Where to find quality red spinel?

[Mystra]

I''ve been lurking and learning about colored stones here and after much thought have decided that I would like to take the plunge.
I know red spinel prices have been on the rise due to their being nice alternatives to rubies.... where can I find a nicely cut, over 1 carat (hopefully) red spinel
that won''t break the bank?

I''ve been through quite a few of the sites that I see mentioned here most often, but I wondered if anyone had any specific recommendations?

Thank you all!

 

[Mystra]

*bump*
so no suggestions?

i''ve looked at mastercut, wildfishgems... and a few others...

this project is a gift to myself. after a very uneven year which was great professionally but crappy personally because of a broken engagement, i would like to create my dream ring.

 

[chrono]

Have you checked www.Palagems.com and www.awesomegems.com ?

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Sorry to hear about the rough year you're having.

I think there have been few suggestions because it seems quality red spinel is hard to come across. I would also try Palagems.

Spinel

That may be too dark, but I don't know what color you like. He has a great return policy though and his cutting is top notch.

 

[virgoruby]

What about Swala Gem Traders? There seem to be quite a few PSers with amazing red/pink spinels from them..
Naturally, it all depends on what the budget is...

Mystra - I hope you find a beautiful stone & have a fantastic 2010!

 

[chrono]

Date: 12/28/2009 5:57:07 AM
Author: virgoruby
What about Swala Gem Traders? There seem to be quite a few PSers with amazing red/pink spinels from them..
Naturally, it all depends on what the budget is...

Mystra - I hope you find a beautiful stone & have a fantastic 2010!

Vigor,
The Mahenge spinels from Swala are distinctively hot pink with some red flash. If the OP wants something red, then she/he must be willing to get something upwards of 5 carats in order for the spinel to be red. Mahenges under 2 to 3 carats tend to be pink red / red pink with very rare exceptions.

 

[T L]

Try ajsgems.com too.

 

[virgoruby]

Chrono - thanks for your clarification (I''m still learning..

)
Incidentally, I love the intense pink red / red pink color, so I might have to get in touch with Swala myself..

 

[PinkTower]

I recommend Rick Martin of Art Cut Gems. Here is a vendor shot of mine:

 

[Mystra]

Thank you all for the suggestions and good wishes.
I''m looking for a "ruby" red stone, hopefully something sparkly, in the 1.5 carat range.

I will check out your suggestions.

Have a wonderful and safe New Year!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Peter torraca has one right now too (torraca.net) that is darker and kind of ruby-esque.

 

[haagen_dazs]

Date: 12/29/2009 11:17:05 PM
Author: MakingTheGrade
Peter torraca has one right now too (torraca.net) that is darker and kind of ruby-esque.

found out from peter that it has been sold
its beautiful!

 

[lelser]

Date: 12/29/2009 10:18:29 PM
Author: Mystra
Thank you all for the suggestions and good wishes.

I''m looking for a ''ruby'' red stone, hopefully something sparkly, in the 1.5 carat range.


I will check out your suggestions.


Have a wonderful and safe New Year!

I leave for Tanzania on Monday, and that''s one of the things I''m looking for. Good red spinel has gotten very hard to find so my shopping list has it up there with Tsav, Sapphires, and Chrome Tourms.

 

[Fly Girl]

Date: 12/31/2009 7:13:47 PM
Author: lelser

Date: 12/29/2009 10:18:29 PM
Author: Mystra
Thank you all for the suggestions and good wishes.

I''m looking for a ''ruby'' red stone, hopefully something sparkly, in the 1.5 carat range.


I will check out your suggestions.


Have a wonderful and safe New Year!

I leave for Tanzania on Monday, and that''s one of the things I''m looking for. Good red spinel has gotten very hard to find so my shopping list has it up there with Tsav, Sapphires, and Chrome Tourms.

Have a great trip, Lisa!

 

[empress]

I confess - I bought Peter''s spinel...it''s yummy and reminds me of a rose window.

Roger Dery has some nice spinels - not on his site... http://www.spectralgems.net/

Cheers and Happy New year!

 

[T L]

I can''t find Peter''s red spinel, is there a pic? Just curious.

 

[Indylady]

Date: 1/1/2010 12:00:13 AM
Author: empress
I confess - I bought Peter''s spinel...it''s yummy and reminds me of a rose window.


Roger Dery has some nice spinels - not on his site... http://www.spectralgems.net/


Cheers and Happy New year!

Congrats on buying Peter''s spinel!

Mystra, how about this red spinel from Dan Stair link?

 

[haagen_dazs]

Date: 1/1/2010 12:00:13 AM
Author: empress
I confess - I bought Peter''s spinel...it''s yummy and reminds me of a rose window.

ahh its very very pretty
i almost wanted to buy it

 

[haagen_dazs]

Date: 1/1/2010 12:55:56 AM
Author: tourmaline_lover
I can''t find Peter''s red spinel, is there a pic? Just curious.

its a very pretty red (i dont see any pink) 1+ct octagonal (woo yeah cool shape ) spinel

 

[empress]

I''m sorry. I''m a luddite and I''ve tried to get a picture up but seem to be too dumb to do it.

Peter took it down from his site...I''ll keep trying.

 

[empress]

Here - I think...