Spinel - help me decide between these 2!

[whitehotblank]

Opinions on which of these 2 spinels is loveliest? As a guide, I will always pick a smaller, more perfect and intensely coloured stone over a larger and less perfect one. Am also willing to pay for the nicer one, if it's more expensive. If you have an opinion, please say why!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370179187146&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

http://www.gemfix.com/spinel.html (second row, first on the left - 1.06ct Burma cushion cut spinel)

Thanks!!!

 

[VapidLapid]

That is a tough one. I like them both. the bigger one is good though I think i would want more saturation, and the inclusions are few and small. The cut is what it is but very good for ebay. The burma one is perhaps nice color, cleaner and better cut, but smaller. Even so I'm inclined to say go with the tanzanian. Any plans for the stone that might effect the decision?

 

[chrono]

This is indeed a difficult decision! The eBay stone has minor cut issues and the saturation is quite good for what it is. The Gemfix stone may be pricier but the precision cutting will make it extremely brilliant and lively. At this point, without knowing the lighting condition, it will be unfair to pick one over the other. Most pink/red spinels will shift under fluorescent and incandescent lighting - some will remain pink, become redder and some will show some orange. Perhaps knowing what the spinel shifts to might help you make the decision, short of comparing the two stones in hand in person.

 

[LD]

I have a couple of Tan's Spinels and my last (which I adore) is very similar to the one you've linked to. It's incredibly vibrant and in fact I nearly bought the one you're thinking of!

However, if I were going to chose, strangely, I would go for the other because of (a) the cut as I'm a sucker for cushion cuts and you don't see many Spinels in a great cushion cut (b) the description and (c) it looks to be a brighter and slightly lighter colour (although impossible to know for sure without seeing both taken in the same lighting conditions). I'm not sure whether Burma Spinels generally show fluor so it might be worth asking.

My only hesitation is that it is smaller and so I guess depends on whether size is an issue?

 

[iLander]

Go with the one from Gemfix. If you don't like it, it's a lot easier to return.

It's my understanding that Andrew has an actual store, so you know he's got a lot more than he's showing on his site. Ask him if he has any other spinels, if you want something bigger.

I am not impressed with the tilt windows on Tan's stone. At least that's what I think I see . . .

 

[LD]

iLander - that's a very small tilt window so it wouldn't bother me personally. Actually, tilt windows are not something that ever bother me (unless they completely take over the gem) because most coloured gems have them. In real life, once set, you'll very rarely see it. Do you screen out gems based on a tilt window then?

 

[cellentani]

Like others have said, it's nearly impossible to judge since the stones are in different lighting conditions. Also, I would ask Andrew if the cushion spinel is precision cut - I'm not sure that it is.

 

[briolette]

I would go with Andrew's stone. Even if it is smaller, you know you are getting something of high quality AND you can return it easier. I have purchased many stones from him in the past (including the one in my user icon) and I can say that his pictures match the product.

The stone on Ebay has a deep belly and I fear you may be paying for a lot of weight you can't see face up.

Good luck! They're both beautiful so really you're probably okay either way but I know that Andrew stocks and cuts only high quality gems.

 

[T L]

I probably wouldn't get either. I don't think the color is saturated enough on either stone for the price points. I also think you can do better with a finer cut (face up) and price, on the ebay site. I'm not particularly crazy about the cutting on Andres's stone either. It looks native cut as does the stone on the first row, left corner, so before paying precision cut prices, ensure Andrew actually cut the stone from scratch (the faceted crystal), and it's not a recut, or a native cut. I would keep looking.

 

[whitehotblank]

Thanks for the opinions - I am leaning heavily towards the smaller stone because of the ease of returning it if necessary.

Do a lot of people share Tourmalinelover's opinion that I could do better for this price? I'm a pearl girl, not a rock expert, so am not sure on pricing.

Thanks again! And if anyone has any links to stones they consider to be nicer, please link me!

 

[T L]

Thanks for the opinions - I am leaning heavily towards the smaller stone because of the ease of returning it if necessary.

Do a lot of people share Tourmalinelover's opinion that I could do better for this price? I'm a pearl girl, not a rock expert, so am not sure on pricing.

Thanks again! And if anyone has any links to stones they consider to be nicer, please link me!

Well, I saw several on Tan's site that were less expensive, larger and less money. I should have saved the links. Did you look at odysseygem.com, his ebay stores VVS1GEM, gemburionline and odysseygem. I really think that little native looking one is really overpriced for the size and color. JMO.

 

[davi_el_mejor]

Prices can go all over the map

These are spinels in nearly the same cut and color from all of Tan's websites.

Your original: $540

1.35ct_$346

1.08ct_$403

1.7ct_$159

1.49ct_$694

1.9ct_$700