Advice re: parti sapphires

[Cerulean]

Unfortunately, buying internationally is fraught with risk and is best left when you know exactly what you are looking at, and can take a financial hit. I’d cross international vendors off the list like First class facets

I’m sorry it didn’t work out though

Why is precision cut a must have? The most beautiful gems I’ve ever seen have mostly not been precision cut. There are obviously beautiful precision cut gems but I wouldn’t limit your search to that. For many, colored gems are prioritized for color, not cut styles or even size

I’d add Gemfix to your list, and expect to buy and return a few gems. Be warned teals can frequently be muddy, too. It’s a tough color to find and I really think you should try to see a slightly lighter color IRL - there are some gorgeous ones but almost every one I saw in person was a dud

saturated, peacock colored teal in emerald cut with such specified measurements / size is a really tall order IMO

 

[Cerulean]

Oh Blaze n gems has some beautiful Montanas but awful photos

1.92ct INCREDIBLE CUSTOM CUSHION CUT MONTANA SAPPHIRE

This is a heat treated montana sapphire, the color is excellent from nice blue to a nice green depending on lighting. Bright LED lights always Exaggerate the greens so keep that in mind. The clarity is absolutely excellent and it is a 7mm stone so perfect for ring. The cut is a beautiful cushion...

www.blazengems.com

1.91CT. TEAL SAPPHIRE , MONTANA, SQUARE CUT.

EXCELLENT TEAL BLUE/GREEN MONTANA SAPPHIRE. THIS ONE HAS THE PRIZED COLOR THAT IS SO HARD TO FIND. IT SCREAMS WITH LUSTER AND WOULD MAKE A SUPER WEDDING RING CENTER STONE.TYPE: SAPPHIRE CUT: SQUARECOLOR: TEAL BLUE/GREENWEIGHT: 1.91ct.SIZE: 6.6mm. X 6.5mm. CLARITY‎: VSLUSTER: EXCELLENTTREATMENT...

www.blazengems.com

Teal Blue Green Cushion Montana Sapphire "Rhapsody" Cut | 1.85cts | #12-2233 - Gemfix

Teal Blue Green Montana Sapphire Cushion Brilliant Cut

gemfix.com

 

[chaplin]

Unfortunately, buying internationally is fraught with risk and is best left when you know exactly what you are looking at, and can take a financial hit. I’d cross international vendors off the list like First class facets

Yeah, that's what I said. It narrows the search, but it's just not a sustainable way for me to search.

Why is precision cut a must have? The most beautiful gems I’ve ever seen have mostly not been precision cut. There are obviously beautiful precision cut gems but I wouldn’t limit your search to that. For many, colored gems are prioritized for color, not cut styles or even size

I was told it would reduce the chance that the gem would go dark in lower light settings.

I’d add Gemfix to your list, and expect to buy and return a few gems. Be warned teals can frequently be muddy, too. It’s a tough color to find and I really think you should try to see a slightly lighter color IRL - there are some gorgeous ones but almost every one I saw in person was a dud

Almost every one?? How is it popular that they gained popularity recently, then? Is everyone out there walking around with brown sapphires on their hands?? If this is true then my entire search is hopeless.

saturated, peacock colored teal in emerald cut with such specified measurements / size is a really tall order IMO

That's why I broadened the search significantly. My new criteria are listed in one of my recent replies. As I've said before, I know it's a tough gem to find but I'm okay with that. I know what I want and I will find it.

 

[chaplin]

Oh Blaze n gems has some beautiful Montanas but awful photos

1.92ct INCREDIBLE CUSTOM CUSHION CUT MONTANA SAPPHIRE

This is a heat treated montana sapphire, the color is excellent from nice blue to a nice green depending on lighting. Bright LED lights always Exaggerate the greens so keep that in mind. The clarity is absolutely excellent and it is a 7mm stone so perfect for ring. The cut is a beautiful cushion...

www.blazengems.com

1.91CT. TEAL SAPPHIRE , MONTANA, SQUARE CUT.

EXCELLENT TEAL BLUE/GREEN MONTANA SAPPHIRE. THIS ONE HAS THE PRIZED COLOR THAT IS SO HARD TO FIND. IT SCREAMS WITH LUSTER AND WOULD MAKE A SUPER WEDDING RING CENTER STONE.TYPE: SAPPHIRE CUT: SQUARECOLOR: TEAL BLUE/GREENWEIGHT: 1.91ct.SIZE: 6.6mm. X 6.5mm. CLARITY‎: VSLUSTER: EXCELLENTTREATMENT...

www.blazengems.com

Teal Blue Green Cushion Montana Sapphire "Rhapsody" Cut | 1.85cts | #12-2233 - Gemfix

Teal Blue Green Montana Sapphire Cushion Brilliant Cut

gemfix.com

Wow! Those are all three absolutely gorgeous colors, and I love that the video for the 1st one lists the different lighting it's shown in.

 

[chrono]

I was told it would reduce the chance that the gem would go dark in lower light settings.

I've seen many precision cut stones that show half/half extinction and other issues. Precision cut comes in varying qualities from poor to great, so using that as a criteria will not guarantee it will not go dark in lower light. That is a function of the rough itself. Most of my best CS gems are not precision cut, merely very well cut.

 

[Cerulean]

Yeah, that's what I said. It narrows the search, but it's just not a sustainable way for me to search.



I was told it would reduce the chance that the gem would go dark in lower light settings.



Almost every one?? How is it popular that they gained popularity recently, then? Is everyone out there walking around with brown sapphires on their hands?? If this is true then my entire search is hopeless.



That's why I broadened the search significantly. My new criteria are listed in one of my recent replies. As I've said before, I know it's a tough gem to find but I'm okay with that. I know what I want and I will find it.

You expressed that you just learned a lesson about reality vs expectations. I think people here, myself included, are trying to help you find something beautiful and avoid that again

I’m not saying that all teal sapphires are brown, at all, but many don’t perform in person like they seem to in photos. Im am saying that I’ve seen this first hand. Now, whether something is popular means nothing to me. In the diamond world, the most “popular” diamonds are poorly cut (ie ones you see most commonly), and more you’ll find that more discerning people like those on this forum have no interest in poorly cut diamonds. You are already more discerning than the average e ring shopper I’m guessing

Buying sapphires is tricky business! that doesn’t mean you need to give up, I just suggest you keep an open mind, listen to advice people are giving you as this is your first big gem purchase and many people here have bought dozens or even hundreds of gems over their lifetimes

the best way to get a sense for your TRUE preferences is to see things IRL, you thought you knew what you want, but that didn’t work out in reality, so my personal recommendation is to avoid any vendor that doesn’t have a great return policy even if you think you found “the one” - just scratch them off your list so you don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Don’t give up, you’ll find something you love I’m sure and people here can help you find one or eliminate ones that might not live up to expectations in person

 

[chaplin]

You expressed that you just learned a lesson about reality vs expectations. I think people here, myself included, are trying to help you find something beautiful and avoid that again

I’m not saying that all teal sapphires are brown, at all, but many don’t perform in person like they seem to in photos. Im am saying that I’ve seen this first hand. Now, whether something is popular means nothing to me. In the diamond world, the most “popular” diamonds are poorly cut (ie ones you see most commonly), and more you’ll find that more discerning people like those on this forum have no interest in poorly cut diamonds. You are already more discerning than the average e ring shopper I’m guessing

Buying sapphires is tricky business! that doesn’t mean you need to give up, I just suggest you keep an open mind, listen to advice people are giving you as this is your first big gem purchase and many people here have bought dozens or even hundreds of gems over their lifetimes

the best way to get a sense for your TRUE preferences is to see things IRL, you thought you knew what you want, but that didn’t work out in reality, so my personal recommendation is to avoid any vendor that doesn’t have a great return policy even if you think you found “the one” - just scratch them off your list so you don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Don’t give up, you’ll find something you love I’m sure and people here can help you find one or eliminate ones that might not live up to expectations in person

I agree with everything you have said, and I have expressed similar intentions in my previous posts. I am agreeing with you. I was simply expressing surprise at the phrase "almost every one I saw in person was a dud" with regard to the teals. That was very surprising to me, that's all

I apologize if I seem a bit defensive in my other responses. I have plenty of people reminding me this is a tall order, a difficult search, a rare gem, etc, and I am aware of all that. But I am not giving up, I know it's out there. I just get a bit frustrated when I feel like people try to dissuade me from what I want.

That being said, I greatly appreciate all the professional advice I have received here. That's why I chose this forum in the first place! I have learned so much from reading all your posts. My expectations are right where they should be after this experience, trust me, I am as skeptical as ever. But still hopeful!

 

[lovedogs]

Blaze n gems has amazing options, but as noted above his pics arent great.

 

[Cerulean]

I agree with everything you have said, and I have expressed similar intentions in my previous posts. I am agreeing with you. I was simply expressing surprise at the phrase "almost every one I saw in person was a dud" with regard to the teals. That was very surprising to me, that's all

I apologize if I seem a bit defensive in my other responses. I have plenty of people reminding me this is a tall order, a difficult search, a rare gem, etc, and I am aware of all that. But I am not giving up, I know it's out there. I just get a bit frustrated when I feel like people try to dissuade me from what I want.

That being said, I greatly appreciate all the professional advice I have received here. That's why I chose this forum in the first place! I have learned so much from reading all your posts. My expectations are right where they should be after this experience, trust me, I am as skeptical as ever. But still hopeful!

I dont think anyone here intends to discourage you! I think it’s more about having realistic expectations

we as a forum have bias for ideal color above all and let other things like shape, size or perfect cut fall down the list (doesn’t mean they aren’t important!). I’d figure out what matters most to you and search accordingly - in diamond world it’s the 4Cs. Unless budget is unlimited you usually can’t have everything so no one here wants you hunting fruitlessly for a hens tooth, that’s all

please keep posted possible options here and people will be more than happy to give feedback on specific gems - I posted tons of options before I found my perfect sapphire and I would’ve made a lot of bad purchases otherwise

I’m optimistic that you’ll find something you love, too!

 

[maru8888777]

I've suggested this vendor before because I had an exceptional experience with them (unfortunately, my stones are with my jeweler, otherwise I'd post pictures). They have a 1.8something teal that looks impressive, and I don't usually go for teals because I am not sure about how to buy them. The seller is overseas, so that is a minus, but he has some of the best customer service I've encountered, which means that he'll patiently send you tons of videos and an honest assessment, so you can be fairly sure of your purchase if you decide.

Sapphire - Adamant International Ltd

Fine quality gemstones from Sri Lanka and East Africa. Ceylon sapphires, chrysoberyls, spinels, tourmalines, zircons, beryls, garnets and other gems.

www.adamantgems.com

Otherwise, those Blaze n gems ones look amazing, and I saw on IG that Obsessed over Gems has a sale (2 days left). Their Montanas seem beautiful, well-cut, and they seem to try for accuracy in their videos and photos. I've never bought from them, though.

 

[rockysalamander]

I have several small sapphires (6 or 7, all around 4 mm) from Blaze N Gems. The photos his son took were better than his. They did, however, show pretty true to the color I got in my hands. The pink and 'ice blue' I received were way nicer than it photographed. They were cut well (not amazing or precision cutting) and very pretty. I'd buy again. Earth's Treasury buys rough from him (or at least did several years ago).

He will send extra photos and videos. He works all day in the river, so just have patience and give him time to respond.

Added: If you tell him what you are looking for, he has more stones than online. I was looking for a matched pair and he was able to send me photos and information on at least 3 sets not on his site.

 

[minousbijoux]

For some reason when it comes to teal, blue green or green blue sapphires, they are gorgeous when "on," but many really close up - looking quite dark and unsaturated - in other lighting conditions. Seems to me from the stones I've seen, to be truly certain of the look the majority of the time means to see them in person and play with them in a variety of lighting conditions. Either that, or work with a seller who will take video of it under different conditions, especially in its worst lighting if asked. That might take an exceedingly patient vendor, or a seller who specializes in sapphires of this type - someone like Blaze n gems, Earth's Treasury, or a vendor specializing in Australian sapphires. I do think this is more pronounced with this particular color of sapphire - maybe because they tend to be darker in tone? Idk.

 

[rockysalamander]

This may go dark, but its a pretty color and good size. Maybe worth getting video and or trying it out.

2.16 CTS. VERY FANCY SQUARE CUT, BLUE COLOR, MONTANA SAPPHIRE

THIS IS AN AWESOME, VERY FANCY SQUARE CUT, MEDIUM BLUE, SAPPHIRE WE MINED (2013)FROM THE ELDORADO SAPPHIRE MINE IN MONTANA. THIS SAPPHIRE HAS VERY UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL CUT AND COLOR. IT IS ALL NATURAL, NO TREATMENT OF ANY KIND. WE ARE VERY EXCITED WITH THE FACET OF THIS GEMSTONE. ALWAYS A 10 DAY...

www.blazengems.com

 

[chaplin]

You guys are all so amazing. I'm compiling another album with some new choices and asking vendors for videos in several different lights. I'll post another album here when I have the videos, and I will look at all the other suggestions you have posted!

 

[Cerulean]

Oh I would definitely not link to your personal Google account. I highly recommend deleting your message

share links to the stones you are considering and I recommend not sharing more than 3-5 at a time so it’s easy for members to track and give feedback

 

[chaplin]

eep, okay, let me figure out the easiest way to re-do that and still make all the information available to folks. There were 6 on there total. I'll just post my top 3 here to start.

 

[chaplin]

Current favorite: 3.13ct heated dark blue-green emerald cut from the Natural Sapphire Company (videos <- hopefully that works). Very dark, but somehow still looks good in most lights. No brown tones. I love the deep color, and it's the perfect size/shape/height I was looking for. Plus they will do the solitaire setting I want for $5,100 total. I know they have a colored history here on PS, but the sales associate I've been working with has been incredibly helpful and willing to take as many photos/videos in differing lights as I request. They also put the gem on hold for me even though I didn't ask them to. Are they as a company still blacklisted here or are they forgiven? I'm honestly curious about their reputation.

Very close 2nd favorite: 2.11ct unheated medium teal from Lizunova Jewels in Australia (videos here, here, and here). Love the color, looks great in all lights, is slightly more square than ideal but would still work with my wedding band design. She will reset it as a solitaire for about $5,200 USD. Another plus here is she can make the wedding band simultaneously so they fit together perfectly. Nervous to buy internationally again, but she is super helpful/willing to take photos/videos in any light.

Also considering: 1.98ct unheated medium teal from Lisa Elser, a popular lapidary I found on Reddit. Videos here, here, and here. It's definitely a square, not a rectangle, but the color is to die for, it's unheated, and the lapidary has great reviews. $3,168 for the gem, plus a $915 setting fee at my local jeweler, plus the cost of the setting would make this gem the most expensive. Is it worth it?

EDIT: Oh, also, this one from Blaze N' Gems piqued my curiosity.

 

[Cerulean]

This is my own personal opinion, but I like the other ones from blaze n gems more than any of these. Sorry. Please take my opinion as just that, my opinion

that first one is SO dark. I expect it to look black in some lighting, this one is actually my least favorite

the next one I think will also be very dark IMO

The next one…I like the best but I still think the other blaze b gem ones I shared have a more vivid color - this one again is quite dark

I don’t like the inclusions in the blaze n gem one either

 

[chaplin]

This is my own personal opinion, but I like the other ones from blaze n gems more than any of these. Sorry. Please take my opinion as just that, my opinion

that first one is SO dark. I expect it to look black in some lighting, this one is actually my least favorite

the next one I think will also be very dark IMO

The next one…I like the best but I still think the other blaze b gem ones I shared have a more vivid color - this one again is quite dark

I don’t like the inclusions in the blaze n gem one either

No need to apologize, I appreciate your honesty. Were you able to view all the videos of them in different lighting?

 

[Cerulean]

No need to apologize, I appreciate your honesty. Were you able to view all the videos of them in different lighting?

Yes, to me - it looks black in some lighting already. If you love it and don’t mind how dark
it is, it’s your sapphire! I would just prefer a much more bright color

 

[chaplin]

Yes, to me - it looks black in some lighting already. If you love it and don’t mind how dark
it is, it’s your sapphire! I would just prefer a much more bright color

Great, I mostly just wanted to make sure others could view the videos publicly. Thank you for your input, I truly appreciate it.

 

[Cerulean]

Great, I mostly just wanted to make sure others could view the videos publicly. Thank you for your input, I truly appreciate it.

Of course! I’d also still recommend hosting videos on YouTube or Vimeo - mods will delete links to personal Google drives, it’s a real risk for your personal data

also - did you see these?

Login • Instagram

Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.

www.instagram.com

 

[chaplin]

Of course! I’d also still recommend hosting videos on YouTube or Vimeo - mods will delete links to personal Google drives, it’s a real risk for your personal data

also - did you see these?

Login • Instagram

Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.

www.instagram.com

Thank you, I appreciate the concern for security. I'll just post the links sent by the jewelers from now on

 

[idola]

Have you checked obsessedovergems on instagram? They actually have quite a few rectangular teals right now!

 

[Alybird]

Thank you, I appreciate the concern for security. I'll just post the links sent by the jewelers from now on

Check out calebbquashen on Instagram

 

[Alybird]

I purchased my teal asscher Madagascar sapphire from him ^

It is 1.56 ct. I made a typo somewhere and accidentally said 2.56 ct (oops). Anyway, it is plenty baubly. I actually had it made into a ring and then realized how gemmy it was and then had it made into a solitaire pendant instead.

The prices at Earth's Treasury seem steep, just because you can get fantastic gem quality stones at a wonderful price if you know where to look. A lot of indie fine jewelry designers source their stones from Caleb. He will send you a vid of the stone in natural and indoor light and has a stock of sapphires from all over the world.

 

[Alybird]

Also, you have to think, in the 4k range that is a healthy fund for a nice ideal diamond or even something more rare like a padparadscha sapphire, albeit not as big in carat weight.

M.Hisae, Paradigm Jewelry and I want to say Sofia Zakia work with some of his stones.

 

[chaplin]

Have you checked obsessedovergems on instagram? They actually have quite a few rectangular teals right now!

I did check those out, and even inquired after a few prices, but they're all very unsaturated (as I've found most Montanas tend to be) and not the color I am looking for. Most seemed more very very light mint green than teal, to me. But thanks for the heads up!

Check out calebbquashen on Instagram

He is on my list of vendors that I check regularly Nothing quite right at the moment, but I am always checking.

Also, you have to think, in the 4k range that is a healthy fund for a nice ideal diamond or even something more rare like a padparadscha sapphire, albeit not as big in carat weight.

M.Hisae, Paradigm Jewelry and I want to say Sofia Zakia work with some of his stones.

I have my heart set on a teal sapphire but thanks anyway for the perspective

 

[chaplin]

As an update on the international return shipping situation: the sapphire from Bayoto was sent back to me, saying "contents prohibited in destination country." Which is strange, since I wrote "return merchandise" on the label, as instructed by the seller, and for contents just wrote "stone." I resent the package yesterday, and tried writing "return merchandise" and for detailed description "mineral sample." We'll see if that works. Otherwise, if it keeps being returned to me, I might be stuck with the dud in addition to whichever sapphire I choose for the ering

 

[chaplin]

As an update on the shopping situation, I am still looking, and will create a new thread on this forum if I find any new sapphires on which I'd like the group's advice. I've eliminated partis as an option (they're just too unpredictable) and am limiting the search to a nice, solid, medium blue-green, step-cut, rectangular sapphire that won't darken too much in a bezel. I know it might take a while Thanks for the words of wisdom, all!