Please Help! How do I know I'm buying a good sapphire?

[rella68]

Hi everyone,
I've been looking on pricescope for sometime now when I need jewelry advice. Everyone here is so helpful and kind!

Because I'm still confused about what makes for a good sapphire, I was hoping some of you wonderful, better informed, users could help me determine if this gem is worth buying. I found a couple of nice sapphires from a vendor on Etsy.com (Pristine Gems).

The sapphire I choose will be used as a center stone for my custom engagement ring. I prefer the beautiful blue/green, mint, or deep purple variety of color to the traditional deep blue sapphire. As long as the stone sparkles and is eye clean, I'm a very happy girl. Below are pictures and the vendor's descriptions of the stones.

Are these stones good for the price? Can I find better for my price range (USD500-1500)? Which stone is better for an engagement ring?
Thank you so much for your help!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/207999680/blue-green-sapphire-oval-shape-loose?ref=favs_view_2

https://www.etsy.com/listing/189604639/paraiba-type-color-blue-green-sapphire?ref=favs_view_1

 

[chrono]

The blue green sapphire is very dark (has a lot of blackish areas).
The green sapphire has a lot of gray. No idea why the vendor even called it a Paraiba type when it is the furthest thing from a Paraiba colouration.

I like this one but it has a small window and isn't a calibrated size.
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?769279834

 

[chrono]

A bit above your budget and a round, not an oval.
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Products-301-ANAGEE_Sri_Lanka_Gems/8205-Natural_Fine_Purple_Unheated_Sapphire_2_24_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1

 

[rella68]

Thank you very much for your help. I LOVE the stone for mastercuts! And I have to agree the other two stones have a good amount of gray/black in them. Although I liked them, I felt like the color was off in some way. Thank you for clearing that up for me.

 

[rella68]

That is a beautiful color. Their prices seem nice. Have you bought gems from multicolour before?

 

[chrono]

That is a beautiful color. Their prices seem nice. Have you bought gems from multicolour before?

Yes, I have.

 

[QuantumStuff]

To answer your question...

Short of having the gem characterized by a reputable laboratory (AGL), you can buy the stone and within your return window, bring the stone to a someone local who has the expertise.

 

[chrono]

Quantum,
Here are several that Pricescopers have purchased from with great success, where the stones and jewellery are of the quality as advertised.

Etsy Stone and/or Setting Vendors
Adzia - http://www.etsy.com/people/AdziasJewelryAtelier
Carey Robbins - www.etsy.com/shop/lapicarey (cabs)
Caysie VanBebber of CVB Inspired Design www.etsy.com/shop/CVBinspiredDesign
Sally of Heart of Water - http://www.etsy.com/people/HeartofWaterJewels
KosnarGemCo https://www.etsy.com/shop/KosnarGemCo and http://kosnargemco.com/
Kyleanne - http://www.etsy.com/people/kyleannemetals
MountainMamaGems https://www.etsy.com/shop/MountainMommaGems
Maddie of OneGarnetGirl - http://www.etsy.com/people/onegarnetgirl
Jill of janishjewels - http://www.etsy.com/shop/JanishJewels
JuliaB - http://www.etsy.com/shop/JuliaBJewelry
Ryan Quantz (mostly does cabochons, but also some faceted gems) - http://www.etsy.com/shop/RyanQuantzStudios
Yvonne Raley of Cecile Raley Designs - https://www.etsy.com/shop/yvonneraley
Wilds Global Minerals - https://www.etsy.com/shop/WILDSglobalminerals (Stones only)