The range of acceptable table size for 3ct sapphires

[fzpanda]

Got my eyes on a 3.1ct sapphire recently. Color and clarity are great, but the cut is an emerald cut, and the depth ratio is close to 83%. Therefore, the dimensions of this sapphire are only about 7.2*7.2*6mm, which is similar to the table size of a 2ct oval cut sapphire.

Before pulling the trigger, I am wondering,
(1) Is the small face of this sapphire considered a major flaw?
(2) I also noticed that the number of steps in the pavillion of this stone is only 3 (instead of the typically seen 4 or 5). Will this have a major impact on the value of the stone?

Thanks much in advance for your help!!

 

[Edward Bristol]

Not a major flaw. BUT: small face means less visibility.

Less factes means less sparkle. BUT: Emerald cut is done to show color not luster.

 

[chrono]

If the colour is very good, then the smaller face up size is an acceptable compromise. What you are calling the table is incorrect because the table is the very top flat portion and table has little bearing on the face up size.

1. Depends on the colour. Not a major flaw but the colour has to be very fine and the price attractive to be under consideration.
2. More steps equates to more brilliancy so a 3 step stone is likely to be less flashy and lively compared to a 4 or 5 step cut.

 

[fzpanda]

Thanks so much Chrono for your suggestion and correction. Its color was graded by GRS as "vivid royal blue", and is priced slightly above 5k. Are these considered reasonable specs?

 

[chrono]

Others are going to jump all over me for stating my opinion but here it is: I dislike GRS' colour description with a passion. They don't seem to take tone into consideration at all. I've seen very dark (much too dark to be attractive) blue sapphires graded by GRS as vivid royal blue. I've also seen obviously orangish brown rubies described by GRS as pigeon's blood red. This is not to say that all stones with GRS memos are like this as I am very sure some deserve the descriptors. This is only a caution to view the stone under its own merits. Therefore, to understand whether pricing / specs is reasonable, it would be most helpful if you post a picture or two. Video is preferred but I know most vendors do not provide such service.

 

[minousbijoux]

I personally would not be pleased, nor would I pay as much for, a 3 carat sapphire that faced up like a 2 carat sapphire unless the price was closer to a 2 carat price (which you probably would not find). I just would not want to pay for almost a carat of extra weight that was not seen. When you say emerald shape, it sounds like from the dimensions of 7.2x7.2 its a square emerald shape, like a radiant?

 

[fzpanda]

Here are some photos...

 

[chrono]

This is where I take issue with GRS for not taking tone into consideration although perhaps the cut has something to do with the darkness as well. I do not consider the colour as great because it is overly dark. Yes, it will definitely not be flashy and if nothing else, it is most likely to appear blackish most of the time. I am sorry but I would not consider this sapphire for purchase.

 

[fzpanda]

agreed. thanks again!

 

[eastjavaman]

Others are going to jump all over me for stating my opinion but here it is: I dislike GRS' colour description with a passion. They don't seem to take tone into consideration at all. I've seen very dark (much too dark to be attractive) blue sapphires graded by GRS as vivid royal blue. I've also seen obviously orangish brown rubies described by GRS as pigeon's blood red. This is not to say that all stones with GRS memos are like this as I am very sure some deserve the descriptors. This is only a caution to view the stone under its own merits. Therefore, to understand whether pricing / specs is reasonable, it would be most helpful if you post a picture or two. Video is preferred but I know most vendors do not provide such service.

Chrono, hat's off to you I thought it was just my eyes getting worse. I saw numerous graded by GRS as "Royal Blue" which is supposed to be one of the top color, but to me those look almost black. And I saw 2 "Pigeon Blood", placed next to each other that does not look even the same color.

 

[fzpanda]

Does anyone have a series of pictures that show the spectrum for the tone of sapphires from too light to ideal to too dark? That will be really helpful.

 

[chrono]

Check out Palagems 4Cs:
http://www.palagems.com/quality_4cs.htm

 

[eastjavaman]

Fzpanda
Really, It is a matter of preference(there is no such thing as too light or too dark ). However, the top color for Blue sapphire is typically has Medium to Dark tone and Vivid saturation.
I can tell your pictures are from Star Ruby shop.

 

[fzpanda]

Fzpanda
Really, It is a matter of preference(there is no such thing as too light or too dark ). However, the top color for Blue sapphire is typically has Medium to Dark tone and Vivid saturation.
I can tell your pictures are from Star Ruby shop.

yes , you are right. have you dealt with them before in the past?

 

[chrono]

EastJavaMan,
I presume that medium to dark tone is a typo, and that you meant medium dark.

 

[fzpanda]

Check out Palagems 4Cs:
http://www.palagems.com/quality_4cs.htm

great pictures . thanks!

 

[eastjavaman]

Chrono, technically you are right: it is medium dark, what I wanted to explain was that the medium dark in itself has variations, but I guess my comment can be interpreted that medium and dark by itself is considered top quality, in which I stand corrected .

FzPanda
I have not dealt with StarRuby before, but some of our members here have.