Thoughts on this opalescent sapphire?

[shewhowanders]

Hi PSers!

I’m considering this 2.6ct oval blue-green opalescent sapphire for a project with The Northway Studio from a vendor that she works with regularly. I was really excited after seeing video 1 and asked for additional videos taken indoors and I’m not completely sure now. I know that opalescent sapphires can look very different in different lighting sources, but I’m worried it might not be lively enough indoors. What do you guys think?

Video 1
Video 2
Video 3

 

[Autumn in New England]

I do not claim to be an opalescent sapphire expert (hopefully they'll be along shortly). But here are my thoughts... that first video is way off. Forget it completely. The second and third videos, I would bet, are a fairly accurate portrayal of what you can expect in person. And I think it looks far better in those videos anyway. It's really cool!!

 

[Avondale]

I believe you should read this before you decide on this purchase.

Thread 'Opalescent Sapphire—risky business'

Jun 20, 2023

Although i shouldn’t be buying anything, i fell in love with an instagram post today and bought an opalescent sapphire. It looks amazing online; i hope with fingers and toes crossed that it looks similar to the videos here in the US.

• Mrsz1ppy
• Replies: 39
• Forum: Colored Gemstones

• 
• 
• 

It's a pretty similar situation, with the exception that your vendor is being open and honest about the way the stone looks in regular light.

ETA: These are the original videos of the gem in that thread:

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[Starstruck8]

I believe you should read this before you decide on this purchase.

+1. Good advice.

IMO, 'opalescent' is not just a fancy word for silky, sleepy or foggy. A true opalescent stone should show different colours, usually with scattered light bluer and transmitted light yellower (both modified by the base colour, of course). Here is an example:


The videos in your post aren't so clear, but I'm not sure I'm seeing this.

To be sure, opinions may differ. And you may like the stone anyway, whether it's truly opalescent or not.

 

[shewhowanders]

I believe you should read this before you decide on this purchase.

Thread 'Opalescent Sapphire—risky business'

Jun 20, 2023

Although i shouldn’t be buying anything, i fell in love with an instagram post today and bought an opalescent sapphire. It looks amazing online; i hope with fingers and toes crossed that it looks similar to the videos here in the US.

• Mrsz1ppy
• Replies: 39
• Forum: Colored Gemstones

• 
• 
• 

It's a pretty similar situation, with the exception that your vendor is being open and honest about the way the stone looks in regular light.

ETA: These are the original videos of the gem in that thread:

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

Thanks Avondale! I came across this post a few days ago and it’s definitely making me a bit weary. My vendor is in the US, but the sapphire origin is probably the same (Gombe). I think the vendor has a good return policy so I might try to see it in person or have Maria take more pictures.

 

[Saphir]

U r really a lucky guy! Thats a great sapphire. Its very very rare that a silky stone glows, the most have color shift or change. Great stone buy it!!!

 

[autumngems]

I see a black "booger" in it so for me it's a no go

 

[shewhowanders]

Thanks everyone for your feedback! I’m considering this silky Montana sapphire as well. It’s precision cut and I love the periwinkle tone, but a little concerned it might look more gray indoors. The vendor is local to me so I might see if I can view the stone in person. Sorry I can’t post it as a link for some reason.

Jenna Sloane Stones LLC on Instagram: "1.78ct Montana sapphire ~available on my website!~ 7.9 x 6.0 x 4.6 mm » No heat, periwinkle ice, silky with minimal internal needles. Eldorado Bar, Montana. This is a modified Fred Van Sant design, but I call i

426 likes, 50 comments - sloanestonez on April 17, 2025: "1.78ct Montana sapphire ~available on my website!~ 7.9 x 6.0 x 4.6 mm » No heat, periwinkle ice, silky with minimal internal needles. Eldorado Bar, Montana. This is a modified Fred Van Sant design, but I call it Mona Lisa. This is easily...

www.instagram.com