Tourmaline valuation

[Lucas skye]

Hi. I am after a valuation please. I have been advised that this is tourmaline by a gemologist. Measures 12mm x11.5mm estimated 7 carat. Could I get an idea of value? Thanks

 

[Autumn in New England]

Hello and welcome to the forum! If the stone is indeed natural tourmaline, it looks to be indicolite, as opposed to paraiba. Both are (usually) of the elbaite variety of tourmaline, but colored by different elements (indicolite, iron and paraiba, copper). It certainly is very vibrant and beautifully saturated.

It's been my experience that members are sometimes hesitant to offer opinions on value, especially to new posters. The reason being is simply that it's tricky, as subtle differences in color and clarity can dramatically affect the value (as well as the variety of tourmaline, as I previously mentioned). Since we don't have the benefit of evaluating the stone/ring in person, and we're not familiar with your buying habits or backstory, it's a bit of an exercise in futility. So I'm not sure you'll receive much useful info here specifically concerning value. Is the gemologist you visited a G.G.? If so, from which institution did he or she study? I wouldn't trust the advice of your average neighborhood jeweler. If you're seriously interested in pricing the piece, I would take it to an appraiser who is also a G.G. (accredited by the GIA, AIGS, or the like).

Good luck! It's a lovely ring!!

 

[Lucas skye]

Thank you. That is interesting. I have no idea of the gemologist's qualification or how they tested. I know that they were very quick testing it! They came back in minutes which I thought odd.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Thank you. That is interesting. I have no idea of the gemologist's qualification or how they tested. I know that they were very quick testing it! They came back in minutes which I thought odd.

If he or she is a G.G., they probably put it under a microscope (to look for telltale inclusions or the lack thereof) and used a refractometer (to measure refractive index, which is unique to different gems, synthetics, and simulants). Neither would take very long. I'd still want to know the person's qualifications though and if he or she did indeed perform any instrument testing, as opposed to just louping the gem. But it's a good start!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Also, indicolite tourmaline is one of the more valuable varieties of tourmaline. So if your stone is indeed a fine quality natural indicolite in the 7ct. range, you're looking at an important gem, IMO. Just for kicks, take a look at this indicolite from AJS, which is "only" 5ct...

Vibrant Blue Namibian Tour 4.95 carats at AJS Gems

A superb large Vibrant Blue Tourmaline from the recent find in Nambia! This is beautiful crystal with a gorgeous saturated blue color, in an elegant octagon that will set up beautifully in your jewelry design. You will be amazed at the color of this rare

www.ajsgem.com

 

[Lucas skye]

Also, indicolite tourmaline is one of the more valuable varieties of tourmaline. So if your stone is indeed a fine quality natural indicolite in the 7ct. range, you're looking at an important gem, IMO. Just for kicks, take a look at this indicolite from AJS, which is "only" 5ct...

Vibrant Blue Namibian Tour 4.95 carats at AJS Gems

A superb large Vibrant Blue Tourmaline from the recent find in Nambia! This is beautiful crystal with a gorgeous saturated blue color, in an elegant octagon that will set up beautifully in your jewelry design. You will be amazed at the color of this rare

www.ajsgem.com

Thank you. In that case I think I will get it properly tested with all my fingers and toes crossed! And then have it insured!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Thank you. In that case I think I will get it properly tested with all my fingers and toes crossed! And then have it insured!

I think that's the smartest way to proceed. I might even bypass a local G.G. or appraiser for now. You can remove the stone from the mounting or send it as-is to GIA or AGL (if you're in the US). They can test it loose or mounted. If it comes back as natural tourmaline, then maybe look into having it properly appraised (and insured). How exciting for you! Did you purchase the ring yourself or was it something passed down to you? I will cross all of my digits for you as well!! Please come back with a follow-up!

 

[Lucas skye]

I think that's the smartest way to proceed. I might even bypass a local G.G. or appraiser for now. You can remove the stone from the mounting or send it as-is to GIA or AGL (if you're in the US). They can test it loose or mounted. If it comes back as natural tourmaline, then maybe look into having it properly appraised (and insured). How exciting for you! Did you purchase the ring yourself or was it something passed down to you? I will cross all of my digits for you as well!! Please come back with a follow-up!

Thanks. I'm in UK so will try an appraiser here. I bought the ring used but was unsure on the stone. I will come back with a result . .

 

[PrecisionGem]

Just be aware that what a person appraises a gem for, is not always what it would sell for, or even close.

When I first started cutting stones, I paid to have a few appraised, these turned out to be fairly accurate if I moved the decimal place over one to the left.

I would think your stone would sell unmounted for $500 to $700 per ct. Now if you Tiffany selling it, then much more.