Need help in choosing blue sapphire

[viridian]

Hi everyone!

I was looking for sapphires in with cornflower blue and vivid blue tones, and I found this one that I really like.
It's a 2.24ct unheated cornflower blue sapphire in a "roval" cut. I personally like rovals and high domed stones, so I do like the cut and overall shape.
The vendor claims that it's eye clean, and the price point is under $2000. It comes with a GUILD cert.
I do think I should ask for more photos/videos under indirect light, as I think the lighting in the videos they sent me seems too bright.
Should I go for it or should I not?
I would really appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks!

video

 

[Brightshiny]

It looks like a very pretty color in the photo, but I also think it may be due to bright lighting. The cornflower sapphires I've seen often look lighter blue in very bright light. I agree with asking for more pictures and maybe video to see what the color is IRL.

What's the return policy if the color is darker than expected?

 

[viridian]

It looks like a very pretty color in the photo, but I also think it may be due to bright lighting. The cornflower sapphires I've seen often look lighter blue in very bright light. I agree with asking for more pictures and maybe video to see what the color is IRL.

What's the return policy if the color is darker than expected?

Thanks for the reply!
Yes, they do have a return policy so I am able to return it if I don't like it.
The color grading by GUILD says intense blue, but they did mark it as a "cornflower blue" for the trade name so I guess it is borderline cornflower? TBH these trade terms are so opinionated I can't trust them anymore lol.

I personally am okay with something more saturated than cornflower, as long as it doesn't go too dark without a direct light source.
I'll ask for more pics/videos to the vendor and update

 

[Avondale]

These videos are taken under some very bright led light and I have some doubts they're representative of the true colour and tone of the stone you'll see in normal conditions. I'm also surprised by the 2k pricetag, as stones in this range with this colour that have been heated go for double that, and this one is unheated per the report. My main concern is that the colour doesn't deliver in person.

Some photos in natural light and low light should shed some light (pun not intended but too good to miss out on) on the matter.

 

[viridian]

These videos are taken under some very bright led light and I have some doubts they're representative of the true colour and tone of the stone you'll see in normal conditions. I'm also surprised by the 2k pricetag, as stones in this range with this colour that have been heated go for double that, and this one is unheated per the report. My main concern is that the colour doesn't deliver in person.

Some photos in natural light and low light should shed some light (pun not intended but too good to miss out on) on the matter.

Haha that's a nice one, Avondale!
I agree, I'll go ask them for additional photos/videos under natural lighting conditions.
Will be back with an update!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Something isn't adding up for me and its making me suspect strongly that the videos/pictures are not representative.

 

[elizat]

It seems like you are not completely sold. It looks like it may be overly brightened with edits? There is also some darkness I would not like personally. I have two sapphires from Tim at Inoro Gems now and went through a couple before I didn't love, so I sold. He could cut something as well. I would keep looking.

 

[ShinyPink]

Amen to all of the above! Depending on the vendor, cornflower blue can be anything and photos are often deceiving. Forget the label and find an example of the color you like, then take it from there.
These are all being sold as "cornflower."

 

[glitterata]

Like the other posters, I have trouble believing an eye-clean, unheated sapphire that size in a desirable blue color would be offered for that price. It looks like the camera (or seller?) bumped up the blue, and I suspect it's a lot darker in person.

 

[viridian]

Hi all,
Just received the video of it under natural light.
IMO it seems to have a nice color, not too dark or light.
I'd like to hear your thoughts please!

 

[Avondale]

That's more like it. You can see how the colour is pretty different in daylight compared to the artificial light of the first videos which strongly enhanced the blue.

It also has colour zoning. You can see it clearly when the stone is turned, and there's also some discolouration on the edge in the face up view (right where the colour zoning is). I suspect that's one of the main driving factors in lowering the price for this one. With such colour zoning, expect that when the stone is tilted from certain angles, you'll see the material as transparent. This is also something you can see in the video:


The new videos are still taken in what is considered optimal natural light - you can see there's bright sun behind the guy and he's providing shade for the stone with his body. So it's still unclear whether the sapphire will experience colour bleeding in low light. If it does, would that bother you? If the answer is yes, ask about it. Besides, colour bleeding could be one more reason the price is on the lower end.

Aside from that, you have the reputable lab report, you have the solid return policy (you've checked everything about it, all the conditions, right?), and the stone looks pretty nice. If you like it, go for it. Worst case scenario you return it and get your money back. But on the other hand you could get a pretty nice and sizeable sapphire for a good price, so it's worth the shot.

 

[Odyssey44]

You have gotten great advice and I can only add that I am concerned there are windows in this stone. But you will see when you get it. Do post what it looks like in real life!

 

[viridian]

That's more like it. You can see how the colour is pretty different in daylight compared to the artificial light of the first videos which strongly enhanced the blue.

It also has colour zoning. You can see it clearly when the stone is turned, and there's also some discolouration on the edge in the face up view (right where the colour zoning is). I suspect that's one of the main driving factors in lowering the price for this one. With such colour zoning, expect that when the stone is tilted from certain angles, you'll see the material as transparent. This is also something you can see in the video:


The new videos are still taken in what is considered optimal natural light - you can see there's bright sun behind the guy and he's providing shade for the stone with his body. So it's still unclear whether the sapphire will experience colour bleeding in low light. If it does, would that bother you? If the answer is yes, ask about it. Besides, colour bleeding could be one more reason the price is on the lower end.

Aside from that, you have the reputable lab report, you have the solid return policy (you've checked everything about it, all the conditions, right?), and the stone looks pretty nice. If you like it, go for it. Worst case scenario you return it and get your money back. But on the other hand you could get a pretty nice and sizeable sapphire for a good price, so it's worth the shot.

Wow, thank you so much for the detailed reply! It's helped me a lot in seeing it the way it is.
I've moved on a bit from this one since as you've pointed out, it does seem to have uneven color.
I contacted several vendors for blue sapphires in a similar price range and here's one of them. It seems to be a lighter shade but I do adore the cut with the small table. It's a 2.5ct, unheated sapphire in a roval cut.

Here are some videos of it that I received and I would really appreciate your thoughts on this one as well!

Thank you all so much

 

[Avondale]

Second one is not a lighter shade (I'd actually say it's comparable in tone to the first one), it's lower saturation. It's a pleasant colour, but that's about all I can say about it, it doesn't draw my eye in. I prefer the colour of the first one.

If unevenness of colour is something you don't want to compromise on, ask the vendor about it specifically. In the third video the view from the pavilion makes it seem like mayyybe there's some colour zoning, but it's difficult to judge and could just as easily be a reflection artifact.

I will say that colour zoning could be an excellent tool for lowering the price, depending on how it's handled and how the stone is cut. I have two sapphires that have it, with one you could never tell unless you turn the ring upside down, and the other is such a stunner, I don't care about seeing the clear zone if I tilt it just the right way to notice it. However, the zoning isn't visible face up with either of them, and a discolouration on the edge of the face like the first stone has will be bothersome to many.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I prefer the first option even with the issues Avondale raised. There will be a compromise for this price point for such a large stone and the slight zoning seems like a good one to me as the color is otherwise nice.

 

[viridian]

Second one is not a lighter shade (I'd actually say it's comparable in tone to the first one), it's lower saturation. It's a pleasant colour, but that's about all I can say about it, it doesn't draw my eye in. I prefer the colour of the first one.

If unevenness of colour is something you don't want to compromise on, ask the vendor about it specifically. In the third video the view from the pavilion makes it seem like mayyybe there's some colour zoning, but it's difficult to judge and could just as easily be a reflection artifact.

I will say that colour zoning could be an excellent tool for lowering the price, depending on how it's handled and how the stone is cut. I have two sapphires that have it, with one you could never tell unless you turn the ring upside down, and the other is such a stunner, I don't care about seeing the clear zone if I tilt it just the right way to notice it. However, the zoning isn't visible face up with either of them, and a discolouration on the edge of the face like the first stone has will be bothersome to many.

Thanks for sharing your insights!

Yes, I agree on you that the second one has a darker tone and because of that the color does seem to be unappealing compared to the first one. Kinda reminds me of the teal sapphires with a hint of blue.
As you've mentioned, I also don't mind color zoning at all, I actually think it's a pretty cool effect I'll be happy as long as the discolouration isn't very visible from the front view.

Additionally, I've specifically asked for a video of the stone under darker indoor lighting and I honestly think it's quite pretty with a nice shade of blue. IMO it's not too light or dark, which I like.

I'd like to hear last thoughts if possible! I really am getting so much help from PS and I appreciate it a lot!

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

They are both pretty and it is likely that under good lighting, you’ll be able to bring out the optimal colour in the second stone.

This is my pastel sapphire. This is what it looks like on any given day. It’s not amazing by any stretch.



But it can look like this on a lovely, sunny day when it’s out and about.



I have one that’s consistently amazing looking but that one cost more than double this one. And it’s perfectly ok to have one that is not “the bestest of the best” as long as you like it and it is the right price for you.

 

[viridian]

They are both pretty and it is likely that under good lighting, you’ll be able to bring out the optimal colour in the second stone.

This is my pastel sapphire. This is what it looks like on any given day. It’s not amazing by any stretch.



But it can look like this on a lovely, sunny day when it’s out and about.



I have one that’s consistently amazing looking but that one cost more than double this one. And it’s perfectly ok to have one that is not “the bestest of the best” as long as you like it and it is the right price for you.

Oh wow, that's a lovely sapphire! Love the ring design as well, thanks for sharing!
I'll have to consider both options now lol
I've asked several other vendors too and I did receive a quote on an unheated 1.45ct vivid blue sapphire, which I feel like has the best color so far. But it is a lot pricier compared to what I was originally looking at so I'll have to think about it.
Here's the video of it!

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Oh wow, that's a lovely sapphire! Love the ring design as well, thanks for sharing!
I'll have to consider both options now lol
I've asked several other vendors too and I did receive a quote on an unheated 1.45ct vivid blue sapphire, which I feel like has the best color so far. But it is a lot pricier compared to what I was originally looking at so I'll have to think about it.
Here's the video of it!

This one I definitely don’t like as much as the other two. It looks muddy to me. Cloudy and not in a sleepy silk way. Just foggy. Sorry that was a bit blunt!

 

[Avondale]

With the disclaimer that judging stones based on videos taken by different people with different cameras is always conditional...

Among these three, my personal vote still goes for the first.

I don't believe the colour of the third is better than the colour of the first. The third sapphire is the type that looks spectacular in sunlight, and you see it in the third video, but bleeds colour as the light dims. Do you see how the shaded areas of it are greyish, instead of a darker blue? Compared to it, the first stone does go a darker blue, and not grey, in low light.

Plus, the third stone is windowed. And not a small window, either. Since I have a terrible pet peeve when it comes to windows, this instantly puts me off of it.

The first stone offers the best compromise. It has the size, the colour and the lack of treatment, plus it has a very decent discount likely due to the colour zoning. And yeah, the zoning will probably be occasionally visible on the face on the edge, but would you have noticed it before I pointed it out? Chances are, most of the time you'll just be enjoying the blue.

Here's one last idea for you that's more of a curiosity rather than anything else. I only learned this recently with my latest sapphire purchase. It's common for clear areas in colour zoned blue sapphires to fluoresce orange under LWUV. You can ask the vendor about that and see if the stone hides a secret flame inside.

 

[viridian]

This one I definitely don’t like as much as the other two. It looks muddy to me. Cloudy and not in a sleepy silk way. Just foggy. Sorry that was a bit blunt!

Thank you for pointing that out! Based on the videos the vendor sent and it did seem foggy with a window So definitely not my favorite.

 

[viridian]

With the disclaimer that judging stones based on videos taken by different people with different cameras is always conditional...

Among these three, my personal vote still goes for the first.

I don't believe the colour of the third is better than the colour of the first. The third sapphire is the type that looks spectacular in sunlight, and you see it in the third video, but bleeds colour as the light dims. Do you see how the shaded areas of it are greyish, instead of a darker blue? Compared to it, the first stone does go a darker blue, and not grey, in low light.

Plus, the third stone is windowed. And not a small window, either. Since I have a terrible pet peeve when it comes to windows, this instantly puts me off of it.

The first stone offers the best compromise. It has the size, the colour and the lack of treatment, plus it has a very decent discount likely due to the colour zoning. And yeah, the zoning will probably be occasionally visible on the face on the edge, but would you have noticed it before I pointed it out? Chances are, most of the time you'll just be enjoying the blue.

Here's one last idea for you that's more of a curiosity rather than anything else. I only learned this recently with my latest sapphire purchase. It's common for clear areas in colour zoned blue sapphires to fluoresce orange under LWUV. You can ask the vendor about that and see if the stone hides a secret flame inside.

What a stunner of a sapphire you have avondale! Very magical and I love the roval shape too.
I truly appreciate the help you're giving me in choosing the right one.
I totally agree with your opinion on windows, I would almost always go with a well cut stone, especially when spending $$$$.
I got curious from your reply so I asked the vendor for a video of the stone under UV light. It doesn't seem to have the flame and I don't think I'm seeing fluorescence at all? (correct me if I'm wrong)
Here's the video

 

[Avondale]

Nope, seems inert. But the UV light is showing you more clearly where the colour zoning is, do you see? The brighter spots with the pinkish flashes, that's the UV's reflection. The more saturated blue material is more absorbent rather than reflective.

I have to say, you've gone back to the vendor on a couple of occasions now to ask for additional videos, and he has obliged each time with good footage that shows the stone's flaws clearly enough to be noticed through reasonable observation. I like such sellers.

Obviously you still have to make your choice but I already have a feeling where this is going, so be sure to come show us the sapphire once you receive it.

 

[viridian]

Nope, seems inert. But the UV light is showing you more clearly where the colour zoning is, do you see? The brighter spots with the pinkish flashes, that's the UV's reflection. The more saturated blue material is more absorbent rather than reflective.

I have to say, you've gone back to the vendor on a couple of occasions now to ask for additional videos, and he has obliged each time with good footage that shows the stone's flaws clearly enough to be noticed through reasonable observation. I like such sellers.

Obviously you still have to make your choice but I already have a feeling where this is going, so be sure to come show us the sapphire once you receive it.

Of course I'll share whatever I end up getting!
You're so knowledgable regarding color zoning in sapphires, I've got a long way to go!
I do feel like I'm being a picky customer, asking for additional videos every time. And the vendor is quite nice so that's an added bonus.

 

[viridian]

This one isn't blue but it's a 1.56ct unheated intense violet sapphire that I'm also into. It seems to be a nice rich color and a nice cut. A local gem cert is included.
He says it's better than eye clean and has strong UV fluorescence.
The vendor is also very responsive and he sent me a lot of videos to refer to. Some are outdoors natural light and some are indoors in a darker environment.
video 1
video 2

TBH I love them BOTH and since I love bluish-violetish tones, it's so hard to decide!

Prices are almost the same for both and I'm sure I'll be happy with either one but I'm wondering what your thoughts are!

 

[Avondale]

That's not a vendor, that's a fellow PSer! He's currently letting go of a large portion of his personal collection, you can even find his thread in the pre-loved forum.

@Dr_Diesel has excellent taste. I don't doubt the stone is just as beautiful in person as it is in photos.

It's entirely a matter of colour preference. Go with the stone that speaks to you more.

 

[viridian]

That's not a vendor, that's a fellow PSer! He's currently letting go of a large portion of his personal collection, you can even find his thread in the pre-loved forum.

@Dr_Diesel has excellent taste. I don't doubt the stone is just as beautiful in person as it is in photos.

It's entirely a matter of colour preference. Go with the stone that speaks to you more.

Oh I must've lost my mind, I actually did find listing on PS (it's on loupetroop) but didn't realize it was him! Must've skipped reading the nickname.

I do want to support his business and I do admire his collection- especially his rings!
And I might be a sucker for violet... should I go with this one?
Maybe I'll get a higher quality blue next time around.

 

[Avondale]

Oh no no no no. We can’t tell you which to get. Sorry. You suffer alone.

Which one would you regret to miss more?

The only other option is to simply get both if you can afford it right now.

 

[Dr_Diesel]

Oh I must've lost my mind, I actually did find listing on PS (it's on loupetroop) but didn't realize it was him! Must've skipped reading the nickname.

I do want to support his business and I do admire his collection- especially his rings!
And I might be a sucker for violet... should I go with this one?
Maybe I'll get a higher quality blue next time around.

Hi there! It’s me. I just wanted to clarify that I’m not a vendor and I don’t have any kind of business related to gems or jewellery. I’m just a private collector.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Often buying “used” you can get a better value for money. Not sure about this specific case as I’m not up on sapphire pricing, but just something to consider.