellite-tourmaline/rubellite-tourmaline-2.55-carats.html

Will post pics when I receive it.

 

[eastjavaman]

Don't you want to wait until the riot in Bangkok is over?

 

[chrono]

I am definitely one to look forward to a more recent review of AJS and hope you'll love your new rubellite.

 

[LoversKites]

Me too!

 

[Kikimeister]

I know this is a bit of an old thread, but I've bought twice from AJS. Both were Rubellites, and both times I was very pleased with the colors, as compared to the listings. The listing photos can be a bit more intense than in real life, but Its often not such a huge difference. And Ron is such a pleasure to work with, if I have any questions he will send me a detailed answer regarding color, inclusions, and intensity. I've found them to be trustworthy and with an unbeatable price. I'm still a newbie in the colored gem world, but for me they are my go-to store.

 

[Marlow]

STRAWBERRY SODA Spinel - I love this - the inclusions are fantastic!!!!

AJS - I have a problem with their pictures and did not buy a gem so far from this vendor.

They offered a lot of V- Chrysoberyl many year ago. Some sold quickly and some they offered for years course not the best color.
So they fotoshopped the pics - grayish green became mintbluishgreen.

 

[eastjavaman]

OP, where are the pics that you promised us?

 

[kama_s]

Thanks for resurrecting this thread - I entirely forgot to come back and post pics. I did post these elsewhere, just not on PS-proper.

Anyways, attached are a few pics in daylight as well as dim indoor incandescent lighting. As you will see, the stone is not too far off from AJS' picture. Ron was very patient to deal with (I attribute that to him being ex-Canadian!). His description of the stone was also very accurate. For your convenience, here is the original listing:
http://www.ajsgem.com/tourmaline/rubellite-tourmaline/rubellite-tourmaline-2.55-carats.html

 

[kama_s]

Indoors, under dim incandescent lighting. Personally, I think it performs very well even with little light.

 

[eastjavaman]

I would say that is 97% on the money.

 

[kama_s]

OP, where are the pics that you promised us?

Don't roll those eyes too far back

 

[kama_s]

I would say that is 97% on the money.

Yup, pretty accurate. I wouldn't hesitate buying off of AJS again.

 

[Kikimeister]

Thanks for resurrecting this thread - I entirely forgot to come back and post pics. I did post these elsewhere, just not on PS-proper.

Anyways, attached are a few pics in daylight as well as dim indoor incandescent lighting. As you will see, the stone is not too far off from AJS' picture. Ron was very patient to deal with (I attribute that to him being ex-Canadian!). His description of the stone was also very accurate. For your convenience, here is the original listing:
http://www.ajsgem.com/tourmaline/rubellite-tourmaline/rubellite-tourmaline-2.55-carats.html

Oh I am drooling over the color of your new Rubellite, its stunning! What are you plans for it??

 

[chrono]

Reasonably accurate, especially for the diffused sunlight picture. Glad it turned out to be a good experience for you. Congrats on your new rubellite.