Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement Ring

[chrono]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

What do you guys think of this stone from AJS Gems:
http://www.ajsgem.com/sapphire/blue-sapphire/blue-sapphire-1.37-carats.html-0
Is the TGL certificate not worth the paper it's printed on?

Will be black as night once set and has a flat crown.

 

[Marlow]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

Chrono: 1+

I know a vendor ( o.k. most time spec. in minerals) who sell some stones as EY - and they are LI!!!!!

Has anybody experience with Starruby?? Are the pictures o.k.???

Somebody recently bought a really expensive Alexandrite from them. I have been looking for their thread to pop back up with updates so I could get an idea as to how accurate their pictures are.

I have always been turned off by them. They have a plethora of Russian Alexandrite, which is in and off itself fishy, their pictures looked photoshopped and they use the diamond clarity scale for their colored stones. They're also overseas, so returns would be a nightmare.

Agree - the russian alex ( imo green indian chrysoberyl - a bit V3+ and a weak to no CC) and the kashmire sapphire ( many ugly stones) are very suspect!!

 

[Arcadian]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

Thanks for all the insight, everybody.

I understand the reservations surrounding the unheated requirement. I just feel that unheated stones will retain more of their value over time vs. their treated counterparts, and may even appreciate in value as fewer and fewer gem quality sapphires are mined over time. I'm sure that's a very contentious position, but it's my best assessment, and the actual value of the ring does matter to me as much as the appearance.

Arcadian, when you say $5000 can't buy an unheated ring that isn't "dinky," what do you mean exactly? Dinky in terms of size, or just overall quality?

What do you guys think of this stone from AJS Gems:

http://www.ajsgem.com/sapphire/blue-sapphire/blue-sapphire-1.37-carats.html-0

Is the TGL certificate not worth the paper it's printed on?

Dinky as in kinda small! Going with unheated only really narrows the field A LOT...but You can still get stones that are very nicely cut but you still have to compromise a bit somwhere, be it size or something else. And if unheated is ubber important, you gotta REALLY look around. Its not like it was 5-7 years ago when it was slightly more easy to get a unheated stone.

Also, don't just look at the carat weight, look at the width and depth of the stone. Rounds aren't impossible to find but can be quite a bit more expensive. Sapphires are cut for color so they can be deeper than other gems but, you still want to be sure to get the best finger coverage you can.

There's a few places that have some unheated.

Africa gemstones
http://www.africagems.com/oval-blue-sapphire-gemstone-36663858.html thats a 1.35 thats got a GIA report already.

http://www.africagems.com/round-blue-sapphire-g2k-92563789.html squeaks in under your budget

These are 2 I would inquire about for sure if you really want unheated. Do ask about color and see if you can get image on hand.

Another no heat gem
http://www.africagems.com/emerald-blue-sapphire-g2k-855223.html
I find it to be dark but it may well be what you're looking for. Ask questions to them on it if interested.

The unheated blue page:
http://www.africagems.com/unheatedbluesapphire.html
Definitely ask if they have any more than whats on their page.

Gemfix has a couple I believe that are unheated, but may not hit your mark on color but they're good on price:
http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_blue.html

No report but sold as unheated by the vendor.
http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=10527
I'm not in love with the color, but it may be your thing. I would ask questions if you're interested and confirm the return period if you choose to get it. You would want to be sure that its unheated which means sending to AGL.

The AGS stone is quite dark for my particular taste, but its not about me, if you like that stone (or should I say she) then its probably worth looking at. Keep in mind they're not in the US and if you are, then that will take a bit to get to you. Plus, if you don't like it, you have to RMA the stone then send it back. I've done that with them and its quite a process.

Wildfishgems.com again is worth looking at but again, if you're in the states and knowing their not, its the same issue with AGS. I would ask lots of questions if you find a stone you're interested in though.

If i see anything else that misses the dinky mark, i'll update it here.

 

[ChrisPowers]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

Africa Gems had some very nice unheated Sapphires in your price range like these two...

http://www.africagems.com/sapph-blue-g2k-3747.html
http://www.africagems.com/blue-sapphire-oval-g2k-92107389.html

But both are sold. So it's not impossible to find a good one that's unheated in your price range. It's just a lot more difficult.

That's funny, you came across the same two I did that had me cursing myself for being late to the party. It does seem like every time I find something that looks especially nice, or like an especially good match for what I'm in the market for, I click on it and it's been sold.

Speaking of stones I like that are sold, here's another I would have considered. Granted, it's outside my budget, but it's pretty massive and somewhat lighter than I had been considering thus far, which might have made it work once set, based on what I'm hearing:

http://www.africagems.com/blue-sapphire-g2000-1096.html

I have been in correspondence with Marc from AfricaGems. He's been very helpful. Unfortunately, they don't have anything in stock that meets my criteria at this time. Here's the closest thing they have in stock:

http://www.africagems.com/round-blue-sapphire-g2k-5453.html

The problem is that it does exceed my budget also, and for whatever reason, the more I look, the more I favor oval cuts and rectangular cushion cuts for the halo setting.

 

[ChrisPowers]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

Also, don't just look at the carat weight, look at the width and depth of the stone. Rounds aren't impossible to find but can be quite a bit more expensive. Sapphires are cut for color so they can be deeper than other gems but, you still want to be sure to get the best finger coverage you can.

Understood. I do feel this is the area where I'm weakest right now. Cut quality is just something I feel you need experience to see, and I don't have that experience just yet. Some things that look fine to me just get panned here on PS.

http://www.africagems.com/round-blue-sapphire-g2k-92563789.html squeaks in under your budget

Regarding this stone linked above, is it just me, or are the inclusions on this stone much more visible than they are on most others? Is that just a function of the relative lightness of the stone compared to what I've been looking at primarily?

Another no heat gem
http://www.africagems.com/emerald-blue-sapphire-g2k-855223.html
I find it to be dark but it may well be what you're looking for.

Agreed on the darkness. Also, I don't think I'm into the emerald cuts, for whatever reason.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've tried Gemfix too, but no luck. I feel like I've been everywhere!

The AGS stone is quite dark for my particular taste, but its not about me, if you like that stone (or should I say she) then its probably worth looking at. Keep in mind they're not in the US and if you are, then that will take a bit to get to you. Plus, if you don't like it, you have to RMA the stone then send it back. I've done that with them and its quite a process.

Wildfishgems.com again is worth looking at but again, if you're in the states and knowing their not, its the same issue with AGS. I would ask lots of questions if you find a stone you're interested in though.

If i see anything else that misses the dinky mark, i'll update it here.

Thanks, Arcadian, that's very helpful. (I'm assuming you meant AJS, by the way.)

 

[Arcadian]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

Yes sorry, I'm getting old so I typed it wrong. Where's my cane dammit!

Seriously though, the AJS stone seems to be quite dark but some people really love that look. Also just take into account the stone will darken a bit when its set. Most gemstones tend to do this.

RE; ovals, They can be amazing for finger coverage and also super pretty but be sure you don't end up with a stone that exhibits extreme bowties or half and half extinction. If you're going with an oval, you may want to look precision cut ones as being the best bang for the buck to avoid some of these issues. 'Native cut stones' aren't too shabby either, but this is an engagement ring, so you want the best looking thing you can get realistically.

Anyway, try this one on for size:

http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_blue.html

Sapphire Oval "Portuguese" Style Cut
Weight: 3.11cts
Measurements: 9.1x7.8mm, depth 5.7mm
Clarity: VVS
Origin: Sri Lanka
Enhancements: None
Price: $ 5980.00
Order/Stock No.: sapphire_blue_1161
Description: Huge, unheated oval Ceylon sapphire! Has a glowy sparkle to it. Fantastic color, blue, violet-blue, and a flash of turquoise-blue down the center. Eye clean. Stunning! AGL lab report included. (Cut by Andrew Gulij) Closest Pantone Color Card: 2726 - 2746C

the size is really good + its also an oval with some pretty nice finger coverage! I know its over your budget and if you can swing it, it may be worth it. With this type of stone and the cut, you could do a very simple setting for not too much, and maybe at some point, upgrade the setting later.

 

[pregcurious]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

I am late to the party. I like the cushion from Mastercutgems. You're getting great advice.

When does Africagems have their sale?

 

[chrono]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

I like this one Arcadian suggested and think it will be eye clean in person. As Pregcurious said, AfricaGems is open to offers and they hold a 20% off sales from time to time.
http://www.africagems.com/round-blue-sapphire-g2k-92563789.html squeaks in under your budget[/quote]

AJS' stones tend to be darker in person than pictured, so when you take that into consideration, that dark step cut will be darker in person and moreso once set in a halo setting.

I agree that ovals and elongated rectangular cuts can be tricky; even precision cut ovals and elongated cushions can exhibit bowties or the half/half extinction/shadowing. Only a handful of oval designs avoid this completely.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

I'd also give Roger a call. See what he has that may work for you.

http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/

 

[ChrisPowers]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

RE; ovals, They can be amazing for finger coverage and also super pretty but be sure you don't end up with a stone that exhibits extreme bowties or half and half extinction.

Can you give me some idea on how to identify stones with these issues? I do look for extinction, but it's obviously quite difficult to tell in photos, and even sometimes in videos. For instance, on FineWater Gems, in their video of the 2.41 ct Untreated Blue Sapphire, I do see a dark spot in the bottom right of the stone that seems to persist regardless of the angle, but I can't tell if that's a trick of lighting or what. Any tips on how to tell the difference?

Anyway, try this one on for size:

http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_blue.html

Sapphire Oval "Portuguese" Style Cut
Weight: 3.11cts
Measurements: 9.1x7.8mm, depth 5.7mm
Clarity: VVS
Origin: Sri Lanka
Enhancements: None
Price: $ 5980.00
Order/Stock No.: sapphire_blue_1161
Description: Huge, unheated oval Ceylon sapphire! Has a glowy sparkle to it. Fantastic color, blue, violet-blue, and a flash of turquoise-blue down the center. Eye clean. Stunning! AGL lab report included. (Cut by Andrew Gulij) Closest Pantone Color Card: 2726 - 2746C

the size is really good + its also an oval with some pretty nice finger coverage! I know its over your budget and if you can swing it, it may be worth it. With this type of stone and the cut, you could do a very simple setting for not too much, and maybe at some point, upgrade the setting later.

So, the recipient of this ring wouldn't be too keen on the idea of "upgrading," which is part of the reason why I'm trying to get it right the first time around. She's too sentimental to replace any part of the ring unless doing so becomes necessary.

I did see that stone and like it a lot, but $6000 is just too far outside my budget. I'm not sure if they ever run sales or have discounts at GemFix, but it would need to be on the order of 20% for this stone to work in my budget, so I doubt it's worth holding my breath for.

 

[chrono]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

As far as I know, GemFix does not run any sort of sale or clearance, nor are they open to price offers.

 

[ChrisPowers]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

AJS' stones tend to be darker in person than pictured, so when you take that into consideration, that dark step cut will be darker in person and moreso once set in a halo setting.

Consider me convinced. I'll be passing on the AJS gem.

I agree that ovals and elongated rectangular cuts can be tricky; even precision cut ovals and elongated cushions can exhibit bowties or the half/half extinction/shadowing. Only a handful of oval designs avoid this completely.

Thanks, Chrono. Any tips on how to spot stones with these issues?

 

[ChrisPowers]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

I'd also give Roger a call. See what he has that may work for you.

http://www.spectralgems.net/sapphire/

Will do. Thank you.

 

[ChrisPowers]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

So, I realize many of you are skeptical of stones that are being sold for astrological purposes, and I would tend to agree. But Tiffany from AstrologicalGem.com was nice enough to put together a video of the stone I referenced earlier in this thread. Take a look:

https://vimeo.com/123141033

She mentioned that the color in person is closer to the photo and that the purple in the video is due more to videographic shortcomings on their end that they've yet to work out. I suppose I'd have to see it in person to know for sure. Any thoughts?

 

[chrono]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

For the most part, experience helps but I think you can spot the obvious ones?

 

[Arcadian]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

RE; ovals, They can be amazing for finger coverage and also super pretty but be sure you don't end up with a stone that exhibits extreme bowties or half and half extinction.

Can you give me some idea on how to identify stones with these issues? I do look for extinction, but it's obviously quite difficult to tell in photos, and even sometimes in videos. For instance, on FineWater Gems, in their video of the 2.41 ct Untreated Blue Sapphire, I do see a dark spot in the bottom right of the stone that seems to persist regardless of the angle, but I can't tell if that's a trick of lighting or what. Any tips on how to tell the difference?

Anyway, try this one on for size:

http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_blue.html

Sapphire Oval "Portuguese" Style Cut
Weight: 3.11cts
Measurements: 9.1x7.8mm, depth 5.7mm
Clarity: VVS
Origin: Sri Lanka
Enhancements: None
Price: $ 5980.00
Order/Stock No.: sapphire_blue_1161
Description: Huge, unheated oval Ceylon sapphire! Has a glowy sparkle to it. Fantastic color, blue, violet-blue, and a flash of turquoise-blue down the center. Eye clean. Stunning! AGL lab report included. (Cut by Andrew Gulij) Closest Pantone Color Card: 2726 - 2746C

the size is really good + its also an oval with some pretty nice finger coverage! I know its over your budget and if you can swing it, it may be worth it. With this type of stone and the cut, you could do a very simple setting for not too much, and maybe at some point, upgrade the setting later.

So, the recipient of this ring wouldn't be too keen on the idea of "upgrading," which is part of the reason why I'm trying to get it right the first time around. She's too sentimental to replace any part of the ring unless doing so becomes necessary.

I did see that stone and like it a lot, but $6000 is just too far outside my budget. I'm not sure if they ever run sales or have discounts at GemFix, but it would need to be on the order of 20% for this stone to work in my budget, so I doubt it's worth holding my breath for.

Sorry, but yeah so you now see what people were talking about that you should adjust what you can be softer on. I know you want a unheated stone but can I ask the reason why? Trust me no one would ding you for it, and personally I can be a purist at the weirdest of times to, but, for sapphires, considering the cost per ct is quite high for unheated, I give on that aspect and shoot strictly for color / size. Now ok if I find unheated in acceptable colors (I'm not restricted to just ideal ones) then even better.

The budget you need for unheated with good size and color, can be particularly prohibitive as you can see.

So I went through all the stuff at wildfish. Again, there are people that don't like the photography which, sometimes I can actually agree, the images can sometimes be hard to read, but, Ed is open to questions, and they're worth asking if you see something you're interested in. Also, note that he's not in the states, so, if you get a product you don't like, you'd have to ship it back which can be a pain in the rear. (this is why you should ask LOTS of questions!)

BTW, Chrono posted an excellent image as how to spot bowtie and half extinction. Keep in mind that I didn't really look at the stones below for that too much, because its a bit of a judgement call sometimes when rubber hits road IYKWIM...


---
Expensive, top of your budget, but very good color, should not go too dark after being set, but its a cushion and because they're cut deeper, most of your weight is in the bottom of this stone.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/18570
Carat: 1.52
Shape: Square Cushion
Measures: 5.85x5.15x5.09
4900.00


Dark, will definitely get darker after the set, but ask questions about this one.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/18056Carat:::: 1.54
Shape: Long Cushion
Measures: 6.88x4.78x4.86
4500.00


Good even blue color should go a shade darker to ideal once set. Finger coverage looks good.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/17973
Carat: 1.27
Shape: Oval
Measures: 7.31x5.24x3.78
3150.00

This is quite light but, still very pretty with good even color. Color is excellent if you're into lighter stones. won't EVER black out thats for sure!
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/17664
Carat: 1.26
Shape: Oval
Measures: 6.60x4.83x4.41
1899.00


This one is dark but does not appear to be nearly black. I don't find it to be very warm though, Color interpretation is interesting, but it looks good.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/15384
Carat: 1.37
Shape: Cushion
Measures: 7.72x5.46x3.61
2150.00

I love the color here. Silk is amazing in a sapphire as it really glows when light hits it. The only problem is too much silk can make the stone hazy and sometimes hide faceting. Def.ask about the amount of silk in the stone if you like it.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/14516
Carat: 1.88
Shape: Oval
Measures: 6.01x7.53x4.97
2280.00


Expensive but whoa I love this color! Its a bright stone, should darken slightly after setting. Would be perfectly fine to halo. Cutting is not exactly fantastic but sometimes its more about color than cut.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/16201
Carat: 1.88
Shape: Cushion
Measures: 8.29x6.16x3.96
3995.00


Tanzanian but also precision cut. Ticks most boxes, best to ask questions, I'm 50/50 on color as Tanzanian sapphs can be rather steely looking.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10880/17892
Carat: 2.43
Shape: Cushion
Measures: 8.17x6.50x5.05
4275.00

 

[chrono]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

Based on the hand shot, I am concerned this one will end up too dark for Chris.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/18570

I agree that this one is even darker than the one above.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/18056

Has potential but edging the line of eye clean, depending on how mind clean it needs to be.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/17973

I love this colour but it is probably too light for Chris. Super deep stone so it faces up very small for its carat weight. Nicely cut too.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/17664

I agree it isn't well saturated.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/15384

It's either a love it or hate it stone. Nice, bright and strong saturation but as with Arc, I agree that too much silk is a negative.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/14516

Colouration looks much weaker in the hand shot. Will probably show a tilt window easily due to the shallowness but should otherwise look fine when looking straight down.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/16201

Nice stone overall, a good balance of colour and cut but the overall colouration isn't that specific blue Chris is looking for.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10880/17892

In short, Arc and I are in agreement. You might be able to find something that ticks all the boxes.....eventually. Unless you have a lot of time on your hands, something has to give.

 

[ChrisPowers]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

Thanks a lot for the breakdown, guys; I really appreciate it. I did look through all these stones myself, and I came to pretty similar conclusions.

I agree that this one is even darker than the one above.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/18056

This was my initial favorite. I believe I even included a link to it in one of my earlier posts. But hearing all the talk about what the setting can do to darken the appearance of a stone has changed my opinion on it. I'm now afraid to go this dark, and the hand shot doesn't help.

Colouration looks much weaker in the hand shot. Will probably show a tilt window easily due to the shallowness but should otherwise look fine when looking straight down.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/16201

This stone would be my current favorite of what WildFish has to offer. What kills me, though, is how light the stone looks in the hand shot. It's amazing: every stone I favor that looks like it might lean toward the dark end looks much darker in the hand, while every stone I favor that looks like it might lean toward the light end looks much lighter in the hand. It's like a cruel joke!

 

[Niel]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

I'd ask Gary(finewatergems) exactly what he means by the purple in this stone. Some people find his videos to be better than his pics, so I'd ask him which is more true to real life.

 

[Niel]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

Sense you were considering doing that vc halo with a plain shank, I wanted to show you this so you have a good idea of the look. I just saw this and remembered it was what you were considering
http://www.stevenkirsch.com/engagement/halo/r0118.html

 

[Arcadian]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

Thanks a lot for the breakdown, guys; I really appreciate it. I did look through all these stones myself, and I came to pretty similar conclusions.

I agree that this one is even darker than the one above.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/18056

This was my initial favorite. I believe I even included a link to it in one of my earlier posts. But hearing all the talk about what the setting can do to darken the appearance of a stone has changed my opinion on it. I'm now afraid to go this dark, and the hand shot doesn't help.

Colouration looks much weaker in the hand shot. Will probably show a tilt window easily due to the shallowness but should otherwise look fine when looking straight down.
http://wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10883/16201

This stone would be my current favorite of what WildFish has to offer. What kills me, though, is how light the stone looks in the hand shot. It's amazing: every stone I favor that looks like it might lean toward the dark end looks much darker in the hand, while every stone I favor that looks like it might lean toward the light end looks much lighter in the hand. It's like a cruel joke!

Chris, if you plan on putting the stone in a halo setting, go a bit lighter than the darkest color you want. Speaking from experience because once haloed the color will deepen .

This was mine:


Once I set it in a halo, it did deepen and the violet aspect of the stone came out to play


Both are natural daylight images, no added light source and no sun (and my stone does look very blue in sunlight) I know thats not the initial color you wanted so just showing you a RL example of what happens when they are haloed.

Also keep in mind that your stone will change depending on its light source. I can't think of a sapphire that doesn't. You will see more blue, or violet or whatever. So whatever you get, you will need to check it really well in every light source you can. Everyone's home / office lighting is a bit different. I'm on all LED's while someone else may be using halogens or incandescent.

TO that end, The finewater gem that Niel posted is pretty. Going off the image it may not be enough blue for you, but if you can get a video maybe that will tell a different story.

If I see any other stones I'll post them here.

 

[pregcurious]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

I agree with the other posters that you may have to compromise on something, but that is okay. There are probably things that will not bother you that may bother someone else. Between color, cut, clarity and size, I will not compromise on color. I will compromise on cut first, but I would not buy something that has a window, has strong extinction, or has an unpleasant shape.

Like Chrono said ovals often have shadowing (bow tie, and what people in PS call half-half) and you should decide about this. It is very common in elongated shapes. I personally do not buy stones with strong bow ties. Avoiding half- half completely is very difficult.

 

[ChrisPowers]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

I'd ask Gary(finewatergems) exactly what he means by the purple in this stone. Some people find his videos to be better than his pics, so I'd ask him which is more true to real life.

Thanks, Niel. I took your advice and asked Gary for some more information on this stone. He was nice enough to send another video of it taken indoors. It makes it easier to see the violet he was talking about. Attached are some photos:

 

[ChrisPowers]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

Chris, if you plan on putting the stone in a halo setting, go a bit lighter than the darkest color you want. Speaking from experience because once haloed the color will deepen .

This was mine:


Once I set it in a halo, it did deepen and the violet aspect of the stone came out to play


Both are natural daylight images, no added light source and no sun (and my stone does look very blue in sunlight) I know thats not the initial color you wanted so just showing you a RL example of what happens when they are haloed.

Thanks a lot, Arcadian. That's super helpful. I do notice it's a bit darker, but not too much. Here's a question for you: does that setting elevate the stone or is there some way for light to get at it from the sides, for instance? I wonder how much of an effect those differences have on darkening the stone.

Cool ring, by the way.

 

[ChrisPowers]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

So, I realize many of you are skeptical of stones that are being sold for astrological purposes, and I would tend to agree. But Tiffany from AstrologicalGem.com was nice enough to put together a video of the stone I referenced earlier in this thread. Take a look:

https://vimeo.com/123141033

She mentioned that the color in person is closer to the photo and that the purple in the video is due more to videographic shortcomings on their end that they've yet to work out. I suppose I'd have to see it in person to know for sure. Any thoughts?

Anybody out there have an opportunity to take a look at this video, by any chance? I sure could use an opinion on it. The stone looks pretty nice to me except that the color is quite different from the photo, although Tiffany assures me that the photo does a better job of capturing the real life color, while the video is introducing a violet that isn't there. I'm not really sure what to believe.

 

[LoversKites]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

So, I realize many of you are skeptical of stones that are being sold for astrological purposes, and I would tend to agree. But Tiffany from AstrologicalGem.com was nice enough to put together a video of the stone I referenced earlier in this thread. Take a look:

https://vimeo.com/123141033

She mentioned that the color in person is closer to the photo and that the purple in the video is due more to videographic shortcomings on their end that they've yet to work out. I suppose I'd have to see it in person to know for sure. Any thoughts?

Anybody out there have an opportunity to take a look at this video, by any chance? I sure could use an opinion on it. The stone looks pretty nice to me except that the color is quite different from the photo, although Tiffany assures me that the photo does a better job of capturing the real life color, while the video is introducing a violet that isn't there. I'm not really sure what to believe.

I'd assume it's shifty, like most sapphires, and will show more violet in some light sources similar to the finewater one.

 

[Niel]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

I'd ask Gary(finewatergems) exactly what he means by the purple in this stone. Some people find his videos to be better than his pics, so I'd ask him which is more true to real life.

Thanks, Niel. I took your advice and asked Gary for some more information on this stone. He was nice enough to send another video of it taken indoors. It makes it easier to see the violet he was talking about. Attached are some photos:

ah, im not crazy about the color in that lighting, gets a bit grey

 

[ChrisPowers]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

ah, im not crazy about the color in that lighting, gets a bit grey

I forgot, Tiffany also attached a few photos. One, a higher resolution version of what's on their site, and another of the stone in her hand. Looks like that second one was taken indoors, although it's obviously impossible to know what type of lighting it might have been. In both shots, they show the color I prefer.

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

Wow. This last one sure looks promising. I too am skeptical about vendors that focus on astrological properties and such. But that stone sure looks good, though can't tell how accurate those photos are.

 

[Arcadian]

Re: Advice on Finding Sapphire Center Stone for Engagement R

Chris, if you plan on putting the stone in a halo setting, go a bit lighter than the darkest color you want. Speaking from experience because once haloed the color will deepen .

This was mine:


Once I set it in a halo, it did deepen and the violet aspect of the stone came out to play


Both are natural daylight images, no added light source and no sun (and my stone does look very blue in sunlight) I know thats not the initial color you wanted so just showing you a RL example of what happens when they are haloed.

Thanks a lot, Arcadian. That's super helpful. I do notice it's a bit darker, but not too much. Here's a question for you: does that setting elevate the stone or is there some way for light to get at it from the sides, for instance? I wonder how much of an effect those differences have on darkening the stone.

Cool ring, by the way.

Thanks, The stone actually sits low, but not really low. The thing about setting high is that if you set a stone too high, you risk the wearer knocking it about, which you really don't want and thats especially true if this is a ring she'll wear all the time, plus, unless you always are in a climate that is beautiful and sunny, think about how will she ever get those gloves on?? You can't set too high if you're doing that, especially an engagement ring. Some people here will absolutely be like no no no no no, but hey, lets be honest, most women do wear their rings with gloves on when its cold, I know I do!

So I tend to set as low as I can get away with. The highest set stone I have is in a cathedral type setting and while its not uncomfortable height wise, I can't exactly put a pair of gloves on wearing it Certainly not a winter ring!


On the last stone you showed, do they have a report from a respected lab that shows it as unheated? remember, if they don't you will have to send it off prior to setting the stone.

The stone is pretty but I do find it to be quite dark already, and I would never halo this stone because of that. You would probably need to go with an open setting to keep it this color.

Personally I don't think its a big deal where you get the stone from, as long as they're truthful about what they're selling, they have a good return policy, and they treat the customer fairly and with respect.

this would work in a halo, even a shade darker than this would work, and because its a portuguese cut, it will pretty much always sparkle:
Sapphire Round "Portuguese" Style Cut
http://www.gemfix.com/images/stones/sapphire_blue/sapphire_blue_1174_A.jpg
Weight: 2.39cts
Measurements: 7.4mm, depth 5.7mm
Clarity: VVS-VS
Origin: Sri Lanka
Enhancements: None
Price: $ 4780.00
Order/Stock No.: sapphire_blue_1174
Description: WOW. Fantastic color, bright violet blue. Excellent cut, appears eye clean at 8 inches or so, closer up a "veil" is visble on one side. Certified untreated - AGL lab report included.
(Cut by Andrew Gulij) Closest Pantone Color Card: 2726/2728C