help with Ruby value

[London]

Hello, ruby newbie here. I initially was thinking I want to purchase a blue sapphire but after visiting my jewelry district I have fallen in love with red rubies. Unfortunately for me they are generally more expensive. I was looking at this ruby online and the square emerald cut and face up dimentions is exactly what I am looking for. However, with that said I am inexperienced with knowing prices. Is this priced reasonably at 34K? Does it need to have a detailed AGL report in order to make an educated call on price?

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/sapphires/c-15-rubies/p-48511-asscher-ruby-u3743/

 

[kenny]

Do a search on that company here on Pricescope.
People have posted some negative experiences with Natural Sapphire Company.
I don't recall what the issues were, perhaps someone else does.

I don't know much about rubies, but I do know that TOP color makes the price go through the roof.
And yes I'd never spend a tenth of that price without an AGL full prestige report.

GIA is best for fancy colored diamonds and AGL is best for all other colored gems.

 

[iambernard45]

It looks good from the picture but I would definitely stay away from H(a)/(b)/(c)
These types of heating seem to be notorious that you may have difficulty in selling later on. Unheated is best and Heated only is fine, but not H(a)/(b)/(c). Just my 2 cents.

 

[MollyMalone]

The vendor has posted a copy of the lab report issued by GRS - Lucerne in July 2010; you need to click on the "thumbnail" of the report to see it in its entirety. I verified via the GRS web site that the report GRS has on file is the same as the one posted. For an explanation of why GRS put H(a) in the Comments section, see this page:
http://www.gemresearch.ch/limiteng.htm

I'd be interested in learning if this vendor can explain-document how this ruby "survives" the ban on the importation of Burmese rubies into the US, which went into effect in August of 2003 and which remains in place, at least until August of this year. This vendor is aware of the ban; it expressed the hope in April 2012 that the ban would be lifted:
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/blog/burmese-sapphires-and-burmese-rubies-illegal-to-import

(the ban was lifted last summer with respect to everything but ruby, jadeite,and jewelry with those materials)

ETA: description of the various level of reports that AGL can provide:
http://aglgemlab.com/gembrief/
http://aglgemlab.com/the-prestige-report/
current price list for AGL lab services:
http://aglgemlab.com/pricelist/

 

[chrono]

It looks a bit on the dark side and rather dull rather than glowy. No mention of fluorescence which I would want in any ruby that I purchase. Perhaps this is an older stone that was resubmitted to GRS, hence a 2010 lab report? I am not overly concerned that it is H(a) but perhaps for that price, I might want to consider H only. There are some minor surface fissures or cavities and the large one on the pavilion will not be seen once set.

H is heat only, nothing else.
H(a) is heat with insignificant amount of glass-like residue present in cavities or fissures. This treatment is also permanent and stable.

 

[London]

Thank you all. This is really wonder info.

I am getting the sense that going through TNS isn't the best plan...

 

[mohsin95]

Just one more piece, I'm not that knowledgable on reports but one thing I do know is 30k+ for a 3.1 ct heated stone is insane. I would go with something like this:
http://m.ebay.com/itm/400685415342?cmd=VIDESC

It's less than 30k and is completely Unheated/untreated. Natural sapphire company charges 3x market value, ypu will be much better off going with a reputable ebay dealer, make sure the report comes with an AGL, or GIA report and the seller has at least a 97% rating (you can check feedback by clicking on the seller's name). By going with something completely unheated/untreated you will save a lot! If you want to save even more and don't care about resale I recommend going with something just heated but not filled.

Some other rubies to look at:
http://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=ruby+&_pgn=1&Shape=Asscher%7CCushion%7CEmerald%7CHexagon%7COctagon&_sacat=10254&cnm=Ruby&_udhi=30000&LH_BIN=1&LH_PrefLoc=0&_sop=16&from=refine

 

[chrono]

$30K for a top heated ruby is not insane. There are several reasons why the Starruby's stone is under $30K:
1. The biggest factor for me is the IGI lab report. For a stone of this value, I would insist on a higher tier lab.
2. The second fact is the colour. In Asia, pinkish sapphires are considered rubies. In USA, they are considered pink sapphires and are sold for less. If sent to AGL or GIA USA, this stone is unlikely to come back with a ruby designation.
3. There is a huge gaping window in the stone. This area will be lifeless.
4. This is a African ruby, which are typically less expensive than Burmese ruby.

 

[minousbijoux]

$30K for a top heated ruby is not insane. There are several reasons why the Starruby's stone is under $30K:
1. The biggest factor for me is the IGI lab report. For a stone of this value, I would insist on a higher tier lab.
2. The second fact is the colour. In Asia, pinkish sapphires are considered rubies. In USA, they are considered pink sapphires and are sold for less. If sent to AGL or GIA USA, this stone is unlikely to come back with a ruby designation.
3. There is a huge gaping window in the stone. This area will be lifeless.
4. This is a African ruby, which are typically less expensive than Burmese ruby.

And finally, there is 5. a fissure/inclusion/crack/feather on the pavillion which may or may not affect its structural integrity.

 

[minousbijoux]

Back to say that I agree with you, Chrono: love that rubies seem to becoming the new blue sapphires!

 

[London]

$30K for a top heated ruby is not insane. There are several reasons why the Starruby's stone is under $30K:
1. The biggest factor for me is the IGI lab report. For a stone of this value, I would insist on a higher tier lab.
2. The second fact is the colour. In Asia, pinkish sapphires are considered rubies. In USA, they are considered pink sapphires and are sold for less. If sent to AGL or GIA USA, this stone is unlikely to come back with a ruby designation.
3. There is a huge gaping window in the stone. This area will be lifeless.
4. This is a African ruby, which are typically less expensive than Burmese ruby.

Agreed that this would be way too pink for me...