HELP NEEDED! - WF E-Ring & Neon Hot Pink Mahenge Spinel

[gutgem]

First of all, this is my first post on here. I have read a lot here. Its how I learned about buying a great engagement ring last time, but this time I do not want to go with a diamond center stone. Unfortunately, due to my ex-wife divorcing me I am back here, but its okay because I am upgrading! This woman is amazingly beautiful and unique so I want a truly special colored gem stone to match her personality! So in searching the forums I found this thread of this truly unique and beautiful gem: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/colored-stones/show-us-your-mahenge-spinels-t138168.htm']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/colored-stones/show-us-your-mahenge-spinels-t138168.htm[/URL]

Hopefully, I do get some good help of advice and opinions as well as in searching for what I am looking for as it appears much more difficult to find colored gems than it is diamonds. Since anyone can find a nice diamond...

So then I am interested in a NEON HOT PINK MAHENGE SPINEL. Though I am also open to suggestions of other gem types that are similarly flashy and unique!l

My budget for this gem is up to about $2000 (I have a separate budget amount for the WF custom ering) Smaller than about 2 carats to try to keep the size and price down. I do not want it to be too large where it looks gaudy (in my opinion).

Looking for a medium tone, STRONG saturation, eye clean, STRONG fluorescence, and a nice cut with high symmetry to be used as the center stone for a halo diamond engagement ring setting like a round, oval, emerald/square/square emerald, rectangular/square cushion, etc that really shows off the beauty of the vivid color and stone.

Thanks for you help!
David G

These are some gems I am considering:
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?1146634658
http://www.thegemtrader.com/Jan%2010%20MSpinel%20Page.htm
http://www.swalagemtraders.com/search-gems/detail.php?pid=2339
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-50ct-WoW-Beautiful-Round-Top-Pink-Spinel-MEHENGE-/250799741604?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a64d45aa4#ht_2237wt_958
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-82ct-Extraordinary-Beautiful-Round-Hot-Pink-Spinel-/250801598716?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a64f0b0fc#ht_1946wt_958

I really like the design of Lady Kate's E-Ring. Here are some that are similar to it:
http://www.tiffany.com/Shared/Engagement/Media/Products/SKU/GRP10045/21768227_l_1_1.jpg
http://www.heartsonfire.com/images/collection/340_340/DelLD_1.png
http://www.davidwein.com/jewelry/blue-sapphire-white-diamond-and-white-gold-ring-00105187/img/detail_JW_033_00326_350x350_DT.jpg
http://artofplatinum.com/vault/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/r008_4d18d6d477750.jpg

 

[VapidLapid]

Is your 2k budget for the stone and setting or just the stone?

The two ebay stones look lighter with a little gray and to me they look like they will be somewhat extinct.
The swala one is quite nice, a little pricey maybe(?) and you should know that shipping from them is costly and returns are difficult and costly so if you want one from them ask a lot of questions upfront so that you are only shipping a likely candidate. The first multicolor one is badly windowed, the second one looks quite nice and budget friendly too and the third one may be a little shallow/slight window.


edited:cause my fingers caint spel

 

[gutgem]

Ok, I edited the posted to show my up to $2k budget is for the gem itself.

I see what you mean about those two multicolor stones so I took them off the list.

I am not even sure if the swala stone is even available anymore...

What about the gem trader stone? Its actually the most expensive per carat weight.

 

[VapidLapid]

You should write to Brad (thegemtrader) to ask him about the saturation and fluor.

 

[T L]

I'm not really loving any of the Mahenge spinels you picked out. They're either too light in tone, or too orange. Truth be told, it is really difficult to find an extremely neon mahenge spinel these days it seems. There used to be a lot more around a year ago. Many also become more orange in artificial light, so you have to be careful about that. With Swala, you have to be really careful, as you're likely to have to pay a large restocking fee if you want to return, and returning a stone to Africa can be challenging. In my experience, I think Multicolour's photos of Mahenges are more vivid than the real thing.

Check out vancegems.com. They don't have photos, but they specialize in precision cut gems, and last I checked, they had a huge inventory of Mahenge spinels. They can email a photo, and they show up at various Intergem gem shows. You can email them.

 

[gutgem]

Yes, I emailed thegemtrader as well as swala and most all the vendors listed in the colored gem vendor list on my quest to find the right stone...

What stone would you suggest?

 

[VapidLapid]

I remember when the gem trader listed that stone I thought it was a little pricey. That was just around the time that mahenges were starting to go up in price. Sometimes you're lucky and find old stock with prices that haven't been updated yet. If this one is loupe clean and saturated and glowy as he says then it could well be a low price now.

AJS has some nice mahenges too that you might want to take a look at.

 

[T L]

Yes, I emailed thegemtrader as well as swala and most all the vendors listed in the colored gem vendor list on my quest to find the right stone...

What stone would you suggest?

I think this is a decent stone, and you could email him to make an offer. It's a little above your budget. It's a completed listing, so perhaps no one bought it yet. I don't see it marked as sold.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-84ct-Excellen...700?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a642b2a84

For a more saturated pink stone with old pricing, this is a nice deal, but I'm not sure if it's what you want.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-02ct-Extraord...&otn=2&po=LVI&ps=63&clkid=8694968997158831786

Always ask about the orange in these stones

 

[T L]

AJS has some nice mahenges too that you might want to take a look at.

Their website is ajsgems.com

 

[minousbijoux]

TL: what do you think of this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350310873588&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2716wt_917

 

[gutgem]

I sent an email over to Vancegems.

I have previously contacted AJSgem but they have not helped yet. Seems I have to narrow the search down myself first which is fine.

A few vendors I have emailed and a couple people on here seem to like this one as a favorite thus far with a reasonable price: http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?1146634658

I just contacted Tan at VVS1 gem about these two if they are still available, his thoughts, and if they will negotiate a cheaper price:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&hash=item3a642b2a84&item=250788653700&nma=true&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&rt=nc&si=MJ0D5m2EcycHWCl1qOMjs7WNUF4%253D#ht_1949wt_958
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=250777887171&si=MJ0D5m2EcycHWCl1qOMjs7WNUF4%253D&viewitem=#ht_2002wt_958

Is this a recommended seller?:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350310873588&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2724wt_917

Thanks for help!

 

[gutgem]

AJSGEMS doesn't seem to have the best selection of neon hot pink mahenge spinels... A couple are from Burma. Here are the best I can find... What do you think?

http://www.ajsgem.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.51-carats.html-0
http://www.ajsgem.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.49-carats.html
http://www.ajsgem.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.40-carats.html-1
http://www.ajsgem.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.38-carats.html
http://www.ajsgem.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.34-carats.html-0
http://www.ajsgem.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-0.89-carats.html

Thanks!

 

[T L]

Honestly, I don't know if anyone has anything super neon right now, and one of the above dealers who I'm afraid to mention, mentioned photoshops Mahenges to death, so I don't trust their pictures (I heard this from someone that has bought a lot of their material). Hint, it's not AJS.

Most of Tan's stones right now are a bit too purplish or orangy in the videos. This is my stone from Tan, and it's a very neon color. Compare this video still with any of his other stones, and I think you'll see what I'm talking about. I think this was older material. Tan is good about returns however if you don't like the stones above when you receive them. Tan owns ebay stores odysseygem, gemburionline and vvs1gem. He can get a lab report for any stone you buy, which means a lot to me, as this color is often synthesized.

 

[T L]

TL: what do you think of this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350310873588&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2716wt_917

That's a good buy, but to me, it's slightly too purplish (compare it with my video still of the trillion).

 

[gutgem]

Yeah, it does look purple a little. Are they reputable?

Thanks.

 

[y2kitty]

Jeff White is supposed to get some Mahenge rough soon.

 

[gutgem]

Tan said he would get back to me tomorrow about the spinels he has after comparing them.

I listed these specifically:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=250777887171&si=sKEN42lrOJOZ2vSU8neCg%252B0AJw4%253D&viewitem=#ht_2002wt_958
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&nma=true&rt=nc&item=250788653700&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&si=sKEN42lrOJOZ2vSU8neCg%252B0AJw4%253D&viewitem=&hash=item3a642b2a84#ht_1949wt_958
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D2%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8694968997158831786&_trksid=p4340.l2557&item=250572151967&nma=true&rt=nc&si=sKEN42lrOJOZ2vSU8neCg%252B0AJw4%253D#ht_1551wt_906

How do I get in contact with Jeff White?

Thanks!

 

[T L]

Tan said he would get back to me tomorrow about the spinels he has after comparing them.

I listed these specifically:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=250777887171&si=sKEN42lrOJOZ2vSU8neCg%252B0AJw4%253D&viewitem=#ht_2002wt_958
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&nma=true&rt=nc&item=250788653700&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&si=sKEN42lrOJOZ2vSU8neCg%252B0AJw4%253D&viewitem=&hash=item3a642b2a84#ht_1949wt_958
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D2%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8694968997158831786&_trksid=p4340.l2557&item=250572151967&nma=true&rt=nc&si=sKEN42lrOJOZ2vSU8neCg%252B0AJw4%253D#ht_1551wt_906

How do I get in contact with Jeff White?

Thanks!

Jeff white will be much higher priced per carat for a Mahenge because you're paying for his cutting too. Just be aware as you are on a budget.

 

[gutgem]

Thanks TL. I found his website and sent him a message. Perhaps I will get lucky... Its worth a shot.

I guess now I wait some more for people to get back to me as I have sent a ton of emails out over the weekend and considering it was Easter and not a week day it may take a while for people to get back to me. Will let you know what I hear back seeking more advice on narrowing it down to the special stone!

Let me know if you find anything nice for me. Thanks!

 

[LD]

This one you listed, has been on my "must get round to buying that" list!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&nma=true&rt=nc&item=250572151967&si=%252F0%252Bhw9CkfresVy4%252BGGAQVmsY%252BPo%253D&viewitem=&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D2%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8694968997158831786

I think it has a lot going for it and returning it to Tan is easy if it's not "the one". It's slightly smaller than the others BUT I think it would have strong fluor. I'm usually attracted to stones with strong fluor (without realising it) and I'm pretty certain this one would have it in abundance!

I bought one from Tan that I think is very similar (in size/colour) and I think is in the "show me your Mahenge" thread but I can't get the link you posted above to work. If you have a look I set it in a marquise shape diamond setting, so might be worth having a look and see if it attracts you. If the photo is on my hand then I have size 6 fingers if you want to compare size/finger ratio.

 

[T L]

This one you listed, has been on my "must get round to buying that" list!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&nma=true&rt=nc&item=250572151967&si=%252F0%252Bhw9CkfresVy4%252BGGAQVmsY%252BPo%253D&viewitem=&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D2%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8694968997158831786

I think it has a lot going for it and returning it to Tan is easy if it's not "the one". It's slightly smaller than the others BUT I think it would have strong fluor. I'm usually attracted to stones with strong fluor (without realising it) and I'm pretty certain this one would have it in abundance!

I bought one from Tan that I think is very similar (in size/colour) and I think is in the "show me your Mahenge" thread but I can't get the link you posted above to work. If you have a look I set it in a marquise shape diamond setting, so might be worth having a look and see if it attracts you. If the photo is on my hand then I have size 6 fingers if you want to compare size/finger ratio.

I mentioned that one above as a suggestion too! Looks like the listing completed recently. I wonder if he bought it?????

 

[VapidLapid]

Roger Dery seems to have cut some amazing mahenge spinels over the weekend

http://www.spectralgems.net/

 

[T L]

Roger Dery seems to have cut some amazing mahenge spinels over the weekend

http://www.spectralgems.net/

He also charges a big premium for his cutting. I wouldn't mention it, except that the OP is on a budget, but perhaps he is willing to pay that premium for precision cutting. Besides, they look rather purplish on my monitor. Not his fault, it seems everything/anything coming out of the ground these days is purplish, even from Tan. I would look for older material.

 

[gutgem]

No, I did not buy that one, but I am interested in it if it hasn't already sold... I am talking with Tan about his stones and awaiting a reply.

Yes, Mr. Dery over the weekend cut the stones after I originally inquired about seeking some pink mahenges. Though they look more purple in the images than what I am really looking for. I like round cuts though.

Here is a couple at Pala Gems replied to me about:
http://www.palagems.com/php/db_search.php?action=gemdetail&inventory_number=17387
http://www.palagems.com/php/db_search.php?action=gemdetail&inventory_number=16746

Gemfix I need to go through as they didn't suggest any at my request...:
http://www.gemfix.com/spinel.html

Vancegems emailed me hoping I would be able to attend one of the shows he will be at, but I replied hoping to find a place he is going close or that he can picture and mail me a nice stone or two to choose from...

Gemsbydesign has some interesting square cushion concave brilliant gems that he says may meet my criteria he will be sending me pictures of that I am excited to see!

 

[T L]

Pala is pretty expensive too, and I'm not that impressed with their Mahenges for the price points. There's too many middlemen between the mine and pala, hence the high prices.

 

[minousbijoux]

Roger Dery seems to have cut some amazing mahenge spinels over the weekend

http://www.spectralgems.net/

Umm, I bought and returned the one on the far left, because I was really looking for the vibrant magenta red. Don't get me wrong, it is a drop dead stunner stone, with great faceting and has this unreal metallic glowey quality to it, but it was more a deep pink than a red and I just couldn't justify it. If someone were a pink lover, than I would grab that stone!

 

[gutgem]

The spectral gems stone on the left although pinker like you said is what I am looking for I have changed my mind on the shape I am looking for. I am in communication with him about the oval cut though as it is one I may consider.

I am now only looking for a round or oval stone as I like that there are many more facets, smoother outside shape, symmetry, less windowing, and will look better with the Lady Kate style flowering halo engagement ring I envision...

Still on the hunt though! A few more people I am waiting to reply. Anyone else find anything that may be of interest?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[gutgem]

This is the best one Tan told me about.., but it is out of my price range:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&nma=true&rt=nc&item=250788653700&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&si=BHZkaOwbeJiNMHpDcuzYU1O5cqY%253D&viewitem=&hash=item3a642b2a84#ht_1949wt_958

Here are others I see:
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-50ct-WoW-Beautiful-Round-Top-Pink-Spinel-MEHENGE-/250799741604?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a64d45aa4#ht_1949wt_958
This one is described as hot pink...
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-82ct-Extraordinary-Beautiful-Round-Hot-Pink-Spinel-/250801598716?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a64f0b0fc#ht_1946wt_958
And so is this one described as hot pink, but they are very different colors from what I see...
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-43ct-Top-Notch-Oval-Natural-Top-Pink-Mahenge-Spinel-/250575524842?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a577713ea#ht_1874wt_906

Anyone used flawlessfacets.com?

Or put money down on a gem hunt or rough?

 

[VapidLapid]

I think flawlessfacets will be way out of you budget

The two nice ebay stones you list look to me like they will have slight window issues, the third one is way off from that color description.

The 1.38 ct AJS and the spectral oval are looking good to me

 

[Arkteia]

Boy, I remember one of my first posts here was about Mahenge. I bought a Mahenge from Swala two years ago and was not happy about the bowtie. I wish someone could hit me on the head at that moment and say, shut up, and buy all Mahenges that are available, from all vendors, because they do not grow on trees and 18 months down the road, there will be almost none!

Good luck with Mahenges! 18 months ago they also came in bigger sizes...
TL, your Mahenge makes me drool...