Looking for a Cuprian Tourmaline! Help, please!

[Resonance.Of.Life]

I've been looking for a paraiba/cuprian tourmaline forever, and I can't find a good afghan or any beautiful teal tourmalines. Help please!

 

[FrekeChild]

Are you just wanting teal or are you wanting something with the Paraiba glow?

Also, most importantly, what's the budget?

 

[mochiko42]

Also, how about your level of tolerance re: inclusions, windows, cut, fancy shapes, etc... ?

 

[chrono]

Agree with Freke and Mochiko. Some details will be helpful to say whether it is realistic, a crazy search and for us to offer alternatives/steer you in the right direction.
1. Tourmaline only? Is a lookalike acceptable (if so, how durable must it be)?
2. Must you have the glow?
3. Budget?
4. Size, clarity, shape, etc?

 

[Resonance.Of.Life]

1. Tourmaline only? Is a lookalike acceptable (if so, how durable must it be)?
- Yes, tourmaline only.
2. Must you have the glow?
- It is what I absolutely lust after!
3. Budget?
- 3k ish (can expand, depending on the stone)
4. Size, clarity, shape, etc?
- clarity, I can deal with some inclusions (esp since from what I've read can also contribute to that glow)
- Shape, ideally a round, but I am open to ideas
- size : something that would be ok for a ring with side stones.


Are my expectations outrageous? This is my first foray into colored stones, and of course, I choose something super pricey.

 

[GregS]

I'd try contacting Constantin Wild, a while back he had a few small but high quality stones. IIRC you contacted FGS gems about some Paraiba and they had a couple ovals, I had a chance to see those 2 ovals in person and they didn't do it for me.

 

[JewelFreak]

For 3K you could find a decent-size cab, but for a faceted one, clean-ish, with the neon glow, you'd have to multiply that by at least 10, maybe more. You have picked one of the most expensive stones,unfortunately. -- Prices way past the stratosphere. Let us know what you find, pant pant pant.

--- Laurie

 

[Resonance.Of.Life]

Greg: Yeah, I did contact him a while back, but the stones didn't really tickle my fancy like how your round does

JewelFreak: haha I'd be happy with a little one, maybe a 4mm? T__T Why wasn't I into gems 10 years ago? T__T

 

[Resonance.Of.Life]

Greg: This is what he had to show me.

 

[athenaworth]

Have you check out Paraiba International?

 

[GregS]

Greg: This is what he had to show me.

It looks better in the picture, the window isn't as obvious.

 

[lilmosun]

Greg: Yeah, I did contact him a while back, but the stones didn't really tickle my fancy like how your round does

JewelFreak: haha I'd be happy with a little one, maybe a 4mm? T__T Why wasn't I into gems 10 years ago? T__T

My price range was the same as yours and I ended up getting a ring that had 10 smaller paraiba stones with a sprinkle of good quality diamonds in 14k. Would you consider that? Like you, I wanted the glow. I got mine an the Intergem show (wholesale section) and it took many shows for the price to come down (and finally got it at a very slow show just before closing). I was hoping for a larger stone but this is one ring where I've had zero regrets or second thoughts since buying. I tell myself that the smaller stones hide the inclusions. Good luck..would love to see what you end up with!

 

[mochiko42]

One more question:

- What is the timeline? Are you OK to wait and patiently search for months, or do you need it very soon? If you are in a hurry, then your options will be more limited. Sometimes you can get lucky if you are in the right time and place. I got my cuprian by joining a FB group (which many PSers and PS vendors are on), and I managed to snag a 2ct Mozambique at a very good price because someone was letting a few stones go from his personal collection in a fire sale.

Also, I would absolutely ask some of the PS recommended vendors (in the sticky thread at the top) if they have anything in their inventory but not listed on their website. You could try Litnon, Mastercut, Jeff Davies, etc.

 

[mochiko42]

Saw this unheated cuprian from Mozambique on FB today. $1,850 for 1.25 ct. It doesn't seem to have that neon glow in the photos though

 

[Resonance.Of.Life]

Everyone, thanks for your responses. (esp you Mochiko, for keeping your eyes peeled). I bought what is advertised as a paraiba tourmaline (I still need to send it to AGL to verify) I will post pics once I get my hands on it. I ended up doubling my budget and hopefully, the color is as spectacular as the video makes it to be.

 

[NKOTB]

Fingers crossed! Please keep us posted!

 

[JewelFreak]

Oh gosh, hope it turns out the be spectacular. Dying to see -- and then I'll be dying of envy! Wish I had known where to look 10 years ago too!

--- Laurie

 

[pregcurious]

Can't wait

 

[mochiko42]

Can't wait

+1. The suspense!!

 

[Resonance.Of.Life]

It just arrived today !

 

[derbygal]

Fabulous!

 

[Resonance.Of.Life]

 

[GregS]

Wow!!! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous. Awesome find!

 

[cookies]

I am speechless. It looks so unreal but it's real!

May I ask where you found it?

 

[Acinom]

What an amazing find. Such a fabulous glow
Any ideas on how to set it?

 

[Resonance.Of.Life]

Debygal: thanks!
GregS: I'm pretty sure I'm still more jealous of your round faceted Cabs just don't sparkle.
Cookie: I procured it from RDG's closing down sale. It was never listed.
Acinom: I was thinking of doing something like this: http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2008/magnificent-jewels-n08498/lot.160.html

I am still open to ideas, this is my first CS!

Deets: 3.60 carats 9.5 X 9.6 X 5.59 mm

I still need to send it to AGL to confirm paraiba, but this is just based off of what RDG told me, they bought it from a dealer in Brazil.

 

[Acinom]

Beatiful setting! Your stone will be the star in this setting. Who will make the setting for you ?

 

[Resonance.Of.Life]

Acinom: No idea yet, reaching out to LAD and Grace soon enough. I just received the stone today, it will take some adjusting to since it's not like a diamond so it is not "lively" but more static.

 

[MrsM]

OMG!! I am so envious...that is absolutely beautiful and a hefty size to boot. Will be waiting anxiously to how it looks in its new home. Enjoy!!!

 

[FrekeChild]

Nom nom nom....