I am new, and I need help picking out a sapphire ring!

[jestoltz23]

I am "new" to the forum, I look but have never posted. My Husband has agreed to upgrade my engagement ring and I want a blue sapphire. We went to a jewelry store (local) today and looked at different stones, I saw a lot that I like but I want to make sure I am getting a quality stone. I asked if they were natural and the sales person confirmed that they were but I as looking at a 4 carat for about $4500. The color was very pretty, I am afraid that it is not a good stone because of the size and price, I am assuming (obviously)that it is heated (which is okay with me) but what questions do I need to ask to make sure there is nothing else going on with it or should I ask where it is from? What do I need to look for. HELP!

Thanks

 

[minousbijoux]

Please spend some time looking around this forum. There have been so many threads recently on sapphires, more specifically, blue sapphires, and existing treatments. There is a search function up top that will facilitate things for you. Once you've spent some time reading some of these threads and have specific questions, we'll be happy to answer them

 

[Pandora II]

A decent 4ct stone should cost a LOT more than $4.5k so I am instantly suspicious.

Is the stone extremely dark or extremely pale?

What is the cut like?

Is it the kind of store that sells second-hand pieces or could they have had a sapphire lurking about in a box for 30 years and finally decided to set it? If it has recent, modern stock then I would run a mile unless they can supply you with an AGL report on the stone.

To do that you will need to be sure that this stone is the ONE. The usual deal is that you buy the stone with the understanding that should the stone come back from the lab as something other than what they have stated, then you can return the stone and they will refund the cost of the report.

Can the store even tell you where the stone is from or what treatments it has had?

 

[chrono]

Natural only means that the sapphire is real, not a synthetic or simulant. Its definition pretty much ends there. It says nothing about the treatment whether it is heat only, heat with added minerals, oiled, fracture filled and etc. Based on the size and price, something tells me that the colour probably isn't good or there is something else "wrong" with it. Origin isn't particularly important. Can you post a picture of roughly what the sapphire colour looks like using an example stone (other pictures you have seen elsewhere)?

This link is a good starting point on judging quality in coloured gemstones.
http://www.palagems.com/quality_4cs.htm

 

[jestoltz23]

I will go back and get a picture of the stone and ask to make sure that it isnt anything other than heated. Thanks for the advice! Looks like I might be running from the store! lol I know a lot about my diamonds but not about sapphires!

 

[Pandora II]

I will go back and get a picture of the stone and ask to make sure that it isnt anything other than heated. Thanks for the advice! Looks like I might be running from the store! lol I know a lot about my diamonds but not about sapphires!

Chances are they won't have a clue - most jewellers know very little about coloured stones let alone being up to date on treatments.

 

[jestoltz23]

Should I just stick to the internet and buy a stone from a reputable site? Or should I ask the jeweler to see the AGL? I am almost convinced just to go with a diamond so that I know what I am getting lol Gemstones confuse me!

 

[T L]

I personally would stay away from sapphires right now because the prices are crazy due to the Diana/Kate ring. You may be able to find a decent one with an AGL report for a fair price, but since you are a novice, it's probably best to stay away. Diamonds are overpriced too, but at least you're not headed into unknown territory with one. Other than that, you should read about all the millions of sapphire threads on here lately, which I'm sure have been spawned by the Kate/Diana ring. Everyone and their great uncle wants a sapphire these days, and they're one of the most treated, and synthesized stones out there. People are being conned every day in paying thousands for stones so heavily treated, or synthetic, so that they're worth very little.

 

[SB621]

I agree with what has already been said.

However, dont' be afraid to join the colored stone community. Do your homework and learn as much as you can. If a sapphire is what you want then go for it- don't turn to diamonds just because you think they are more straight forward in purchasing. Just be patient and I"m sure you will find something that will make your heart sing.

 

[T L]

I agree with what has already been said.

However, dont' be afraid to join the colored stone community. Do your homework and learn as much as you can. If a sapphire is what you want then go for it- don't turn to diamonds just because you think they are more straight forward in purchasing. Just be patient and I"m sure you will find something that will make your heart sing.

Education is key though. If a person wants to be educated on sapphires, and read up, then go for it. If not, then stay away.