What is your philosophy on color stones?

[zhuzhu]

Do you see it as a "gem" or as a beautiful personalized colored jewelry to wear? I find that finding a "right diamond" is so much easier than color stone, because the standard and the knowledge out there are so much more than those in place for color stones. The down side to that is that the differneces between two perfectly cut RB diamonds are so small. Your diamond solitaire prob looks identical to the other girls''s diamond solitaire, given the same 4C. At the risk of offending diamond lovers, you can almost say that your diamond LOOKS as if it is a clone to another girls''.

Color stones (ruby/sapphires and emerald) on the other hand, are quite variable and hard to be "identical twins" to another. You can find top gem grade that are more expensive than diamond per ct weight, and you can also find ruby and sapphire in crystal shops that are mostly opaque but cost <$100, but you may still fall in love with them regardless of the price.

I am just curious to see what "you" feel about color stones. Do you feel you have to have a gem-grade color stone to be happy? or do you see color stone as is - for its unique color hue, characteristics, and shapes?

 

[Kismet]

I''m pretty sure all of my stones are gem grade but very few of them are what the industry would consider top color for their species. It doesn''t matter to me though. I like what I like and if the industry thinks differently, then all the better for my wallet.

 

[Pandora II]

Depends...

I like to buy the best I can afford. However if I particularly like a colour that isn''t the markets ''top colour'' that that is fine too. Sometimes stones also speak to me and tell me that they are sad and lonely and need to come home with me

90% of the stones I buy are as collection gemstones - I have two collections: ''Nasty Rocks'' which are mainly study stones (some of which are actually very nice

) and ''Pet Rocks'' that contain my top pieces (some of which are actually quite nasty but very rare).

10% are stones for setting in jewellery where I buy what appeals to me and don''t worry about how they are considered by the market.

Sadly the more you look at things, the more your eye will tend to lead you to the expensive stuff.

 

[gingersnap]

Date: 3/10/2010 4:19:47 PM
Author: Pandora II
Depends...

I like to buy the best I can afford. However if I particularly like a colour that isn''t the markets ''top colour'' that that is fine too. Sometimes stones also speak to me and tell me that they are sad and lonely and need to come home with me

90% of the stones I buy are as collection gemstones - I have two collections: ''Nasty Rocks'' which are mainly study stones (some of which are actually very nice

) and ''Pet Rocks'' that contain my top pieces (some of which are actually quite nasty but very rare).

10% are stones for setting in jewellery where I buy what appeals to me and don''t worry about how they are considered by the market.

Sadly the more you look at things, the more your eye will tend to lead you to the expensive stuff.

Do you offer them candy?

It''s nice when I like the gems that are not highly desired. You really have to follow your heart! But there''s a reason that some stones are so expensive. I do get caught into the trap of "oh, it''s expensive and rare, it must be awesome" when I window shop. When I find myself desiring a stone just for its stats... i have to take a step back, cause I don''t want it for the right reasons.

 

[m00sie]

I must admit I only look to buy stones I will set in jewellery and I buy based on quality (cut and clarity) and color (what I like - not what is ''ideal'').

I''m really bad at hoarding jewellery and keeping it in a box because I don''t want to ''ruin'' it lol

 

[Indylady]

My philosophy is find a stone that 'speaks to me', and to keep only those stones that I really love and set them only once I've found the perfect setting. Like Pandora said, the more you look around and more you learn, the more you'll usually find yourself attracted to more expensive gems. So far, my collection consists of fairly miniscule gems (4-6mm) because that's what I can afford in terms of the color and species I want. (ETA: I'm also a student, so that makes this passion that much for difficult!)

Finding the 'right' colored stone is harder than finding the right diamond (in my opinion at least!). However, I think it makes it that much more rewarding when you've found it. I find colored stones to be that much more interesting than most diamonds. As many colored ston-ers will tell you, the wait and effort is worth it. To me, colored stones and gems, are special. Its romantic in that you're probably the only one in the world that has that one particular gem that looks the way it does, that its yours, and that its beautiful for the reasons that you love. Check out the lilac spinels on this board; they are many, but they all look different, and I could probably pick them apart even though they're not mine and I've never sene them in real life. Same goes for the Mahenges, and the rubies, and the emeralds, and sapphires...there are so many of each, and as similar as they can be, they're still unqiue and reflect back on its owner. I especially love this quote from Leon Mege on Harriet's spessartite ring "Ring with 5.15 ct orange cushion garnet; side stones are bezel-set, the color of garnet has incredible intensity well matching the personality of it's owner." Link if you want to check it out.

ETA: Welcome to colored stones!

 

[Catmom]

I''m one that sees colored stones as "beautiful personalized colored jewelry." I''ve tried to collect gems but I just can''t do it. Nope, can''t do it. They end up being set and worn as quickly as I can manage. I don''t have to have top gem grade stones but they must be of a certain quality and if the color and shape appeals to me then I will buy it. Then I will set it and wear it.

I also am one that sees the setting as of equal importance to the piece.

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 3/10/2010 4:36:54 PM
Author: gingersnap

Date: 3/10/2010 4:19:47 PM
Author: Pandora II
Depends...

I like to buy the best I can afford. However if I particularly like a colour that isn''t the markets ''top colour'' that that is fine too. Sometimes stones also speak to me and tell me that they are sad and lonely and need to come home with me

90% of the stones I buy are as collection gemstones - I have two collections: ''Nasty Rocks'' which are mainly study stones (some of which are actually very nice

) and ''Pet Rocks'' that contain my top pieces (some of which are actually quite nasty but very rare).

10% are stones for setting in jewellery where I buy what appeals to me and don''t worry about how they are considered by the market.

Sadly the more you look at things, the more your eye will tend to lead you to the expensive stuff.

Do you offer them candy?

It''s nice when I like the gems that are not highly desired. You really have to follow your heart! But there''s a reason that some stones are so expensive. I do get caught into the trap of ''oh, it''s expensive and rare, it must be awesome'' when I window shop. When I find myself desiring a stone just for its stats... i have to take a step back, cause I don''t want it for the right reasons.

The dealers? I should try it!

 

[Harriet]

Zhuzhu,
I view my stones as gems that I''m assembling into a collection.

IndyLady,
That Leon!

 

[Gypsy]

I find myself torn between wanting gorgeous deep saturated shades, and being unwilling to pay for them! So for the most part, I try to keep my gems to colors that aren''t as ''top'' as really high prices demand, but are still lovely to me. It''s arguable whether or not it is working because though I have quite a few colored gemstones.... bringing myself to set them hasn''t happened except for once. And above all, if I am buying anything I want ot wear it. So I''m kind of on a buying haitus right now. Though I just bought a stone last week.

 

[Arkteia]

It started as a sentimental idea: to get a collection of all stones mined in the Ural mountains. But since most of them appeared to be exhausted, and the seed had been already planted, I went on a hunt for the same stones found elsewhere. After tons of money and certain experience which left bitter aftertaste, I just came to a very simple conclusion: I use bright colors as mood enhancers. And I like sharing ideas and impressions with other people who have the same passion. You may find it funny but I feel a certain bond, sort of brotherhood/sisterhood here. It is the first time in my life that I have such a feeling since my first passion is shared by very few.

And really, now I am not asking much of a stone, neither pedigree nor rarity. I just want it to be bright, colorful and fun. I also want the price to be fair and not inflated. If it is possible, I''d prefer to buy untreated stones unless there are no alternatives or they are too expensive.

I''d also like it to have some funny traits. Like octahedral crystals in sapphires. It feels like the stone has a baby brother, or a child.

And I feel very lucky since they never mined Paraibas in the Ural mountains.

 

[T L]

My criteria for buying a gem is the following:

1) It must be natural in color unless it''s gently heated as a routine.
2) It must be a color and tone that I like.
3) It must be a size that''s decent for the species (ie, I wouldn''t want a half carat spinel, but a half carat colored diamond would suffice).

The second criteria is the most complex and I could go into that further, but it''s quite a big deal for me. I will just say that the color/tone does not have to be what is deemed the top color for that particular gem species.

I have several gems I wear in jewelry, and several that are unset in my loose gem collection. Some are awaiting settings, and some are just there to be admired. I consider myself a gem collector first, and I wear my stones to please me, and no one else. I don''t see them as a fashion statement at all. In fact, when I''m out and about, I actually hide my rings under my sleeves sometimes because I don''t want to look too ostentactious. For me, they are pleasing to the eye, and I''m fascinated with them as being gifts from the Earth.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

My philosophy: If I like it, and the price is right, then I buy it.

Other than that, no hard and fast rules. I certainly don''t know enough to be collecting for investment purposes, it''s just my own enjoyment. And I don''t usually buy gems that I wouldn''t wear in jewelery.

 

[Arcadian]

I buy what I like. A stone has got to sing to my heart but also make some sense to my wallet.

If a lump of coal sings to my heart...so be it...lol It will get some consideration. but it would be MY lump of coal and no one elses. But still, that lump has to make some wallet sense too.

For the most part, the reason why we''re here is that we all want to get the best value we an afford without over spending for it, and going broke. I think thats just what most of us here do, and we help educate each other along the way. However, We''ve got our own paths, which is very cool. if we were all after the very same stones, it would be a hella catfight up on this piece!!


-A

 

[zhuzhu]

Date: 3/10/2010 10:15:56 PM
Author: Arcadian
I buy what I like. A stone has got to sing to my heart but also make some sense to my wallet.


If a lump of coal sings to my heart...so be it...lol It will get some consideration. but it would be MY lump of coal and no one elses. But still, that lump has to make some wallet sense too.


For the most part, the reason why we''re here is that we all want to get the best value we an afford without over spending for it, and going broke. I think thats just what most of us here do, and we help educate each other along the way. However, We''ve got our own paths, which is very cool. if we were all after the very same stones, it would be a hella catfight up on this piece!!



-A

Sorry to change the topic just for a sec, but what is that beautiful green stone in your avatar?

 

[ma re]

Color influences emotions, so eventhough we all have some personal preferences, what you''ll choose will largely be influenced by your state of mind and body at that moment - and that''s my philosophy. I''m aware that my choices are made under the influence of emotions, just like when buying art. I don''t feel the urge to follow the standards, as there are many "outcasts" out there in the gem world, which are not up to standards but still really beautiful. I consider all gems to be precious, because they''re something that nature spent millions of years creating, and it''s also my connection with the topics of the past. Since history, nature and art are my favorite conversation subjects, no wonder I fell for gemstones and jewellery. I consider them to be so much more than accessories.

 

[chrono]

Date: 3/10/2010 10:48:10 PM
Author: zhuzhu
Sorry to change the topic just for a sec, but what is that beautiful green stone in your avatar?

Zhuzhu,
Just in case Arcadian missed your question, it is a gorgeous sphene!

 

[chrono]

I’m not sure if I have a philosophy per se. I buy what appeals to me but at the same time, have very specific requirements and preferences because I am particular about the nuances of colour, treatment level, size and clarity. At the current time, I purchase with the idea of building a gemstone collection.

 

[Arcadian]

Date: 3/10/2010 10:48:10 PM
Author: zhuzhu


Sorry to change the topic just for a sec, but what is that beautiful green stone in your avatar?

Its a greenish yellow sphene which is largely a collectors stone because of its softness. There''s a few threads on here about them, one of which I started because I became very interested in them. (now I''m just a junky...lol)


-A

 

[zhuzhu]

I personally purchase "rough gems" for collection as they are affordable and easy to hold in my hands to meditate with (yes I believe in their metaphysical properties like cyrstals have). Any higher commercial grade pre-cut stones I buy if I love the quality, color and shape, and evnetually set it into a ring of which I can SEE anytime I want (as opposed to a pendant).

MA RE,
You are so right about the emotional connection to colored stones. I love my e-ring and feel so good wearing it but the feeling is just admiration. But with the ruby ring in the avatar, I feel moved by it when sun goes through it in certain angle. The redness of it makes my heart pump just a little faster than the elegant emerald-cut diamond ering.

Arcadian and Chrono,
I have never heard much about Sphene before. It looks fascinating and I will read up on it!

 

[gsellis]

I am one of those engineering and computer programmer types. You know, the problem solvers. My philosophy sort of lines up with Chief Dan George''s comment as Lone Watie in the movie The Outlaw Josey Wales (one of those guy movies that it is hard for us to surf past...)

Lone Watie: All I have is a piece of hard rock candy. But it''s not for eatin''. It''s just for lookin'' through.

So, I see something and I want to figure out what I can do to make it "for lookin'' through." I have cut a bunch of stuff and wear none of it. It is one of those ''puzzle'' things. My wife encourages me to find them other homes as I am starting to get a collection of them. And she is minimalist in regards to jewelry - earrings and a matching, simple necklace (which she makes some of them), so they don''t go to her jewelry box. But I did make her a pair of earrings that she wears.