Help with Blue Sapphire for Engagement Ring

[Gin]

So I am looking for a blue rectangular cushion cut sapphire center stone for an engagement ring. Luckily at some point in my search I stumbled across this site and have reading as much as I could. I went through the sticky “New to Colored Gemstone Buying” and several other threads on here and looked at what feels like thousands of sapphires online. I was feeling pretty good about what I was looking for.

Then last night I went to a local jeweler who brought in some sapphires for me to look at and that when I realized I have no idea what I am looking at/for. I must have looked at 10 different stones and they all pretty much looked the same to me. I was trying to remember everything I read (color, treatment, cut, windows etc..) in the new buyer guide but that is when I realized I need help. All the stones he showed me looked nice, and there was one he was trying to sell me which was a 2.5ct stone cushion cut which he said was only heat treated for $5500 but it didn’t have a lab report which I wouldn’t buy without (although he did say we could get one). Also when I asked about treatment there seemed to be some confusion which was kind of a red flag also.

So after that I was bit frustrated realizing I am about spend a lot of money on something I know nothing about and was hoping you might be able to help by either helping me find a stone online or recommending me a Jeweler in Southern California? My Budget is 5-6k for the stone and am ideally looking for a blue rectangular cushion cut but may be open to some ovals.

Some stones I like:

I love the first one on finewater but that is a bit out of my budget unfortunately. Maybe the oval for 4k? I think the color is bit lighter than i want though.

Also like some of the ones on www.gemfix.com.... Could you recommend any of these? Also its in So Cal so I can make trip down there one day.
Order/Stock No.: sapphire_blue_1180 - Maybe?

Also either of these?
http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/sapphireblueoval2_30ct_8817/#main
http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/sapphireblueov2_47ct/#main

Please let me know if you have any suggestions, and thanks for all your help in advance!

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Hello! I'll throw in my 2 cents, but I'm sure the experts will be chiming in soon enough. Do you have an idea of the size you're looking for in mm?

The one from Gemfix looks nice. I'd say it'd be worth seeing in person upon their return.

2.75 ct
8.78 X 6.80 X 4.92 mm
Heat only
$3,464 through today
http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7824

I'm still curious about this one from Roger, although I don't know the price.
http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/sapphirebluecush3_02ct_8795/#main

And here's one from John:
2.43 ct
7.5 x 6.8 x 5.3 mm
$5,992
http://johndyergems.com/catalog_pages/gemstone-Sapphire2779.html

ETA: One more for consideration. It might be too dark - not sure. You'd have to ask for pictures/video.
2.23 ct
7.6 x 6.3
$4,691
http://www.africagems.com/cushion-blue-sapphire-g2k-873756.html

 

[LoversKites]

Your budget will get you something really nice. You are sure she wants a blue sapphire, right? If you are also looking at your jeweler's sapphires, ask for a AGL report, not just any lab.

I like the Gemfix one you posted, 1180. Go take a look if you can. The oval Finewater one is also nice but a bit light in the photo. I'd ask for a handshot. I think you have a good eye!

I'm not so sure about the Spectralgem ones. They're pretty but just not the best. There's nothing wrong with them but I think there is better out there. There's always the possibility they look fantastic IRL and are just not captured well. I prefer this one (I dunno if it's in your budget or not):
http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/sapphireblueoval2_98ct_8809/#main

These aren't all in your specs but these are those I like, particularly the oval (This vendor is not cheap. They're all in your budget after the 10% discount though.):
http://www.africagems.com/blue-sapphre-round-g2k-5418.html
http://www.africagems.com/oval-blue-sapphire-g2k-92599489.html
http://www.africagems.com/blue-sapphire-g2000-2786.html

My internet speed is exceptionally slow for some reason so I'm gonna stop here. Sparkliesluver's reply is helpful.

 

[chrono]

1. Please share pictures of what is the ideal colour of blue sapphire for you.
2. Are you looking for heated or unheated?
3. What is the mm size you hope to get?

Can you make the trip to Joe Escobar?
http://www.escobardiamonds.com/

 

[Gin]

Thanks for all your reply's I really appreciate it! I should have been more specific in my original post about what I was looking for and i think the links I posted before were a little all over the place so that probably didn’t help.

To answer your questions:

1. Here are some pictures of the color. I think its royal blue but not completely sure anymore. Also i believe i read they will get darker when its set? is that true?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wilds-globalminerals/7465669314/
http://www.nosignboardgems.com/home/6-04-cts-natural-royal-blue-sapphire-superb-quality-no-heat/

2. Heated are fine.

3. As for size, she doesn’t want it too big, i was thinking 9x7 or 8x6. Something in that range.

And unfortunately Joe's place is quite far, I think about a 6hr drive each way. Gemfix is about an hour and a half. I am in Huntington Beach, CA for reference.

Also, I really like that one from Mastercutgems above. I also like the last two from Arficagems but I am having trouble understanding the price difference. It is just the retailer or are the stones that much better? Probably a little bit of both I am guessing?

 

[dm-smith]

Thanks for all your reply's I really appreciate it! I should have been more specific in my original post about what I was looking for and i think the links I posted before were a little all over the place so that probably didn’t help.

To answer your questions:

1. Here are some pictures of the color. I think its royal blue but not completely sure anymore. Also i believe i read they will get darker when its set? is that true?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wilds-globalminerals/7465669314/
http://www.nosignboardgems.com/home/6-04-cts-natural-royal-blue-sapphire-superb-quality-no-heat/

2. Heated are fine.

3. As for size, she doesn’t want it too big, i was thinking 9x7 or 8x6. Something in that range.

And unfortunately Joe's place is quite far, I think about a 6hr drive each way. Gemfix is about an hour and a half. I am in Huntington Beach, CA for reference.

Also, I really like that one from Mastercutgems above. I also like the last two from Arficagems but I am having trouble understanding the price difference. It is just the retailer or are the stones that much better? Probably a little bit of both I am guessing?

http://www.nosignboardgems.com/home/6-04-cts-natural-royal-blue-sapphire-superb-quality-no-heat/
AGL impostor? Any they called it "AGL Gem Lab"

 

[chrono]

http://www.nosignboardgems.com/home/6-04-cts-natural-royal-blue-sapphire-superb-quality-no-heat/
AGL impostor? Any they called it "AGL Gem Lab"

Not an imposter; the lab just happens to share a similar looking/sounding name - Adamas Gemology Lab of Indonesia.

 

[chrono]

Gin,
It appears that you are looking for the top blue colour; medium to medium dark, with intense to vivid saturation. Probably pure blue hue, maybe with a hint of violet.

The Mastercut sapphire is well priced for the colour but it doesn't seem to fit what you are looking for. The colour is lighter, possibly with a hint of green on my monitor and I don't know how fussy you are about cutting. The AfricaGems sapphire seems to be better cut with colouration more in line with the examples you showed. Pricing will vary from vendor to vendor, depending on their overhead and profit margin, etc.

 

[Bex]

I wouldn't rule out Joe Escobar... a flight from Long Beach to San Jose would only run you $100-150 bucks round trip on Jet Blue. It would be an easy day trip. If you're looking at spending $5K on a stone, then the flight might be a worthwhile investment.

 

[digdeep]

I'm not seeing the green in the Mastercut stone and for the size......nearly 9x7 I'd consider ordering it to see it first hand. The color is what you are attracted to. Dana is easy to work with and I'd suggest contacting him to get in on the 'sale' price or negotiate extending it a bit? As far as cut....Dana is a precision cutter and I'm sure he'd answer that question honestly. For the difference in price you could ask Jerry to assess and fine tune the cut if that's necessary..............

 

[marymm]

Not a rectangular cushion, but kinda close... a 2.57ct rectangular radiant (heated) with AGS cert that has a gorgeous blue color and looks to be well-cut, and within budget - if you're interested, email Brad at The Gem Trader with any questions - highly reputable vendor and a no-questions-asked 7-day return period.

http://www.thegemtrader.com/Gems SR Page 1.htm

 

[Gin]

Well i went ahead asked for more images of the sapphire from Africagems.

I also asked about the master cut one. Can you tell me what specifically is wrong with its cut?

 

[digdeep]

I'm sure Chrono will answer, but it looks like it might be slightly longer on one side than the other. If you have a setting style in mind that may not be an issue. Halo's or bezels, for example.....can equalize cuts like that. Plus, these photo's are magnified so much that in real life it may not be discernible. I'd ask Dana as he can look at the stone and answer questions directly (I'm assuming he has the stone in his possession based on his description)........ Any stone you decide to view can be photographed and reviewed here....... you'll have plenty of input.

 

[chrono]

There could be potential extinction issues, but it's best to see it in person to rule that out.

 

[Starzin]

Well i went ahead asked for more images of the sapphire from Africagems.

I also asked about the master cut one. Can you tell me what specifically is wrong with its cut?

Africagems will post a video that you can link us to and it's a better way to view and try to assess the stone.

The Mastercut one appears to be one that Dana has not recut. It seems to be a little greyer than your ideal and, as someone else pointed out, a titch wider one (short) end than the other. It may also have a small window.

The Gemfix one you first listed is also a lovely gem - unheated (a bonus), eye clean, cut by Andrew and comes with an AGL report. This would be well worth a visit IMHO - and you would get to see comparisons in person.

Another one I think is lovely in colour and cut (and large!) is the SpectralGems oval that LK posted, unfortunately they don't post prices so it may well exceed the budget.

http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/sapphireblueoval2_98ct_8809/#main
Pic for posterity.

 

[Gin]

Well i am still waiting for more photos from Africagems.com and will post those when they come, but Dana got back to me on regarding his opinion on the cut:

"I would say that the cut on this is average to above average for the region
and style of the areas cutting. It is not a western style cut as we have a
tendency to cut away a lot of material they choose to leave to add the
weight.

I think the cut will perform better in a mount than loose as when it rolls
around in your hand like the photos you see what looks like a window or tilt
window that I think being in a stationary mount will eliminate.

The color of the gem is very lovely and seeing a lot of fine blue sapphires
I think this one is in the top 20%.

I hope that helps but me being mostly a western style cutter I am obviously
biased; but I do know from cutting 1000's of gems that sometimes the western
design is not suited for all gems; they do know how to bring the glow out of
a sapphire "

This will be in a halo setting so not sure how that will affect it.

Also i keep looking at the one from Gemfix.com, i am sure its hard to tell from the photos but how does that cut look? And how would it compare to the ones on Africagems? I really like the color plus like you said being untreated is a plus. Maybe i will call in sick on Monday and go take a look at it.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Hi, Gin. Found this and thought I'd mention it. It's a tad smaller than what you mentioned, but not too much.

2.00 ct
7.37 x 6.57 x 5.65 mm
VS2, heat only
$2,100

http://www.gemrite.com/collections/gems/products/blue-sapphire-2-00-cts

 

[digdeep]

Starzin........Dana didn't cut the stone, but because he's a cutter he could assess it as he did in the correspondence with the OP--that may not have been clear.

Gin, you have a lot of nice stones to consider. Good luck.......... the extinction issue may happen with the shape you have chosen so viewing the top color stones in person (with a good return policy and timing)...is a great start. Good Luck and let us know what you decide!!

 

[JewelFreak]

The Gemfix stone looks like it might have extinction issues but you'll know better when you see it. I like Dana's for color & tone; he's probably right that a setting will make the slightly wonky dimensions not noticeable but you'd need a jeweler who can do that for you. Personally I love the John Dyer sapphire, though it's more purple than you seem to be looking for. The cut is kind of stunning & I'm sure it would perform beautifully.

Will be interested to see your impressions after you've had a chance to ogle a few. Be sure to see them in varying lights, including daylight. Store lighting makes everything look fabulous.

 

[Gin]

Well I got a video of the one from africagems. I think it looks very nice! Also they said they don't have AGL reports on hand for most of the treated sapphires but they can get one which normally takes about three weeks. That is something I would need to get correct?

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N2kncMeRZN4&feature=youtu.be

 

[Fancygems]

Hi,
I inquired about the one from Roger at spectral gems when I was looking. It was 5k so in budget for the OP.

 

[LuckyKelleyK]

I really love this one! Wish I could buy it

http://jefferydavies.com/inventory/product/117-sapphire-3-08ct

 

[LoversKites]

Let's organise this.

Sapphire 1:
http://www.gemrite.com/collections/gems/products/blue-sapphire-2-00-cts
2.00ct
7.37x 6.57x 5.65mm
Heated
$2,100
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLp0Li7Tqs0

Sapphire 2:
http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7824
2.75ct
8.78 X 6.80 X 4.92 mm
Heated per AGL
$3464.00

Sapphire 3:
http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_blue.html (1180)
2.24ct
7.7x6.2mm, 5mm
Unheated per AGL
$3995.00

Sapphire 4:
http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/sapphireblueoval2_98ct_8809/#main
2.98ct
9,45x7x5.5mm
Heated
Unknown price (Fancygems, did you inquire about this one or the rectangular one?)

Sapphire 5:
http://www.africagems.com/blue-sapphire-g2000-2786.html
2.06ct
7.50 x 6.50 mm
Heated
$6,586.00
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2kncMeRZN4&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop

Any I left out?

 

[LoversKites]

I really love this one! Wish I could buy it

http://jefferydavies.com/inventory/product/117-sapphire-3-08ct

I don't like this one. Big bowtie in the video.

 

[LoversKites]

Hi,
I inquired about the one from Roger at spectral gems when I was looking. It was 5k so in budget for the OP.

The oval or the cushion?

 

[LoversKites]

I personally like the oval Spectralgems one most for colour and face up size.

Next comes the Gemfix one (based on the photo) which you will hopefully see when you can. Plus it's unheated. Please take pics for us btw

The Africagems one is nice but I wouldn't buy it because of the high price. There are many equally beautiful options for less.

If the Mastercut one looks good irl despite the cut it's a good option. Nice face up size too.

The Gemrite one is too purple on my monitor in the video. It's not very saturated in the video either. But that's reflected in the price.

 

[chrono]

Ditto LK; based on your requirements, #3 and #4 would be my top choices due to colour and cut.

 

[Gin]

I personally like the oval Spectralgems one most for colour and face up size.

Next comes the Gemfix one (based on the photo) which you will hopefully see when you can. Plus it's unheated. Please take pics for us btw

The Africagems one is nice but I wouldn't buy it because of the high price. There are many equally beautiful options for less.

If the Mastercut one looks good irl despite the cut it's a good option. Nice face up size too.

The Gemrite one is too purple on my monitor in the video. It's not very saturated in the video either. But that's reflected in the price.

Thank you SK! I am finding my biggest problem is i am having trouble comparing price to quality so this is very helpful. I went ahead a reached out to Rodger about both, though i think the cushion will a bit out of my price range. But i really like that oval too! Also on Monday i am going to try my best to go down to Gemfix and take a look at that in person, and i will try and take some photos of it. Its really hard to sneak down to San Diego without my girlfriend knowing

 

[LoversKites]

I personally like the oval Spectralgems one most for colour and face up size.

Next comes the Gemfix one (based on the photo) which you will hopefully see when you can. Plus it's unheated. Please take pics for us btw

The Africagems one is nice but I wouldn't buy it because of the high price. There are many equally beautiful options for less.

If the Mastercut one looks good irl despite the cut it's a good option. Nice face up size too.

The Gemrite one is too purple on my monitor in the video. It's not very saturated in the video either. But that's reflected in the price.

Thank you SK! I am finding my biggest problem is i am having trouble comparing price to quality so this is very helpful. I went ahead a reached out to Rodger about both, though i think the cushion will a bit out of my price range. But i really like that oval too! Also on Monday i am going to try my best to go down to Gemfix and take a look at that in person, and i will try and take some photos of it. Its really hard to sneak down to San Diego without my girlfriend knowing

My pleasure. Yeah, I didn't include the cushion cut because there is always a price jump at the next ct. There's no harm in asking though.

Good luck sneaking around

 

[Gin]

After looking again, i reach out to Gary at Finewater about the 3.48 ct Ceylon Sapphire and would like to know your thoughts on it? It will be a little above budget but it is also the one i liked from the very beginning. Thoughts?

http://www.finewatergems.com/sapphire.html