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Newbie needs help with sapphire engagement stone!

hobbitfancier55

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Hi everyone! I'm new here and would like some input and feedback on some stones I'm considering.

What I'm looking for:
1. Weight of at least 1 carat (But am willing to go slightly smaller such as .8)
2. Natural and unheated
3. Total budget of $4,000ish for stone and setting (probably wouldn't want to spend more than $3,500ish on stone)
4. I'm far more interested in quality over carat size. I'd rather have a smaller stone of high quality versus large and included

I've mainly been looking at The Natural Sapphire Company, but know it gets mixed reviews here. I obviously want to make sure I'm not getting ripped off. I'm open to all of the suggestions and input you can provide. Originally I thought I wanted an asscher or emerald cut, but have also found myself being drawn to oval and round brilliants as well as pears. Setting will be yellow or rose gold. Possibly channel set or pave stones on band budget allowing.

I'm familiar with the clarity scale when it comes to gems, but not very experienced with tables, girdles, extinction, windows, etc. I would love the boards input on some of the stones I am drawn to. Your help is greatly appreciated.

I plan on seeing some stones in person, as I know that's ideal, but started online as the selection is larger. If anyone has experience with an experienced sapphire dealer in the Dallas,TX area, I'd love to know.

Sorry if images or links don't work. Still figuring out this board.

Bit out of budget, but I like it.

Olive Asscher
http://images.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/NSC/Sapphire/U6900/image/certified-natural-untreated-montana-asscher-olive-sapphire-1.5400-cts-u6900-1-full.jpg

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/p-65042-asscher-unique-sapphire-u6900/

Green Pear
http://images.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/NSC/Sapphire/U6645/image/certified-natural-untreated-montana-pear-green-sapphire-2.1300-cts-u6645-1-full.jpg

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/p-63125-pear-unique-sapphire-u6645/

Green Oval
http://images.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/NSC/Sapphire/U6902/image/certified-natural-untreated-montana-oval-green-sapphire-1.2900-cts-u6902-1-full.jpg

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/p-65044-oval-unique-sapphire-u6902/

Pink Pad
http://images.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/NSC/Sapphire/PA2479/image/certified-natural-untreated-ceylon-oval-padparadscha-sapphire-1.1000-cts-pa2479-1-full.jpg

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/p-55920-oval-padparadscha-sapphire-pa2479/

Orange Pad
http://images.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/NSC/Sapphire/PA2741/image/certified-natural-untreated-madagascar-oval-padparadscha-sapphire-0.8900-cts-pa2741-1-full.jpg

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/p-62421-oval-padparadscha-sapphire-pa2741/

Oval Blue (my boyfriends favorite)
http://images.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/NSC/Sapphire/B7007/image/certified-natural-untreated-ceylon-oval-blue-sapphire-1.1700-cts-b7007-1-full.jpg

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/p-60617-oval-blue-sapphire-b7007/

Green Emerald
http://images.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/NSC/Sapphire/U6554/image/certified-natural-untreated-montana-emeraldcut-green-sapphire-1.5700-cts-u6554-1-full.jpg

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/p-63145-emerald-cut-unique-sapphire-u6554/

Green Asscher
http://images.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/NSC/Sapphire/U7022/image/certified-natural-untreated-montana-asscher-bluishgreen-sapphire-2.0000-cts-u7022-1-full.jpg

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/p-65119-asscher-unique-sapphire-u7022/

Blue Round
http://images.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/NSC/Sapphire/U6553/image/certified-natural-untreated-montana-round-metallicblue-sapphire-1.5100-cts-u6553-1-full.jpg

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/p-63146-round-unique-sapphire-u6553/

Green Round
http://images.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/NSC/Sapphire/U6903/image/certified-natural-untreated-montana-round-green-sapphire-1.8200-cts-u6903-1-full.jpg

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/p-65045-round-unique-sapphire-u6903/


Whhhewwww. Didn't realize that was so many! Clearly I like a lot of different things.
 

Niel

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Which color most appeals to you. Which shape? What setting would you like to set the stone in? I know you said diamonds in the band, do you have any photos?
 

chrono

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To add to Niel's questions above, since you are concerned about treatment, make sure that NSC provides either AGL or GIA reports, not their usual in-house report as that is a strong conflict of interest.
 

chroman

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It sounds like you're open to colors other than the traditional blue. How do you feel about color chamgers?
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?/details/single/sapphire/ysa908aa/&930512007

Have a look at earth treasury as well; they've got a pretty good selection of unheated stones in variety of colors. Especially if you like the range of color between ble and green, like:
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/2-05-carat-teal-blue-montana-sapphire/

How do you feel about saturation vs size? Finding a more saturated stone will likely be smaller to hit a budget, but a paler stone is likely going to be bigger for that same budget. If maximizing saturation isn't a goal, check out peoples' Montana offerings. They're often unheated, but also not the most saturated stones in general.

This tips the budget, but if purple appeals:
http://www.finewatergems.com/store/p42/2.77_ct_Unheated_Violet_Sapphire.html

If blues are more of interest, Dana has a few options depending on your shape prefs:
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ..._Unheated_Sapphire_2_41_ct-Gem.php?FromPage=1
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ..._Unheated_Sapphire_2_45_ct-Gem.php?FromPage=1
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...pphire_Unheated_2_64_carat-Gem.php?FromPage=1
 

chroman

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Gemfix makes it tough to browse unheated, bit since I had some time waiting to get my car serviced...

Green cushion?
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-fancy-1182-cushion-portuguese-cut-3-10cts

If pinky magenta is of interest, I love this:
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-pink-475-oval-portuguese-cut-2-15cts

And the budget-conscious stone in a similar hue (assuming you're ok with the inclusions - color would trump them in a stone like this)
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-pink-454-cushion-modified-radiant-1-79cts
 

hobbitfancier55

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To respond to some of the comments, I guess one of the problems is I like too much :) In general however, I seem to be drawn to blues/greens, but not the super dark blues. I also like the pinkish oranges.

When I thought I wanted a diamond, I liked Asscher and Emerald cuts. However, now that I see those cuts on sapphires, I'm not sure they're my favorite? If the gem is exceptionally clean I think they look good. However, because they are step cuts, I think to get a gem clean enough for my liking might exceed the budget.

Out of the ones I originally posted, the following are probably my favorites.

green_pear.jpg

blue_oval.jpg

pink_pad.jpg

orange_pad.jpg
 

hobbitfancier55

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Continuing from my last reply:

green_oval.jpg

green_round.jpg

orange_pave.jpg

orange_pave_2.jpg
 

hobbitfancier55

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Thank you for these suggestions! Yes I'm definitely open to "non-traditional" colors. In fact, they seem to appeal more to me. As long as it hasn't had any treatments, then it's an option.

To be honest, I haven't done too much research on saturation, but if you see the last round green stone I posted, that was a concern with me. I don't want the stone soooo dark you can't see the cut, but don't want it so unsaturated that it looks washed out either.
 

hobbitfancier55

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Chroman, that green cushion is lovely! I love how you can see two different tones of green in it.
 

chrono

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hobbitfancier55|1484244694|4114773 said:
Chroman, that green cushion is lovely! I love how you can see two different tones of green in it.
I like it too! It's not easy to find a nice green sapphire (and unheated).
 

hobbitfancier55

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chroman|1484250044|4114794 said:
Elle: looks like those are heat only; I think the OP was looking for unheated.

Since you seem to like blues and greens, how about something like this:
http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/3-11-carat-teal-blue-australian-sapphire/


Now THAT is beautiful. That color is amazing. The cut is unique as well. It almost looks like a mix between a step cut and a radiant? Do you have personal experience with the reputability of this retailer? I was trying to do a little research on retailers people liked on the sticky threads. I actually had my eye on an asscher from TNSC that was a similar color but then saw it was heat treated :( The color looks very similar.

green_asscher.jpg
 

chroman

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Personally, I haven't purchased anything from ET, no. But I personally wouldn't have a reason to not too either.
 

Niel

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hobbitfancier55

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Niel|1484260973|4114860 said:
The thread below a shows it unheated/untreated. And I believe she also bought it from ET,
Plus all the photos.
Also, it's been for sale a bit you could probably offer closer to your 3500-4000 range.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-montana-sapphire-halo-ring-from-brilliantly-engaged.207716/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-montana-sapphire-halo-ring-from-brilliantly-engaged.207716/[/URL]


Niel that stone is lovely! I should haven mentioned in my original post though that I am wanting a yellow or rose gold setting.
 

hobbitfancier55

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Is anyone familiar with this hexagonal style cut and shape? this one is gorgeous too although a bit out of budget. Is there any size or cut that would be difficult to set later? I guess I'm under the assumption a professional could custom set any stone I'd purchased.

img_14507.jpg

img_14508.jpg
 

Niel

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hobbitfancier55|1484364736|4115187 said:
Is anyone familiar with this hexagonal style cut and shape? this one is gorgeous too although a bit out of budget. Is there any size or cut that would be difficult to set later? I guess I'm under the assumption a professional could custom set any stone I'd purchased.

Yes they can set any shape but you have to be careful of budget an odd shape requires customization which will increase the price of your setting, often.
 

lexilex

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Hello!

Some of these stones are nice.

However the number 1 thing I would look for in a stone is if it's ethical or not. I would hate to have my engagement ring made with a sapphire that was dug up by children working in tunnels and risking their lives for a few $ by the people who exploit them. And then you pay the people who exploit those children by paying crazy amounts. And if you ask them if the stone is ethically mined, there needs to be proof of some sort ( a certificate....or other).

Just something people need to remember.


Olive Asscher : I really don't like this stone. It's greyish which in a sapphire is really not something you want. Also, it's very expensive for what it is.

Green Pear : It's better than the olive but still I see some grey which again, is not optimal. Also, that colour is perhaps nice to you, ( I think it's pretty also) but the industry regards it as not very desirable. So , even though I don't think you're buying it for investment, I still think it's too expensive for what it is.

Green Oval : It's okay, better than the last two in terms of colour.

Pink Pad : The colour is pretty, not 100% convinced it's what I'd call a padpa , however it's still pretty. The only thing that bothers me with this one is the cut, it's not nicely cut, kind of a sloppy job was done there.

Orange Pad: Very pretty colour, I don't see much inclusions. So far the prettiest. It may be a bit smaller than the others, but it's better quality.

Oval Blue : Very pretty colour. On top of that it's not heated which is not easy to find in blue sapphires. The cut isn't amazing, but you probably won't notice it once it's on a ring.

Green emerald : It's sea green, greyish , big inclusions. Not a fan of this one.

Green Asscher: Weird colour zoning. Specs of inclusions. Not a fan of this one either.

Blue Round : Would have been nice if it wasn't for all the fog/cloud in the middle. Probably the worst one to buy out of all of them so far.

Green Round: Very greyish. Not an attractive colour to me.

There we go, I hope that was helpful ( Sorry if I'm very blunt, just thought you need a straight to the point opinion)

Just remember, there are other companies than the natural sapphire co. Some also sell ethically mined sapphires.

Good Luck !
 

Garnetgirl

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[Now THAT is beautiful. That color is amazing. The cut is unique as well. It almost looks like a mix between a step cut and a radiant? Do you have personal experience with the reputability of this retailer? I was trying to do a little research on retailers people liked on the sticky threads. I actually had my eye on an asscher from TNSC that was a similar color but then saw it was heat treated The color looks very similar./i]

Just chiming in to say that Earth's Treasury has quite a large selection of Montana sapphires, many of which are unheated.
I also have personal experience with this company, having purchased a beautiful garnet last year. Jeff answered my emails promptly, provided additional photos of the gem, and was very professional. The whole transaction went very smoothly.
 

MissouriRiverSapphireCo

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Lexilex
lexilex said:
Hello!
...
"However the number 1 thing I would look for in a stone is if it's ethical or not. I would hate to have my engagement ring made with a sapphire that was dug up by children working in tunnels and risking their lives for a few $ by the people who exploit them. And then you pay the people who exploit those children by paying crazy amounts. And if you ask them if the stone is ethically mined, there needs to be proof of some sort ( a certificate....or other)."...

I agree with the sentiment here wholeheartedly! Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a "certificate" to prove that a stone was mined ethically, nor is there even any consensus on what defines "ethical" mining or cutting. American mined and cut stones would score much higher marks on environmental and labor ethics, if any metric for measuring such things existed. We have strict environmental/mining laws here, a minimum wage, and anti-child labor laws. Precision cut stones in general are far less likely to have been cut under exploitive conditions, although it is not a guarantee. The best we can do is be aware of where our stones come from and ask questions of the vendors.
 

chroman

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I'm crazy about this color, and though small, over a ct, and would leave you
Nice one!
 

hobbitfancier55

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lexilex|1484556518|4115653 said:
Hello!

Some of these stones are nice.

However the number 1 thing I would look for in a stone is if it's ethical or not. I would hate to have my engagement ring made with a sapphire that was dug up by children working in tunnels and risking their lives for a few $ by the people who exploit them. And then you pay the people who exploit those children by paying crazy amounts. And if you ask them if the stone is ethically mined, there needs to be proof of some sort ( a certificate....or other).

Just something people need to remember.


Olive Asscher : I really don't like this stone. It's greyish which in a sapphire is really not something you want. Also, it's very expensive for what it is.

Green Pear : It's better than the olive but still I see some grey which again, is not optimal. Also, that colour is perhaps nice to you, ( I think it's pretty also) but the industry regards it as not very desirable. So , even though I don't think you're buying it for investment, I still think it's too expensive for what it is.

Green Oval : It's okay, better than the last two in terms of colour.

Pink Pad : The colour is pretty, not 100% convinced it's what I'd call a padpa , however it's still pretty. The only thing that bothers me with this one is the cut, it's not nicely cut, kind of a sloppy job was done there.

Orange Pad: Very pretty colour, I don't see much inclusions. So far the prettiest. It may be a bit smaller than the others, but it's better quality.

Oval Blue : Very pretty colour. On top of that it's not heated which is not easy to find in blue sapphires. The cut isn't amazing, but you probably won't notice it once it's on a ring.

Green emerald : It's sea green, greyish , big inclusions. Not a fan of this one.

Green Asscher: Weird colour zoning. Specs of inclusions. Not a fan of this one either.

Blue Round : Would have been nice if it wasn't for all the fog/cloud in the middle. Probably the worst one to buy out of all of them so far.

Green Round: Very greyish. Not an attractive colour to me.

There we go, I hope that was helpful ( Sorry if I'm very blunt, just thought you need a straight to the point opinion)

Just remember, there are other companies than the natural sapphire co. Some also sell ethically mined sapphires.

Good Luck !

Thank you!! Not too blunt. This is exactly the kind of honest feedback I was looking for. I have thought about the ethicality of the stone, so it's something I'll want to consider. Many of the stones from Earth's Treasury are from Montana, which would also put my mind at ease. The 3.11 carat blue green from Australia that was posted above is my favorite so far.
 

hobbitfancier55

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Niel|1484589039|4115748 said:
I'm crazy about this color, and though small, over a ct, and would leave you so much for whatever perfect setting you desire.

https://www.mastercutgems.com/Products-251-Ruby_and_Sapphire/9208-Natural_Unheated_Green_Montana_Sapphire_1_11_ct-GemMedia.php?FromPage=1&ProductMediaID=36911


Thank you! Out of all the vendors suggested on here, he is the one I'm leaning towards the most now. I've had no communication with him yet, but I love that it seems like a smaller company. I also like that I know who is sourcing and cutting the gem. He would be so much more personally familiar with the characteristics of the sapphire I was inquiring about.

I absolutely love everything about this stone that was suggested. Color. Cut.

img_14538.jpg
 

hobbitfancier55

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Niel|1484589039|4115748 said:
I'm crazy about this color, and though small, over a ct, and would leave you so much for whatever perfect setting you desire.

https://www.mastercutgems.com/Products-251-Ruby_and_Sapphire/9208-Natural_Unheated_Green_Montana_Sapphire_1_11_ct-GemMedia.php?FromPage=1&ProductMediaID=36911


That color is beautiful! I love that green with some blue in it. If emeralds were hard enough for daily wear, I'd considering those. So anything with a deep green saturation is beautiful.
 

lexilex

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MissouriRiverSapphireCo|1484589576|4115749 said:
Lexilex
lexilex said:
Hello!
...
"However the number 1 thing I would look for in a stone is if it's ethical or not. I would hate to have my engagement ring made with a sapphire that was dug up by children working in tunnels and risking their lives for a few $ by the people who exploit them. And then you pay the people who exploit those children by paying crazy amounts. And if you ask them if the stone is ethically mined, there needs to be proof of some sort ( a certificate....or other)."...

I agree with the sentiment here wholeheartedly! Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a "certificate" to prove that a stone was mined ethically, nor is there even any consensus on what defines "ethical" mining or cutting. American mined and cut stones would score much higher marks on environmental and labor ethics, if any metric for measuring such things existed. We have strict environmental/mining laws here, a minimum wage, and anti-child labor laws. Precision cut stones in general are far less likely to have been cut under exploitive conditions, although it is not a guarantee. The best we can do is be aware of where our stones come from and ask questions of the vendors.

Hello Missouri! :angel:

I disagree, I know of a mining company that is ethical and has certificates to prove it. There are companies out there who are trying hard to do the right thing even if it costs them a few extra $$$ in the process.

That being said, I do agree that American mined stones would be the best choice if there was no alternatives. The question is do they have the quality and colours the industry needs?
 
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