Where best to buy blue sapphire in the UK Thanks!

[MJ2013]

Hi all,

I have been reading posts with interest. My boyfriend has decided to propose and wants me to have input into the ring he chooses.
I told him I like blue sapphires so we are looking for the best options out there. We live in the UK. I think his budget is around £1,500- £2,000.

Ideally we'd get the sapphire mounted on the ring, but if a better option is putting it together, then that is good too.

Anyone know any good UK vendors? Or is it worth it buying in the US (I seem to find more options there like simply sapphire) and paying customs/excise?

Any guidelines for buying on ebay (like this one) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-32cts-Natural-Light-Blue-Sapphire-Loose-Gemstone-Oval-shape-WITH-VIDEO-/221241131334?pt=Loose_Gemstones&hash=item3382ffc146

Thank you! Maria

 

[chrono]

The only vendor in the UK that I know of that is often recommended on PS is TopGem. To get the nicest sapphire for your budget, allowing for more options, is to get the stone first separately, then set it.
www.topgem.co.uk (UK gemstone dealer specialising in unheated sapphires and rubies)

The eBay sapphire has too many unknowns for me to recommend it:
1. Unknown treatment, therefore assume that it is heated, possible beryllium diffused, which matters a lot to some people as this treatment is highly invasive and changes the internal structure greatly and affects pricing greatly as well.
2. A lot of cut issues which could be a deal-breaker for many. The sapphire is off symmetry, has an off center culet, is slightly windowed and also has a more easily seen tilt window than it should show. On the positive side, it is a calibrated 8 x 6 mm which will fit a standard setting easily but I'm unsure if the off-center culet will affect that. The listing states that it is 2.32 ct but the description has it listed as 1.1 to 2.5 cts.
3. It looks possibly colour zoned where one section is a grey blue but another section is a lighter and more saturated bright blue.

In short, unless you know what you are doing, I would steer clear of eBay for an engagement ring stone and in particular, sapphires.

 

[SB621]

I agree with Chrono. I have been on a sapphire hunt for years and I wish I had found PS first as it would have saves me a lot of time and frustration. If you post what you are sort of looking for (color, mm size etc) we can help you find something.

It would also help if you post pictures of your ideal sapphire color. For example my ideal color is a more med hue with some purple understones. See example picture below.

Also do you care if the stone is heated? Or do you want completely unheated/ untreated?

 

[MJ2013]

Thanks Chrono, I have now visited topgem’s website and realise that they have an office near where I work so we will try to make an appointment with them.
I will stear well clear of ebay! Sounds like a minefield if you are not experienced.

Thanks SB621 for the picture. The colour is beautiful. I tend to be drawn to blues like this one.



Thanks for asking, I do not really mind if the stone is heated or unheated
So far I feel drawn to the round shaped ones, with carats I guess around 1.5? It depends on what the budget will allow. I have 57mm finger circumference but my hands are quite small.

Looking at topgems, this one looks intriguing at 5.4 mm and I like the mixed step cut.



http://www.topgem.co.uk/acatalog/Blue_Sapphire_1086761.html#a1086761

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[LD]

I'm in the UK - but I buy nearly all of my gemstones from around the world. I could recommend a few places that course source one for you BUT if I were you, I'd look at the sticky at the top of this forum and spend some time looking through their inventory on the websites. Narrow it down to 4 or 5 and then post up here for critiques. People will be honest and will help you get the best for your budget.

Shipping to the UK can be problematic but nothing is insurmountable! So once you've found a gem, we can take it from there.

What I do have is the most amazing contact who has made numerous rings for me (working to a budget and my specifications). If you're interested, contact Luke Billing at www.diamondgeezer.com Don't be put off by the name or the fact that their main business is diamonds. Luke and his father have run the business or years and they can make with CADs or without. Definitely worth getting in touch with them.

Good luck.

 

[SB621]

Since the first sapphire inspiration pictured you posted is from Jeff White I would contact him. I know he currently has sapphire rough that is heated (and within your price range) in stock currently though it is selling quickly. You could see if he has anything he could cut that would be similar in color to your picture.

Just an option to throw out.

 

[MJ2013]

Thanks LD and SB621, I really appreciate the advice. Its so good to have a forum like this.

I have given my boyfriend the information on Jeff White, topgems and diamond geezer as well as some other vendors mentioned in the forum with an idea of what it is I like and he is now going to go do some research and start making calls.

I kind of wantto be surprised by the outcome while giving him a rough idea of what I like.

I’ll keep you posted on developments!

 

[SB621]

What I do have is the most amazing contact who has made numerous rings for me (working to a budget and my specifications). If you're interested, contact Luke Billing at www.diamondgeezer.com Don't be put off by the name or the fact that their main business is diamonds. Luke and his father have run the business or years and they can make with CADs or without. Definitely worth getting in touch with them.

Good luck.

LD!!!!!!! I'm sorry but I had to laugh with this post. I love that name for a store!! My father has always said he would open up a collectables store and have Geezer in the name too!!!

 

[Hera]

Did you see this one on DB?
http://diamondbistro.com/category/229/Sapphire/listings/34873/147-ct-63mm-Jeff-White-Sapphire.html

I think the color's really pretty and it's a good deal!

 

[MJ2013]

Thank you, it does sound like a pretty good deal for 1.47 carats.
I think my boyfriend is in touch now directly with Jeff White so I'll refer him to the site so he has a reference.

 

[LD]

Athenaworth (the person selling that sapphire) used to be a regular poster on this forum but I haven't seen her for a while. She has a good eye and that sapphire looks very very very nice for the money. I'd be tempted to get that because buying sapphires at the moment is hellish as the whole world wants one it seems!