choosing the right type of stone

[upgrading mama]

I am looking for a deep pink/redish stone to set in to a halo type setting ( I posted some pics of settings in a previous thread). I am thinking either a pear shape or an oval. What kind of stone should I choose for durability and low cost?
Kunzite? Spinel? Tourmaline? something else? I don'' t know much about gemstones, other than I have some sapphires, and I know they are a hard stone. I would like something different than a sapph, though.

Any opinions? My problem is I just don''t know where to start, and since I have 2 small children, I don'' t really have enough time to go look around in local stores....grrr

 

[upgrading mama]

How about this one:


Pink Tourmaline - 1.39 cts. Oval

Natural Pink Tourmalines - Loose Nigeria Pink Tourmaline

Weight:1 pc. - 1.39 cts. Size: 6.2 x 7.5 x 4.5 mm
Shape: Oval Cut: Step Cut
Clarity: Eye Clean Enhancement: None
Type: Pink Tourmaline Origin: Nigeria
Lot #: TPK-00201 Stone Price: $62.

 

[PrecisionGem]

You may want to consider either a tourmaline or spinel. The spinel will cost more, and is a bit harder.
The picture you posted of a tourmaline doenst look to be a very nice color, too much brown tones, and is not well cut. Notice the large window in the table.
A bit deeper color could also be had in a rhodolite garnet.

 

[nicky newark]

If you decide on red/pink tourmaline you should look for a Brazilian stone. Gene is right the african stones like the one you have pictured show too much of a brown tone-especially indoors.

 

[valeria101]

Date: 2/5/2006 2:56:18 PM
Author:Sophie

I am looking for a deep pink/redish stone to set in to a halo type setting

With the color description above, spinel would be either darkish (like that below) or quite expensive.

Tourmaline should be a brighter color and the small ones are not expensive. Garnet is another option. I would not look for kunzite or pink beryl in a very small size because they ten to be dull... and the very light color doesn''t compensate, IMO. There is some deeper colored kinzite, but... I wouldn''t knw where to look for a small one, and it doesn''t sound like an obviously better option to bgin with - if it is there, ok. And then, there is the fading issue - not great for a ring meant to be worn allot.

So... I would be tourmaline. As long as the coolor is pleasing, I''d also forget where it comes from because there are just so many sources ever and each with its small quirk.

Just one thing: the picture doesn''t look ''depp pink-red'' to me, but rather a light pink. Is that close to the color you ultimately wish to get?

 

[PrecisionGem]

Nick, some of the African material is really nice. The key with tourmaline is, is that both the C and A, B axis need good color. Any muddy color will mix in and overtake the finished stone. It's true that most pink/red tourmalines look better in natural light. An incadensant light tends to bring out the brown tones more.
I would guess that the stone in the photo was taken with lighting to bring out the best color, so that stone in incandesent light will look even worse.

 

[upgrading mama]

Hey guys, thanks for the responses and info. Valeria, yes I do like that color. I am quite sure I want an oval around .75-1.... hehe, it grew!!

I like a nice rich deep pink-red....

I guess I should keep looking towards tourmaline and spinel.

I think I need to read a tutorial so I can learn what windowing is and how to find a deep enough stone, but not too deep!
Ughh, I just wish a stone would drop in my lap!

 

[upgrading mama]

I looooove this color.. It says "rose pink tourmaline"...saw it on ebay.

 

[upgrading mama]

love this color too... but since they are on ebay, and I don''t know how to figure if it;s a good stone, I don''t know how to choose...

It said pad pink sapph

 

[Kaleigh]

From what I''ve read on here you can''t trust the color of the pics. Some have gotten lucky on ebay, but buyer beware.

 

[movie zombie]

personally, i wouldn''t buy a stone from ebay for an ''important'' ring......unless i knew for sure from another pricescoper that the seller was great.

if you go that route, make sure you buy from a dealer that has a good return policy.

movie zombie