Having trouble finding what I would like

[olred]

Hi Everyone,

First, I would like to say a big "thank you" for all of the wonderful information that is here on the forum! I could spend hours and hours just reading and educating myself! I am new to gemstones and am looking to finally get my dream ring made as a late engagement ring. We are already married, but I figure it's better late than never!

I am looking for a white spinal in an asscher cut, around 1-1.5 cts. I get the impression that I as asking for a lot - I have looked at almost all of your recommended folks and have not been able to find one. I know that white sapphires are an option, but I really love the spinals.

Any help, guidance, or advice would be much appreciated!! Thanks in advance!

Kristen

 

[dk168]

I would suggest contacting reputable gem cutters such as Jeff White, Gene of Precision Cut, etc., to see what they have in stock rough-wise, that may suit your requirements, and take it from there.

I was looking for an oval blue Indicolite Tourmaline and could not find that suited my needs, so I contacted Jeff, and he is going to cut one for me.

DK

 

[chrono]

A pure white spinel is very uncommon and most will have a hint of pink. Add to the fact that you want it to be an asscher cut means that it will have to be custom cut. You will not find it in anyone's inventory. A 1.5 ct precision cut asscher will measure no larger than 6.5 mm. Due to requiring the rough to be the right shape (blocky), colour and size, it might take the lapidary some time to find the right spinel rough. You will probably have better success with a white sapphire even though you prefer spinel.

 

[minousbijoux]

How particular are you about the whiteness of the stone? That is, could it be really light grey, lavender, or faint pink? I ask because large spinels with very little color pop up on ebay from time to time. If you were interested in one of these, you would have to have it recut by one of the lapidaries. But if you can live with a tiny bit of color, this may be a route for you to take.

 

[T L]

A pure white spinel is very uncommon and most will have a hint of pink. Add to the fact that you want it to be an asscher cut means that it will have to be custom cut. You will not find it in anyone's inventory. A 1.5 ct precision cut asscher will measure no larger than 6.5 mm. Due to requiring the rough to be the right shape (blocky), colour and size, it might take the lapidary some time to find the right spinel rough. You will probably have better success with a white sapphire even though you prefer spinel.

Asschers also tend to be cut very deep and have high crowns, so finding the right rough makes it even harder, although I suppose an octahedral crystal might do. Spinels tend to grow in that form, as do diamonds, and I'm thinking that form may lend itself to an asscher (???). However, many spinel crystals are found in alluvial deposits and look like pebbles due to erosion.

Like Chrono said, pale spinels often have a touch of pink, or they can be purplish or greyish. It's hard to find a completely colorless spinel unless you do a synthetic one.

 

[olred]

Thank you all for the information! I will be on the hunt! Since I have waited for this one, I'll keep waiting until I find the right thing. I'll check back and let you all know how it's going. Thanks again!

 

[mochiko42]

How about this one?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/175072666/mothers-day-sale-asscher-violet-white?ref=listing-shop-header-1

It's on sale too!

(although I prefer my asschers to have larger windmills, this one is still very nice and it has the color and size you mentioned.)

 

[chrono]

How about this one?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/175072666/mothers-day-sale-asscher-violet-white?ref=listing-shop-header-1
It's on sale too!
(although I prefer my asschers to have larger windmills, this one is still very nice and it has the color and size you mentioned.)

Good find. Yes, it's not a true asscher (the windmill ends do not extend to the culet) but it is mostly white, a squarish step cut and reasonably priced. Just as an FYI, it is very important to keep clear coloured stones very clean because they show oil, dirt and smudges very easily as you can tell by the vendor's pictures. Step cuts also tend to show tilt windows more easily that a brilliant type design.

 

[olred]

That is a beautiful stone!! Thank you for finding it! I am guessing this is a reputable Etsy dealer?

 

[olred]

It's me again. I have looked at photographs more and would like your opinion. Is it just me, or is the stone not symmetrical? Thanks again!!

 

[FrekeChild]

It's me again. I have looked at photographs more and would like your opinion. Is it just me, or is the stone not symmetrical? Thanks again!!

What do you mean by not symmetrical? The measurements are 6.3 x 6.4. I have a 6.2 x 6.4mm princess and I can't tell that it's not perfectly square.

Yes, JuliaB is reputable. If you are interested in that stone (and you should be, as colorless spinels are very rare, asscher shapes...you are incredibly lucky that this stone is currently for sale) you can ask her for more pictures.

 

[olred]

On - that's why I was asking. I wasn't speaking to the symmetry of the stone itself, but the individual windmills (facets), I guess. Sorry, I'm still not very fluent in this speak. Thank you!

 

[chrono]

I would ask for a straight on picture because I'm not sure how much of what I am seeing is due to the tilted position of the spinel. I agree that one side seems to show fatter facets than the other side. It will probably not bother most people but I'm very sensitive to any off-symmetry. Best to also ask Julia about it since she has the stone in hand.

 

[olred]

I would ask for a straight on picture because I'm not sure how much of what I am seeing is due to the tilted position of the spinel. I agree that one side seems to show fatter facets than the other side. It will probably not bother most people but I'm very sensitive to any off-symmetry. Best to also ask Julia about it since she has the stone in hand.

Yes - Thank you!! That is exactly what I am talking about! I work in architecture and am very sensitive to anything asymmetrical. I will ask Julia.

 

[minousbijoux]

I would ask for a straight on picture because I'm not sure how much of what I am seeing is due to the tilted position of the spinel. I agree that one side seems to show fatter facets than the other side. It will probably not bother most people but I'm very sensitive to any off-symmetry. Best to also ask Julia about it since she has the stone in hand.

I would say the majority of us here are sensitive to off symmetry. I noticed something was off (like others, I wondered if it was the angle of the pic) so its good that you are questioning it. I would make sure the issue is clarified before you purchase it (but put it on hold now to save it from lurkers).

 

[olred]

I would ask for a straight on picture because I'm not sure how much of what I am seeing is due to the tilted position of the spinel. I agree that one side seems to show fatter facets than the other side. It will probably not bother most people but I'm very sensitive to any off-symmetry. Best to also ask Julia about it since she has the stone in hand.

I would say the majority of us here are sensitive to off symmetry. I noticed something was off (like others, I wondered if it was the angle of the pic) so its good that you are questioning it. I would make sure the issue is clarified before you purchase it (but put it on hold now to save it from lurkers).

Thank you!! I'm still on the hunt!

 

[olred]

What do you all think?

 

[minousbijoux]

Odd that a window is so prevalent on one side only - is that because its a tilt window? If so, it hardly appears to be on an angle to show so prominent a window. Puzzled.

 

[olred]

Odd that a window is so prevalent on one side only - is that because its a tilt window? If so, it hardly appears to be on an angle to show so prominent a window. Puzzled.

I have no idea. I'm attaching another photo. I also have a video, if that might help. Thank you!!

 

[FrekeChild]

This happens with step cuts that aren't cut at the proper angles.

You'll have to go to a precision lapidary if you want perfectly symmetrical

 

[chrono]

That's a pretty fierce tilt window. I would keep looking but as Freke wrote, your best bet is a custom precision cut stone.

 

[olred]

Thank you all again for weighing in on the stone! Now, I'm off to educate myself about tilt windows!