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Should I tell my boyfriend to return this Tanzanite?

Bodangers

Rough_Rock
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Hello everyone, this is my first post!

My boyfriend bought this loose Tanzanite from Zales today. The sticker price was $744 but we got it down to $600. The centerColors range from bottom right of Deep and the top two of medium.
tz_color3.png

It did not come with a certificate. All I know is that it is grade AA and .5mm with the sticker price of $744.

He has a history of buying gifts overpriced for me because he doesn't care about money :wall: It was thoughtful of him but I don't want him to get ripped off, especially when we can use the extra money towards classes! Should I make him return it?

snapchat-6539173488062839718.jpg snapchat-3093519205735716887.jpg 20161001_214637.jpg 20161001_214542.jpg bottom_1.jpg bottom2.jpg bottom3.jpg angle.jpg angle2.jpg angle3.jpg angle4.jpg

This is my first gem so I want to ask you guys for the expertise. Hopefully I can buy more affordable gemstones in the future! Thank you very much!
 

Bron357

Ideal_Rock
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Hi, the more experienced peeps will be along later but in the meantime, in my opinion, Zales isn't the place to be buying top quality loose gemstones. There are a number of highly regarded and recommended gem merchants who the pricescope experts can advise on as well as vendors who can set your gem into a ring or pendant. Your tanzanite seems very pale and usually with coloured gems "colour" is everything. Expense isn't always an indication of quality and with every purchase you should aim for "best value for money". Your boyfriend is a sweetheart who just needs a bit of direction from the "pros'.
 

distracts

Ideal_Rock
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It appears you may have mistyped the size as you wrote ".5mm." If it is 5mm it is certainly overpriced. If it is bigger than that, well, it depends on the size.

I also agree that I would not buy loose gemstones from Zales.
 

arkieb1

Ideal_Rock
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That is overpriced IMHO, and not a colour I like personally in Tanzanites - do you like Tanzanites more purple or blue? Do you like them lighter or darker? You could buy this one that is 7mm and reset it into a ring and have a MUCH nicer stone than the one above for probably the same or less money;

https://loupetroop.com/listings/necklaces-and-pendants/vivid-dark-tanzanite-necklace

Here is another bigger one;

https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/reduced-3-dot-06ct-tanzanite
 

Lovinggems

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Yes return it. :doh:
 

chroman

Brilliant_Rock
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Maybe encourage your BF to get an PS account? :)

"I ran across this community of folks who like helping and educating others to find quality jewelry at fair prices. Even if you arn't posting frequently, its a good place to watch other go through their jewerly adventures and learn from their experiences.

Or something like that.

I won't wade into the return subject, as that might have other dimensions beyond if the stone is good value for money.
 

lilmosun

Ideal_Rock
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I agree with chroman that sometimes it's not just price but we don't know your bf. Would he be hurt seeing you questioning his purchase here?

I remember my husband bought me a leather jacket once for Christmas. I freaked seeing it came from a department store as funds were tighter then and wanted to return it. But my mother wisely suggested that I just wear it...he spent a lot of time finding and was so happy to buy it for me that I shouldn't take away from that.

While I agree that it's overpriced and you can find a nicer stone for the same $ (or a similar stone for less), I think the important question is whether you love it and would wear it. If you won't set it and wear it, he will notice. Maybe suggest that you'd rather see if you could get a less expensive stone and put the money towards a setting? Then do some shopping on-line together so he can learn more about gemstones and find a better priced stone that you both love.
 

lovedogs

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arkieb1|1475382213|4082833 said:
That is overpriced IMHO, and not a colour I like personally in Tanzanites - do you like Tanzanites more purple or blue? Do you like them lighter or darker? You could buy this one that is 7mm and reset it into a ring and have a MUCH nicer stone than the one above for probably the same or less money;

https://loupetroop.com/listings/necklaces-and-pendants/vivid-dark-tanzanite-necklace

Here is another bigger one;

https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/reduced-3-dot-06ct-tanzanite

I agree with the above. Zales is not a good place to buy gemstones--the quality is really lacking (especially for the price). I would have your BF return it (if he would be open to that), and buy from one of the reputable vendors here--or one of the suggested ones from loupe troop. :wavey:
 

Arcadian

Ideal_Rock
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Let me ask the more important question; Do YOU like it? If so, money well spent. I'd leave it alone. If you don't, that's a different story altogether.

IMO talk to him about it. Its not about money per se, its about how you and he communicate with each other. The money is rather secondary. Let him know how you feel about it and go from there.
 

GregS

Brilliant_Rock
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Another vote to return it. If you're here asking us for our opinion then you don't like it. And it's overpriced. It should be top top color for a stone that size to be that price, but even then it'd still be too much.
 

Bodangers

Rough_Rock
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Oct 1, 2016
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Thank you everyone for the amazing feedback. This is also my first forum post so I don't know how to properly reply to everyone. :lol:

@Bron357 Thank you for your honest feedback and I will definitely check out the vendors. I was surprised when they said the band for the stone will be upwards of $700! You would think they will give a huge discount after we bought a stone from them. He says he tries lol thank you for the compliment.

@distracts sorry! you're right its 5mm!

@arkieb1 thank you for your opinion and the link to the guide. I have checked a lot of websites prior to posting. I looked at your links as well and WOW. That is the color I am looking for but unfortunately the seller told me it is sold :o I am going to assume those are grade AAA? It seems like they don't include what grade the Tanzanite is. Does it matter?

@Lovinggems okay thanks! Everyone on this post agrees :)

@chroman yup I got him to read the comments and he agrees with you guys now. The gemstone community is incredibly nice.

@lilmosun he's okay with it! He just wants me to be happy. What makes me happy is getting the best value for his hard work and money lol. I want a stone that I won't hesitate or have second thoughts. Thank you for your reply!

@lovedogs we are definitely returning it after considering the opinions of everyone on here :) looking forward to getting a bigger, saturated, and hopefully cheaper stone!

@Arcadian yup we talked about it after the purchase. He's fine with whatever as long as i'm satisfied with his purchase lol. I want him to have more money in his pocket and he's okay with that too :)

@GregS yup, I was iffy about my purchase and trusted my gut to ask you guys to confirm. Now I can see that we can definitely do better.

We decided to return the diamond when we can and buy a tanzanite from a distributor. But how are you guys so sure when buying a stone online? Do they include certificates with the gemstone?
 

arkieb1

Ideal_Rock
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I wasn't sure if .50 was a typo or not, if it wasn't then yes please return it, it isn't worth that at all. A lot of vendors mix up the AAA, AAAA, and AA grades anyway, use your eyes and if you like something post images here before you buy it.

Are you also aware that Tanzanite is best for occasional wear? If not they are not really recommended to wear every day, and you could have bought a .50 or bigger decent blue sapphire for $600.00 to $700 as another option.

https://www.mastercutgems.com/Products-301-ANAGEE_Sri_Lanka_Gems/7712-Sri_Lanka_Natural_Blue_Sapphire_1_20_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=3

http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/sapphireblueoval_96ct_1540/

This one might be a bit dark but you get the idea;

https://www.mastercutgems.com/Products-301-ANAGEE_Sri_Lanka_Gems/7048-Natural_Sri_Lanka_Fine_Blue_Sapphire_1_24_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=4
 

chroman

Brilliant_Rock
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Cool; glad the two of you talked it through and came to a good place. Money and gifting and relationships can be tricky to navagate!

Now, back to CS :) What are you thinking about setting a stone in - a ring? Pendant? (sorry if I missed this somewhere).

Is tanzanite interesting because you like the purpleish-blue hues, or are there other things that drew you (or, him?) to tanzanite? If its the hue, we might throw out some other stones in that color range to see if they also appeal, just to get some more options on the table.

One thing to be mindful of is dark stones.. At the far end of that color spectrum, "exceptional", stones are apt to be very dark. Possibly black unless there is good light. This happens a lot with deep blue sapphires; it can be a dance between high saturation and a stone that goes black..
 

lilmosun

Ideal_Rock
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Sounds like you have a great boyfriend!

PSers are always great at finding stones (as you probably realize by now) and also giving opinions. Also look at the List of Vendors at the top of the forum....most have a return policy (be sure to check) so you don't have to worry if the stone isn't what you expected.

Surprisingly, you have to worry more about undisclosed treatment of colored gemstones from chains/department stores than you do from a reputable on-line vendor who specializes in colored gemstones. Another thing is that certificates really aren't worth anything unless they come from an independent lab. To my knowledge, tanzanite isn't typically treated though - other than low heat which is a perfectly acceptable practice.

One thing, which you may already know, is tanzanite is a softer stone. Not the ideal stone for every day wear in a ring -- but they are pretty and I have a couple of tanzanite rings myself :)

Looking forward to reading about your search and seeing what you end up with!
 

Arcadian

Ideal_Rock
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Good that you've had the talk. Yes we love to look for stones here but the other side of the equation can't be forgotten too.

BTW, always best to ask about treatments of colored stones. Even if you don't care, its a good thing to know.


There's some here in various colors
http://gemrite.com/27-tanzanite

This one is pretty darn gorgeous - inquire if its availabe
https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/reduced-3-dot-06ct-tanzanite

lighter but that cut :love: :love: :love:
http://www.precisiongem.com/gemstackpage/gems.php?product/page/528/Gem+1813+-+Tanzanite

and lots to choose from here
http://gemfix.com/gem-category/tanzanite/
 

Bodangers

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 1, 2016
Messages
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@arkieb1 yes it was a mistake my bad! The tanzanite had a sticker underneath the case it was in but then Zales removed it when I purchased it. I didn't know that it's not recommended for daily wear, probably because of it's 6.5- 7.0 hardness? I clicked through your helpful links again and I definitely want a round tanzanite.

@lilmosun @chroman What I am interested in: Round Tanzanite, Grade AAA, high saturation but allows light to go through, 1-2ct, hopefully all with a $600 budget. I will look at the vendors up top now and come back with pictures :razz:

After clicking through the links, I realized I have to take in consideration of the clarity. I can't tell so I'm nervous about that too now...
 

Bodangers

Rough_Rock
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Oct 1, 2016
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Arcadian|1475459169|4083053 said:

Messaged him right away since it was within budget,saturation range and was bigger than I wanted. Of course it would be sold :wall:
Definitely interested in something like this from the link you posted though
http://gemfix.com/gems/tanzanite-641-round-portuguese-style-cut-1-33-cts


I found these that I liked http://www.lapigems.com/gemstonedetails.asp?id=5852 is it 1.29 carats total or each?
 

Arcadian

Ideal_Rock
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Bodangers|1475459812|4083058 said:
Arcadian|1475459169|4083053 said:

Messaged him right away since it was within budget,saturation range and was bigger than I wanted. Of course it would be sold :wall:
Definitely interested in something like this from the link you posted though
http://gemfix.com/gems/tanzanite-641-round-portuguese-style-cut-1-33-cts

you can see if he has any more of course. same with gemfix.

I know you probably weren't interested in hearts but
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?-1115005510

You'll likely be getting more responses to your thread tomorrow.
 

chroman

Brilliant_Rock
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This is a bit over budget, but dang.. (And I don't usually drool over tanzanite.. But this might make me start):
http://gemfix.com/gems/tanzanite-676-round-portuguese-cut-2-20cts

They had another which was in budget, but is listed as 'not available'. Thats probably code for 'sold', but it could mean theres amchance it would go back on the market:
http://gemfix.com/gems/tanzanite-641-round-portuguese-style-cut-1-33-cts

This is sapphire, but in a similar hue:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/463191857/unheated-purple-ceylon-sapphire-55mm?ref=shop_home_active_48

And as a wild card, theres some nice purple garnets that were found recently. Its a different purple, but i figured I'd throw it out just in case:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/264367850/neon-purple-or-grape-rhodolite-garnet?ref=shop_home_active_49
 

Bodangers

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 1, 2016
Messages
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chroman|1475465739|4083091 said:
Another possible round (6.4mm, 1.07 ct), $712
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=6871

[/url]

Just inquired about it, thank you! The price was cheaper than my retail price of $750's and there's a huge difference in saturation. I'm glad to have asked you guys.


So far out of all the helpful links you guys got me, I definitely fell in love with the $575 shipped
https://www.facebook.com/JasonBrim/videos/vb.772957229/10154483678437230/?type=2&theater I am glad to have found this forum.

I didn't think about the type of ring I wanted but this caught my eye http://www.lapigems.com/jewelry-details.aspx?id=5776
 

Bodangers

Rough_Rock
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Oct 1, 2016
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__12_0.jpg

This one was from a dealer in Alaska. .7 carat AAA grade $665 with GIA certificate.
 

Arcadian

Ideal_Rock
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Cert number? Also Whats the stats on the stone? Ct weight means little but the circumference and depth tell a better story.
 

Bodangers

Rough_Rock
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Messages
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Arcadian|1475522092|4083268 said:
Cert number? Also Whats the stats on the stone? Ct weight means little but the circumference and depth tell a better story.

Oh she said it hasn't been graded and could be sent to GIA for certification for a small fee.The circumference and depth was not included as well. This is what she said
"Hi Bonnie

I just checked with my buyer and we have a few AAA round tanzs that are not certified at wholesale cost. I have .55 carats to 1.15 carats. These are a beautiful dark bluish violet investment grade. The prices range from 500$ to 1500$. I can always get the stone certified for you through GIA for a small fee but it can take a few weeks.

Thanks"

This is her website and she also sells on eBay http://auroragemstonejewelryco.jewelershowcase.com/browse/gemstones/shop-by-stone-type/calibrated-gems-by-type/tanzanite

And i'll inquire about the 1.48ct stone. Great find! It matches what I wanted :)
 
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