Spessartite vs. Spessartite?

[diamondsareforever-daf]

Hi , I'm a newbie to coloured stones but have been really drawn to the gorgeous spessartites I see here. I've been browsing sites which sell coloured stones and am really confused as to why 2 seemingly similar stones (to my untrained eye and mind) can have such great variance in price. I was wondering if the experts here will be able to give me some advice? The 2 stones I've looked at are:

http://www.ajsgem.com/garnet/spessartite-garnet/mandarin-garnet-spessartite-6.37-carats.html
and the second stone (6.4ct) on http://www.atggems.com/Photos_Spessartite.htm..

Which would be a better stone to get?

Thanks in advance!

 

[T L]

Hi , I'm a newbie to coloured stones but have been really drawn to the gorgeous spessartites I see here. I've been browsing sites which sell coloured stones and am really confused as to why 2 seemingly similar stones (to my untrained eye and mind) can have such great variance in price. I was wondering if the experts here will be able to give me some advice? The 2 stones I've looked at are:

http://www.ajsgem.com/garnet/spessartite-garnet/mandarin-garnet-spessartite-6.37-carats.html
and the second stone (6.4ct) on http://www.atggems.com/Photos_Spessartite.htm.........

Which would be a better stone to get?

Thanks in advance!

Perhaps there is more saturation of that rare mandarin orange color in the asjgem's stone, and the other one is more brownish. It's really hard to say since you're comparing stones not only from two vendors, but two different photographic styles and environments. However, let's say for the moment that hypothetically the color is identical. Since you are comparing two stones from different vendors, you should understand that there is no set price per carat in colored gems like there is in white dimaonds of a certain cut, clarity, carat weight, and color. Some vendors charge higher prices per carat than others, and you have to factor in a lot of variables before you come to a final decision. Also, not all vendors utilize "the guide" that helps determine price.

That being said, the one from attgems has a small window which is a negative to many people and he's claiming that it's only "good"grade which is not top tier, so I suspect there may be more brown in the stone than the photo suggests. For example, compare it to the elongated scissors octagon shape at the bottom of the page (third photo from the bottom). This vendor finds that stone to be a prime example since it was photographed for a publication, and the price point is much much higher. It also appears to have more orange saturation than the one you picked out from the same vendor.

Lesson here, shop around and ask the vendors good questions about saturation, hue, tone, clarity, cut, and color shift.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-to-coloured-gemstone-buying-read-this-first.174284/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-to-coloured-gemstone-buying-read-this-first.174284/[/URL]

ETA: The lab report for the atggems stones calls the color "brownish orange."

http://www.atggems.com/certs/cert_spess_640pt_oval.jpg

 

[chrono]

I've also heard that stones from AJS is slightly lighter and slightly less saturated than shown, so you have to keep that in mind. On the other hand, I also find ATG to be priced on the higher side.

 

[minousbijoux]

One of the things that irritates me a little about ATG gems is that they are constantly touting "The Guide" as the standard for stone prices. From my experience, and that of others on PS who've shared stone costs, it appears that often, we are able to do better than The Guide when it comes to pricing...

 

[chrono]

Note that the ATG spessartite is described as brownish orange so you need to take that into consideration.

 

[diamondsareforever-daf]

Thanks for your replies. I guess I really need to look around a bit more and compare various stones before coming to a decision! It's really very difficult for a newbie though!

 

[chrono]

Do you need the spessartite to be that huge? I've been eyeing a 3.6 ct Nigerian with a touch of red that's going for $600 which I'll share the link if you are interested. It's a very good price today considering the colour and size but it's not super neon orange though.

 

[diamondsareforever-daf]

Hi Chrono, it'll be great if you could! I don't have a specific size in mind save that it has to be at least 2 ct so 3+ will work too!

 

[chrono]

Please contact Brad and ask him to HOLD the stone ASAP if you are indeed interested in this one. It's obviously not a neon Fanta colour due to that touch of red but I like it. It looks to have a very low relief inclusion creeping across the table which makes it borderline eyeclean depending on how good or poor your eyesight is, not to mention the pictures are greatly magnified. All this drops the price somewhat but for what it's worth, I think it's still a good deal. Most comparable stones I've seen are going for at least $1K. From past experience, the stone always looks better IRL than pictured as well.

http://www.thegemtrader.com/Jan%2009%20Spessartite%20Page.htm

 

[movie zombie]

i would not worry about the inclusions....they are proof of origin. the idea that color stones should and must be completely clean is erroneous....imo. i echo Chrono: move on this NOW if you have not yet done so. it looks to be a good stone at a good price....hard to come by these days.