Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I buy!

[Gallant]

Hi All,

Long time lurker, first time poster. And I just wanted to say that you guys are awesome, and I really like how you are all so helpful with people here. I love this place!

So, I've been on my search for months for my engagement ring sapphire. I've probably looked at a few thousand stones online and in person, including stones at GemFix and at today's GemFair in Pasadena, CA.

I'm looking for the following:

Size: Around 9mm in length, in an oval or pear shape.

Color: I'd like the color to be a lightly saturated Padparadscha but a Pad. cert. is not necessary though. I'm happy with a lightly saturated pinkish orangish stone.

Acceptable flaws: I need it to be eye-clean. I don't have much of a tolerance for a window or extinction. I suppose a very small window is OK with the hope that it will close in the setting.

Treatment: I am fine with heat treatment, but not beryllium.

Budget: $4,000.


So this is the best of what I've found and I need your opinion on this stone before buying it.

It's an e-stone, out of the country, so I can only rely on photos, of which I've attached to this post.

This will be set in a rose gold diamond micro-pave halo.

The stone:
Crown-brilliant, Pavillion-step Oval
Dimensions: 9.69x8.19x5.41
Weight: 3.51ct
Dealer says no extinction and no windows.
Cert. from GIA Alumnus and German Gemological Association member
Cert. says no heat and natural, with unaltered crystal and rutile inclusions.
Price is around $2,800.

Pictures are with fluorescent and natural lighting.

What do you guys think?











More photos can be found here:

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!AEmgc5DzJJgcpz4&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!AK3cQEgfn3fkabg&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!AKZ_byX5OXkrCck&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!ALFAkv-8ZQDN5aM&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!AHerN1m_uwrPnvU&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!APLdFusS5XAoUiM&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!APHCR6H_8Hy6tu4&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!AEWlI07ZkCY7848&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!ACQ0Nwo_hxdzfqE&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!AA2K7xPCKsi0Wb4&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!AEJwZ37Dkm9in94&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!AMfkJ3wXDaGdaSU&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!AHmR2KFLzqWQBfc&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

 

[T L]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

Wow, when I first saw that stone, I thought pink spinel! I have some pink spinels that look identical to that. However, it's a fair price, and a nice color, no window. A pink spinel might be less money if you can find one with those specifications, but these days, even prices on those have gone up. There is a "bow tie" going across the stone, which is typical with ovals, but that's the only cutting issue I see, and that may not bother you.

I'm a bit confused though, does it have an actual GIA lab report, or some in house report by a GIA gemologist? Those are two very different things, and I would prefer an actual GIA lab report, or even better, an AGL report.

 

[Gallant]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

Wow, when I first saw that stone, I thought pink spinel! I have some pink spinels that look identical to that. However, it's a fair price, and a nice color, no window. A pink spinel might be less money if you can find one with those specifications, but these days, even prices on those have gone up. There is a "bow tie" going across the stone, which is typical with ovals, but that's the only cutting issue I see, and that may not bother you.

I'm a bit confused though, does it have an actual GIA lab report, or some in house report by a GIA gemologist? Those are two very different things, and I would prefer an actual GIA lab report, or even better, an AGL report.

Thanks a lot for your reply.

Because I'm new to all of this, I honestly don't know if comparing it to a spinel is a compliment or not. In the end though, I really do prefer to have a sapphire as opposed to any other stone.

Thanks for pointing out the "bow tie". I see it now that you pointed it out. Questions:
- Isn't it odd that it isn't very visible in other photos?
- How visible do you think do you it is in person at arm's length?
- Should this be a deal breaker?

With the cert.: The cert is not an actual GIA/AGL lab report. The stone is in Sri Lanka, so getting an actual GIA or AGL report I think would be difficult, wouldn't it?

I googled the gemologist who wrote the cert, Sheriff Abdul Rahuman of Sri Lanka: https://www.google.com/search?q=sha...&ie=UTF-8#q="sheriff+abdul+rahuman"+sri+lanka

From what I've found, he seems like a pretty reputable person:
- In addition to being GIA grad, he's a member of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewelry Association
- He's listed as a gemologist to train people in gem identification in this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?index=books&linkCode=qs&keywords=9780943763590
- He was quoted by the New Indian Express as an expert to comment on Kate's engagement ring and sapphire demand
- He wrote a paper for the Gemmologists Association of Sri Lanka (GASL) here: http://www.gemmology.lk/pdf/problems-in-the-practice.pdf

The stone is being sold by an Etsy retailer who has a great reputation. I haven't bought the stone yet, but it is on hold for me. If I do buy it, returning it will cost me $80.

Thoughts?

Additional photo:

 

[LoversKites]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

Thanks a lot for your reply.

Because I'm new to all of this, I honestly don't know if comparing it to a spinel is a compliment or not. In the end though, I really do prefer to have a sapphire as opposed to any other stone.

Well, spinel often comes in that pink hue, and it's a beautiful and durable gem with a great refractive index (meaning sparkly).

Thanks for pointing out the "bow tie". I see it now that you pointed it out. Questions:
- Isn't it odd that it isn't very visible in other photos?
No, since bowties are a product of reflection and obstruction. If there is no obstruction that could lead to a dark reflection (like a black camera, dark hair) the bow tie will not appear, or appear minimally. Perhaps a strong light is negating the darkness in some images. I should add that it's hard to find an oval that is free of all cut issues, especially bowties, unless the cut was designed that way, like a supernova cut.
- How visible do you think do you it is in person at arm's length?
Some bowties are not so bad and light up sometimes, or only appear at some angles and other bowties are constantly there as a dark bow-tie shaped area through the centre. I think it's a case by case type thing.
- Should this be a deal breaker?
Some are fussier than others, but if it's everything you're looking for and this is the only flaw, I wouldn't consider it a dealbreaker.

With the cert.: The cert is not an actual GIA/AGL lab report. The stone is in Sri Lanka, so getting an actual GIA or AGL report I think would be difficult, wouldn't it?

I googled the gemologist who wrote the cert, Sheriff Abdul Rahuman of Sri Lanka: https://www.google.com/search?q=sha...&ie=UTF-8#q="sheriff+abdul+rahuman"+sri+lanka

From what I've found, he seems like a pretty reputable person:
- In addition to being GIA grad, he's a member of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewelry Association
- He's listed as a gemologist to train people in gem identification in this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?index=books&linkCode=qs&keywords=9780943763590
- He was quoted by the New Indian Express as an expert to comment on Kate's engagement ring and sapphire demand
- He wrote a paper for the Gemmologists Association of Sri Lanka (GASL) here: http://www.gemmology.lk/pdf/problems-in-the-practice.pdf

The stone is being sold by an Etsy retailer who has a great reputation. I haven't bought the stone yet, but it is on hold for me. If I do buy it, returning it will cost me $80.

Can you tell us the vendor? I don't know about the gemologist, so I don't feel comfortable telling you anything about his report. I don't know if he claims it's unheated solely based on the fact that the rutile and crystal inclusions are intact. Intact rutile does not necessarily equal lack of treatment. The stone may be untreated or have had low heat, solely assumed on the intact rutile. I know GRS have a lab in Sri Lanka, if you want to send it there. They're a reputable lab.

Thoughts?

My replies are in bold.

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

So the hand shots are freaking me out because of the color of the hands, lol!

It looks to be a pretty stone for a decent price. I doubt very much its been treated beyond heat (unless it has some of the latest worrisome treatments like oiling and such) because that is not a color typically associated with diffusion. I would likely be willing to take a risk and buy it without a lab report, but you could ask the vendor if they sell it and YOU pay to have it sent to a lab, and it comes back as something other than heat only, would they be willing to reimburse you your costs and refund the price of the stone.

bow ties are almost inevitable with long cushions, ovals and such. On darker stones, it typically means that a portion of the stone at any time will almost be black, but your stone is not dark, so a bow tie just means that a symmetrical section of the stone will be, at any time, a different shade of pink than the rest. Some of us despise bow ties. Some of us don't care. I don't like them but in the right light colored stone, I would definitely take a bow tie over something else like a noticeable inclusion, an area of tremendous extinction, or zoning. But that's me - you have to find out what you like.

As to why it doesn't show in some pics - if you take a shot dead on, with no camera reflection and bright diffused light aimed right at the stone, you don't get a bow tie. So yes, in the perfect lighting situations, say on your hand with bright light shining down with nothing obscuring it, you too, may see no bow tie on occasion, if that makes sense.

I love that pale pink, though I would check with the vendor to make sure it really is that color. I say that because if the first few pics are taken with a hand that in real life is that pale, the color of the stone will likely be darker in tone than what is shone. And yes, I devote too much time to looking at photos of stones.

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

LK: Bah hah haa, I should've just let you post, lol!

 

[Gallant]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

Thanks a lot for your reply.

Because I'm new to all of this, I honestly don't know if comparing it to a spinel is a compliment or not. In the end though, I really do prefer to have a sapphire as opposed to any other stone.

Well, spinel often comes in that pink hue, and it's a beautiful and durable gem with a great refractive index (meaning sparkly).

Thanks for pointing out the "bow tie". I see it now that you pointed it out. Questions:
- Isn't it odd that it isn't very visible in other photos?
No, since bowties are a product of reflection and obstruction. If there is no obstruction that could lead to a dark reflection (like a black camera, dark hair) the bow tie will not appear, or appear minimally. Perhaps a strong light is negating the darkness in some images. I should add that it's hard to find an oval that is free of all cut issues, especially bowties, unless the cut was designed that way, like a supernova cut.
- How visible do you think do you it is in person at arm's length?
Some bowties are not so bad and light up sometimes, or only appear at some angles and other bowties are constantly there as a dark bow-tie shaped area through the centre. I think it's a case by case type thing.
- Should this be a deal breaker?
Some are fussier than others, but if it's everything you're looking for and this is the only flaw, I wouldn't consider it a dealbreaker.

With the cert.: The cert is not an actual GIA/AGL lab report. The stone is in Sri Lanka, so getting an actual GIA or AGL report I think would be difficult, wouldn't it?

I googled the gemologist who wrote the cert, Sheriff Abdul Rahuman of Sri Lanka: https://www.google.com/search?q=sha...&ie=UTF-8#q="sheriff+abdul+rahuman"+sri+lanka

From what I've found, he seems like a pretty reputable person:
- In addition to being GIA grad, he's a member of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewelry Association
- He's listed as a gemologist to train people in gem identification in this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?index=books&linkCode=qs&keywords=9780943763590
- He was quoted by the New Indian Express as an expert to comment on Kate's engagement ring and sapphire demand
- He wrote a paper for the Gemmologists Association of Sri Lanka (GASL) here: http://www.gemmology.lk/pdf/problems-in-the-practice.pdf

The stone is being sold by an Etsy retailer who has a great reputation. I haven't bought the stone yet, but it is on hold for me. If I do buy it, returning it will cost me $80.

Can you tell us the vendor? I don't know about the gemologist, so I don't feel comfortable telling you anything about his report. I don't know if he claims it's unheated solely based on the fact that the rutile and crystal inclusions are intact. Intact rutile does not necessarily equal lack of treatment. The stone may be untreated or have had low heat, solely assumed on the intact rutile. I know GRS have a lab in Sri Lanka, if you want to send it there. They're a reputable lab.

Thoughts?

My replies are in bold.

Great feedback everyone! Thanks so much!

I don't mind heat treatment. And isn't the price inline with a stone that HAS been heat treated? If so, then it's all good. My only objection would be if I were shopping for an un-heated stone and I was sold one that was and paid the premium for it. But in this case I could care less, UNLESS I was paying the price of a un-heated stone. But I don't think I am, am I? I hope that that make sense.

Now that the stone is on hold, I don't have to worry about anyone snatching it
The vendor is Rene at http://allsapphires.com/ and https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReneJewelry

 

[Gallant]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

So the hand shots are freaking me out because of the color of the hands, lol!

It looks to be a pretty stone for a decent price. I doubt very much its been treated beyond heat (unless it has some of the latest worrisome treatments like oiling and such) because that is not a color typically associated with diffusion. I would likely be willing to take a risk and buy it without a lab report, but you could ask the vendor if they sell it and YOU pay to have it sent to a lab, and it comes back as something other than heat only, would they be willing to reimburse you your costs and refund the price of the stone.

bow ties are almost inevitable with long cushions, ovals and such. On darker stones, it typically means that a portion of the stone at any time will almost be black, but your stone is not dark, so a bow tie just means that a symmetrical section of the stone will be, at any time, a different shade of pink than the rest. Some of us despise bow ties. Some of us don't care. I don't like them but in the right light colored stone, I would definitely take a bow tie over something else like a noticeable inclusion, an area of tremendous extinction, or zoning. But that's me - you have to find out what you like.

As to why it doesn't show in some pics - if you take a shot dead on, with no camera reflection and bright diffused light aimed right at the stone, you don't get a bow tie. So yes, in the perfect lighting situations, say on your hand with bright light shining down with nothing obscuring it, you too, may see no bow tie on occasion, if that makes sense.

I love that pale pink, though I would check with the vendor to make sure it really is that color. I say that because if the first few pics are taken with a hand that in real life is that pale, the color of the stone will likely be darker in tone than what is shone. And yes, I devote too much time to looking at photos of stones.

Yeah, those fake hands are freaky! And I think he has a few different ones too! Really odd!

That was a great suggestion about the refund if it comes back different than what his cert. states.

What I really love about this stone is the spots of orange within the pink! Love it, love it, love it! But I think you might be right about how it may be darker. There are some photos (the bottom links in my first post) that have the stone resting on a mirror in natural light. The stone is more lavender/violet, and a little darker. But in a rose gold setting, won't it stay light in color?

This is the setting that I'll be using:



Setting can be found here: http://allsapphires.com/product/gold-setting-halo-with-diamonds-ring-joan-copy/

 

[Arcadian]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

If you want to really be sure that its heat treated only, get an independent gem lab to say so. GIA, AGL, or another lab that has the machinery to test that you're not paying all that money for a piece of junk. An gemologist thats hired with that company isn't going to give you all the assurances that this stone is what it says it is. They'll give you what they're told to give you.

The stone is pretty, I like the color. Its got a bowtie as mentioned and if you're not bothered by that then it may well be a contender. But make sure that if you really want that stone that you can return it if its not as advertised.

 

[Gallant]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

OK, I've emailed Rene to see if he'll reimburse me all the costs and return it for free if it doesn't test right.

Will my setting make a difference on the bow tie or the color?

Is $2800 a good price for the stone even if it's heated?

Is this stone too big for a halo setting? Would a solitaire setting be better? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a halo with this stone in particular? My ring size is 6.5.

The most important question:

Is there another similar stone out there, under $4,000, with a similar color (light pinkish-orangish), and similar size (around 9mm face), with no extinction, no windows, and no bow tie?

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

OK, I've emailed Rene to see if he'll reimburse me all the costs and return it for free if it doesn't test right.

Will my setting make a difference on the bow tie or the color?

Is $2800 a good price for the stone even if it's heated?

The most important question:

Is there another similar stone out there, under $4,000, with a similar color (light pinkish-orangish), and similar size (around 9mm face), with no extinction, no windows, and no bow tie?

Yup, that is the question and unfortunately, its not one we can answer for you. Depending upon the color you accept (say more of a baby pink without orange) and assuming heat treatment, you can likely find one with little extinction and no window. The bow tie and shadowing are pretty much a sure thing unless you find a precision cut stone that has the pavilion cut in such a manner so as to minimize these effects.

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

You know, I just took another look at the stats. You have a large stone there. It is a good price for a heated stone, assuming you can live with the bow tie. The setting you've picked out is open enough so that it should not darken the stone much if at all, and the rose gold will enhance the color of the stone. I think you will be hard pressed to do better, if those pics are accurate.

 

[Gallant]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

You know, I just took another look at the stats. You have a large stone there. It is a good price for a heated stone, assuming you can live with the bow tie. The setting you've picked out is open enough so that it should not darken the stone much if at all, and the rose gold will enhance the color of the stone. I think you will be hard pressed to do better, if those pics are accurate.

Great feedback!

I've seen a lot of stones that are baby pink, but they lack the orange. It's so hard to find, especially with a face of roughly 9mm and no window, and within my budget.

Which brings me to these questions:

Is this stone too big for a halo setting? Will it look ridiculously big on my finger? Would a solitaire setting be better? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a halo with this stone in particular? My ring size is 6.5.

 

[Gallant]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

Just got a quick reply from Rene (who has been extremely fast in replying to me even though he's in Sri Lanka):

In regards to whether or not he'll refund the testing costs and all other fees if the stone doesn't test right:

Sure no problem, I have full confidence in his tests.
Just for your information Sheriff is a GIA alumni member (and the German and Sri Lanka gemological associations)
He have more experience with Sapphires than any gemologist out of Sri Lanka that work in the GIA or AGL labs

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

You know, I just took another look at the stats. You have a large stone there. It is a good price for a heated stone, assuming you can live with the bow tie. The setting you've picked out is open enough so that it should not darken the stone much if at all, and the rose gold will enhance the color of the stone. I think you will be hard pressed to do better, if those pics are accurate.

Great feedback!

I've seen a lot of stones that are baby pink, but they lack the orange. It's so hard to find, especially with a face of roughly 9mm and no window, and within my budget.

Which brings me to these questions:

Is this stone too big for a halo setting? Will it look ridiculously big on my finger? Would a solitaire setting be better? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a halo with this stone in particular? My ring size is 6.5.

Unfortunately, this is purely a matter of personal taste. There are examples here if you plow through some threads, or you could ask folks to show you what their size 6.5 finger looks like with a halo of X dimensions. But ultimately, its on you. Why don't you calculate what the dimensions would be and do a cut out for your finger? Or, knowing the dimensions, why don't you try some rings of similar dimensions on at a jewelry store? Others have much better ideas than I in this regard and I'm sure they'll be along in a bit to offer their sage advice.

 

[Arcadian]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

Just got a quick reply from Rene (who has been extremely fast in replying to me even though he's in Sri Lanka):

In regards to whether or not he'll refund the testing costs and all other fees if the stone doesn't test right:

Sure no problem, I have full confidence in his tests.
Just for your information Sheriff is a GIA alumni member (and the German and Sri Lanka gemological associations)
He have more experience with Sapphires than any gemologist out of Sri Lanka that work in the GIA or AGL labs

But he's still not at GIA is he? Not at AGL either right? Their determinations carry way more weight in the trade than his guy.

Your best bet if you continue to want to do business is to get it in writing and make sure the seller agrees that if the stone has treatments beyond basic heat treatment that he will take it back and refund you.

If a seller is putting up that much of an argument to NOT send a stone to an independent lab, that gives me a lot of pause and I don't care how big or cheap it is, I will look elsewhere, but thats me and how I roll. I bought a stone from a trusted seller, and sent the stone and it didn't come back as described. The seller not only refunded me for the stone, they also refunded me for the report. That to me is an honest person in the gemtrade.

It will be up to you to decide if its worth it or not, but its for an ering, so ....your call.

 

[Gallant]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

Rene has agreed to refund me everything if the the stone doesn't test right. He was just saying that he's confident that the stone will test right because Sheriff is good at what he does.

 

[T L]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

What gives me pause is the price. It's actually really inexpensive for what could be an unheated or simply heated padpardscha, of almost 4 carats, especially if it's truly Sri Lankan. At that size, they're a literal fortune. However, if you do decide to get it, and it turns out to be minimally treated, or untreated, that's one great buy.

BTW, spinels are fantastic stones, but they don't have the marketing behind them like sapphires, so they're often overlooked.

 

[Gallant]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

Thanks for the encouragement.

Hopefully it's exactly as described.

Rene said it could be either from Sri Lanka or Madagascar. Either is fine with me (or should I care about origin?). And the cert he provided doesn't specify.

Which brings me to what cert I should get. Should I get the AGL GemBrief? If so, how much is it?

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

TL: I can understand your concerns, but I just assumed, from the pics and everything, that this stone would not be found to be true padparadscha, but a pretty pink stone. I agree that $2,800 would be worryingly cheap for an unheated padparadscha of that size. Then again, no one knows better than you that padparadscha bargains of a lifetime, as rare as they might be, do occasionally come along.

My thinking has been that this is a close-but-no-padparadscha baby pink sapphire that the OP likes. Its cheaper than most we see here because it sounds like she found it closer to the source and it doesn't have the added expense of precision cutting. It has not incurred the expense of a lab report. If it does turn out to be a pad, then I too, would have serious reservations about its low price.

The AGL gem brief is the cheapest (and likely best) way to go.

 

[Gallant]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

So, I'm going to go forward with the sale.

Thank you Minousbijoux, TL, LK, and Arcadian. Because of you guys, I feel comfortable that it's a good buy, as long as it's as described (or even if it's heat treated).

The bow tie is a little annoying, but I think I can live with it, but ultimately I can't know until I see it in person.

Hopefully the setting keeps it light in color.

I see AGL Gembriefs are still only $60, so I'll be having that done as soon as I receive it. I am a little confused though...the $60 will tell me if it's a Padparadscha or heated, but it doesn't cover a test for diffusion, right? So, if it comes back as heated, then I can pay an extra $120 for the diffusion test?

 

[LoversKites]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

I see AGL Gembriefs are still only $60, so I'll be having that done as soon as I receive it. I am a little confused though...the $60 will tell me if it's a Padparadscha or heated, but it doesn't cover a test for diffusion, right? So, if it comes back as heated, then I can pay an extra $120 for the diffusion test?

Yes. I sort of doubt with that it is diffused based on the colour and inclusions you mentioned. I sincerely hope it comes back as pad for you, as that'd be a very nice extra. Labs are sometimes pretty loose when it comes to giving out these marketing terms.

I do think it is a good stone for the price. I didn't add that in my last post.

Either is fine with me (or should I care about origin?).

Not in this case, no. One should care about origin if the seller is charging a premium for it, or if the origin holds sentimental meaning, or if a collector's want a stone from a specific locale. Stuff like that.

Please update the thread with photos once you can. Pleeeaaaase and thank you.

 

[T L]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

So, I'm going to go forward with the sale.

Thank you Minousbijoux, TL, LK, and Arcadian. Because of you guys, I feel comfortable that it's a good buy, as long as it's as described (or even if it's heat treated).

The bow tie is a little annoying, but I think I can live with it, but ultimately I can't know until I see it in person.

Hopefully the setting keeps it light in color.

I see AGL Gembriefs are still only $60, so I'll be having that done as soon as I receive it. I am a little confused though...the $60 will tell me if it's a Padparadscha or heated, but it doesn't cover a test for diffusion, right? So, if it comes back as heated, then I can pay an extra $120 for the diffusion test?

You're welcome

Yes, it costs extra to test for diffusion if they cannot test for it diagnostically. Sometimes it takes a mass spectrometer, which is an added fee.

I wouldn't discount diffusion based on the color. Good luck! Keep us posted.

AGL may deem it a padparadscha, or just a pink sapphire, but even $2800 for a pink sapphire that size is a good deal. In some of your photos, it could be either, or.

 

[Gallant]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

OK, thanks guys for answering those follow-up questions.

I'll definitely update this thread with my own photos as soon as I get it.

 

[LoversKites]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

OK, thanks guys for answering those follow-up questions.

I'll definitely update this thread with my own photos as soon as I get it.

Thank you.

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

OK, thanks guys for answering those follow-up questions.

I'll definitely update this thread with my own photos as soon as I get it.

Good luck. If its that nice in hand, you will have to share the vendor with us!

 

[LoversKites]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

OK, thanks guys for answering those follow-up questions.

I'll definitely update this thread with my own photos as soon as I get it.

Good luck. If its that nice in hand, you will have to share the vendor with us!

He already did though -- http://allsapphires.com/ or https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReneJewelry

 

[Arcadian]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

OP I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the stone meets your expectation.

 

[LD]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

I agree with what everybody has said above but I have two things to throw into the mix:-

1. Have you actually seen a stone with a bow tie? A setting will never minimise a bow tie. In a light coloured stone it can be very obvious AND it can affect the general appearance. If the stone is refundable then it's worth getting for a look. The bow tie will look the same on your hand as in a setting so you'll get an idea of whether it'll bother you or not.

2. I'm sure the gemologist who gave his opinion on the stone is very good HOWEVER he probably won't have access to laboratory equipment to test thoroughly. As TL has mentioned, I wouldn't rule out diffusion. That is a possibility and looking at the price, it makes me hesitate that this may be a treatment that has been applied. Also, would you be happy if this came back as a pink sapphire? I suspect you would and are not too hung up on it being a Padparadscha and as others have said (if it's not diffused) it's a good price for a pink sapphire in any event.

 

[Gallant]

Re: Found sapphire for E-Ring & need your opinion before I b

I agree with what everybody has said above but I have two things to throw into the mix:-

1. Have you actually seen a stone with a bow tie? A setting will never minimise a bow tie. In a light coloured stone it can be very obvious AND it can affect the general appearance. If the stone is refundable then it's worth getting for a look. The bow tie will look the same on your hand as in a setting so you'll get an idea of whether it'll bother you or not.

2. I'm sure the gemologist who gave his opinion on the stone is very good HOWEVER he probably won't have access to laboratory equipment to test thoroughly. As TL has mentioned, I wouldn't rule out diffusion. That is a possibility and looking at the price, it makes me hesitate that this may be a treatment that has been applied. Also, would you be happy if this came back as a pink sapphire? I suspect you would and are not too hung up on it being a Padparadscha and as others have said (if it's not diffused) it's a good price for a pink sapphire in any event.

Thanks Arcadian.

And thanks LD for your input.

1. I have not knowingly seen a bow tie in person. After reading what minousbijoux said, "bow ties are almost inevitable with long cushions, ovals and such. On darker stones, it typically means that a portion of the stone at any time will almost be black, but your stone is not dark, so a bow tie just means that a symmetrical section of the stone will be, at any time, a different shade of pink than the rest", I figured that there is a chance that it might not be as obvious in person as it is in the photos. So I agree with you, I should buy it, take a look at it and see if it bothers me.

2. Yes, I've been convinced by everyone that I should get an AGL Gembrief. So I'll be getting one as soon as it arrives. If it comes back as heat treated, I'll have the vendor pay the extra $120 to get it tested for diffusion (or just return the stone and get a full refund).

And yes, I'll be happy if it comes back as "only" a pink sapphire Hey, if AGL doesn't think it's a Pad, I'll just keep sending off to other labs until it comes back as one!