Looking for very nice sapphire under $7k

[erikw]

I am in the process of searching out for a really nice blue sapphire under $7k and even after reading through the colored gemstone guide, I don't really know where to start. I know a few things:

• Girlfriend's ring size is a 5, so she has fairly petite fingers and she is quite petite.
• We have picked out a Danhov LE112 Ring
• A round blue sapphire is her favorite
• I am looking for something very nice, but not necessarily huge. Quality>quantity.

Any suggestions? Why should I are if a sapphire is heated versus unheated? What size would you recommend? Any great vendors?

Thanks!

 

[ragiff]

you could start here:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/list-of-vendors-for-reference.208782/


Hopefully, others will chime in.

 

[rainydaze]

And here....
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-to-coloured-gemstone-buying-read-this-first.174284/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-to-coloured-gemstone-buying-read-this-first.174284/[/URL]

Google 'sapphire heat periscope' to pull up threads discussing that.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Welcome! Is $7k for the sapphire and the setting? Also, when you say blue sapphire, can you post some pictures of the color blue she likes?

ETA: Added setting. Is this the correct one?

 

[Niel]

This one would be more if it didn't have a wonky culet.

The setting you're using, in my mind, would do well in hiding the "wonk", so I'm going to suggest it

https://mastercutgems.com/Products-301-ANAGEE_Sri_Lanka_Gems/6953-Natural_Sri_Lanka_Blue_Sapphire_2_92_carat-GemMedia.php?FromPage=1&ProductMediaID=26498

 

[Niel]

Small but mighty

http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1256-round-roulette-cut-1-33cts

 

[elle_71125]

Small but mighty

http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1256-round-roulette-cut-1-33cts

I was just about to post this one...that color!

 

[erikw]

Welcome! Is $7k for the sapphire and the setting? Also, when you say blue sapphire, can you post some pictures of the color blue she likes?

ETA: Added setting. Is this the correct one?

Thank you all for the responses.

Yep, that is the setting. I think she just wouldn't want a very dark blue or very light blue.

 

[elle_71125]

This one is beautiful too. Bigger and definitely more expensive.

http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1185-round-portuguese-cut-2-32cts

 

[erikw]

Small but mighty

http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1256-round-roulette-cut-1-33cts

Very pretty color and very pretty gem. I found a nifty conversion guide that says that stone is about the same size as 1 ct diamond, correct? That will definitely go on the list.

 

[Niel]

Small but mighty

http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1256-round-roulette-cut-1-33cts

Very pretty color and very pretty gem. I found a nifty conversion guide that says that stone is about the same size as 1 ct diamond, correct? That will definitely go on the list.

Yes a 1ct is about 6.5mm

 

[erikw]

This one is beautiful too. Bigger and definitely more expensive.

http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1185-round-portuguese-cut-2-32cts

I like this one as well. What does a "Portuguese" cut mean?

 

[lovedogs]

This one is beautiful too. Bigger and definitely more expensive.

http://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-1185-round-portuguese-cut-2-32cts

I like this one as well. What does a "Portuguese" cut mean?

A Portuguese cut is just a different type of cut for a round gemstone. It has more facets vs. a typical round cut. These diagram pics (just examples from google) will hopefully show you difference in number of facets. I think most people wouldn't notice the difference between the two cuts if looking from afar (since both are round), but up close/if you are looking for it you can see that they are cut differently.


Diagram pics of most typical cuts, including round


Diagram of Portuguese cut round




PS I recommend looking at GemFix or Mastercut gems for a great stone (as others have already said with the ones they linked). I think they will have the best stones for your price/color preference. Good luck!!

 

[chrono]

A few other options:
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=5419
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=7579

 

[Acinom]

Welcome!
Many PS-ers are member of the FB page 'Fine Faceted Gems and Cabs Market'. It's good to let the experts here advice you first on colour and cut though before you make a purchase.
I am not familiar with this particular seller. On the photo the colour looks good. Please note that these sapphires may darken in low light. Still beautiful but good to realise...

 

[Acinom]

Another option. Not sure if this one is available though. I believe this is a well known and reputable seller.

 

[lovedogs]

Another option. Not sure if this one is available though. I believe this is a well known and reputable seller.

I saw him re-post this relatively recently so I think it's still available, and he does seem like a well-known and reputable vendor from what I've seen. I adore this stone and think it would be gorgeous!


ETA: Here's a nice looking one from Jeff Davies (a well known and great seller). https://www.pinterest.com/pin/342555115385146100/

He has all of his inventory on pintrest if that is of interest

 

[erikw]

Thanks again! One thing I'm struggling with is the wide range of prices that I see sapphires go for. Any suggestions on questions to ask to determine if the price equates to the value?

Thank you!

 

[chrono]

Price will depend on the nuances of colour, the price the vendor procured the stone for, and how quickly the vendor wants to move the stone.

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks again! One thing I'm struggling with is the wide range of prices that I see sapphires go for. Any suggestions on questions to ask to determine if the price equates to the value?

Thank you!

I think a big factor is whether the stone has been heat treated (or any other treatment) versus untreated. Untreated stones will be more expensive vs. those with treatment. Given your budget I would recommend only considering heat treatment (other treatments can sometimes make the stone less durable, so I wouldn't risk that). Also the color is a big factor, with "royal blue" commanding a higher price vs. other colors. Also more saturated stones will be more expensive than those with a "weaker" color. Another factor is where the stone is from (origin).

Here are some good articles about what is considered "ideal" in terms of origin of the stone + color. But definitely keep in mind that your own eyes are the most important factor in terms of what color you prefer! My personal tastes are such that the most ideal colored sapphire is less appealing to me than slightly lighter colors, so make sure you dont buy a stone based on whether or not other people find the color "ideal".

http://www.gia.edu/sapphire-quality-factor
https://www.palagems.com/sapphire_connoisseurship.htm

 

[ragiff]

Just received email notification today, some nice blue stones added here you might be interested in:


http://www.finewatergems.com/new-gemstones.html

 

[erikw]

Quick update over here! I just happened to be in San Diego on my "spring break" (I am working towards getting my MBA as well as employed full time). Long story short, I stopped by GemFix. I had a sapphire in mind that he had listed on his site, but ultimately decided on a 2.44ct (8mm) sapphire that he had for sale for $6,100. It has a certificate from GIA and was in my opinion the best he had within the size range I was looking for.

These photos don't do it justice because I am taking them at night under artificial lights, but it's a very pretty stone.

Let me know what you think!

 

[minousbijoux]

Edited: that's what I get for not reading the updates before posting!

It sounds like you had a good idea what you were wanted before you got to Gemfix, so even though the photo, as you yourself said, doesn't show a fabulous looking stone, I'm sure it is in real life. It must feel great to have found "the one," both the stone and the fiance!

ETA: given that most sapphires of medium or darker tone and strong saturation tend to go dark in low light situations, it is a strong point in its favor that it does not.

 

[arkieb1]

Take a photo on the back of your hand either in sunlight or next to indirect sunlight, then we can see the colour of it!!!!

 

[erikw]

I just snagged some better photos of the sapphire. I caught these outdoors - really shows off the color very well.