Choosing the right sapphire

[SeattleSapphire]

Hello, everybody! I've searched around the forums a bit looking for the right answer to my question, but I couldn't quite find it so I thought I'd post my question.

I am currently looking to buy an engagement ring (gulp!) with a sapphire center stone and diamond side stones. After much wheeling and dealing, one (very upscale) store offered up a gorgeous round 1.32 carat non-heat treated sapphire for the ring in my price range (roughly 5500). I'd call the stone a deep blue that has a tone right in the middle of the spectrum. It was a loose stone, so I have no idea how it would behave once actually in the setting.

I thought the stone was stunning (and so did my good friend), but it's sooo hard to tell the true color in a jewelry store setting.

So, here are my questions:

1) when do I know if a stone is too dark?

2) I've seen everyone throw around names of colors like Cornflower - Are there any color names for sapphires I should look for?

3) This stone isn't heat treated. I don't want to pay for something nobody will ever notice. Should I ask to look at stones that are heat treated only?

4) And what would you expect to pay for a good quality 1.32 carat round non-heat treated deep blue stone?

5) Are there any other rare/collector features to a stone that I could be unwittingly paying for?

Thanks so much!

 

[rubydick]

Let me answer this in the most basic terms possible. When you purchase a colored gemstone, throw away any and all you have read about diamonds. These beasts are entirely different animals.

Most important is to use your own eyes and your own judgment. Ask yourself what this basic question. Is the gem pretty? But more important, can you foresee spending the rest of your life with this beauty?

I''ve written much on this subject, see it at this link:

Sapphire Coinnoisseurship

Please understand, all of nature''s creations have an intrinsic beauty. Think of prospective sapphires like you would your fiance. Is she perfect? Not likely. No different than you. But if she is someone you can imagine spending the rest of your life with, then like the woman I have had the good fortune to marry, this gem is perfect for you.

Call me blessed, call me lucky beyond belief, but I found the perfect match. And choosing a sapphire is something like that. Forget perfection. It''s a myth. Look beyond, look for the beyond.

Forget the numbers, forget what others tell you is the "true color." Gems, like women, come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and, dare I say it, shades and colors. The only true color is that which matches your heart. Everything else is just smoke and mirrors.

 

[SeattleSapphire]

Thanks for the reply, Richard. I really enjoyed your article. In my price range for a loose stone (2500-3800), I may be at the mercy of just the best I can do for the money. Or perhaps not?

What do you think about the heat treating issue? The stone I am considering isn't treated - do you see that as a good sign of some greater quality or something I should avoid paying extra for in my price range?

And thanks for the advice about choosing a stone - it really is much like choosing someone to spend the rest of your life with!

 

[belle]

Date: 7/3/2005 1:07:14 AM
Author: Richard Hughes
Let me answer this in the most basic terms possible. When you purchase a colored gemstone, throw away any and all you have read about diamonds. These beasts are entirely different animals.

Most important is to use your own eyes and your own judgment. Ask yourself what this basic question. Is the gem pretty? But more important, can you foresee spending the rest of your life with this beauty?

I''ve written much on this subject, see it at this link:

Sapphire Coinnoisseurship

Please understand, all of nature''s creations have an intrinsic beauty. Think of prospective sapphires like you would your fiance. Is she perfect? Not likely. No different than you. But if she is someone you can imagine spending the rest of your life with, then like the woman I have had the good fortune to marry, this gem is perfect for you.

Call me blessed, call me lucky beyond belief, but I found the perfect match. And choosing a sapphire is something like that. Forget perfection. It''s a myth. Look beyond, look for the beyond.

Forget the numbers, forget what others tell you is the ''true color.'' Gems, like women, come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and, dare I say it, shades and colors. The only true color is that which matches your heart. Everything else is just smoke and mirrors.

i feel the same way. very well said richard.

 

[bar01]

I put together a sapphire and diamond engagement ring for my gal using 1.27 ct untreated sapphire and diamond sides. I started at "highend stores" like Tiffany's do some browsing - and ended up having a custom made one for much less money and with higher quality gems. A picture of my gals ring is on the eye candy show me the ring folder.

I spent much time learning about blue sapphires and diamonds. Bought several books - including Mr. Hughes wonderful and extensive book. Diamonds are relatively easy to understand and find (even super ideal ones) .

I suggest you use the "search" function here on this board for "sapphire" as much has been written on Sapphires.

However, I will give the following consumer opinions:


1) The price you mention seems high to me for that size - even for a fine stone - probably due to the markup at a high-end store. However, many factors affect the cost of the stone, including origin. Mr. Hughes web site has price ranges for you to look at . You can save money on the net - and find better gems. Check out sites like www.cherrypicked.com and www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com and others mentioned here on Pricescope

2) Heat treatment is a matter of personal choice. As I have stated in other posts I am biased towards non-treated. I feel particularly strong about this when the sapphire is the main stone in an engagement ring. Issues like rarity, and the fact that God (or nature if you prefer) made that blue - mattered to me in an engagement ring. Once I saw the "before pictures" of dull milky white/brown stones turned into nice blues by man made process - the image was hard for to me to get out my mind. However, 99% of people don't understand that most sapphires are “made” and don't care. Everyone just likes to look at stunning colors - which is the number one thing you want to find for her ring! Find that stunning color!

3) About sapphire color - grading is subject to much debate. There are systems by various organizations or companies that try to classify the tone, hue, saturation, clarity, etc… You need to spend some time going to various stores - from high end to middle - to see what colors you like. You may not personally like the “industry preferred” characteristic as defined by GIA (example B 6/6) Independent Appraiser Richard Sherwood discuss more on grading here.

4) When you are considering sapphires of this price range and quality, I strongly recommend you use the services of an independent appraiser/lab. Further, you should also consider requesting an industry certificate (like GIA or AGTA) for the sapphire. Many places (at least on the net) will allow you 10-14 days for evaluation of your sapphire before you agree to purchase. During this time a good independent appraiser/lap can tell you everything you need to know about the sapphire you are about to buy - including its fair price.

Have fun!

 

[diamondlil]

Date: 7/3/2005 1:07:14 AM
Author: Richard Hughes

Forget the numbers, forget what others tell you is the ''true color.'' Gems, like women, come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and, dare I say it, shades and colors. The only true color is that which matches your heart. Everything else is just smoke and mirrors.

Thank you, Richard. I have to keep reminding myself of this when I look at colored stones. I''ve been to many gem shows looking at and comparing sapphire (as well as other colored stones), and many times the stones that sing to ME have no pedigree papers and cost much less than the "quality" stones. I need make my choices based on what my eyes tell me and not necessarily what the vendor is pushing.

 

[MINE!!]

Date: 7/3/2005 1:07:14 AM
Author: Richard Hughes
Let me answer this in the most basic terms possible. When you purchase a colored gemstone, throw away any and all you have read about diamonds. These beasts are entirely different animals.


Most important is to use your own eyes and your own judgment. Ask yourself what this basic question. Is the gem pretty? But more important, can you foresee spending the rest of your life with this beauty?


I''ve written much on this subject, see it at this link:


Sapphire Coinnoisseurship


Please understand, all of nature''s creations have an intrinsic beauty. Think of prospective sapphires like you would your fiance. Is she perfect? Not likely. No different than you. But if she is someone you can imagine spending the rest of your life with, then like the woman I have had the good fortune to marry, this gem is perfect for you.


Call me blessed, call me lucky beyond belief, but I found the perfect match. And choosing a sapphire is something like that. Forget perfection. It''s a myth. Look beyond, look for the beyond.


Forget the numbers, forget what others tell you is the ''true color.'' Gems, like women, come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and, dare I say it, shades and colors. The only true color is that which matches your heart. Everything else is just smoke and mirrors.

I agree 100% Very well said Richard.. Thank you!!

And welcome to PScope SeattleSApphire!!