Need Help change on last minute

[nScope]

Hi Guys,

I was reading learning about diamonds and almost was ready to buy. Now, there is a twist I talked to my FIance and she wants Blue Sapphire as that's what she always wanted. All my research has gone in a hole . I don't even know what to do, where to look, what to buy and from where ? I would really appreciate your help here. Budget is around $5000.

I had a thread in diamond section and Gypsy referred me to this forum area.

Thanks in advance.

 

[chrono]

No problem. Let's see what we have to work with.

Stone = blue sapphire
Budget = $5K. Is this only for the stone or does it include the setting?

Size = ?
What mm size do you hope to reach? Because sapphires are dense, they look smaller than diamonds. They are also cut deeper so let's shop by mm size, rather than carat weight.

Shape = ?
Are you open to ovals or it has to be a specific shape such as round, square cushion, rectangular cushion, etc?

Colour = ?
Please post pictures of sapphire colours that you (she) likes. Doesn't matter if it belongs to somebody or is already sold. This will give us some idea of what you want so we know what to suggest.

Treatment = ?
Heated or untreated?

 

[minousbijoux]

Hi and Welcome! It sounds like you would like to learn as well as find the right stone so I would start by reading this thread (on the main Colored Stones page, there are several threads that are permanently pinned on the top of the page; this is one as is a list of trusted colored gemstone vendors): [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]

Once you've read this, you may have a better idea of what you seek.

 

[nScope]

Hi and Welcome! It sounds like you would like to learn as well as find the right stone so I would start by reading this thread (on the main Colored Stones page, there are several threads that are permanently pinned on the top of the page; this is one as is a list of trusted colored gemstone vendors): [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]

Once you've read this, you may have a better idea of what you seek.

Hi Thanks for the link. I already read that but not sure where to start and look for diamonds.

 

[minousbijoux]

So if its a blue sapphire you're after, I would try Roger Dery of Spectral Gems, Jeff Davies, Gemfix, maybe Gary Braun of Finewater Gems as well as others on this list: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/can-we-start-a-new-thread-with-respected-cs-vendors.169561/page-5']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/can-we-start-a-new-thread-with-respected-cs-vendors.169561/page-5[/URL]

 

[nScope]

No problem. Let's see what we have to work with.

Stone = blue sapphire
Budget = $5K. Is this only for the stone or does it include the setting? I would like to keep under $6000 with setting.

Size = ? Not huge but good decent size. maybe 1.5 ? not sure. I was looking for 1 carat diamond before.
What mm size do you hope to reach? Because sapphires are dense, they look smaller than diamonds. They are also cut deeper so let's shop by mm size, rather than carat weight.

Shape = ? Round and Oval
Are you open to ovals or it has to be a specific shape such as round, square cushion, rectangular cushion, etc?

Colour = ? Royal Blue ? I have posted few pics that she liked. She really like the ring on the banner in this link.
Please post pictures of sapphire colours that you (she) likes. Doesn't matter if it belongs to somebody or is already sold. This will give us some idea of what you want so we know what to suggest.

Treatment = ? I have read untreated are rare ? If I can get untreated within my budget I would say untreated. Please guide me on this one.
Heated or untreated?

She wants conflict free diamond and that is a must for her.

 

[nScope]

So if its a blue sapphire you're after, I would try Roger Dery of Spectral Gems, Jeff Davies, Gemfix, maybe Gary Braun of Finewater Gems as well as others on this list: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/can-we-start-a-new-thread-with-respected-cs-vendors.169561/page-5']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/can-we-start-a-new-thread-with-respected-cs-vendors.169561/page-5[/URL]

Thanks for that link will take a look. I guess will have to read all over again for blue sapphire.

 

[nScope]

another one she really liked.

 

[lambskin]

I think you have to ask your GF what color (darker or lighter for example) and shape she wants for the stone. You need to find out her preferred setting. It is like a puzzle:you must fit all the pieces together within your budget. If she wants accent diamonds your diamond research will not go for naught. ( Also, I am sure that purchasing diamonds will be in your future. ). Does she know about sapphires? Perhaps you all can learn together and find your perfect stone. Good luck.

 

[chrono]

Here's what we have so far:

Stone = Blue sapphire
Budget = $5K to $6K, including the halo setting.
Size = 6.5 mm, probably around 1.5 ct.
Shape = Round or oval
Colour = Almost pure blue, medium tone, strong saturation
Treatment = Untreated preferred

It will be difficult to source conflict free diamond melees that have supporting proof that they are conflict free.

Based on the fancy setting she likes, I would set aside $3K for a CAD/cast platinum setting, leaving you $3K for the sapphire. You probably have to stay with something heated for your budget and other requirements.

 

[chrono]

Really nice deal on this one.
$1K for a 1.47 ct precision cut round blue sapphire.
The upside - it is from a long time trustworthy Pricescope member
The downside - the sale is final
http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/jeff-white-blue-sapphire

 

[Lady_Disdain]

There are several suppliers of conflict-free diamond. Even Rio Grande has them. However, most ready made semi-mounts don't state what the origin of the diamonds are. So, we are probably moving into custom made ring territory, where you can ask the person making it to source the diamonds.

 

[chrono]

Several options here although a bit on the expensive side. He runs sales from time to time so it is worth asking for a discount.
http://www.africagems.com/bluesappphire1-1-5.html

You'll have to call but they source nice blues at reasonable prices.
http://www.escobardiamonds.com/

Unheated blue oval currently on sale
http://www.finewatergems.com/sapphire.html

Some rounds and ovals on sale
http://www.mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=view&cat=307

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Here's another couple for consideration:

1.16 ct
6.08-6.03 X 4.16 mm
Heated
$1,020
http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7823


.85 ct
4.8 x 4.1 mm
Heated
$1,700
http://johndyergems.com/catalog_pages/gemstone-Sapphire3255.html

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Here's one more. You'd have to see it in person to really gauge the color, I think, since it might be a bit too purple. Not sure. Thought I'd still mention it though.

1.50 ct
7 x 5mm
Heated
$1,250

http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=10314

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Sorry, last one! Promise. This seemed too pretty not to mention...and potentially right up your alley.

2.36 carats
7.7mm
0.35 carats of GH VS2 diamonds (you'd have to ask her about these)
14K white gold
$2,545.75
Video: http://youtu.be/Kh-K9xu5yVg

https://www.etsy.com/listing/203308326/holiday-sale-15-off-blue-sapphire?ref=shop_home_active_18

 

[Niel]

Really nice deal on this one.
$1K for a 1.47 ct precision cut round blue sapphire.
The upside - it is from a long time trustworthy Pricescope member
The downside - the sale is final
http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/jeff-white-blue-sapphire

Usually I wouldn't advise spending the majority of your budget on the setting, but this stone is lovely, there are a few threads on here showing lots of pictures so you can get a gold sense of it, then you could go all out on the best setting.

 

[nScope]

Sorry I was out of town and could not respond. I have few questions after looking at the options you gave me. Why is there so much difference in prices of these sapphires. I did not see that much price deviation in diamonds. What you think of rings like this from Brilliantearth ? If that a good quality product or I can do better with that same amount of money ? Reason is they have conflict free diamonds. I will look into more details of the vendors mentioned and contact them. I might just go with one big sapphire solitaire ring.

Really nice deal on this one.
$1K for a 1.47 ct precision cut round blue sapphire.
The upside - it is from a long time trustworthy Pricescope member
The downside - the sale is final
http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/jeff-white-blue-sapphire

Conflict free ? and final sale is a bummer as this is my first gemstone buy and not sure if I will like it when it comes. So looking for things I can exchange or return. The diamond color is perfect tho.

There are several suppliers of conflict-free diamond. Even Rio Grande has them. However, most ready made semi-mounts don't state what the origin of the diamonds are. So, we are probably moving into custom made ring territory, where you can ask the person making it to source the diamonds.

Thanks, will try to contact them.

Here's another couple for consideration:
1.16 ct
6.08-6.03 X 4.16 mm
Heated
$1,020
http://mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7823
.85 ct
4.8 x 4.1 mm
Heated
$1,700
http://johndyergems.com/catalog_pages/gemstone-Sapphire3255.html

Looking for little bigger stone.

Here's one more. You'd have to see it in person to really gauge the color, I think, since it might be a bit too purple. Not sure. Thought I'd still mention it though.
1.50 ct
7 x 5mm
Heated
$1,250

http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=10314

yeah looking little too dark on the sides. But good option. So looks like 1000-1300 is good range for 1.5 carat sapphires.

Sorry, last one! Promise. This seemed too pretty not to mention...and potentially right up your alley.

2.36 carats
7.7mm
0.35 carats of GH VS2 diamonds (you'd have to ask her about these)
14K white gold
$2,545.75
Video: http://youtu.be/Kh-K9xu5yVg

https://www.etsy.com/listing/203308326/holiday-sale-15-off-blue-sapphire?ref=shop_home_active_18

Looks good but not sure if it is conflict free. Also looks like color is on the lighter side, I am looking at navy blue color range sapphire.

 

[LoversKites]

With brilliant earth you are not seeing the actual ring, just a stock image. You can't judge the quality of the setting, diamonds or sapphire from the image. They say their sapphires are standard heat only but don't have a lab report from a reputable lab to back it up. There was once someone on PS who was considering a Brilliant earth sapphire (loose I believe) and they refused to get a lab report for it. You could do better.

I must say I like the Julia B ring. I'd ask her about the diamonds being conflict free before deciding against it. Imo it's not too light. It's better for a sapphire to be lighter than what you seem to be after so that they don't look overly dark in some lighting, especially direct sunlight, low light and fluorescent light.

I also really like the LT sapphire. I understand your reserve about the no returns policy. Just in case, here's a thread with pictures:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-pics-of-my-jeff-white-sapphire.161698/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-pics-of-my-jeff-white-sapphire.161698/[/URL]

 

[T L]

Sorry, last one! Promise. This seemed too pretty not to mention...and potentially right up your alley.

2.36 carats
7.7mm
0.35 carats of GH VS2 diamonds (you'd have to ask her about these)
14K white gold
$2,545.75
Video: http://youtu.be/Kh-K9xu5yVg

https://www.etsy.com/listing/203308326/holiday-sale-15-off-blue-sapphire?ref=shop_home_active_18

Maybe it's just the photography, but I wouldn't call it "cornflower blue" per Julia's description. It seems to have a violet component to me. Regardless, it is a very pretty ring, but I just wanted to point that out.

ETA: I just noticed she said it was "violet" in her etsy description.

"The center stone is a medium cornflower blue sapphire, that measures 2.36 carats and 7.7mm diameter. The violetish blue color shifts more towards blue in daylight and more towards violet in incandescent light. "

 

[T L]

It will be difficult to source conflict free diamond melees that have supporting proof that they are conflict free.

I must highlight this point. If that's a major concern, you should go with cz's, moissanite, synthetic white sapphire, some other simulant. . . or no diamonds at all. It's one thing to buy a large conflict free diamond (some are inscribed and from Canada), but melee are a whole other ball of wax.

 

[VirginiaZee]

There's also this one from Mastercutgems: http://www.mastercutgems.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=7930
6.74x6.62, so just every-so-slightly out of round, unheated and $2590.

 

[Niel]

It will be difficult to source conflict free diamond melees that have supporting proof that they are conflict free.

I must highlight this point. If that's a major concern, you should go with cz's, moissanite, synthetic white sapphire, some other simulant. . . or no diamonds at all. It's one thing to buy a large conflict free diamond (some are inscribed and from Canada), but melee are a whole other ball of wax.

Would you consider second hand settings? I know it's not garenteed conflict free but being second hand does eliminate the idea of contributing to the industry,as well as is actually a greener option than buying a conflict free new setting.

Just an idea.

 

[distracts]

Conflict free ?

What do you mean by conflict-free? The majority of conflicts that people think of when they think of "conflict diamonds," such as those popularized in Blood Diamond, etc, have been ended. There is a system in place to ensure that diamonds are not funding conflict (larger, certified diamonds). There is not one for colored gemstones. Just because a gem has not funded conflict by rebel groups does not mean it is ethically sourced (that everyone involved is paid a living wage, treated well, and that unnecessary environmental damage has not occurred), or that it does not fund a government that visits violence upon its citizens.

If you want as close as you can get to ethically-sourced gem, I would encourage a sapphire mined and cut in America or Australia, or a synthetic stone (which we aren't allowed to talk about on this forum, as it is a forum for natural stones).

Most gold is around 70% recycled metal so I wouldn't worry about that, at any rate.

eta: just a little blogpost about this: http://cecileraleydesigns.blogspot.com/2012/08/are-gemstones-ethically-sourced.html

 

[Niel]

Conflict free ?

What do you mean by conflict-free? The majority of conflicts that people think of when they think of "conflict diamonds," such as those popularized in Blood Diamond, etc, have been ended. There is a system in place to ensure that diamonds are not funding conflict (larger, certified diamonds). There is not one for colored gemstones. Just because a gem has not funded conflict by rebel groups does not mean it is ethically sourced (that everyone involved is paid a living wage, treated well, and that unnecessary environmental damage has not occurred), or that it does not fund a government that visits violence upon its citizens.

If you want as close as you can get to ethically-sourced gem, I would encourage a sapphire mined and cut in America or Australia, or a synthetic stone (which we aren't allowed to talk about on this forum, as it is a forum for natural stones).

Most gold is around 70% recycled metal so I wouldn't worry about that, at any rate.

Or Montana sapphires, though that probably won't be the blue you're after.

 

[swissmiss]

I second the suggestions made by others above, especially Yvonne's & MasterCutGems. We are unlikely to be able to answer questions about the conflict-free nature of individual stones or settings on vendors' websites. It's best to address that question to the vendors themselves, but even they may not be able to answer...

For truly/fully conflict free setting + stones, you may have to go synthetic, but we can't really discuss that on PS.

I happen to love Montana sapphires, but they definitely have a different look to them and you may want to show some to your SO to make sure she likes them.

 

[nScope]

With brilliant earth you are not seeing the actual ring, just a stock image. You can't judge the quality of the setting, diamonds or sapphire from the image. They say their sapphires are standard heat only but don't have a lab report from a reputable lab to back it up. There was once someone on PS who was considering a Brilliant earth sapphire (loose I believe) and they refused to get a lab report for it. You could do better.

I must say I like the Julia B ring. I'd ask her about the diamonds being conflict free before deciding against it. Imo it's not too light. It's better for a sapphire to be lighter than what you seem to be after so that they don't look overly dark in some lighting, especially direct sunlight, low light and fluorescent light.

I also really like the LT sapphire. I understand your reserve about the no returns policy. Just in case, here's a thread with pictures:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-pics-of-my-jeff-white-sapphire.161698/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-pics-of-my-jeff-white-sapphire.161698/[/URL]

Thanks for the info, I see similar sapphires priced for more why is that ? difference in cut or clarity ? If I buy this and go with a nice setting will it be a good buy or should I buy a little better one ?

Sorry, last one! Promise. This seemed too pretty not to mention...and potentially right up your alley.

2.36 carats
7.7mm
0.35 carats of GH VS2 diamonds (you'd have to ask her about these)
14K white gold
$2,545.75
Video: http://youtu.be/Kh-K9xu5yVg

https://www.etsy.com/listing/203308326/holiday-sale-15-off-blue-sapphire?ref=shop_home_active_18

Maybe it's just the photography, but I wouldn't call it "cornflower blue" per Julia's description. It seems to have a violet component to me. Regardless, it is a very pretty ring, but I just wanted to point that out.

ETA: I just noticed she said it was "violet" in her etsy description.

"The center stone is a medium cornflower blue sapphire, that measures 2.36 carats and 7.7mm diameter. The violetish blue color shifts more towards blue in daylight and more towards violet in incandescent light. "

For some reason I don't like the color of that stone. I also want to go with different setting. The pics I posted above were just for color of stone I am after.

It will be difficult to source conflict free diamond melees that have supporting proof that they are conflict free.

I must highlight this point. If that's a major concern, you should go with cz's, moissanite, synthetic white sapphire, some other simulant. . . or no diamonds at all. It's one thing to buy a large conflict free diamond (some are inscribed and from Canada), but melee are a whole other ball of wax.

Would you consider second hand settings? I know it's not garenteed conflict free but being second hand does eliminate the idea of contributing to the industry,as well as is actually a greener option than buying a conflict free new setting.

Just an idea.

hmm..I really don't want to go lab one's as it might be the only sapphire I will buy. Yeah but I can ask vendor if it is conflict free and will never be sure about the second hand one.

Conflict free ?

What do you mean by conflict-free? The majority of conflicts that people think of when they think of "conflict diamonds," such as those popularized in Blood Diamond, etc, have been ended. There is a system in place to ensure that diamonds are not funding conflict (larger, certified diamonds). There is not one for colored gemstones. Just because a gem has not funded conflict by rebel groups does not mean it is ethically sourced (that everyone involved is paid a living wage, treated well, and that unnecessary environmental damage has not occurred), or that it does not fund a government that visits violence upon its citizens.

If you want as close as you can get to ethically-sourced gem, I would encourage a sapphire mined and cut in America or Australia, or a synthetic stone (which we aren't allowed to talk about on this forum, as it is a forum for natural stones).

Most gold is around 70% recycled metal so I wouldn't worry about that, at any rate.

eta: just a little blogpost about this: http://cecileraleydesigns.blogspot.com/2012/08/are-gemstones-ethically-sourced.html

Thanks for the info.

 

[GliderPoss]

Ok sounds like an Australian sapphire could be just what you are looking for! Contrary to popular opinion - they aren't ALL navy black but you do need to hunt about a bit and ask for photos first. I suggest contacting Jim & Jenny from Coolamon Sapphires http://www.coolamonsapphires.com/ and give them specifics on what you are looking for as they have plenty of stock that is not advertised on their website.

Other options are:

Trudy from Gemhunters has some too: http://gemhunters.com.au/gemstones/all-faceted/sapphires/page/2/
Doug from Bespoke Gems could help: http://www.bespoke-gems.com/SacredGeometrics_MainFoyer.php
Sapphires Australia: http://www.sapphires-australia.com.au/index.php\
Beaut Gemstones has lots of blues: http://www.qualitygemstones.com.au/sapphire_blue.htm
Aussie Sapphire has nice ovals: http://www.aussiesapphire.com.au/in...0_3_18&zenid=4945356c16aacf5ad82952a5cb35816c

 

[chrono]

Do you mind showing links of similar sapphires you've seen that are priced for more/less so that I can explain whether it is due to colour (small nuances in colour can make a big difference in pricing), cut or clarity.

 

[nScope]

Do you mind showing links of similar sapphires you've seen that are priced for more/less so that I can explain whether it is due to colour (small nuances in colour can make a big difference in pricing), cut or clarity.

I was looking at the links you posted and few others.
The one mentioned here for $1000
http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/jeff-white-blue-sapphire

and say for example this one.
http://www.jamesallen.com/gemstones/blue-sapphire/1.49-carat-round-sku-13071