Blue Zirkon or Apatite?

[dkata]

I usually post in others forums, but this time I would like to ask for the help of the colored stone experts.

Lately I have seen a lot of blue zirkons on the forum and I really like the vivid blueish green color. The problem is, that the really nice ones are out of my actual budget. I have looked up a lot of vendors, and I have only found on Mastercutgems a few zirkons under or around 300 USD.

On the other hand I have seen a lot of nice Apatite at a few vendors. I have found one really nice and cheap at multicolor.com. The faceting seems right, the color is vivid, stone is slightly included. I know these stones are only around 5 at MOH’s scale, so I ask for your opinion. Would you buy an Apatite for a ring? Size is 8*6 mm, so it would be even easy to find a setting.
I would not wear it daily, maybe even 3-4times a month.

Would you buy an Apatite? Or could you show me nice Zirkons under 300 USD? And the most important: how is the brilliance of an Apatite?

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Can you post what shade of blue zircon you might like?

I've seen some pretty affordable blue ones but no blue green ones.

 

[dkata]

This is a shade what I like:
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?-249164624

It’s almost 700 and also too big. I prefer cushion or oval, but a nice round would be also ok.

My target size is between 7.5 to 9 mm.

 

[arkieb1]

How often do you plan to wear it? Zircon is a wear every day stone, apatite is not because it is soft and is easily worn and damaged including when jewellers try and set it.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I am too nervous to wear zircon every day even though my jeweller says I can (just don't garden or do dishes with it).

 

[alene]

Caratsgems has a few zircons in your price range if you want to take a look. I've bought a few inexpensive stones from them in the past and they were pretty nice.
http://stores.ebay.com/CaratsGems?r...0.Xblue+zircon.TRS0&_nkw=blue+zircon&_sacat=0

 

[dkata]

Alene - thank you! I will take a look!

 

[dkata]

What do you think about this one?
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?17617694
Does someone have experience with this vendor?

I have found this one on Caratsgems:
https://m.ebay.com/itm/4-26CTS-FABU...LINK-IN-DESCRIPTION-/361821102868?_mwBanner=1

I like Mastercutgems, because the pictures seems accurate.
This one is really nice, but I’m afraid I won’t find a stock setting:
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...ian_Natural_Zircon_4_01_ct-Gem.php?FromPage=1

Or this one:
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...dia_Natural_Zircon_2_68_ct-Gem.php?FromPage=1

Or this big one:
https://www.mastercutgems.com/Produ...atural_Blue_Zircon_3_60_ct-Gem.php?FromPage=1

Please, share your opinion.

 

[dkata]

How often do you plan to wear it? Zircon is a wear every day stone, apatite is not because it is soft and is easily worn and damaged including when jewellers try and set it.

I plan to wear it occasionally, as a right hand ring, i.e. 3-4times in a month. I have quite a few right hand rings to rotate.

 

[dkata]

I have made a collage of my favorite 4 zircons on Mastercutgems.
Which one would you choose if you only look for the best color:

 

[dkata]

I have written to Dana, and got a video as an answer. The video compares the 2 stones on the right side of my collage. What is your opinion?
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1393801544075698&id=100003375982181

Surprisingly both stones seem similar color in the video, although they have different colors on the pictures. I almost like the bigger one better, but I’m afraid of the depth of the stone.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

I'd be remiss if I didn't chime in and put this amazing apatite out there: http://www.earthstreasury.com/product/2-20-carat-blue-green-apatite/

There are definitely zircons out there for your budget.

 

[dkata]

SparkliesLuver - thank you for your input!

This apatit is really beautiful, but I'm really afraid of the hardness, so I decided to look for the right zircon. I really like the 2 linked in, but I just can't decide which one to choose.

I'm afraid that both of them are too deep, and are going to be not easy to set. On the other hand I know, that I won't ever find zircons that size for that price, so I'm really tempted to buy one of them.

I would be really happy about some input.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Understand.

Do you have a setting already or will you get a stock setting or possibly do custom? You might want to ask Prima Gems about their blue zircons in your budget. You might be surprised by their selection, and would at least have something to compare to. But I understand wanting to choose from one of the above ones. I don't have FB so I can't watch the video; however, I'd pick which one stands out the most to you in terms of color and cut (and ignore the depth right now). If having a ring that sits up pretty high worries you overall, then maybe zircon isn't the right stone. Just talking out loud.

 

[dkata]

SparkliesLuver - the depth does not worry me, as it would be just a ring, what I would wear occasionally, and my OEC sit also at about 9 mm inclusive setting off of my finger.

I don't have any setting ready, I just would like to buy a custom setting from LOGR or some similar vendors.

Thank you for the input about Prima Gems, I'm going to look at their selection.

What is your opinion about the Caratsgem's one? I find the color appealing, the cut seems good, and it is not too deep, so Setting would be easier. What is your opinion about it?

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Oh okay. A custom setting means any depth goes so that's a big plus.

Sure. I'd email them - they're prompt to reply with prices and pictures.

Based on the multicolour.com site you linked to when you gave us a color you liked, my only concern is that it might end up being too dark. Their photography looks like it uses strong lighting. The cut on that one also bothers me personally - not necessarily a classic bow tie but the middle is noticeably lighter. Their policies look good though so that's a plus.

Are you inside or outside the U.S.? Just something to consider when it comes to shipping.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

I looked at multicolour again and came across this one: http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?377454911

I have ordered from them before and everything went smoothly and the stones were as pictured/described.

 

[dkata]

Im in Europa, and returns are not easy because of VAT, so let’s say returns are not an option for me. It has to be right at the first try! Therefore I’m really cautious.

The one from multicolor is really nice, I have to browse their site once more.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Ah, okay. Yep, that's what I was wondering! An important consideration. haha That's helpful to know!

Yes, I really liked that one. You could even email David and ask for a hand shot or video - he's usually very accommodating.

 

[dkata]

SparkliesLuer - I contacted David at multicolour, and told me completely open what my budget is, and that I'm looking for the best possible stone in this range. He suggested me a stone, with following description: The color is dark, the cutting is perfect, and the stone is clean.



What do you think about it?

I wouldn't like to post the link, I'm afraid someone could buy it. It is 7.9 mm and 5.2 mm deep. The color is described as medium light greenish blue. I like it, and also see, that the cut is really nice.