Can I get some ruby help? Rush request - he wants to buy *tonight*

[yssie]

Howdy CSers!

The FIL would like to buy a ruby... tonight.
1. He's set on ruby, not red spinel (anniversary symbolism)
2. He doesn't care at all about treatments. I do though - heated is okay, but nothing else.
3. He doesn't care at all about reports. I'd prefer to buy a stone with a reputable report, but I'd be comfortable buying a non-certed stone from a vendor that CSers trust.
4.Recipient hates pink. So... erring orange would be better, but I realize there's little time to nitpick.
5. Budget is 4-5k.

Priority would be to maximize face-up spread given requirements (1)-(5). No preferences on shape. Faceted or cab is okay.


A little over budget, glamour pic looks great, but it's too pink on the hand. I would never have guessed a stone that photographs like this glamour pic would present this pink. This is not a stone I'm considering - just a really good example of what I'm not looking for.

Ruby Radiant Style Cut 0.99 carats | John Dyer Gems

Gorgeous rich red gem that is essentially eye clean from the front with our cutting. From the side or with a loupe some inclusions are visible but they do not significantly detract from the lovely face up appearance. It has a GIA Lab Report stating No Indications of Heating. For scale: USA...

www.johndyergems.com

This one looks promising - also a little over budget. Is this a fair price for this stone?

This item is unavailable - Etsy

Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.

www.etsy.com

Africagems has a ton, but all uncerted, looks like. Do we trust this vendor in terms of buying without report? How does the photography err?
I think this one may darken too much on setting? https://www.africagems.com/ruby-round-0-85-201810958.html
Too dark, right? https://www.africagems.com/ruby-round-1-04-201811504.html
I like this one. It looks more orange than pink, compared to some of the others from this vendor. https://www.africagems.com/ruby-cushion-1-16-201812011.html
And I also like this one. https://www.africagems.com/ruby-round-1-13-201811786.html

I'm having a really hard time with Gemfix's photos/video.
This one looks amazing on the hand - too good to be true for the price. I feel like it might just be a black hole in normal lighting?

ruby #19-594, Unheated Oval Modified Brilliant Cut, 1.06cts - Gemfix

Unheated Deep Red Natural Ruby Oval with GIA Report

gemfix.com

Quite a bit past budget, but it does look lovely - worth considering? https://gemfix.com/gems/ruby-19-585
How can this photograph still so dark, but look so bright in the video? https://gemfix.com/gems/ruby-19-564


I know this is a ton of stones. I would hugely appreciate any thoughts!!

 

[voce]

I would go with Yvonne's. I trust her photo representations more so than most online vendors for the color accuracy. You can contact her and get a 10% discount, I'm pretty sure, since she does offer a 10% discount to new customers who sign up for her newsletter. Hope that brings it under budget. Other reasons to go with Yvonne's Etsy store are 1) it's already certed, unlike AfricaGems and 2) CRD ships pretty quickly.

Edit: Gemfix, with whom I have no experience, also seems to have a nice ruby in 19-594, but I'm also concerned about darkness. From what I've seen, Mozambique rubies tend toward the pink. I think the best one from Gemfix is 19-564, heated Burma. See the video for color!

 

[qubitasaurus]

Can also try ivy New York, daimonds by Lauren and roger derry gems (although he wont work so well with the time frame).

Otherwise I like the John Dyer gem.

How does she feel about purple? Many of the stones you're looking at have a purple modifier from what I can see.

You could also see if cabs and star rubies are acceptable to widen the search parameters. Edit: I.e. see https://loupetroop.com/listings/loo...ne/reduced-3-dot-70ct-unheated-burma-ruby-cab

 

[hwm]

how about this one from wildfishgems? 4.5k, untreated, with cert, 6.26x5.73, Deep Red Red with strong fluorescence, Medium Dark 75 , with a blue spot but can be hide with a setting (?)
https://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/unheated_tanzanian_ruby_1_30/10910/19419

 

[Vedi]

Rubies are definitely tricky to buy online without a good range of pictures/video, although probably not as difficult as emeralds.

Africagems have been around a long time and have a good reputation. I bought a similar spec ruby a few years back and was very happy with it. I found the pictures were very accurate for colour and inclusions.

Marc was very helpful. If you email/call him requesting more detail of stones and what you want/don't want in a gem I am sure he can assist. That includes checking for any issues like tilt windows and extinction. That being said, it might be a bit of a rush to get all that sorted by tonight.

 

[partgypsy]

Face up this is not huge but I've always thought this is a nice gem Mineral Miners
. I. A. Certified 1.60 Carat Natural Ruby Gem




Item: rbyg123-ruby-gemstone
1.60 carats
6.22mm x 6.12mm x 4.12mm deep
Shape: faceted cushion cut
Faceted from a natural ruby crystal mined in East Africa
Price: $2980.00

And this one has good spread
Natural 1.68 Carat Mozambique Gem Ruby GIA Certified




Item: rbyg132-ruby-gemstone
1.68 carats
8.55mm x 5.97mm x 3.92mm deep
Shape: faceted oval cut
Faceted from a natural ruby crystal mined in Mozambique Africa
Price: $4452.00

 

[qubitasaurus]

Actually what about this one

ruby #19-598, Unheated Oval Modified Brilliant Cut, 1.05cts - Gemfix

Unheated Red Natural Ruby Oval with GIA Report

gemfix.com

From the video it is pretty close to being straight up red. Also gilded lane and enhoerning both have rubies (but may need to overlook a window in some of these pieces, or ask for them to get a gia or agl lab report for gilded lane).

 

[AV_]

What you call 'pink' I call not saturated.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Does "buying tonight" mean buying time? (buy it doesn't suit...return..while looking for others) KWIM? …..Does Leon M have anything?

cheers--Sharon

 

[voce]

Actually what about this one

ruby #19-598, Unheated Oval Modified Brilliant Cut, 1.05cts - Gemfix

Unheated Red Natural Ruby Oval with GIA Report

gemfix.com

From the video it is pretty close to being straight up red. Also gilded lane and enhoerning both have rubies (but may need to overlook a window in some of these pieces, or ask for them to get a gia or agl lab report for gilded lane).

My own untreated Mozambique ruby appeared appeared pure red in pictures but has a pink tint under sunlight. If you're sensitive to pink, I'd say heated Burmese is better. My untreated Tanzanian ruby in my engagement ring surprisingly more resembles Burmese material, but most Tanzanian stuff on the market is very pink.

how about this one from wildfishgems? 4.5k, untreated, with cert, 6.26x5.73, Deep Red Red with strong fluorescence, Medium Dark 75 , with a blue spot but can be hide with a setting (?)
https://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/unheated_tanzanian_ruby_1_30/10910/19419

The price is right, but that blue spot would bother me.

 

[AV_]

Easy way out:

www

 

[lovedogs]

I really like this option from DBL

1.01ct Cushion Ruby Ring

This is a phenomenal 1.01ct Cushion Cut Ruby. This ruby is remarkable in its color and cut. It is a one of a kind beauty.

www.diamondsbylauren.com

But I would want info about treatments, etc. And the setting might not be the style he's looking for.

 

[voce]

This looks painfully beautiful to me - www , even sideways.

Some of the other options you listed were good, but I disagree with you here. From the side it's painfully obvious that it's cut deep deep deep. When a stone's depth is 118% of its longest face-up dimension, it'd be awkward to set and wear as jewelry.

I suspect that, if cut properly, it'd be properly called a hot pink sapphire and not a ruby. The depth amps up saturation.

 

[lovedogs]

Actually what about this one

ruby #19-598, Unheated Oval Modified Brilliant Cut, 1.05cts - Gemfix

Unheated Red Natural Ruby Oval with GIA Report

gemfix.com

From the video it is pretty close to being straight up red. Also gilded lane and enhoerning both have rubies (but may need to overlook a window in some of these pieces, or ask for them to get a gia or agl lab report for gilded lane).

I found the exact same gemfix one and was going to recommend it.

I also like this one: https://gemfix.com/gems/ruby-19-586

 

[lovedogs]

Some of the other options you listed were good, but I disagree with you here. From the side it's painfully obvious that it's cut deep deep deep. When a stone's depth is 118% of its longest face-up dimension, it'd be awkward to set and wear as jewelry.

I suspect that, if cut properly, it'd be properly called a hot pink sapphire and not a ruby. The depth amps up saturation.

Agreed, I very much dislike the deep one, but like the other 2 options, especially the one with the GRS cert.

 

[AV_]

A bargain www [half joking.] This will do.

 

[yssie]

Thank you all so much for your recommendations here! They are hugely appreciated.

Very good to know that Mozambique material tends to err pink in sunlight... but it seems to be so much more prevalent than even heated Burmese in this budget range. I'll do another look/see for some heated Burmese options later. I am a-okay with treated (and FIL doesn't care).

I may very well be calling things "pink" when they are not truly pink! I can't judge pink vs. purple modifiers, but for this recipient I'd prefer to err from both... I suppose I also prefer to err from "less saturated", which I am probably also mistakenly calling "pink"!

I sent FIL these options to start with. If we buy and we don't like, we will return... and knowing how not-picky FIL is, well, I'll be the one judging
1. https://www.etsy.com/listing/709540...8ba6ac2ce142666f8736c44bfabb2:709540007&frs=1
2. https://www.africagems.com/ruby-cushion-1-16-201812011.html
3. https://gemkeepers.com/collections/rubies-sapphires-emeralds/products/1-29ct-ruby-mozambique-8802172
4. https://gemkeepers.com/collections/rubies-sapphires-emeralds/products/1-12ct-ruby-mozambique-8802195
5. https://gemfix.com/gems/ruby-19-594

#3 on that list, the one that you shared @AV_ - oh my goodness. It is heartbreakingly beautiful in those photos and video. If it's anything like that in real life across even a few lighting environments... I would be thrilled! I have an OPI polish called "Got the blues for red" - it's my favourite red. I am alwasys surprised by how much it changes across lighting types though - sometimes it's red, sometimes it's purple, sometimes it's brownish - so I am at least equipped with some first-hand understanding of the challenge in finding a red that works across many lighting environments.

I did ask again and it sounds like faceted is preferred over cab, which was not my initial understanding but better to know now than later!

Edited*

 

[lovedogs]

Thank you all so much for your recommendations here! They are hugely appreciated.

Very good to know that Mozambique material tends to err pink in sunlight... but it seems to be so much more prevalent than even heated Burmese in this budget range. I'll do another look/see for some heated Burmese options later. I am a-okay with treated (and FIL doesn't care).

I may very well be calling things "pink" when they are not truly pink! I can't judge pink vs. purple modifiers, but for this recipient I'd prefer to err from both... I suppose I also prefer to err from "less saturated", which I am probably also mistakenly calling "pink"!

I sent FIL these options to start with. If we buy and we don't like, we will return... and knowing how not-picky FIL is, well, I'll be the one judging
1. https://www.etsy.com/listing/709540...8ba6ac2ce142666f8736c44bfabb2:709540007&frs=1
2. https://www.africagems.com/ruby-cushion-1-16-201812011.html
3. https://gemkeepers.com/collections/rubies-sapphires-emeralds/products/1-29ct-ruby-mozambique-8802172
4. https://gemkeepers.com/collections/rubies-sapphires-emeralds/products/1-12ct-ruby-mozambique-8802195
5. https://gemfix.com/gems/ruby-19-594

#3 on that list, the one that you shared @AV_ - oh my goodness. It is heartbreakingly beautiful in those photos and video. If it's anything like that in real life across even a few lighting environments... So, so beautiful!

I did ask again and it sounds like faceted is preferred over cab, which was not my initial understanding but - better to know now than later!

Love options 3, 4, and 5!
EDIT. Not to say I dislike options 1-2, but prefer the latter three.

 

[AV_]

I expect to get what I see. Lighting seems reasonably showy & the place is legendary. This is where I got to know what cut means some years before paying any attention to a diamond.

 

[qubitasaurus]

I expect to get what I see. Lighting seems reasonably showy & the place is legendary. This is where I got to know what cut means some years before paying any attention to a diamond.

Are they starruby rebranded? It seems to say that is what they are. Because if they are starruby then there is plenty of information on this forum about them and the photos they take. FYI there is a picture of their lighting setup at the bottom of the linked page, you can see approximately how much light they are flooding the stone with (but to be honest I suspect every vendor does the same, so this isn't something to be worried about per se).

 

[Anne111]

how about this one from wildfishgems? 4.5k, untreated, with cert, 6.26x5.73, Deep Red Red with strong fluorescence, Medium Dark 75 , with a blue spot but can be hide with a setting (?)
https://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/unheated_tanzanian_ruby_1_30/10910/19419

Great color, good price in trade-off for translucent crystal.
Rushing a ruby buy is a dangerous thing.
Check the 'national gemstone forcaste' or similar by who-was-it? See other thread by vivid-red.

 

[AV_]

@qubitasaurus I have deleted the post with items from those two shops because the stones I picked are all pinkish red (ps) - they seem saturated with ligter tone [the good pink/red for me] as opposed to less saturated dusty russet which I am not likely to point out except for their being less striking than I wish. In the end, the stone from Cushion Gem seemed really as per request & the only issue with this shop are prices - if even [my previous post about cut is referrign to them]

btw. I am seeing another ruby of the same type as the 5K-ish one from CushionGem - but two carats & 12K, gypsy set in a French band on 1stDibs (possibly the price can move, no idea...) The obvious dichroism in these stones tells me they are quite saturated & neither gets dead dark.

_

... from among the light pink/reds the small round at American Thai & a triangular drop at Starruby are very interesting, if one likes that kind of red!

 

[yssie]

Update here!

He didn't care for any of the rubies! Turns out he's pickier than he thought re. both shape and colour... Funny how common that reaction is He did, however, like several of the red spinels I showed him. I don't disagree with him - spinel colour for the pricepoint is inimitable!

It was between these two, and he chose the first one (without seeing price!). Gary pulled it and said he thought it'd fit the bill perfectly - can't wait to see it

1.19 ct Burmese Red Spinel

Burmese Red Spinel

www.finewatergems.com

1.76 ct Burmese Red Spinel

Burmese Red Spinel

www.finewatergems.com

 

[clumberlove]

Update here!

He didn't care for any of the rubies! Turns out he's pickier than he thought re. both shape and colour... Funny how common that reaction is He did, however, like several of the red spinels I showed him. I don't disagree with him - spinel colour for the pricepoint is inimitable!

It was between these two, and he chose the first one (without seeing price!). Gary pulled it and said he thought it'd fit the bill perfectly - can't wait to see it

1.19 ct Burmese Red Spinel

Burmese Red Spinel

www.finewatergems.com

1.76 ct Burmese Red Spinel

Burmese Red Spinel

www.finewatergems.com

I like the first one best too, the second looks to have more of a purple modifier, which might not be so good for someone who is anti-pink!

 

[voce]

The first spinel shows more extinction in the hand shot than the second. However, the price of the first one can't be beat much.

 

[qubitasaurus]

@qubitasaurus I have deleted the post with items from those two shops because the stones I picked are all pinkish red (ps) - they seem saturated with ligter tone [the good pink/red for me] as opposed to less saturated dusty russet which I am not likely to point out except for their being less striking than I wish. In the end, the stone from Cushion Gem seemed really as per request & the only issue with this shop are prices - if even [my previous post about cut is referrign to them]

btw. I am seeing another ruby of the same type as the 5K-ish one from CushionGem - but two carats & 12K, gypsy set in a French band on 1stDibs (possibly the price can move, no idea...) The obvious dichroism in these stones tells me they are quite saturated & neither gets dead dark.

_

... from among the light pink/reds the small round at American Thai & a triangular drop at Starruby are very interesting, if one likes that kind of red!

Lol I am not sure everyone else in the world sees modifiers the same way PSers do.... mostly they probably screw up their eyes and thing 'what?' While the rest of us argue about it.

 

[strawrose]

It looks like someone chose the first one.

 

[lovedogs]

Awesome--I like the first spinel also. Super pretty!

 

[distracts]

Update here!

He didn't care for any of the rubies! Turns out he's pickier than he thought re. both shape and colour... Funny how common that reaction is He did, however, like several of the red spinels I showed him. I don't disagree with him - spinel colour for the pricepoint is inimitable!

It was between these two, and he chose the first one (without seeing price!). Gary pulled it and said he thought it'd fit the bill perfectly - can't wait to see it

1.19 ct Burmese Red Spinel

Burmese Red Spinel

www.finewatergems.com

1.76 ct Burmese Red Spinel

Burmese Red Spinel

www.finewatergems.com

I think the red spinel will make him much happier than a ruby would at a sub 5k pricepoint. I have a red spinel that leans orange and I LOVE it - to me it is the perfect red. Every single ruby I've ever seen that wasn't in a museum has had purple/pink modifiers that I found unappealing. And pure red spinels + red-oranges look way more like what is in my head as a ruby than most of the rubies I've seen do!

 

[AV_]

@qubitasaurus I suspect it is nonsense to call pink a modifier of red, but I am running out of words for these things! It would be nice to have a map of corudum shades to poke at instead of name- calling colors & I've seen such done by labs when color grading debates were raging. The saturated pink & purple 'sapphires' are closer to ruby red than to any other stone - so I am not ashamed to count them with ruby, at least for my sake [The market, is someone else]