A newbie with a few questions

[Deedaa]

Hi everyone,

I found Pricescope a few months ago and have spent countless hours admiring everyone's wonderful things. I have now made my first post-Pricescope purchase and I wanted to ask for a couple of opinions.

I purchased a red spinel from ajsgems.com on Friday and it arrived first thing this morning. I couldn't believe how quick it was. I think the colour is pretty spectacular and it has loads of bright red fire. From upside down it is slightly pink but from the top it is the most gorgeous red without a hint of pink/orange/brown. It is exactly the colour and cut that I want and is 2.09cts.

My only problem is that the stone was described as "eye clean". Now, I am very new to this gemstone business, and I don't own a loupe or anything like that. I have decent pair of eyes, though, and I can see two problems with the stone. The first is fairly minor and I think I can live with. It appears to be a foggy area about the size of a pin head right on top. It sits just near the corner at the top of the table. I'd describe this as being eye-clean at 10 inches from my eyes, but noticeable if you know what to look for at 8 inches.

The second problem concerns me a bit more. It is a crack/feather/something about 1-1.5mm long running across one of the corners. If I run a fingernail under the corner of the stone I can feel it catch slightly on the outside in this crack. It would probably be quite invisible when set and all the fire going off hides it quite well. I'm not sure if I should be concerned about durability as I would not like the corner of the stone to fall off! I'm sure it is not that bad though.

I've attached the picture from the website, but I don't have a great camera to take any others at this stage.

So, my question. I read good reviews about ajsgems before purchasing the stone, so does this stone sound reasonable for the price of approx $2k? Should I question the certification of eye clean?

I know there are a lot cheaper spinels out there, but I haven't found any in this size in this colour. If someone can tell me this stone is reasonable for the price then I'll be happy. I just need some reassurance.

Thank you

 

[Pieface]

I think your best bet in this instance is to get it professionally appraised before your return period expires. You have spent a fair sum already so maybe the extra bit for an appraisal is worth the peace of mind. Try to get one that specialises in gems. The crack could affect the durability of the stone or could be inconsequential.

I would email the vendor also about the crack as you may have some recourse to be compensated for the appraisal if it provides grounds to return the stone. Eye clean status is something that is probably best to discuss with the vendor prior to purchase. Pricescopers probably prefer a stricter grading of eye clean than the accepted standard which I think is at about 12" in moderate lighting conditions (take with grain of salt

)Ask the vendor how they determine the clarity grade. You may also need to get something in writing (email) from them saying that it is OK to go over your return period if it takes a bit of time to set up an appraisal. You only have 10 days from receipt according from their website.

Having said that, the stone looks very nice if the picture is anything to go by. $1000ct for a nice red spinel seems to be well with in the realms of reason from my limited experience. If the crack isn't anything to worry about I'd keep the stone. You have said the colour, cut, size etc is exactly what you are after and you know it may take a looong time to find the right combination again.


Let us know how you get on

 

[innerkitten]

Hi and welcome! The stone looks amazing in that photo. Sorry to hear about the inclusion. Do you have any photos that show it? I think the pieface is right that it''s probably best to have someone look at it, especially since it was an expensive stone. Like you I could also live with an inclusion but if it posed a problem as far as durability I''d return it.

 

[Deedaa]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.

I''ve been looking and thinking over the past couple of days. I was planning a Tiffany Legacy style ring for this stone. Given this type of setting is fairly expensive I wouldn''t feel right doing it with a stone I''m not 100% sure is right... so it is going back.

I''ll be back on the spinel trail again soon.

Thanks again,
Deb

 

[Pieface]

Good luck with the search!