Opinions on these mint green tourmalines

[bluebirrrd]

I've been coming back to this stone for a long time now and I'm curious what those with more experience think of it. I like this color and think the contrast in the facets is captivating. There are some small inclusions that don't bother me. The shape is a little unusual and I have a hard time visualizing it in a project.

The second picture is a similar stone that I also like, but I always find myself going back to the first. There's a quality in some gems that I don't know how to describe. It's kind of a mirror like or silvery reflection that I like but don't know the name for. The first seems to have it more than the second.

 

[LD]

I really like the cuts on them both but I'm not crazy about the colour. In both I can see brown/yellow and for me, I like mint to be cool icey green or a blue/green. Having said that, if you love the colour then you must get one or both for a look. Don't worry too much about how to set them because anything's possible! I'm sure, if you buy one and decide to keep it, there'll be tons of people who can help by showing you different setting designs (and it doesn't have to be too expensive either).

 

[davi_el_mejor]

I agree with Loving, but it may not be the stones that are that color, it may be environmental reflections in the stone giving it the brown/yellow hue. Best way to find out is to contact the vendor. I like the ovalish one too!

 

[bluebirrrd]

LD and Davi, you both have sensitive eyes! I didn't notice the other color tones before, but now I do. Thank you for pointing them out. Now I'm trying to decide whether or not they bother me, and I don't think they really do. You're right though, it also could be the photos. Thanks!

 

[davi_el_mejor]

I'm going to say it's not the stone it's the photo, but I'd ask the vendor just to be 100%

 

[T L]

I've been coming back to this stone for a long time now and I'm curious what those with more experience think of it. I like this color and think the contrast in the facets is captivating. There are some small inclusions that don't bother me. The shape is a little unusual and I have a hard time visualizing it in a project.

The second picture is a similar stone that I also like, but I always find myself going back to the first. There's a quality in some gems that I don't know how to describe. It's kind of a mirror like or silvery reflection that I like but don't know the name for. The first seems to have it more than the second.

I think that reflection you're talking about is the luster. I'm very much attracted to stones with a high luster too.

Both are washed out in color, but at least they're not extinct or black like many tourmalines tend to get, and since they're precison cut it appears, they'll sparkle. I think of them more as yellowish greyish green than a mint, but many vendors consider that color to be mint.

 

[gsellis]

I really like the cuts on them both but I'm not crazy about the colour. In both I can see brown/yellow and for me, I like mint to be cool icey green or a blue/green.

Actually, the brown/yellow and black appear to be from behind the camera. I think that might be an arm. I have done the same thing before.

Personally, I like the color. Looks like sherbert. But it appeats to be lighter than the picture. The background looks like it has the color balance off towards the stone color. update - I ran the small pic through autobalance and it balances out much lighter.

 

[bluebirrrd]

Thank you, both. George, you have an amazing eye to pick up on that. The vendor confirms that the stone is lighter than in the photo. Is that bad? I think it's very pretty either way. I like the bright, silvery feel of it.

 

[chrono]

If the stone is lighter than the picture shows, I’m concerned that it may end up looking washed out aka almost colourless.

 

[JewelFreak]

Agree with Chrono, especially on the 2nd stone. But the only way to know for sure is to take a look IRL.

--- Laurie

 

[gsellis]

Now, do not assume that this is the actual color. This *assumes* that the background it is on was white. So it may be darker than this version. But note that the green is gone from the background.

 

[bluebirrrd]

Well, now you've got me quite curious. That's a neat alteration of the image, though not flattering to the stone! I've asked for more description on the color, the background and the lighting. I also did a search of other people's mint green tourms to see what is considered the ideal colorwise. I personally like silvery green more than blue green, but that's just my preference and maybe it isn't what is actually considered mint.

 

[T L]

Now, do not assume that this is the actual color. This *assumes* that the background it is on was white. So it may be darker than this version. But note that the green is gone from the background.

Wow, now that's just ugly! I hope the stones don't look that bad IRL.

 

[bluebirrrd]

The vendor replied that those two stones were cut from the same rough. The oval is larger and has a little more intensity of color. Both photos were taken on a neutral background in daylight and are very close to how they appear irl. With that said, I doubt they look quite as pale and sad as the altered photo. Thanks all for looking and commenting. I suppose I could ask for more photos or purchase them to see them in person, but I already have a project in the works and one is enough so I'll avoid temptation to make any new purchases for now.