What do you think of this spinel?

[lovemesomecolor]

I am about to hit click and make an offer on this spinel. Has anyone bought from this seller on Ebay (Mintragem) ? Would love to see some of the spinel collectors share some thoughts on this stone. Would love to read FrekeChild's thoughts. I know it's hard to judge by pictures and video. I am looking for pink spinels. Ideally want them to look very pink , not really reddish. And not pears or ovals which I know tend to be quite popular on spinels. Would love cushions if I manage to find them.

Does this look about right? How about pricing? I am a total rookie. I know learning takes making some mistakes. But since I am looking for a stone for my engagement ring and that initial investment is on the $2,000 mark, I would really love to minimize mistakes on my part on the gem for this specific purpose. Then I can go back and do some learning while ordering other gems. Any help will be greatly appreciated

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-56-CT-SUPERIOR-NATURAL-INTENSE-PINK-CEYLON-SPINEL-WITH-GLC-CERTIFY-/360911681645?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item540803386d

 

[chrono]

Blatant photoshopping of the pictures. Compare that to the video to understand what I mean.

 

[Niel]

Have you taken a gander at some of his pink spinels?

I agree I don't think it looks like the photos in hand. I would purchase the original spinel.

http://www.finewatergems.com/spinel.html

Plus you might think it too small but the color packs such a punch and you could put it in a cushion halo. Though not every e loves this style cut, I think they really flatter this type of color and round shape. And that pink!

http://www.concavegems.com/detail.cfm?zNum=6778

 

[FrekeChild]

Hmmm....

I wouldn't take the risk with a stone for your ering, and Chrono is right, that looks like it's had it's saturation amped way up.

What's your budget?

Off the top of my head:

Top row, middle, looks to have a slight orange modifier, and it's round. Stone 293
http://www.gemfix.com/spinel.html

There is an oval here that could potentially be
http://www.atggems.com/Photos_Spinel.htm

Oval:
http://www.ajsgem.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.74-carats.html

Elongated cushion, might have a bit more red than you want?
http://www.ajsgem.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.34-carats.html-0

Slightly silky, might have a bit of a cutting issue, this pic isn't taken from straight on:
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?-1404931478

Not hot hot pink with vivid saturation, but still looks nice:
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?1265567367

Don't know what your budget is, but YOW! That color!
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?-198275659

Lately I've been hearing that Prima has had some spinels, and they don't put much on their website. Swala Gem Traders recently redid their website, so there isn't much on it, but it'd be worth reaching out to them I think. http://www.swalagemtraders.com/

You might reach out to Roger and see what he has:
http://www.spectralgems.net/

And maybe Julia B has something? She seems to have a few pink spinels:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/186234...neon-pink-red-mahenge?ref=shop_home_active_22

 

[minousbijoux]

So does this mean that the Roger spinel was sent back? I agree with the others - you will get a dusty pink at best based on how it looks in video.

 

[digdeep]

Amazing how one ???? can post two subjects and so much busyness including ordering and getting a stone in less than 24 hours. I wonder the same thing about Roger's spinel that this person was "in love with" and had in their possession but now wants to bid on ebay??????? I'd say go for it......let us know what you get!

See other thread: Ordering my first gemstone ever!!! HELP!! (April 28th)

 

[Niel]

Amazing how one ???? can post two subjects and so much busyness including ordering and getting a stone in less than 24 hours. I wonder the same thing about Roger's spinel that this person was "in love with" and had in their possession but now wants to bid on ebay??????? I'd say go for it......let us know what you get!

See other thread: Ordering my first gemstone ever!!! HELP!! (April 28th)

Is there a reason for the suspicion? She ordered a stone April 28th got it April 30. Is it odd got someone to ship a 2k+ item not overnight?

 

[lovemesomecolor]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate you taking some time to share your experience with me.

Chrono, I called Prima Gems as you suggested in the other post. Left a voicemail with my info.

Niel, I like one there from the Finewater link you sent. Cushion. Will ask if they have more pictures. Only concern is it has what I guess are some inclusions in a corner.I don't mind some inclusions, just that to me untrained eye it looks like a fracture or an area where it can crack? Sorry about the ignorance but that is why I am here. To ask questions so I can learn and try to avoid the biggest mistakes.

 

[digdeep]

Neil, the first post said it was arriving in 2 hours on the 29th.............then the OP dropped it until the 30th. So what happened to that gem that the OP was in love with? No clue or conclusion was given. Why would someone asking for help start two threads asking for the same thing within a few days and neither thread acknowledges the other? Folks, this has been happening more and more and there are a lot of nice people that come to this forum........but not everyone.

 

[Niel]

Neil, the first post said it was arriving in 2 hours on the 29th.............then the OP dropped it until the 30th. So what happened to that gem that the OP was in love with? No clue or conclusion was given. Why would someone asking for help start two threads asking for the same thing within a few days and neither thread acknowledges the other? Folks, this has been happening more and more and there are a lot of nice people that come to this forum........but not everyone.

Sorry I guess what you're saying doesn't automatically lead me to believe this is someone doing something unsavory. And until then I wouldn't call them out. It makes people not want to post, I'm afraid.

 

[lovemesomecolor]

Hmmm....

I wouldn't take the risk with a stone for your ering, and Chrono is right, that looks like it's had it's saturation amped way up.

What's your budget?

Off the top of my head:

Top row, middle, looks to have a slight orange modifier, and it's round. Stone 293
http://www.gemfix.com/spinel.html

There is an oval here that could potentially be
http://www.atggems.com/Photos_Spinel.htm

Oval:
http://www.ajsgem.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.74-carats.html

Elongated cushion, might have a bit more red than you want?
http://www.ajsgem.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.34-carats.html-0

Slightly silky, might have a bit of a cutting issue, this pic isn't taken from straight on:
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?-1404931478

Not hot hot pink with vivid saturation, but still looks nice:
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?1265567367

Don't know what your budget is, but YOW! That color!
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?-198275659

Lately I've been hearing that Prima has had some spinels, and they don't put much on their website. Swala Gem Traders recently redid their website, so there isn't much on it, but it'd be worth reaching out to them I think. http://www.swalagemtraders.com/

You might reach out to Roger and see what he has:
http://www.spectralgems.net/

And maybe Julia B has something? She seems to have a few pink spinels:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/186234...neon-pink-red-mahenge?ref=shop_home_active_22

Thanks Freke for all the links! Really liked that first one you mentioned from Gemfix. There are two from there. The ones from Julia look really interesting.

Right now I have one from Roger. When I contacted him I thought it was a different color. He gave me more details and encouraged me to see it in person. I am glad I did as it is prettier than in pictures. I like it. And with each day that goes by I find it more interesting. I just wanted to see other options if possible. Even if in pics or videos before making a decision. Thanks for helping out and providing all the links. Here's Roger's beauty.

 

[lovemesomecolor]

So does this mean that the Roger spinel was sent back? I agree with the others - you will get a dusty pink at best based on how it looks in video.

Hi! I still have it. I have until Wednesday next week to decide if I keep it or return it. I like it. I really do. This would be my first purchase and I just don't want to impulse buy. I wanted to see if others had seen something similar to what I am looking for and perhaps provide some help. Will send some emails asking for extra photos on a few that I saw on some sites suggested by other posters. And already called a place Chrono recommended and left a message. Just want to make sure there is nothing else available right now that's in my budget that perhaps I like even more or something.

 

[Niel]

I've purchased from Gary at fine water and I think he's great and takes accurate photos. Do you mean the spinel that's 1800? He has 2 cushion ones on there.

 

[lovemesomecolor]

Amazing how one ???? can post two subjects and so much busyness including ordering and getting a stone in less than 24 hours. I wonder the same thing about Roger's spinel that this person was "in love with" and had in their possession but now wants to bid on ebay??????? I'd say go for it......let us know what you get!

See other thread: Ordering my first gemstone ever!!! HELP!! (April 28th)

Hi. Certainly I will not make a bunch of threads about this. I posted twice to ask for advice from other posters because I have exactly 7 days from the moment I got the gem to make a decision. That is why the urgency on my part. If you read both threads, you can notice that the tone in both is one where I am clearly stating I have no knowledge about gems. I just like them and have learned about cutting and some sources from reading a little bit here.

About Roger's spinel, I confirmed and gave details to him on Monday 28th. Shipping was quite expensive but that is what Roger uses. I guess because he does not charge the stone, just shipping and insurance so you can see it without any commitment. He takes the credit card number but a purchase is not completed until the person sees the gem and decides if they want to keep it or not. My guess is if the person does not want to keep a stone, he does not want the whole thing to take forever on shipping instead of being able to ship the stone to another client immediately if he has someone else interested. According to tracking info from Fedex It was supposed to be here on Tuesday by 5m. Nothing. FedEx dropped the ball and called that night at 9pm explaining they had some issues, that indeed the package was here and they'd deliver next day. They did.

Oh, and about the Ebay stone? Yeah. I did not even know what spinels were. I happened to see that picture when I was looking for sapphires and loved the image. Saw the name of the stone and did some research. But even after learning a bit more, that first impression stuck with me. Thought of consulting here and ordering instead of always wondering what does it look like or if it was a good one. That is why I come here. For advice. Because I know NOTHING and don't want to make obvious and avoidable mistakes. Although I don't have any gemology knowledge, I happen to want a stone that is not your everyday thing at jewelry stores. So I can't ask for advice there.

See, I know the world and the net are full of trolls and people with weird intentions behind what they do. But not everyone is like that. And around here, some of us, newbies that just happen to share a passion with you but with the big difference of not having any knowledge (yet)... we just honestly want to ask for some help. So please try to be kind and not assume things when there is no reason to doubt. Seriously, not every new person is a troll trying to take the time of other posters. :-/

 

[lovemesomecolor]

I've purchased from Gary at fine water and I think he's great and takes accurate photos. Do you mean the spinel that's 1800? He has 2 cushion ones on there.

Thanks for your help! It's the one at $1,500. 3.07 cts. I really like the shape. What I mean with the inclusions is on the right side at the bottom. In the corner?

 

[Niel]

I've purchased from Gary at fine water and I think he's great and takes accurate photos. Do you mean the spinel that's 1800? He has 2 cushion ones on there.

Thanks for your help! It's the one at $1,500. 3.07 cts. I really like the shape. What I mean with the inclusions is on the right side at the bottom. In the corner?

Oh I'm glad you said that because I thought you were talking about the more bubble gum pink 3.17 ish ct one. The second listed. I can see why you're still shopping. The vendor pic of the purchased stone you posted shows purple, but doesn't in real life (from what you're picks/ comments make it sound. ) and makes sense you like that one from FW because girls also purply.

 

[lovemesomecolor]

I've purchased from Gary at fine water and I think he's great and takes accurate photos. Do you mean the spinel that's 1800? He has 2 cushion ones on there.

Thanks for your help! It's the one at $1,500. 3.07 cts. I really like the shape. What I mean with the inclusions is on the right side at the bottom. In the corner?

Oh I'm glad you said that because I thought you were talking about the more bubble gum pink 3.17 ish ct one. The second listed. I can see why you're still shopping. The vendor pic of the purchased stone you posted shows purple, but doesn't in real life (from what you're picks/ comments make it sound. ) and makes sense you like that one from FW because girls also purply.

Yeah. I really like the one I have here. I do. But I don't want to just go ahead without even seeing other options you guys that know all the sources might be able to show me! . Initially that was the cut I was hoping for. The more squared cushion. Then I looked and looked and I realized most are ovals and pears? So I was a bit more open to other cushion types. Then this pretty from Roger came along. I have nothing but nice words to say about his service and willingness to help.

I also liked this one Freke recommended http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?1265567367 That very first one.

 

[FrekeChild]

Yeah. I really like the one I have here. I do. But I don't want to just go ahead without even seeing other options you guys that know all the sources might be able to show me! . Initially that was the cut I was hoping for. The more squared cushion. Then I looked and looked and I realized most are ovals and pears? So I was a bit more open to other cushion types. Then this pretty from Roger came along. I have nothing but nice words to say about his service and willingness to help.

I also liked this one Freke recommended http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?1265567367 That very first one.

I also like the 3.07ct from Finewater. I'd ask him if he could provide a handshot if possible. It looks a bit purple to me. I actually find Gary's pictures to be accurate most of the time, but I've seen a garnet and a spinel from him, both in the pink family that barely resemble the color in the glamour shots. Thread for the garnet is here: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ewater-in-vintage-setting-and-a-few-o.187127/

She did not make a thread for the spinel, but I got to see it in person.

I like that one from Multicolour as well - it has a small window (if it were an antique cut diamond, someone would probably say it looks like a "large culet"), and it may have a little bit of extinction, but unless you get precision cut, it's hard to find a stone without it.

Kudos for your well written response btw. Other people would not be so kind or so eloquent.

 

[minousbijoux]

So does this mean that the Roger spinel was sent back? I agree with the others - you will get a dusty pink at best based on how it looks in video.

Hi! I still have it. I have until Wednesday next week to decide if I keep it or return it. I like it. I really do. This would be my first purchase and I just don't want to impulse buy. I wanted to see if others had seen something similar to what I am looking for and perhaps provide some help. Will send some emails asking for extra photos on a few that I saw on some sites suggested by other posters. And already called a place Chrono recommended and left a message. Just want to make sure there is nothing else available right now that's in my budget that perhaps I like even more or something.

I think you are doing an incredibly smart thing - to see a bunch of stones in person and compare. I wish I had learned to do that when I first started looking.

 

[ilovegemstones]

I love the one you got from Roger Dery! It is just juicy and so much better than his pictures show!

 

[lovemesomecolor]

Thanks everyone! Especially Chrono, MinouxBijoux and FrekeChild. After checking with other vendors, looking at pictures and also looking at Roger's spinel in person, I decided to keep Roger's. There were two other spinels that I really liked but they were rounds. See, I think part of the issue for this project is because it is my engagement ring, I had a pretty set idea of the shape I wanted in the ring. I think normally with other projects you get the gem and design around it.

I just wish I could capture what my eyes can see with the camera! My niece tried with a better camera and it looked purple. Which is completely strange as it looked pink in my hand. Aaanyway, just wanted to say thank you for taking your time to help me with your input and links so I could at least look around and see if there was something that caught my attention more than this cutie I have here. But now she's found a home and that means I have my first stone!

 

[lovemesomecolor]

Also, in a wild turn of events, one of my friends used to be a manager at a Zales store. She doesn't work there anymore but she's still friends with some of her best clients. Turns out one of them is divorcing and selling all her jewelry. She had a loose diamond and since my friend knows I'm getting married, she said I might be interested. Seller is in a rush to sell, so she's selling it to me for $1,000! According to her (and my friend who sold that originally to her) it's an F , SI1, 1 ct diamond. I'm taking it tomorrow to a gemologist who also happens to be a very good jeweler and might be the one to work on my ring. The cut is a bit different as it is one of those special edition cut that Zales did as part of a marketing thing. The Celebration Diamond. Opinions? I just could not let that one pass. So now if all's good tomorrow at the gemologist, It looks like I have two ring projects in my hands!

Here two pics of the diamond.






She's also selling a three stone diamond ring according to my friend. And my guess is it's another steal. But between the spinel, this diamond and what it will cost to set them, I better not even check for the price of that one!

 

[lovemesomecolor]

I love the one you got from Roger Dery! It is just juicy and so much better than his pictures show!

Thank you! Yes. Good way to describe it. Juicy!!! . And I agree with you. Pictures really don't do this beauty justice. Hopefully when I set it and I'm finally comfortable moving it around because I can't drop it, I'll be able to take good pictures where the color really pops out.

 

[chrono]

I highly recommend posting your question about the diamond in Rocky Talky. The ladies there can crunch numbers and spit out cut quality advice faster than I can blink.