How do I find a top quality blue sapphire pair (3-4mm) ?

[Chemteach7]

I am excited to find this forum. this is my first post. I am having a bit of a problem. A few years ago, a mens ring (family hierloom) went mysteriously missing. I am trying to recreate the ring. Does anyone have any advice on where I might find a pair of top quality blue sapphires (cornflower/Kashmir colour) in the 3-4mm size ? I am at this point open to about anything as I am having a hard time finding a small pair. I am not interested so much in the price as I am in the colour/cut/quality of the stones. I have made it a personal mission to recreate this ring so that once again it can be passed down the family. Please help....... Thanks

 

[MakingTheGrade]

You could try simplysapphires.com, thenaturalsapphirecompany.com, or email vendors like Michael of the gemshoppe.com (he used to have some nice pairs in a 4mm size, and he might still if you ask).

 

[trishy]

i was just shown the website planetarygems.com and they have reasonably priced, unheated, untreated sapphires as well... you may want to look there too

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Date: 10/30/2009 1:55:55 AM
Author: trishy
i was just shown the website planetarygems.com and they have reasonably priced, unheated, untreated sapphires as well... you may want to look there too

If you do, you might want to get them independently certified by the AGTA or other reputable lab. I'm not saying I know them to be untrustworthy, I just maintain a sense of skepticism when it comes to buying gems from vendors relatively unverified by Pricescopers, especially when the astrological advertisement is that heavy handed (nothing against those that believe in astrology, I just prefer gems to be described in more objective terms rather than "magical" and "powerful"). And the old "if it's too good to be true.." adage. They also seem to have 2 different websites (http://www.simplygemstones.com/).

I wrote them an email once asking a question, and the response was kind of curt and defensive, which generally puts me on guard. But I might just be spoiled from vendors like Gene and Barry who are very patient in answering all questions very thoroughly and as objectively as possible.

 

[trishy]

thanks!! thats good to know as they have more of the color i was looking for

 

[chrono]

If quality is of extreme importance, I’d also try Palagems. You can contact Gary Dutton www.diamondexpert.com to give you the pricing, or any jeweller (local or online), however, I find that Gary gives the best pricing. Are you fine with heated or they must be untreated?

 

[Chemteach7]

I will begin contacting the vendors you have suggested...... and I thank you so very much. The question of heated vs. unheated NEVER crossed my mind till I started reading on this forum. How big of a difference does this make as far as price in these size stones (<.35) ??????? As I mentioned before, its the quality aspect that I am interested in as I don''t wish to be in a position that I would want to replace them after a short time, or a few years. Also, how can you tell if they are heated or not ?

 

[chrono]

You will not be able to tell the difference between unheated and heated with the naked eye. In terms of pricing, there is a difference but probably not a whole lot for the size you are looking for. Probably in the high tens to a hundred dollars or so.

 

[adams828]

Chemteach, another place to look is Wild Fish Gems, Ed often has some very nice pairs (and great color sapphires!)

http://wildfishgems.com/gemstone_pairs_and_sets?b=1

 

[Chemteach7]

I contacted "wildfish" and their product seems very inline with what I am looking for. He mentioned that he would have to cut the stones himself (I am willing to wait). The colours are fantastic from what I saw.

 

[gemgirl]

There are six pair to chose from between this page @ajsgems.com and the next page.

http://www.ajsgems.com/blue-sapphire-gemstone-sapphire-2046340410.html?page=1