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need honest opinions of a sapphire

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alexclusif

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 3, 2025
Messages
27
Hi,
I'm new to the gemstone thing, I've done quite a bit of online research but feel I need some honest opinions of people that know more than I do before making a big purchase. I'm looking for a padparadsha sapphire to have set in a ring for my wife for our anniversary.
I found this one from skygems.ca that I like, but want to know if the price is fair or outrageous for what it is.
skyjems.ca

0.84ct Cushion Orangy Pink Padparadscha Sapphire GIA Certified Madagas

This is a stunning GIA Certified Padparadscha Sapphire The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 6224341682 Shape: Cushion Cutting Style: Cutting Style: Crown: Brilliant Cut Cutting Style: Pavilion: Step Cut Transparency: Transparent Color: Orangy Pink RESULTS Species: Natural Corundum...
skyjems.ca skyjems.ca
The owner was kind enough to make a special video in different lighting for me.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1wn2...51-1.mp4?rlkey=11fhrqyv5mpj1aqurqc35a62w&dl=0
I've seen some pretty ones on thenaturalsapphirecompany.com too but was told by a couple people that they might not be as authentic etc etc.
What do you sapphire-knowledgeable people think of this?
asking price is 2,700$ CAD (2,000$ USD roughly)
I want something that pops color-wise that's my main thing - not too concerned with the other specs - it's all about color saturation and intricacies, Maybe a little sparkle doesn't hurt either. :)
Please be honest and if you have better sources to recommend for a lower price, that's very welcome!
It's a huge investment for myself (with the setting in a ring).
thanks so much appreciated!
Alex
 
Your original stone is overpriced and ugly if that isn’t being too frank. It has a window almost the entire face of the stone (an area you can see though) and it is a murky brown, both of which reduce the value of a stone tremendously. It’s probably worth a couple hundred bucks.

Others have offered many much much better examples. Gemfix is highly reputable you can search this site to see others who have bought from them.
 
What is your budget? Finewater Gems and Ceylon Blue Sapphires have some nice ones. Here is a video of a 1.04 ct pad that I was considering recently. I ended up buying a larger one from the same vendor and I’m really happy with it. Their customer service is top notch and they are very knowledgeable about padparadscha sapphires.

 
alexclusif said:
thanks for your honesty! I'm looking more for a orangey-pink but that's a much better price I agree! Is that a reputable site - have you dealt with them before? for returns etc?
Click to expand...

They're reputable, yes. I haven't bought from them personally - not for lack of trying, mind you, they just couldn't deliver to me.

If you share some pictures of what you would ideally like to buy and a budget (in case it's different from the price of the original stone you were looking at), the lovely folks here might be able to dig up some more suggestions for you to browse and ponder.

Here are a couple more that seem somewhat similar to the additional video you posted.
 
Dreamer_D said:
Your original stone is overpriced and ugly if that isn’t being too frank. It has a window almost the entire face of the stone (an area you can see though) and it is a murky brown, both of which reduce the value of a stone tremendously. It’s probably worth a couple hundred bucks.

Others have offered many much much better examples. Gemfix is highly reputable you can search this site to see others who have bought from them.
Click to expand...

Never too frank! Although I would respectfully disagree, I like the orangey-brown hue within the pink. It reminds me of a sunset, which is the look I'm going for, but you are probably correct in the details and pricing being less-than great. So thanks for your comment!
 
Good point Avondale. I'll provide a few details:
Budget wise I'd like to keep it around $1,500 or less, max $2000.
Some examples that I like (the prices are way too high for me but just to give everyone an idea of my style)
I tend to like the more orangey hue of pinks. I want something reminiscent of a sunset or sunrise nothing purplish-pink. Hence why I liked the original stone.
I notice that websites like gemfix show some strange pictures that look more like paintings than the true stone colors so not sure about that, but I see you can request a video which is great.
 
Op, did you purchase the original stone you posted? I see it is sold out.
 
alexclusif said:
Never too frank! Although I would respectfully disagree, I like the orangey-brown hue within the pink. It reminds me of a sunset, which is the look I'm going for, but you are probably correct in the details and pricing being less-than great. So thanks for your comment!
Click to expand...

If you like that color, fine, but the main point is that it is not desirable to the trade and should be very discounted as a result.
 
Does that vendor, Skygems, run sales from time to time. If they do - then listed price could be negotiable to the % of those sales at least as a starting point. And that’s all I can add about price.

My only other question would be the color in their glamour shot and listing video sure looks different than the video you are attaching here in ‘different lighting’.
If it shifts that much - that’s something to be aware of.
Are those videos taken in Canada?

Return policy? Spend a few days with it - no harm there.
Buy it because you love it. Not for value or ability to sell later, this would be a hard one even with a GIA report, to get much back upon sale.
 
Last edited:
The first stone is absolutely hideous. I won’t even comment on the price because it is so hideous. Keep looking. I think anything you buy will look better than the first stone.

Orange brown is fine if that’s your preference but this is stained with a giant window.

Natural Sapphire Company is fine. Known to be pricey but my friend bought a beautiful sapphire from them and it was a smooth transaction.
 
alexclusif said:
I like the orangey-brown hue within the pink.
Click to expand...
From the listing photo
Or the listing video
Or the additional ‘different lighting’ video that was taken for you?

No shade - you like what you like.
I’m just curious.
 
How about this

0.79-Carat Eye-Clean Fiery Pinkish Orange Padparadscha (GRS) [7700656] :: $1,778 USD :: StarRuby.in :: Exotic Gemstones - Pure. Natural. Untreated.

:: StarRuby.in :: 0.79-Carat Eye-Clean Fiery Pinkish Orange Padparadscha (GRS) [7700656] :: Gemstone:Natural Padparadscha (Sapphire);Stone ID:R10661;Carat Weight:0.79 Carats;Measurements:5.68 x 4.75 x 3.55 mm;Shape:Oval;Cutting Style:Faceted;Color:Fiery Pinkish Orange;Clarity:Transparent (SI1)...
www.starruby.in

Or this is you don’t mind windows

1.56-Carat VS-Clarity Pinkish Orange Padparadscha Sapphire (GRS) [7701130] :: $2,730 USD :: StarRuby.in :: Exotic Gemstones - Pure. Natural. Untreated.

:: StarRuby.in :: 1.56-Carat VS-Clarity Pinkish Orange Padparadscha Sapphire (GRS) [7701130] :: Gemstone:Natural Padparadscha (Sapphire);Stone ID:R12431;Carat Weight:1.56 Carats;Measurements:7.16 x 6.23 x 3.52 mm;Shape:Cushion;Cutting Style:Faceted;Color:Pinkish Orange;Clarity:Transparent...
www.starruby.in

You can bargain with these folks
 
alexclusif said:
Good point Avondale. I'll provide a few details:
Budget wise I'd like to keep it around $1,500 or less, max $2000.
Some examples that I like (the prices are way too high for me but just to give everyone an idea of my style)
I tend to like the more orangey hue of pinks. I want something reminiscent of a sunset or sunrise nothing purplish-pink. Hence why I liked the original stone.
I notice that websites like gemfix show some strange pictures that look more like paintings than the true stone colors so not sure about that, but I see you can request a video which is great.
Click to expand...

Gemfix has videos - just click on the play icon. Earth's Treasury is the one where you can request a video.

Of the ones you listed only the second one would be of any interest in the pad category. It's quite different from the others, too, and from the listing photos of the first stone you posted. The first and third stones have humongous windows and I wouldn't be able to recommend them in good faith to anyone. They're a waste of money.

If you're looking for a stone with a distinct orange-brown modifier, you should stop looking at pads. Pad is a combination of pink and orange only, strictly, no exceptions. These are rare and exceptionally beautiful colours which is why they cost so much. Of course, that makes vendors attach the pad label on any stone even remotely pink and orange - it allows them to charge exorbitant prices from unsuspecting buyers.

Go for descriptions such as peach instead. The brown modifier should significantly reduce the price and allow you to buy a much bigger stone in your budget.
 
Mrs_Strizzle said:
Op, did you purchase the original stone you posted? I see it is sold out.
Click to expand...

It's just been sent out for me to see in person - not "sold" but "lent" for the moment. Haven't received it yet.
 
shewhowanders said:
What is your budget? Finewater Gems and Ceylon Blue Sapphires have some nice ones. Here is a video of a 1.04 ct pad that I was considering recently. I ended up buying a larger one from the same vendor and I’m really happy with it. Their customer service is top notch and they are very knowledgeable about padparadscha sapphires.

Click to expand...

That's very pretty. Just checked out ceylonbluesapphires and I just had to post a link to one of the most stunning gems I've ever seen for you all to enjoy as well...unaffordable to most maybe but just wow what a beauty:
www.ceylonbluesapphires.com

2.34 Ct True Padparadscha Sapphire

Please view YouTube video footage on High Definition mode to understand the quality & color of the gemstone.
www.ceylonbluesapphires.com www.ceylonbluesapphires.com
 
Last edited:
Rfisher said:
From the listing photo
Or the listing video
Or the additional ‘different lighting’ video that was taken for you?

No shade - you like what you like.
I’m just curious.
Click to expand...

not the photos, - I like from the videos, especially the "different lighting" one though I must admit the color changes so much from each photo/video hence why I want to see it in person...
 
mellowyellowgirl said:
How about this

0.79-Carat Eye-Clean Fiery Pinkish Orange Padparadscha (GRS) [7700656] :: $1,778 USD :: StarRuby.in :: Exotic Gemstones - Pure. Natural. Untreated.

:: StarRuby.in :: 0.79-Carat Eye-Clean Fiery Pinkish Orange Padparadscha (GRS) [7700656] :: Gemstone:Natural Padparadscha (Sapphire);Stone ID:R10661;Carat Weight:0.79 Carats;Measurements:5.68 x 4.75 x 3.55 mm;Shape:Oval;Cutting Style:Faceted;Color:Fiery Pinkish Orange;Clarity:Transparent (SI1)...
www.starruby.in

Or this is you don’t mind windows

1.56-Carat VS-Clarity Pinkish Orange Padparadscha Sapphire (GRS) [7701130] :: $2,730 USD :: StarRuby.in :: Exotic Gemstones - Pure. Natural. Untreated.

:: StarRuby.in :: 1.56-Carat VS-Clarity Pinkish Orange Padparadscha Sapphire (GRS) [7701130] :: Gemstone:Natural Padparadscha (Sapphire);Stone ID:R12431;Carat Weight:1.56 Carats;Measurements:7.16 x 6.23 x 3.52 mm;Shape:Cushion;Cutting Style:Faceted;Color:Pinkish Orange;Clarity:Transparent...
www.starruby.in

You can bargain with these folks
Click to expand...

That first one is very pretty albeit lacking a little pink more orangey - not very "padparadscha" like, but still pretty. Good to know they can be bargained with! thanks for the tip!
 
Avondale said:
Gemfix has videos - just click on the play icon. Earth's Treasury is the one where you can request a video.

Of the ones you listed only the second one would be of any interest in the pad category. It's quite different from the others, too, and from the listing photos of the first stone you posted. The first and third stones have humongous windows and I wouldn't be able to recommend them in good faith to anyone. They're a waste of money.

If you're looking for a stone with a distinct orange-brown modifier, you should stop looking at pads. Pad is a combination of pink and orange only, strictly, no exceptions. These are rare and exceptionally beautiful colours which is why they cost so much. Of course, that makes vendors attach the pad label on any stone even remotely pink and orange - it allows them to charge exorbitant prices from unsuspecting buyers.

Go for descriptions such as peach instead. The brown modifier should significantly reduce the price and allow you to buy a much bigger stone in your budget.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for your comments. That second stone is gorgeous but way out of budget for me sadly. It was just to give you an idea of my personal tastes. I'll have to look for a lower carat of that type :)
 
So, out of curiosity, are you actually looking for more like these, or are these too saturated of color examples? Are you looking for the brown modifier for a more 'earthy' stone?
These happen to be part of my own little personal collection of natural spinels(which while somewhat cheaper in past are quickly pacing their sapphire cousins for some colors) in this color family, but you get the gist. It took years to find these on a budget.
20221027_105127.jpg20211222_130558.jpg20221029_120420.jpg20220330_140052.jpg

You can do it, but for rock bottom price on a sapphire it's likely to take some time. Pad family sapphires are some of the most coveted and expensive. Many are overpriced.
www.etsy.com

Stunning 3.55ct Padparadscha Lotus Flower Pink Sapphire - Etsy

This Gemstones item by BlazeNGems has 80 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Helena, MT. Listed on May 19, 2025
www.etsy.com www.etsy.com
ivyandrose.com

2ct AGL CERTIFIED PADPARADSCHA SAPPHIRE ORANGE PINK NATURAL CUSHION SHAPE LOOSE

This gorgeous 2.00ct oval cut padparadscha sapphire has a beautiful bright salmon hue! The sapphire is certified by AGL with a classification of padparadscha. The color was classified as Orangy Pink.The color is gorgeous, vibrantly saturated, reminiscent of a sunset. The sapphire truly does have...
ivyandrose.com ivyandrose.com

Natural Padparadscha Sapphire Gems - Pink Orange Natural Padparadscha Sapphires

Find RARE NATURAL PADPARADSCHA SAPPHIRE at AfricaGems.com. We specialize in genuine natural real Padparadscha Sapphire stones that are certified and valuable.
www.africagems.com www.africagems.com
huntcountry.com

Hunt Country Jewelers 1.52 Pink Sapphire, Emerald-Cut

1.52 Pink Sapphire, Emerald-Cut
huntcountry.com huntcountry.com
 
ItsMainelyYou said:
So, out of curiosity, are you actually looking for more like these, or are these too saturated of color examples? Are you looking for the brown modifier for a more 'earthy' stone?
These happen to be part of my own little personal collection of natural spinels(which while somewhat cheaper in past are quickly pacing their sapphire cousins for some colors) in this color family, but you get the gist. It took years to find these on a budget.
Click to expand...
wow nice collection! for me it's all about color - I'm no expert in terminology, but I'm looking for intense, vivid color, but more warmer tones, not necessarily brown hues, but pinks with a little more orange in them than your photos. I've found terms online describing the "pads" as sunsets. That's more my style. Have you
heard of gemrockauctions.com? I just found them and looks like they might have decent pricing. I don't need anything too large it's for a 3 stone ring so I'm thinking around 1 carat is fine.
 
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