Newbie - Need morganite assistance

[aubiedoll]

After stumbling across Maegan's gorgeous engagement ring, I've decided that I would LOVE to own a morganite, too. I love the idea of having a pink stone.

http://www.lovemaegan.com/2010/03/since-you-asked-my-engagement-wedding.html

I have found a morganite, that I'm interested in purchasing, but I don't know jack about what to look for. Can anyone tell me if this is a quality stone or should I look elsewhere?

Weight: 2.86 Carat.
Gem Type: 100% Natural Morganite.
Shape: Cushion / Portuguese Cut
Size in millimeter: 10.5 x 8.5 x 4.9 mm.
Color:: Orangey Pink.
Clarity: VS 1.
Luster: Very Good.
Origin: Brazil.
Treatment: Unheated / Untreated.
Hardness: 7.5 to 8.0.
Refractive Index: 1.562 to 1.602.
Specific Gravity: 2.66 to 2.87.

 

[LD]

Hello Aubiedoll and welcome!

Well, I don't know who Maegan is but I like her ring! Morganite comes in various different colours, orange, pink (pale to rose pink typically), lilac-pink and a brownish pink. The one in Maegan's ring appears to be a pale pink and the one you have linked to is orangey-pink. Have you seen Morganite and tried it on? If not, I would suggest you do so because Morganite suits some people very well but on others it can be very close to skin tone and therefore it fades into your skin. I love Morganite but can't wear it for that very reason. I also don't like the orangey version as it can look quite brown sometimes.

Just so you can see the difference in colour ways, I've uploaded a picture of some of mine - in the first picture you can see the orangey colourway and next to it a lilac pink. Underneath is a photo of a pear that is also an orangey version and you can see it against my skin. Once set it just disappears!

Looking at the one you linked to, can you see how there's more orange at both ends and pink in the middle - are you okay with that?

Also, are you going to wear the ring every day? Morganite is not the hardiest of gemstones. It's much better than some but you do need to take care of it because it is reasonably brittle and can't withstand pressure. To give it some protection, if you halo it like Maegan's ring and set it low down, it'll be more protected than if it sits high without anything around it.

Morganite is also not an expensive stone so please don't overpay!

Hope that helps.

 

[aubiedoll]

Thank you for such a quick response!!

You answered a lot of my questions - I have gone back and forth between the light pink and peachy pink versions and I couldn't find an exact answer on if one was any better than the other. The only thing I could find was that there is more color saturation with the bigger stones.

The other topic of discussion that I've seen on other message threads was regarding the gem's "window." I wasn't sure if anyone could tell if the stone I'm looking at has a good "window."

 

[aubiedoll]

Oh - I forgot to add - it will be set in a halo setting.

 

[LD]

Thank you for such a quick response!!

You answered a lot of my questions - I have gone back and forth between the light pink and peachy pink versions and I couldn't find an exact answer on if one was any better than the other. The only thing I could find was that there is more color saturation with the bigger stones.

The other topic of discussion that I've seen on other message threads was regarding the gem's "window." I wasn't sure if anyone could tell if the stone I'm looking at has a good "window."

You actually DON'T want a window! If there is one, it means that, for some reason, the cut is "off" and so you lose colour in the centre of the stone. In some cases you will be able to see straight through it and if you put it over a book, the words underneath are clear to see. You don't want that!

To assess whether there's a window or not, you need to evaluate a stone directly head on without the gem being tilted in any angle. With smaller windows a good setting can sometimes hide it (but you need to find a design with basket underneath that is semi closed). I think you'll be ok with the stone you're considering BUT please make sure you're not paying too much.

 

[aubiedoll]

Can you actually suggest the best place to find quality morganites?

It's kind of ironic that the original one I posted and had been looking at was from the very same company that called you a liar. I discovered that thread after I posted my original post.

 

[T L]

If it's from Brazil, it's probably nuked (irradiated) to get that color. They irradiate a lot of stones over there. Not sure if that's a concern of yours. I don't think the treatment is detectable either, so if you buy one, just know that you might have a treated stone, even if the seller claims its untreated. Not sure if the color is stable either. It might fade, especially if exposed to sunlight for a long duration.

Megan said that having a morganite would have the same effect as a pink diamond in her blog, but I wholeheartedly disagree. If you're looking for a "pink diamond" substitute, you're not going to find it with a beryl.

Okay, just know I'm not a fan of beryl, but if you want a lot of bang for your buck, and you don't mind treatments, or potential fading, then morganite is for you. Honestly, I would try to look for a well cut light pink spinel. Many are orangey pink, and when well cut, sparkle much more than a morganite.

Here's a reputable seller of morganite, but again, I don't know if they're treated, and I never take a seller's "word for it."

http://www.ajsgem.com/morganite-gemstone-beryl-2046340424.html

Another reputable seller

http://www.multicolour.com/gallery/?/gallery/morganite/

They also make synthetic morganite too, so be careful who you buy from.

 

[aubiedoll]

The stone definitely doesn't have to be morganite. I love the pink color more than the type of stone.

 

[aubiedoll]

This is absolutely gorgeous!! The price...not so much


Lot # SPI3569NV
Weight: 2.99 carats
Total Price (USD): $2349.00
Number of pieces: 1
Clarity: Eye Clean
Origin: Burma
Shape: Cushion
Cut: Step Cut
Treatment: Unheated
Size: 8.40 x 6.80 x 6.20 mm ( LxWxD )

 

[minousbijoux]

Hi Aubiedoll:

A couple of comments - First off, TL's advice is really good, so take advantage of her suggestions. Secondly, I looked at the video the seller has of your morganite and it definitely has a window. The good news is that since its not a dark, or highly saturated color, with the proper setting, the window shouldn't be that noticeable. The bad news is this particular seller, as many on ebay do, enhances the photos, so you can't judge the stone from the still or the video. I have bought from this seller, and the majority of the time, the stones are not as vibrant and pure in hue as you would expect from their representations. On the other hand, they will provide certs from the lab of your choice if you so choose, so you know that what they offer is real. For a first stone, I would probably not buy from them, but wait to find something you want that they can't really screw up, like a basic amethyst, green toumaline, zircon, or spessartite garnet.

 

[T L]

This is absolutely gorgeous!! The price...not so much


Lot # SPI3569NV
Weight: 2.99 carats
Total Price (USD): $2349.00
Number of pieces: 1
Clarity: Eye Clean
Origin: Burma
Shape: Cushion
Cut: Step Cut
Treatment: Unheated
Size: 8.40 x 6.80 x 6.20 mm ( LxWxD )

Hot pink spinels are usually more expensive due to the saturation of color, but lighter pink ones are less money. What is your budget for the stone?

This might not be large enough for you, but here's a reliable ebay seller that I buy quite a bit from. Here's a pale pink spinel which is well cut. Again, it's important who you buy spinel from as it can be synthesized, but the good news is that it's one of the few gems in the world that remain untreated.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-37ct-Flawless...ultDomain_0&hash=item4ced639715#ht_2282wt_917

This one is more of a purplish pink, but I've been drooling at it for eons. It's more expensive because it's over three carats, and it has fine color and clarity. I think it knocks the socks off any morganite I have ever seen, and the sparkle and luster are much finer than beryl. Spinel is also much much more durable than beryl.

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-76ct-Top-Notc...ultDomain_0&hash=item563e57a522#ht_2724wt_917

This dealer can obtain a reputable laboratory report at an extra fee with his stones.

Another affordable and well cut light pink spinel. This has a few inclusions, but you would be hard pressed to see them with the naked eye.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-50ct-Outstand...ultDomain_0&hash=item51929ac884#ht_2432wt_917

Compare the luster and sparkle on these stones to any beryl, and these stones will win hands down. I'm Debbie Downer when it comes to beryl though, as I'm a bit biased. It's one of my least favorite minerals, and don't even get me started on aquamarine.

 

[T L]

This is my orangey pink spinel, 1.8 carats. I haven't set it yet, but it was relatively affordable, and I like the color. The same color in a sapphire, even a treated one, would be much more expensive. I bought it from the ebay vendor I mentioned above, and you can do a search on pink spinels or morganite to see more examples.

 

[Arcadian]

Litnon has a pink spinel
http://litnon.com/preview.php?cat=274&id=8718

There's also a larger pink
http://litnon.com/preview.php?cat=110&id=8635

Still there for the taking and looks quite nice. If you want it, ask for the 30% off pricescope discount.

-A

 

[T L]

He told me the second one sold!

 

[aubiedoll]

After spending WAY too many hours on here, I've decided I'm just going to let tourmaline_lover pick out my setting and stone!

You, honestly, give the BEST feedback to everyone here on the boards and I've genuinely enjoyed reading all of your comments.

LOVE the direction of going with spinel vs. morganite. I do tend to gravitate to either the pale pink or hot pink stones though. Not so much of a fan of the purple/pink. I think the pale pink is what initially drew me to the morganite in the first place.

The other feature that I really want, is a cushion cut. There's just something about that cut that I really, really love.

As for the setting, the daintier the better. I want something micropave or similar to micropave.

Based on what I can find here, Leon Mege is the way to go. Again, open for other suggestions.

I want a simple setting like this but in the micropave.

http://artofplatinum.com/vault/index.php?page=shop.product_details&product_id=1251&category_id=1&flypage=flypage.tpl&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

http://vps4986.inmotionhosting.com/~artofp5/vault/index.php?page=shop.product_details&product_id=1180&category_id=6&flypage=flypage.tpl&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

 

[aubiedoll]

This is to die for!!!

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-and-antique-cushion.42904/page-3']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/leon-mege-and-antique-cushion.42904/page-3[/URL]

 

[T L]

After spending WAY too many hours on here, I've decided I'm just going to let tourmaline_lover pick out my setting and stone!

You, honestly, give the BEST feedback to everyone here on the boards and I've genuinely enjoyed reading all of your comments.

LOVE the direction of going with spinel vs. morganite. I do tend to gravitate to either the pale pink or hot pink stones though. Not so much of a fan of the purple/pink. I think the pale pink is what initially drew me to the morganite in the first place.

The other feature that I really want, is a cushion cut. There's just something about that cut that I really, really love.

As for the setting, the daintier the better. I want something micropave or similar to micropave.

Based on what I can find here, Leon Mege is the way to go. Again, open for other suggestions.

I want a simple setting like this but in the micropave.

http://artofplatinum.com/vault/index.php?page=shop.product_details&product_id=1251&category_id=1&flypage=flypage.tpl&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

http://vps4986.inmotionhosting.com/~artofp5/vault/index.php?page=shop.product_details&product_id=1180&category_id=6&flypage=flypage.tpl&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

Aubiedoll,
Thanks for the confidence, but honestly, some people don't like my advice, which is okay. If we all agreed, PS would be rather dull. I also wouldn't pick Leon Mege in a million years for my own personal reasons, so you definitely wouldn't want me to pick the setting for you. You actually would hate most of my settings if you're a Leon fan.

I am glad you've ditched going with a morganite. I have the evil habit of swaying people away from beryls , although many people still adore them. Again, it would be boring if we all liked the same things.

 

[FrekeChild]

Don't let her fool you. She likes beryl plenty....in the form of emeralds!

 

[T L]

Don't let her fool you. She likes beryl plenty....in the form of emeralds!

You make me laugh Freke. You're absolutely right though. Fine emeralds are some of my favorite gems. I often forget they're beryl as a result.

Okay, I'll be more specific. I dislike
aquamarine
heliodor
morganite
goshenite

I like emerald and bixbite, but the latter (red beryl) is too rare to be found in fine quality, so forget about it.

 

[aubiedoll]

Have you ever purchased anything from Gemselect?

I bookmarked a couple of the sellers you mentioned above but right now they don't have exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[FrekeChild]

Have you ever purchased anything from Gemselect?

I bookmarked a couple of the sellers you mentioned above but right now they don't have exactly what I'm looking for.

I have. I bought some cheap stones just as an experiment (back before there were many people who had) and I wasn't disappointed per se, but I was happy I went cheap. I don't think I got any really great deals by any means!

I like Aquas, but that's about as far as I get with beryl. I like emeralds too, but I could never afford what I'd want, so I pretend they don't exist...

 

[T L]

Have you ever purchased anything from Gemselect?

I bookmarked a couple of the sellers you mentioned above but right now they don't have exactly what I'm looking for.

I heard gemselect's photos are enhanced, but I have never purchased from them, no. They are reputable though. My favorite vendor is that ebay one I posted some links above - Gemburionline/Odysseygem, and they can obtain lab reports easily, which is a huge plus for me. I'm big on treatments if you've noticed, and for me, that's a huge plus.

I've purchased from a lot of vendors on this board, and we all have our favorites, but in terms of color/pricepoint, some of my favorite stones are from Odysseygem/Gemburionline. Now, that is not to say they don't have duds, but like that one purplish pink spinel I posted above, when he gets in good material, it's great. That stone in that color is exceptionately rare, as most pink spinels have an orange secondary. That stone would be at least twice as much through any other dealer for the color/size/clarity and the great cutting and high crown. I hope someone buys it and saves me from doing so!! Preferably someone with a good camera.

 

[FrekeChild]

Question--do you have a budget in mind?

 

[FrekeChild]

You said you like light or bright/hot pinks, and this stone doesn't particularly fall into those realms, but it's very pretty nonetheless and can't beat the size....or the cutting.

Gem 757
http://www.precisiongem.com/html/html/Spinel.html

 

[aubiedoll]

As much as I love the hot pink, I will probably go with something lighter like posted below. Not so much because it's cheaper, although that's a bonus, but because I think the lighter pink tends to be more of an everyday look.

No budget - still in the looking phase. I'd like to find something 2-3 carats for under $500. Is that doable?

 

[T L]

As much as I love the hot pink, I will probably go with something lighter like posted below. Not so much because it's cheaper, although that's a bonus, but because I think the lighter pink tends to be more of an everyday look.

No budget - still in the looking phase. I'd like to find something 2-3 carats for under $500. Is that doable?

Actually, the very very light, pale, washed out pink spinels are rather inexpensive, so yes, I think you should be able to go under $500 easily. I saw that stone on ebay, and I think it was really inexpensive too. Always be leary about who you buy from. I cannot stress enough that spinel is synthesized in every color imaginable. I always go for ones with inclusions indicative of natural material, or ones I can get a reputable lab report on.

For example, the purplish pink one I'm lusting over, for me, would require a lab report as it looks flawless.

 

[aubiedoll]

Yeah, I'm not buying that stone...just posted it for a color comparison.

 

[minousbijoux]

Another ebay vendor you might want to consider purchasing from is Gem-earth (however, some folks here have had less than good experiences with them, so you might want to search them here first). I would say the majority of her stones are spinels. I would not buy corundum from them unless you don't care about treatments, but the spinels I've bought from her I love and they have checked out as just that (that is, I had them certed and they were as represented).

She has a lot of light pink spinels and often has cushion cuts. If you did find one you were interested in, I would email her first with any questions you have. She will respond pretty quickly and is upfront about any issues the stone may have.

Good luck!

 

[aubiedoll]

What are your thoughts on something like this? I've never heard of this stone before.
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-04ct-Amazingly-RARE-Oval-Color-Shift-Malaia-Granet-/370378260234?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563c43bf0a#ht_2716wt_917

 

[FrekeChild]

What are your thoughts on something like this? I've never heard of this stone before.
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-04ct-Amazingly-RARE-Oval-Color-Shift-Malaia-Granet-/370378260234?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563c43bf0a#ht_2716wt_917

Do a search here for "Malaya"

As for that stone, I'm not sold. It's got a little window, but that's not a huge deal. I just thought you wanted a light pink/peach cushion?