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emerald cut blue spinel?

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TameImpala

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 23, 2017
Messages
8
Hello all,

I was thinking of getting a spinel ring for my wife, who is expecting our first child in August. I'm told that spinel is an alternative birthstone to peridot, which is good because I don't love the peridot color and I don't think she would either.

We're having a boy and I thought it would be nice to find a light or baby blue spinel, preferably emerald cut, to set in a ring. But I am extremely uneducated when it comes to jewelry and I have not found much online. Some loose spinels seem to be extremely cheap (think 50 bucks); on the other hand, I've also seem lab-created ones on Etsy for $1,000+. I have not seen much inventory at all that is emerald-cut.

I'm hoping this forum will be a good resource for the following questions: (1) Am I being too specific? or (2) if not, are there specific websites or jewelers you would recommend I check out to source such a stone? I tried running some searches on the forum before posting, but did not find what I'm looking for.

Thanks in advance!
 
First off, welcome and good for you for thinking of such a nice push present for your wife.

Good saturated blue spinels are not easy to come by. If you're willing to accept some level of grey, or a modifier like green you might have more luck. An emerald cut is a less common shape to find, so you've limited your search further. Can you give us a sense of the size in dimensions you seek?

Then I would suggest you check all the vendors listed here:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/list-of-vendors-for-reference.208782/
 
Thanks for the response and the encouragement. I think some gray would be fine. It's hard for me to quantify the size since my only experience with carats was buying a round (i.e., not emerald-cut) diamond. I guess I had in mind a large stone but not so large as to be unwieldy or costume-y. Maybe around 2-3 carats? That's really just a ball park.
 
Stones sizes are best measured in mm, rather than carat weight because there is no standardized measurements when it comes to coloured gemstones. It would also help to know what your budget is, including example pictures of the blue colour you are looking for.
 
Thanks, here are some stones with colors that would work:

https://www.gemrockauctions.com/auctions/natural-awesome-spinal-excellent-cut-luster-gemstone-649661

https://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/untreated_cobalt_spinel_2_88/11030/18358

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ABSOLUTE-PR...-BLUE-NATURAL-MADAGASCAN-SPINEL-/222520083528

In terms of mm, perhaps something in the 9x7mm range? But again, that is wild guesstimation.

In terms of budget, I would be willing to spend up to around $1,000 for the stone, bearing in mind that I have to get it set too. But here is where I'm confused. The list prices of the spinels I've seen online seem ALL over the map, even moreso than you would expect after accounting for clarity and so forth. The first one I posted above is 1.4 carats and listed at $350; the third is 1.66 at $135; still others I see online really run the gamut. So it's hard to get a sense of whether I'm being realistic or if I should consider other stones/ideas.
 
1st link: more gray than blue. Horribly windowed. Please do not buy this. This deserves to be used as fish tank gravel.

2nd link: No fault with the cutting, but I'm not going to pay $16K for an almost colourless spinel with a hint of blue, cobalt or not.

3rd link: Only one video worked for me. Spinels are notorious for "dying" indoors. I would like to see more pictures of this one.
 
chrono said:
1st link: more gray than blue. Horribly windowed. Please do not buy this. This deserves to be used as fish tank gravel.

2nd link: No fault with the cutting, but I'm not going to pay $16K for an almost colourless spinel with a hint of blue, cobalt or not.

3rd link: Only one video worked for me. Spinels are notorious for "dying" indoors. I would like to see more pictures of this one.
Click to expand...

Hahaha, fish tank gravel! To clarify, I'm not going to buy any of the above, as I would really like to find something emerald-cut. Those were just examples of colors I could live with, per your request.

In doing some more digging online, my first choice color seems often to be described as aqua or aquamarine spinel, e.g.:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/387359...&ga_search_query=blue spinel&ref=sr_gallery_4

https://www.etsy.com/listing/295111...ga_search_query=blue spinel&ref=sr_gallery_47

https://www.etsy.com/listing/464574...rch_query=emerald cut spinel&ref=sr_gallery_6 (I realize this one is lab created)
 
TameImpala said:
Hahaha, fish tank gravel! To clarify, I'm not going to buy any of the above, as I would really like to find something emerald-cut. Those were just examples of colors I could live with, per your request.

In doing some more digging online, my first choice color seems often to be described as aqua or aquamarine spinel, e.g.:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/387359564/aquamarine-blue-spinel-solitaire-pear?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=blue spinel&ref=sr_gallery_4

https://www.etsy.com/listing/295111877/ready-to-ship-aquamarine-blue-spinel?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=blue spinel&ref=sr_gallery_47

https://www.etsy.com/listing/464574765/aqua-spinel-chatham-lab-created-emerald?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=emerald cut spinel&ref=sr_gallery_6 (I realize this one is lab created)
Click to expand...

So unfortunately, you have chosen a color that rarely comes naturally - thus the reason those are all synthetic stones, which we are not allowed to discuss on this forum.
 
I don't feel it's very realistic to find a 9x7mm emerald cut blue spinel for less than $1k. Sorry to be blunt, but if I were you I'd start looking for aquamarines or topaz. For example, Jerry has this amazing (and huge!) one for sale and it's now $807 (http://gemartservices.com/stones.php?id=aqu001). That should give you some perspective. But the color you want seems to occur more often, and naturally, in aqua or topaz. Would you be open to those?
 
I haven't bought from this seller but I do know others who have. He has a good return policy but with that said he is not in the US. I would expect at least a slightly less saturated spinel than photographed. But I do not think they are bad for the price for non-precision cut spinels. One is an emerald cut the other a cushion.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stunning-Bl...509875?hash=item3f7d0661b3:g:vMQAAOSwuxFYu88l


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stunning-Bl...253399?hash=item3f7c1d9617:g:QKYAAOSw-0xYkEF2
 
SparkliesLuver said:
I don't feel it's very realistic to find a 9x7mm emerald cut blue spinel for less than $1k. Sorry to be blunt, but if I were you I'd start looking for aquamarines or topaz. For example, Jerry has this amazing (and huge!) one for sale and it's now $807 (http://gemartservices.com/stones.php?id=aqu001). That should give you some perspective. But the color you want seems to occur more often, and naturally, in aqua or topaz. Would you be open to those?
Click to expand...
Good call, Sparklies!
 
Nice find, Lisa. OP: the color you are likely to find blue spinels in is the color of the stones as posted by Lisa.
 
SparkliesLuver said:
I don't feel it's very realistic to find a 9x7mm emerald cut blue spinel for less than $1k. Sorry to be blunt, but if I were you I'd start looking for aquamarines or topaz. For example, Jerry has this amazing (and huge!) one for sale and it's now $807 (http://gemartservices.com/stones.php?id=aqu001). That should give you some perspective. But the color you want seems to occur more often, and naturally, in aqua or topaz. Would you be open to those?
Click to expand...

No need to apologize. I think you're right. I would go somewhat higher for the right stone but there just doesn't seem to be much out there that matches up with what I've been looking for.

Originally I was hoping to do spinel because of the birthstone, but I agree it makes sense to look at aqua and topaz. They are both beautiful and it seems like there is a lot of emerald-cut inventory. Am I correct in understanding that aquamarines are more valuable than topaz? I'm looking at both on gemselect and it seems like 3-4 ct topaz are in the <$50 range whereas aquamarines seem to be 5-10x that. Is that right? I'd be curious for peoples' thoughts about choosing between these two stones.

Wow, the stone you linked to is truly stunning! But I wonder if it's a bit too large for regular wear.
 
LisaRN said:
I haven't bought from this seller but I do know others who have. He has a good return policy but with that said he is not in the US. I would expect at least a slightly less saturated spinel than photographed. But I do not think they are bad for the price for non-precision cut spinels. One is an emerald cut the other a cushion.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stunning-Bl...509875?hash=item3f7d0661b3:g:vMQAAOSwuxFYu88l


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stunning-Bl...253399?hash=item3f7c1d9617:g:QKYAAOSw-0xYkEF2
Click to expand...

Thanks, these are very nice! Although as one poster noted it's difficult to get a sense of how dark they might be indoors. Related question: Is that first one really an emerald cut?? To me that looks radiant or something, because of all the refraction on the sides, but I know next to nothing about jewelry. I have been using "emerald cut" to mean step cut/clean lines, but I'm realizing now that I may have been imprecise or mistaken.
 
Tamalmpala- The stones I linked would not be considered dark for blue spinels and indoor light varies so I cannot speak to how dark they might look indoors. But they will not be the baby blue or light blue you are seeking, and like others have posted a topaz (or aquamarine) would be more in the color range of what you might be seeking. I don't know how committed you are to the sentiment of having a spinel to represent the August birthday of your new baby. BTW- Congrats on the new baby! What an exciting time in your life. :) .
 
I agree with the others, perhaps go for an alternative stone instead to get the colour & shape you are looking for. I highly recommend Doug Menadue from Bespoke Gems for lovely Topaz cut to order!
 
Yes, the aqua that Jerry has might be a bit large (in a ring) for daily wear...or is there such a thing. ;) But I wanted you to see the size, quality and price for a reputable vendor for that material.

In terms of aqua or topaz being more valuable, it usually comes down to quality and treatment (or lack thereof). A lot of topaz can be treated, so when you find a completely natural piece, it's wonderful. I'd recommend contacting Doug from Bespoke Gems (as HotPozzum said). He's a wonderful and talented man. He actually has both right now in rough form and man that aqua is gorgeous:

http://bespoke-gems.com/SacredGeometrics_Gemstones_Rough_Aquamarine.php#image_r282
http://bespoke-gems.com/SacredGeometrics_Gemstones_Rough_Topaz.php#image_r255

I'm sure he'd happily provide you with an estimate for what you're wanting. Keep us posted. :)
 
This will be an occasional wear only ring, correct?
 
Back on the spinel front, Roger Dery has this, though it sounds like this may be much darker than what you have in mind

image.jpeg
 
Thanks all for the helpful responses. It seems that for the baby blue color and step cut that I want, it makes sense to focus on aquamarine and topaz (or maybe zircon!). I've reached out to Doug from Bespoke Gems, so fingers crossed!
 
On another thought........if (when) you find the blue stone you want, you might consider side stones or a halo in Peridot? You would cover the birth month (peridot) and the blue = boy in one piece of jewelry. That might be an option?
 
Good idea digdeep! Or even a pink spinel halo if peridot melee was hard to find. Or possibly a three stone or moi et toi? Or.. :)
 
TameImpala said:
I'd be curious for peoples' thoughts about choosing between these two stones.
Click to expand...

I'd do different things with them: in aquamarine, perhaps a X0 ct. version of this cut, with more interesting incusions & much more green; in natural blue-wash topaz, I'd do a cab - large enough to keep cool in summer ... Sum: never mind my choices !

The never-wrong choice is something else: a medium blue that aquamarine is prized for & does not happen in natural topaz. Natural blue topaz is an obscure anachronism - I see it cut for locals fond of local sources, or by workshops that work allot with all kinds of natural topaz - blue turns out in the pile of pales, & not much elsewhere.

I can see that Litnon aqua flanked by two peridots - the green & blue tones could be reasonably matched, unlike the always-deeper tones of peridot & the very light aqua or natural topaz... Then again, these guys say the letter works fine ! The combination is an unobjectionable classic either way.

____

Of prices: if all that matters is looks, glass beats 'em all ... Blue topaz is inexpensive becouse nobody seems to want the all but colourless natural topaz that goes into it (ditto the natural blue linked above). Aquamarine is also treated - from the greenish-blue that I love, to the straight-blue that came to be the standard (of aquamarine colors: GIA does a nice overview (YouTube) ).


Just a thought ...
 
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You could also reach out to Prima Gems (https://primagemsusa.com/). They've posted some blue spinel on their Instagram albeit a bit darker than you want. Still might be worth an email.
 
Here are some peridot melee for a ring........as well as some larger Peridot. You could also consider going the reverse with a peridot center stone and blue aquamarine sidestones/melee as another option.

https://litnon.com/index.php?page=view&cat=80

You can't tell that all my rings are single color settings.........I think I'm learning something about myself here, LOL!!!
 
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