Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphires

[hobbitfancier55]

Hi all!

So after much discussion, my SO and I think it may be best to look at some sapphires in a lower price bracket. Though we haven't ruled out the $3,000 bright yellow, we want to keep our options open. SO is currently trying to transition jobs, and we want to make sure we are making a fiscally wise choice!

With that being said, I told him I would take a look at some in the $1,000 -$2,000 range. I've been keeping to these requirements:
* No real color preference, just nothing too light or too dark
* Size around/at least 6mm give or take depending on cut and shape
* I want something bright, lively, and colorful
* I'm trying to avoid anything that will end up looking gray or washed out (my worry with some of the Montanas)

Below are the ones I've found in that range that I like. I still want to keep with Jeff at Earth's Treasury, as we've developed a rapport with him and I like and trust the precision of his cutting.

Could I get some board feedback on these choices perhaps to help me narrow it down some more? I visually know what I like but have so very appreciated this board's extra set of eyes and expertise! I realize I've posted quite a few.

Blues/Violets

1.16 Violet-Blue Umba Emerald Cut
$1,740
6.6 x 4.7 x 3.6 mm
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-16-carat-violet-blue-emerald-cut-umba-sapphire/

I LOVE emerald cuts. The only real issue I see with this is the small feather? Probably wouldn't be too noticeable once set.


.94 Cornflower Blue Umbra Round Brilliant
$1,500
6.0 x 3.5 mm
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/0-94-carat-cornflower-blue-umba-sapphire/


.85 Rich Blue Montana Oval
$1,100
5.75 x 4.40 x 3.85 mm
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/0-85-carat-rich-blue-montana-sapphire/

A little less than 6mm, but still worth considering I think





Pinks

.95 Magenta-Pink Montana Round Brilliant
$1,500
5.9 x 3.7 mm
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/0-95-carat-magenta-pink-montana-sapphire/

A little less than 6mm, but still worth considering I think


1.07 Bright Pink Montana Oval
$2,000
6.5 x 5.4 x 4.0 mm
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-07-carat-bright-pink-montana-sapphire/


Greens

1.53 Mint Montana Round Brilliant
$1,990
6.65 x 4.60 mm
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-53-carat-mint-green-montana-sapphire/




1.10 Spruce Montana Round Brilliant
$1,375
6.2 x 3.9 mm
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-10-carat-spruce-green-montana-sapphire/

Yellow in center is described as not being visible in-person


1.17 Teal Montana Round Brilliant
$1,750
6.2 x 4.1 mm
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-17-carat-teal-green-montana-sapphire/


1.15 Spruce Montana Oval
$1,150
6.6 x 5.5 x 4.1 mm
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-15-carat-spruce-green-montana-sapphire/

A few small bubbles and feather, but probably not noticeable in person

 

[digdeep]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Montana's usually do have gray in them........but of the one's you showed my attention would go to the last one.....the spruce green and that is just based on my color bias. My vote may not match your taste in gems.................

 

[chrono]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Can I suggest a non-sapphire?
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/2-16-carat-hot-pink-spinel/
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-33-carat-bright-yellow-chrysoberyl/

 

[Vesper]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Can I suggest a non-sapphire?
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/2-16-carat-hot-pink-spinel/
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-33-carat-bright-yellow-chrysoberyl/

I vote yes to that spinel!

 

[chroman]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Many of the ones you linked seem to be on the less saturated side. If you want something bright with screaming color, there might be some other options, esp if you're ok with colors other than blue. And +1 to looking at chrysoberyl and spinel if you're open to that.

Since I know you like yellow and you mentioned emerald shapes, how about:
http://www.finewatergems.com/store/p15/2.06_ct_Yellow_Sapphire.html

Or for something a little to the orange side:
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...Orange_Sapphire_1_99_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1

Or on the pinky-purple side:
http://www.finewatergems.com/store/p226/1.72_ct_Purplish-pink_Sapphire.html

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

My top two choices would be:

1.17 teal montana sapphire
2.16 hot pink spinel

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Can I suggest a non-sapphire?
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/2-16-carat-hot-pink-spinel/
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-33-carat-bright-yellow-chrysoberyl/

That is allowed haha I guess I'm just set on Sapphire for some reason. September is also the month that SO and I met, so it feels significant to have a stone associated with that month.

The spinel is pretty, but not hugely different in price point from the yellow. The chrysoberyl is pretty, but I definitely know we can spend more than that.

This spinel reminds me of this sapphire I was interested in. I just wasn't sure how clean it would look:

http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-03-carat-intense-orangey-pink-montana-sapphire/

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Many of the ones you linked seem to be on the less saturated side. If you want something bright with screaming color, there might be some other options, esp if you're ok with colors other than blue. And +1 to looking at chrysoberyl and spinel if you're open to that.

Since I know you like yellow and you mentioned emerald shapes, how about:
http://www.finewatergems.com/store/p15/2.06_ct_Yellow_Sapphire.html

Or for something a little to the orange side:
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...Orange_Sapphire_1_99_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1

Or on the pinky-purple side:
http://www.finewatergems.com/store/p226/1.72_ct_Purplish-pink_Sapphire.html

I had looked at that yellow on finewater. I just wasn't sure how I felt about it being heated. I suppose I should be open to it, I'm just being snobby about it. I guess I just want something 100% natural.

Not crazy about the orange. Orange is my favorite color, but if I was going to go orange I'd go for a different tone. I don't know if I'd do orange for my engagement ring? I haven't seen any that I like, though to be honest I've hardly seen any as I don't think it's that common.

 

[chrono]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

The spinel is pretty, but not hugely different in price point from the yellow. The chrysoberyl is pretty, but I definitely know we can spend more than that.

This spinel reminds me of this sapphire I was interested in. I just wasn't sure how clean it would look:
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/1-03-carat-intense-orangey-pink-montana-sapphire/

It's not a matter of how much you spend but a matter of how much you love the stone. A gemstone doesn't have to cost a fortune to be beautiful. I view chrysoberyl as a stone that does not get the attention it deserves. It is a very sparkly stone, extremely affordable, looks beautiful in almost all light conditions, and is also very durable.

Why not have Jeff compare the two and give his opinion on both the colour and clarity?

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Many of the ones you linked seem to be on the less saturated side. If you want something bright with screaming color, there might be some other options, esp if you're ok with colors other than blue. And +1 to looking at chrysoberyl and spinel if you're open to that.

Since I know you like yellow and you mentioned emerald shapes, how about:
http://www.finewatergems.com/store/p15/2.06_ct_Yellow_Sapphire.html

Or for something a little to the orange side:
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...Orange_Sapphire_1_99_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1

Or on the pinky-purple side:
http://www.finewatergems.com/store/p226/1.72_ct_Purplish-pink_Sapphire.html

I guess the color doesn't have to be "screaming"? I just want the color to be noticeable. I don't want there to be any ambiguity that can often happen with some of the lighter sapphires where it can look grey. If that makes sense.

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Many of the ones you linked seem to be on the less saturated side. If you want something bright with screaming color, there might be some other options, esp if you're ok with colors other than blue. And +1 to looking at chrysoberyl and spinel if you're open to that.

Since I know you like yellow and you mentioned emerald shapes, how about:
http://www.finewatergems.com/store/p15/2.06_ct_Yellow_Sapphire.html

Or for something a little to the orange side:
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...Orange_Sapphire_1_99_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1

Or on the pinky-purple side:
http://www.finewatergems.com/store/p226/1.72_ct_Purplish-pink_Sapphire.html

I guess the color doesn't have to be "screaming"? I just want the color to be noticeable. I don't want there to be any ambiguity that can often happen with some of the lighter sapphires where it can look grey. If that makes sense.

This is a good point!

 

[chroman]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Cool, makes sense. Avoiding gray seems like a reason to look outside of Montanas.

Orange sapphires are pretty rare, and so they're usually $$$.

Unheated will add a price premium - ultimatly its what you love, but if you're on antighter budget it might be a factor to consider.

Oh, and I'll put in another vote for the Teal!

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

This is another unheated yellow option. It's substantially smaller and less saturated than the original yellow, though I still like the color. It would be a very budget friendly option. I wear a size 6, so perhaps it wouldn't look too small. Especially if I put a halo or side stones with it. Thoughts? I guess another option would be to see if he has any yellow rough available to custom cut.

.62
$620 dollars
4.9 x 3.3 mm
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/0-62-carat-light-yellow-montana-sapphire/

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

It looks like Jeff has added quite a few yellows to his website today, including the one I previously posted. I really like this one as well, though it is more on the green than yellow side. It's also a bit larger.

.90 Chartreuse Montana
5.8 x 3.7 mm
$1,200
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/0-90-carat-chartreuse-green-montana-sapphire/

 

[TheElms]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

What about this sapphire? Edited to add this is heated and that might be a dealbreaker for you, but something to consider.

http://www.africagems.com/cushion-pink-sapphire-gemstone-81792972.html


I was considering it and Marc sent me the below picture. He said it was in the lighting at the trade show (stone on the right).

And tonight he sent me a video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrIHIls5-GQ&feature=em-share_video_user

 

[Niel]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Did someone say chrysoberyl

I just wanted to echo something chrono said which was that the market prices things on demand not necessarily beauty. Chrysoberyl can be a beautiful yellow stone that is durable and inexpensive for the ctw. If you wanted untreated large and yellow they are a great option. Consider the size and price of this vs the green yellow sapphire you posted

Like this cutie patutie
https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/christmas-sale-precision-cut-3-dot-7-ct-chrysoberyl

 

[Niel]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

An example of someone else's chrysoberyl ring
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engaged-chryso-diamond-ring-by-niel-david-klass.215263/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/engaged-chryso-diamond-ring-by-niel-david-klass.215263/[/URL]

 

[chroman]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Gene tweeted this chrysoberyl that he recently cut - not for sale yet that Im aware, but it probably will be soon.

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

I did see kismets yellow assscher chrysoberyl from this post that I love. Didn't realize it was a chryso.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-gemstone-asschers-in-a-setting.144832/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-gemstone-asschers-in-a-setting.144832/[/URL]

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Did someone say chrysoberyl

I just wanted to echo something chrono said which was that the market prices things on demand not necessarily beauty. Chrysoberyl can be a beautiful yellow stone that is durable and inexpensive for the ctw. If you wanted untreated large and yellow they are a great option. Consider the size and price of this vs the green yellow sapphire you posted

Like this cutie patutie
https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/christmas-sale-precision-cut-3-dot-7-ct-chrysoberyl

That one I think is toooo large for what I want. I don't think I'd go above 8mm. But I do see what you're saying about price. Chryso is much more affordable.

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Gene tweeted this chrysoberyl that he recently cut - not for sale yet that Im aware, but it probably will be soon.

That cut is beautiful!

 

[chroman]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Is this too dark or included? I do love the color, and its unheated
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-pink-454-cushion-modified-radiant-1-79cts

 

[Niel]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

I cannot remember if you have a particular setting in mind but this would make an awesome option

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/precision-cut-mahenge-in-18kwg

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/it-doesnt-get-any-better-gene-cushion-mahenge-in-18k-wg.167680/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/it-doesnt-get-any-better-gene-cushion-mahenge-in-18k-wg.167680/[/URL]

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Is this too dark or included? I do love the color, and its unheated
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-pink-454-cushion-modified-radiant-1-79cts

That's a bit dark for my taste. Still a lovely color though!

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

I cannot remember if you have a particular setting in mind but this would make an awesome option

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/precision-cut-mahenge-in-18kwg

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/it-doesnt-get-any-better-gene-cushion-mahenge-in-18k-wg.167680/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/it-doesnt-get-any-better-gene-cushion-mahenge-in-18k-wg.167680/[/URL]

That setting had caught my eye before! I'd imagine it's rather pricey though?

 

[Niel]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

I cannot remember if you have a particular setting in mind but this would make an awesome option

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/precision-cut-mahenge-in-18kwg

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/it-doesnt-get-any-better-gene-cushion-mahenge-in-18k-wg.167680/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/it-doesnt-get-any-better-gene-cushion-mahenge-in-18k-wg.167680/[/URL]

That setting had caught my eye before! I'd imagine it's rather pricey though?

If still available that listing is for the setting and stone and it's 2300. Maybe I wasn't clear. I was suggesting you buy that whole ring.

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

I cannot remember if you have a particular setting in mind but this would make an awesome option

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-colored-stone-center/precision-cut-mahenge-in-18kwg

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/it-doesnt-get-any-better-gene-cushion-mahenge-in-18k-wg.167680/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/it-doesnt-get-any-better-gene-cushion-mahenge-in-18k-wg.167680/[/URL]

That setting had caught my eye before! I'd imagine it's rather pricey though?

If still available that listing is for the setting and stone and it's 2300. Maybe I wasn't clear. I was suggesting you buy that whole ring.

I do like that setting. I'm just not really crazy about that particular shade of pink.

Do you guys dislike the chartreuse stone? Do you think it would be confused for peridot? Though to be fair most people probably think anything that isn't blue isn't a sapphire. It doesn't really matter what others think. Only if I like it

 

[Niel]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

I'm sorry you said you weren't particular about color, but good that you're narrowing down your options.

If chartreuse is your jam I'd get a Chrysoberyl as that is a color they known for and you can get much larger for much less money . I think that green yellow sapphire is overpriced.

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

Do you think chrysoberyl will wear as well as sapphire being slightly softer?

 

[hobbitfancier55]

Re: Back to the drawing board? Input on some lower $ sapphir

I'm also throwing this parti sapphire in the mix. It's pretty unique and I keep going back to look at it. It's a mix of blue and yellow. Thoughts on it and the cut? It wasn't cut by Gary so I assume it's native cut.

http://www.finewatergems.com/store/p223/1.73_ct_Unheated_Bi-color_Sapphire.html