Opinions/explanations of three blue sapphires

[iloveblue]

I posted these at the end of my previous thread but thought I should probably start a new one. Not sure if that''s kosher--don''t mean to duplicate space! But, maybe it will help others who are looking for this subject line. So, here goes. I''m going to post three sapphires in a row, all from AJS.

All are 2.49 carats, heated, oval and step cut, and have a color that I really like.

So, I''d love for some of you out there to give me your opinions on why one is $1800, one is $2400, and one is $2800, and whether the $2000 range is a respectable price (i.e., not waaay high, not waaaay low), if I''m looking for a vibrant, electric blue sapphire.

(I''m aiming to get a sapphire in the 8X6 mm to 9X7 mm range to be set in a Princess-Diana style cluster setting.)

I also wonder how you''d describe the color that I seem to like in all these stones. Kashmir-like? Ceylon? Medium blue? I just keep coming up with "royal blue," which doesn''t seem to be in the jewelry lingo.

#1: $1800, 2.49 carats


http://www.ajsgems.com/product/2753fd96-0fbc-49d3-96c7-128148229dd7.aspx

 

[iloveblue]

Here''s #2.

2.49 carats, $2400

http://www.ajsgems.com/product/a7819f8d-e2f1-449e-a756-c161dbb3e37a.aspx

 

[iloveblue]

And here''s #3:

http://www.ajsgems.com/product/09465544-3151-49e2-8bad-1f6e1d267cea.aspx

And thanks so much for all your advice (and for not laughing, just smiling, at my naiive questions

 

[rockzilla]

Based on the photos only, I like #1 and #2.

#2 looks more purple -- if you like that I''d go with 2, otherwise 1

But it is SO hard to tell with just a few photos...could they send them to you to examine and you pick?

 

[Kaleigh]

#2 gets my vote... Hard to pick from the pics, but #2 looks most pleasing to me.

 

[Selkie]

I posted a more detailed answer in the other thread, but I think the price differences come from clarity and from face-up size. The lowest priced one is long and thin (9x6), while the most expensive is 9x7 and will look the biggest for its weight. The middle one is about 8x6. Doesn't sound like much, but could be a significant difference when you halo it.

I would aim for the $1000-$1200 per carat range (maybe a little more if you're considering unheated stones), so yeah, $2000-3000 sounds reasonable for a well-cut, nicely colored stone in the size you want.

 

[Upgradable]

I like #1. It looks to have good, even color saturation. #2 looks a little "streaky." Not sure if that''s zoning, but it would bug me.

 

[iloveblue]

Thank you all, for your input. And thanks, Selkie, for the description of the proportion issue. So, it sounds like if a stone is cut to give it a slightly larger surface area, it might cost a bit more, right?

I meant to mention that in the few short days (although I''ve been reading this forum for quite some time), I have learned a lot, and I thank you. Next to all you guys, I''m the clueless wonder, but in the store, I felt like some kind of expert!

The store #2 that I went into with the incredibly overpriced 1.05-carat sapphire had a floor salesperson working with me intially. After I started talking a bit, he gave me several blank looks and sent out the owner. After I spoke just a few sentences, in which I didn''t really think I said all that much, he said, "You''re very passionate about this, aren''t you?" He asked where I''d learned about sapphires, and I mentioned that I''d learned it online at Pricescope. He then went on to bash anything remotely related to online purchases, and so on and so forth.

But, it was nice not to feel intimidated walking into the store. This ring will be expensive for me and will likely be the only nice piece of jewelry I have, so it''s important to me to know what I''m doing.

You guys rock. (No pun intended.)

 

[chrono]

Coloured stones are no different from diamonds in that carat weight is just the weight. The face up appearance can vary greatly due to the depth and cut. So, here you have 3 sapphires all weighing 2.49 ct but all 3 have very different dimensions.

Stone 1
8.9 mm x 6.2 mm x 4.8 mm
Eye clean
Comment: Very long and skinny. Colour looks all right, cut looks all right but nothing to shout about. Long and skinny might mean a custom setting.

Stone 2
8.0 mm x 6.2 mm x 5.5 mm
Almost loupe clean
Comment: Nice shape and pleasant colour. I don't need loupe clean but this adds to the price a little. The stone is a wee bit deep, hence it is smaller than stone 1.

Stone 3
8.9 mm x 7.0 mm x 4.7 mm
Loupe clean
Comment: I love fatter ovals so I am clearly biased here. I also like the colour as captured by the camera (which may not be a true representation of the stone though). Again, I don't need loupe clean but this adds to the price a little. The stone is a less deep than all the rest, so it looks the biggest of all the 3 sapphires, which also probably adds to the price.

Suggestion:
If you are interested in pursuing these sapphires, I'd email AJS (Arnold and Rung) and ask for more pictures (side view and pavilion view) as well as their opinion.

ETA
I'm not sure why Stone 2 looks "streaky". It could just be a dirty stone from all that handling during photography since the vendor stated that the stone is almost loupe clean.

 

[Gypsy]

I''m not an expert like some on here, but I like the color (as it appears) and the spread of the third one best, plus I tend to favor fatter ovals.

 

[iloveblue]

Chrono and Gypsy,

Is it a little silly that I''m kind of nervous about calling these people?

Calling up Bangkok to chat about sapphires.

Dang.

But I will!

 

[Gypsy]

You''ll get over it quick, I promise. It''s like pulling off a band aid. Just think of the $$ and the disappointment of not getting what you wanted and SENDING IT BACK. It''s a good motivator.

 

[DiamanteBlu]

I prefer the shape of #3. I can't comment on the color or the brightness based on computer photos. I would ask for side by side pics face up, face down, profile, etc. By all means call Bangkok but before you do make sure you have an international calling plan or get one of those international calling cards. If you just pick up your phone and dial with no discount plan you might take a significant chunk out of your ring budget. [DH used the wrong phone line to make a series of international calls and it was an arm and a led - luckily I was able to whine sufficiently at Verizon so they reduced the charges to the minimum!]

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/7/2007 5:57:00 PM
Author: DiamanteBlu
I prefer the shape of #3. I can''t comment on the color or the brightness based on computer photos. I would ask for side by side pics face up, face down, profile, etc. By all means call Bangkok but before you do make sure you have an international calling plan or get one of those international calling cards. If you just pick up your phone and dial with no discount plan you might take a significant chunk out of your ring budget. [DH used the wrong phone line to make a series of international calls and it was an arm and a led - luckily I was able to whine sufficiently at Verizon so they reduced the charges to the minimum!]

I''ve done that before too! A call to Switzerland that cost more than a plane ticket to fly there-- I whined and got it reduced too, but it''s best to avoid altogether! Great advice and reminder!

 

[partgypsy]

From the pics the 3rd one is most pleasing to my eyes. None seem to have obvious disqualifications so I would second getting additional pictures. It also doesn''t hurt to ask the vendor what HE thinks about the stones (doesn''t have to be on the phone, can be email), explaining what you are after.