Montana Sapphire from MasterCut Gems. Do I need a Certification?

Nuzhat Majid · Jul 27, 2019

Hey guys, I am really close to getting this sapphire: https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...natual_Sapphire_1_87_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1. My partner and I both really like it, and the negotiated price is close to our budget. I have a couple of questions regarding certification and insurance. I spoke with MasterCut about certification, and they mentioned they usually don't include a certification for gems priced less than $1500. They also said, an AGL certification with insurance and shipping will cost about $300 or more extra, and they don't think it is necessary.

What do you guys think? I am nervous because this is my first purchase of a gemstone. How important is it to get certification? Is it worth spending extra $300-$400 for certification and insurance? I am also not sure what type of insurance she is talking about...

Thank you all so much,
Nuzhat

MollyMalone · Jul 27, 2019

I imagine MC thought you'd like an AGL report indicating the stone is not only a natural sapphire, but one from Montana. That would require asking AGL for a Prestige Origin report -- AGL's second-most expensive one; for a sapphire of that size, AGL is now charging $230 for a Prestige Origin report:
http://aglgemlab.com/pricelist

I'm assuming insurance refers to the cost of insured shipping of the stone to and from AGL, but that's something you can clarify with MC.

I personally would be comfortable buying that sapphire without an Origin report. Dana cut the stone himself from rough from the mine; he has years of experience cutting stones; and enjoys a fine reputation here (my own transactions with him have been great).

arkieb1 · Jul 27, 2019

Normally people suggest that you get AGL or GIA or Lotus to check it out for you, usually from stones from Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Burma, and so on, other than heat only, people rarely if ever mess with Montana sapphires. And Dana generally knows the treatments on his stones, but if it makes you feel more comfortable it's up to you.

Arcadian · Jul 27, 2019

I've purchased lots of stuff from Dana over the years. And, as a vendor I've never had an issue with him.

So I'll be up front. I like Dana, we had one of those conversations some time ago that humans have with other humans. He's a downright salt of the earth human who I absolutely adore and would go to bat for from a human perspective.

That said if you want to ensure its a Montana Sapphire your purchasing and it doesn't have a report already, then get it done. This goes under the heading of "trust but verify".

As said, he's very good at knowing his material but if it comes back as something different, thats when you take time to discuss it with him.

Bron357 · Jul 27, 2019

Yes, getting a Prestige gem report plus insured shipping to and from AGL will be quite expensive.
You can be confident that the gem from Dana will be as stated BUT if in the future you were to onsell the sapphire, a potential buyer will likely expect certification. However you could always get certification then.

MollyMalone · Jul 27, 2019

Another option:
Wait until you have the sapphire in hand & can view it in different lighting conditions to see if it does indeed appeal to you. You can't really judge a colored gem from online photos or even a video, and Montana sapphires are more apt than most other sapphires to "shift" in their color appearance depending on the lighting.

If it is a "keeper," you yourself can send it off -- via registered mail (US Postal Service) and insured -- to AGL for analysis before having the stone set. You don't have to be "in the trade" to submit a stone to AGL for a report. Assuming that Dana is amenable to taking back the stone for a refund & reimbursing for all or at least half the cost of the report if AGL opines(no reputable lab actually "certifies" anything as that word conveys a guarantee that they're loathe to make) that the sapphire is synthetic or is a natural sapphire but one whose gemological characteristics are not consistent with those from Montana.

lovedogs · Jul 28, 2019

I personally trust Dana 100% so I don't think you need to pay extra for the report. I love that stone.

Nuzhat Majid · Jul 28, 2019

Thank you everyone for all your insights. I went ahead and ordered the sapphire. Once it gets to me, if I like it, I will just keep it, and stop worrying about it's authenticity. I, with all of your endorsements, decided to trust Dana. Without hard work and honesty, no one creates such reputation. Since this is going to be in my engagement ring, I don't have any plans to sell it, so, I think I will be okay without a certification right away.
THANK YOU ALL AGAIN!!! You don't know how much you have helped me.
Time to look for the perfect setting for this beautiful sapphire

distracts · Jul 28, 2019

Hopefully you'll love it! I have a few sapphires from Dana and they're all great.

T L · Jul 28, 2019

On a side note, an origin report for a Montana sapphire is only necessary if you want to make sure it’s been ethically mined. Montana origin does not carry a premium, so in that case, origin is unimportant for value purposes.

Stone Hunter · Jul 28, 2019

Dana is great to deal with. The important thing is how you like the sapphire once you see it. Check it out in all kinds of lightning. I bet you see quite a color shift with this one. All sapphires have some color shift. It’s not a negative. Just be sure you like the colors.

Mrs_Strizzle · Jul 28, 2019

Come back here and show us when it arrives! I love sapphire engagement rings! Congrats

MissyBeaucoup · Jul 29, 2019

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I hope you really enjoy the sapphire!

I wanted to encourage you to get an inexpensive loupe for $20 to look at the stone under magnification. I think you would enjoy it and it will confirm for you that the stone is natural.