Are these too good to be true?

[jetmal]

Hi,
I am just learning about colored gem stones.....
are these two too good to be true??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8927992899&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8926155828&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

 

[ilovesparkles]

Hehehe we could just start our own topic thread and talk to each other. Any ways I just bought two topaz stones from ebay. Mine are absolutely fabulous and looks so much prettier than the pictures! But you have to be careful! Three things I would pay very close attention to. 1st - look at the sellers feedback. I would not reccomend buying from anyone with less than a 95% rating. And don''t just look at the number but read through some of them - the good and the bad. 2nd Look closely at the pictures! Is there more than one offered? At different angles? Browse the items from the seller. Do they use the same picture for different items? If so then do not purchase! The guy I bought my topaz from had like 6 stones cut in the same shape and measurement, all the pictures were different! 3rd this is difficult but pay attention to the listed specs. I personally trust someone that says VS2 or SI1 compared to simply eyeclean. Eyeclean to who? Or even better those that describe their clarity rating.

The topaz I bought was a steal! But you have to add shipping and handling and really think about it before purchasing. Good luck if you go this route!

 

[riogems]

I would be wary of auctions that use the origin "Mogok". But at the same time, I wouldn''t expect these color spinels to sell for much. You''re lucky that you have a taste for an affordable gem. I think gem dealers would be happy to get these prices for those stones, and you should be happy with them for those prices (plus s&h of course). Don''t have your expectations too high though. Don''t expect a $500 stone if you pay $15 for it. (And don''t expect a $500 stone if you pay $500 for it on ebay too. Hahaha...)

 

[movie zombie]

Date: 4/21/2006 5:34:26 PM
Author: riogems
I would be wary of auctions that use the origin 'Mogok'. But at the same time, I wouldn't expect these color spinels to sell for much. You're lucky that you have a taste for an affordable gem. I think gem dealers would be happy to get these prices for those stones, and you should be happy with them for those prices (plus s&h of course). Don't have your expectations too high though. Don't expect a $500 stone if you pay $15 for it. (And don't expect a $500 stone if you pay $500 for it on ebay too. Hahaha...)

some of my learning lessons from the past year include but are not limited to the following: don't expect a $5K stone for $500. if just learning about stones, find out what constitutes the very best for a particular stone and why. there is something for every budget and there are some bargains out there. but remember that as in all things, you get what you pay for. ultimately, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but it takes a while to develop an eye for good stone. eta: another learning lesson is that pictures, especially on ebay, are lighter than the actual stone.

movie zombie

 

[valeria101]

If something did look good, ''guess one could say ''this looks to good to be true'' - this time I see some very tormented pictures are incredible prices.

If anything is sent after payment, I would expect some more or less dark gray spinel with some pinkish tint. The color has its charm, but it definitely is an acquired taste I wouldn''t dare talk anyone else into it. Besides, what is the excuse of not ''wasting'' more such material on an appealing cut?

My 2c... If you are willing to pay for an experiment, why not. Otherwise... ok. I am a bit skeptical about these.



Sadly, I don''t know many places (online or not) that make available relatively small, attractively cut stones in unconventional colors. Daniel Stair''s ''Customgemstones'' is one. If nothing listed seems to fit the bill, you could always drop a line asking for a certain size and color - don''t be too surprised if the recommendation comes back with some offer off the beaten track. If violet & purple are the colors of choice, they had some spinel, tourmaline and Montana sapphires lately that fit the color bill - perhaps some material is left to cut.

 

[MJO]

Date: 4/21/2006 4:34:41 PM
Author:jetmal
Hi,
I am just learning about colored gem stones.....
are these two too good to be true??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8927992899&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8926155828&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Hi Jetmal,

Here are my guesses. The first stone is being sold by someone that bought it from someone else and is trying to see if he or she should get into the gemselling business. Most things sold were hair products. They are just spouting what was told to them about the stone. It could be true or not but they believe it to be true.

The second stone is from a reliable seller. He has 100% positive feedback and not even a neutral. He has other stones for sale at much higher prices and is hoping to attract lookers to the other stones in his store.

Also don''t forget these auction aren''t over. You will probubly not get them for $5.95, you will be outbid.

Regards,
Maurice

 

[JulieN]

I am disinclined to really believe anyone who puts L@@K in the heading.