Need help with sapphires asap please

[mamato3blessings]

Hi all,

I'm now considering 2 sapphires. My budget isn't huge, so I could really use help deciding.

One is AGTA certified unheated/untreated and is 1.14ct, 6.5x5.4, VS, $800.

The other is heated, but otherwise untreated 1.62, 6.6x6.2, VS, $821

I have labeled the pictures by certified and uncertified.

I much prefer the look of the uncertified one, but unheated has it's own value. Thoughts?

 

[VapidLapid]

I like to think of certificates as being issued for Valor, but not for gemstones, unless there is a contest at a state fair. AGTA sold lab reports. The one for that stone says that their gemologist did not find indications of heating. I know it sounds like a small and picky thing, but to many it isn't. That said I have to ask if you've seen these stones in person? They each have t heir pluses and minuses. The one with the AGTA report has a large icky fracture/feather type inclusion that is dark and visible right through the table. Otherwise it looks to be nicely cut and a fine color. The heated one looks like a nice color but somewhat dark (possibly due to cut), and is heated. without a lab report saying that is hasnt been diffused one can only assume that it has been. The inclusion in one and heating in the other kind of balance out but the spectre of possible diffusion would eliminate one for me. That inclusion could be a deal breaker too. I think you need to see them in person. Are these your only choices?

 

[minousbijoux]

Yes, I agree with Vapid and would add to his question - why aren't you considering other sapphires?

 

[mamato3blessings]

Thank you!

No, I haven't seen either in person. I was trying to decide which to buy to look at, but I can't afford to buy both to compare together. I just now noticed the inclusion. I didn't see it on the other pictures, but saw it clearly on one of them. Thanks for pointing that out!

He says that he doesn't buy from dealers that sell BE stones, but I do understand that that isn't a guarantee.

So, are you saying that reports are subjective? Is there a possibility that the stone is in fact treated? Does having a report help the stone hold its value if I ever sell?

There are many sapphires, but I really preferred the color and general look on these two. So, should I keep looking? Do you all recommend a good source for sapphire that isn't over the top expensive?

And LOL on the state fair comment!

 

[Pandora II]

Thank you!

No, I haven't seen either in person. I was trying to decide which to buy to look at, but I can't afford to buy both to compare together. I just now noticed the inclusion. I didn't see it on the other pictures, but saw it clearly on one of them. Thanks for pointing that out!

He says that he doesn't buy from dealers that sell BE stones, but I do understand that that isn't a guarantee.

So, are you saying that reports are subjective? Is there a possibility that the stone is in fact treated? Does having a report help the stone hold its value if I ever sell?

There are many sapphires, but I really preferred the color and general look on these two. So, should I keep looking? Do you all recommend a good source for sapphire that isn't over the top expensive?

And LOL on the state fair comment!

A lab report is the OPINION of a trained gemmologist, on that day using the knowledge and equipment available to them, of a particular stone. Nothing more, nothing less - you could get different opinions at different labs.

A report may help you sell a stone, but you will be taking the hit for the report on top of the stone price so you may not recoup the costs. An AGL Prestige which is the diamond standard so to speak in the USA will cost you around $150 I believe with shipping etc (or is it more?).

Looking at those two stones, I particularly hate that kind of photograph - I'd rather see a snapshot to be honest. The second one is more of a royal blue than a cornflower to my eyes.

 

[VapidLapid]

What do you think of this?:

http://www.moregems.com/loose_cut_gemstones/sapphire_loose_gemstone_html/ceylon-oval-sapphire-weighs-2-02-carats.html

It is a little more$ than the others, and if it were me, I would need to make the sale contingent on it being heat ONLY no diffusion and it would have to go out to an independent 3rd party lab for that report.

 

[T L]

All those stones look a bit dark in tone to me. I would ask the vendor if the tone is dark, and if there's extinction (large areas of no light return out due to dark tone). Also, is there a color shift in various lighting? What is the color shift? While I understand that not everyone can afford top notch saturation, one should not have to pay tons of money to have at least some decent brightness in the stone, and light return.

I agree with Pandora that a regular snapshot, preferably on the hand, would be optimal. I don't like shots like that because it looks like the background has been cropped out (why???).

 

[VAgemguy]

Those look like the kind of photos Simply Sapphires uses. To TL's point (and apologies for threadjacking), does anyone know why they do that fuzzy-edged, cropping thing?

 

[mamato3blessings]

If I had to guess, I'd say that use some type of magnification and then take the picture. I'm not sure why they wouldn't just use a good camera with a macro function, but I have never asked him. I have bought from SS before and was very pleased.

I went ahead and bought the uncertified stone, as the color is just lovely to me. I prefer deeper stones, but not so deep that it doesn't dance. I figured I could drive myself insane going through endless websites and pictures or I could just bring it home and see how it performs. I have a loupe, so I can take a good look as well. Plus, I'd like to check for zoning and extinction myself.

I'll report back on Tuesday . Thank you all for your responses!