Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Considering something pink. Tourmaline? Topaz? Garnet? Etc

Mjay

Mjay

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Mar 15, 2018
Messages
1,151
I’m in the mood for a new gemstone. I don’t have any set plans but I’m picturing something pink. I’m not feeling like spending sapphire type money so I’m looking into other types of gemstones that can scratch my itch at a lower price point. I came across a heated pink topaz that knocked my sock off. It seems a bit steep for topaz so I was doing a bit of research. I read that although topaz are a 8 on the mohs scale that they can chip easily due to perfect cleavage. This makes me nervous. I then considered tourmaline but it seems to get a lot of hate for looking flat and lack of sparkles. Also open to garnet. Any advice or recommendations?
 
If you want a super hard and not too expensive stone, you might also consider a pink lab sapphire. I have pieces made with one dark pink and two light pinks so I'm definitely a fan. You can also easily get one precision cut in any size and shape you want. Mine were all cut by Finewater Gems, jewelry made by David Klass.

1668700522075.jpeg

1668700424037.jpeg

1668700459356.jpeg
 
Also, I think all the ones you’ve mentioned would be reasonable options. You could also get a prong setting so if the stone you pick is ever damaged, you could replace it.

With tourmaline, I think sparkle depends a lot on the cut too.
 
As you mentioned, topaz is quite hard, but it does have perfect cleavage (I still giggle at that terminology), so that does make it more susceptible to hard knocks. In my experience though, I've never had a problem. Just be careful about treatments. Natural pinks exist, but the great majority are not only heated, but often irradiated, diffused, and coated. I also agree with @seaurchin that pink tourmaline is a great option; you just have to find the right cut. Garnet might have that extra brilliance you're looking for, although true pinks are a bit more elusive. Depending on the shade of pink you're after, you might find a spinel on budget (that would be my first choice). Good luck in your hunt... I'm excited to see what you find! You have great taste. :cool2:
 
seaurchin said:
If you want a super hard and not too expensive stone, you might also consider a pink lab sapphire. I have pieces made with one dark pink and two light pinks so I'm definitely a fan. You can also easily get one precision cut in any size and shape you want. Mine were all cut by Finewater Gems, jewelry made by David Klass.

1668700522075.jpeg

1668700424037.jpeg

1668700459356.jpeg
Click to expand...

Wow those are all stunning! I’ve actually been casually thinking of purchasing a lab sapphire so I’m glad you posted. I’ve been pretty set on only natural stones but I’m definitely warming to the idea of lab created.
 
Autumn in New England said:
As you mentioned, topaz is quite hard, but it does have perfect cleavage (I still giggle at that terminology), so that does make it more susceptible to hard knocks. In my experience though, I've never had a problem. Just be careful about treatments. Natural pinks exist, but the great majority are not only heated, but often irradiated, diffused, and coated. I also agree with @seaurchin that pink tourmaline is a great option; you just have to find the right cut. Garnet might have that extra brilliance you're looking for, although true pinks are a bit more elusive. Depending on the shade of pink you're after, you might find a spinel on budget (that would be my first choice). Good luck in your hunt... I'm excited to see what you find! You have great taste. :cool2:
Click to expand...

Haha I totally giggled when I typed perfect cleavage to. Thank you for the warning on topaz. I think I’m going to steer clear of the particular one that caught my eye. The tourmalines that I’m considering are all precision cut pinks from a reputable vendor. I have no experience with tourmaline so I’m a bit hesitant. Two of the ones that I like are step cuts and the other is a round. I’m thinking the step cuts might be better decision for a tourmaline after reading that it can appear a bit flat. Also spinel is definitely my first option so I might hold out for that. This is an in between projects purchase so I was hoping to stay around 1K. I have something coming back from David in the next few weeks and I am planning something for my birthday in February. This is just so that the kids can see me being excited about something on Christmas morning. Also Christmas is a perfect excuse for an impulsive Gemstone purchase!
 
Last edited:
seaurchin said:
Also, I think all the ones you’ve mentioned would be reasonable options. You could also get a prong setting so if the stone you pick is ever damaged, you could replace it.

With tourmaline, I think sparkle depends a lot on the cut too.
Click to expand...


Are you talking precision cut vs commercial or do you think something like an emerald cut or asscher might perform better than a brilliant cut?
 
seaurchin said:
If you want a super hard and not too expensive stone, you might also consider a pink lab sapphire. I have pieces made with one dark pink and two light pinks so I'm definitely a fan. You can also easily get one precision cut in any size and shape you want. Mine were all cut by Finewater Gems, jewelry made by David Klass.

1668700522075.jpeg

1668700424037.jpeg

1668700459356.jpeg
Click to expand...

I LOVE your necklace. I have a large amethyst which I've had no idea what to do with, and you've just solved my problem! It looks so easy to wear and versatile, just gorgeous
 
Mjay said:
Are you talking precision cut vs commercial or do you think something like an emerald cut or asscher might perform better than a brilliant cut?
Click to expand...

I meant precision cut vs. commercial.
 
mellowyellowgirl said:
Pink tourmaline is not too bad depending on what you get. Mine never dies. Neither does my sister's.

They are very sparkly with lots of movement in real life.

908351
906961
Click to expand...

Wow!!!! So soooo pretty
 
Hey Mjay... please direct me to your LT profile. I have a few options for you that I've browsed in the past. :)
 
Oh whoops... I see that post is gone. You let me know if you want me to send you links or just post them here. :dance:
 
If anyone comes across any well cut spinels around $1200 or less please let me know! I have my contact info on loupetroop. <a href="http://loupetroop.com/listings/other/contact-for-mjay-on-ps;44987">Contact for MJAY on PS on Loupe Troop</a> I’m preferably looking for a hot pink or light pink (think Barbie) but I’m open to a bit of orange tones. I’m hoping for 2 cts +
 
@Mjay I sent I think 4 stones... I really tried to stay within all of your parameters. I hope you find something you like!!
 
Autumn in New England said:
@Mjay I sent I think 4 stones... I really tried to stay within all of your parameters. I hope you find something you like!!
Click to expand...

Thank you so much! Those are all great stones. I’m dying over that oval! It looks so perfect and I feel like it would be an easy buy with that return policy! Eeek hoping for a sale because I might just splurge!
 
Mjay said:
Thank you so much! Those are all great stones. I’m dying over that oval! It looks so perfect and I feel like it would be an easy buy with that return policy! Eeek hoping for a sale because I might just splurge!
Click to expand...

I think that may be my favorite too! The cut is perfection. And I find their photos are a very accurate representation of the actual color. Sometimes the stone is even better in person. Please, please keep an eye on it. I just know they're going to offer a 20% sitewide discount over the holiday!
 
CHRISTY-DANIELLE said:
Kosnar has this pink oval on sale:
Screenshot_20221123_022645_Chrome.jpg
Click to expand...

And Brett is an absolute doll to work with, isn't he?! Maybe one of my very favorite vendors. Accommodating and patient... he has no angle whatsoever other than to make you happy.
 
I ended up purchasing something! I’m beyond excited! I had compiled a Christmas wishlist of gemstones so my Husband could surprise me with one for Christmas. After compiling the list I realized that although all of the stones were stunning nothing was really tugging at my heartstrings. There was a pink tourmaline on my list that I absolutely loved but I knew that I really wanted something more durable. Anyways I tossed out the list and purchased a new pair of boots and a gold name necklace for myself to open on Christmas. About an hour later I was scrolling instagram and saw that a particular vendor that I followed was having a Black Friday sale. I had just checked her website a few days prior and there was nothing for me, but I decided to check again. She had just listed the most amazing sapphire! I absolutely lost my mind. I had to have it! It’s a 2.45 carat color change Umba sapphire (pinkish to violet). It obviously has some typical Umba inclusions but nothing distracting and I’m totally fine with the inclusions because I don’t have any set plans for this piece. It looks gorgeous in the videos. It’s absolutely magical and I’m so excited. I think I’m going to have DK set it in a halo of rose cut diamonds! But my story actually doesn’t end there! I was showing my husband videos of the sapphire last night. I mentioned that at some point I would like to circle back and purchase the tourmaline as well. He grabbed his phone and bought the tourmaline!!!! So now I have 2 stones coming and I’m on cloud nine! The one thing that I am still working out (ridiculous First world problems) is that I was hoping to open these on Christmas morning but that just wont work with the vendors’ return windows. So now I’m debating if I wanna peep at them to make sure I love them and then wrap them both up or if I want my husband to take a look instead so that I can feel surprised. He’s a bit nervous about that though and so am I lol

F62D330A-5426-4378-A8CF-7F723031EBF6.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • 325FB954-D15E-439E-873C-8B647D6741FA.jpeg
    325FB954-D15E-439E-873C-8B647D6741FA.jpeg
    287.5 KB · Views: 22
I LOVE the cuts and color on those. They have culets, my favorite! :love:
 
Mjay said:
I ended up purchasing something! I’m beyond excited! I had compiled a Christmas wishlist of gemstones so my Husband could surprise me with one for Christmas. After compiling the list I realized that although all of the stones were stunning nothing was really tugging at my heartstrings. There was a pink tourmaline on my list that I absolutely loved but I knew that I really wanted something more durable. Anyways I tossed out the list and purchased a new pair of boots and a gold name necklace for myself to open on Christmas. About an hour later I was scrolling instagram and saw that a particular vendor that I followed was having a Black Friday sale. I had just checked her website a few days prior and there was nothing for me, but I decided to check again. She had just listed the most amazing sapphire! I absolutely lost my mind. I had to have it! It’s a 2.45 carat color change Umba sapphire (pinkish to violet). It obviously has some typical Umba inclusions but nothing distracting and I’m totally fine with the inclusions because I don’t have any set plans for this piece. It looks gorgeous in the videos. It’s absolutely magical and I’m so excited. I think I’m going to have DK set it in a halo of rose cut diamonds! But my story actually doesn’t end there! I was showing my husband videos of the sapphire last night. I mentioned that at some point I would like to circle back and purchase the tourmaline as well. He grabbed his phone and bought the tourmaline!!!! So now I have 2 stones coming and I’m on cloud nine! The one thing that I am still working out (ridiculous First world problems) is that I was hoping to open these on Christmas morning but that just wont work with the vendors’ return windows. So now I’m debating if I wanna peep at them to make sure I love them and then wrap them both up or if I want my husband to take a look instead so that I can feel surprised. He’s a bit nervous about that though and so am I lol

F62D330A-5426-4378-A8CF-7F723031EBF6.jpeg
Click to expand...

First, does your hubby have a brother? Because he is a keeper. Second, I'm just over the moon for you!! That sapphire is pretty much the perfect lavender shade (and I love a square cushion). The tourmaline is the cherry on the cake. It's lovely. I'm looking forward to seeing the completed pieces now. Merry Christmas to Mjay!!

P.S. 100% you must peek before xmas... must, must, must. Then, if you love them, wrap those babies back up and pretend to be surprised all over again when you run downstairs on xmas morning. :mrgreen2:
 
And Mjay please share the vendors for these lovelies :)
 
Autumn in New England said:
First, does your hubby have a brother? Because he is a keeper. Second, I'm just over the moon for you!! That sapphire is pretty much the perfect lavender shade (and I love a square cushion). The tourmaline is the cherry on the cake. It's lovely. I'm looking forward to seeing the completed pieces now. Merry Christmas to Mjay!!

P.S. 100% you must peek before xmas... must, must, must. Then, if you love them, wrap those babies back up and pretend to be surprised all over again when you run downstairs on xmas morning. :mrgreen2:
Click to expand...

Aww thank you! I’m so excited! Haha the hubby is actually the oldest of 3 boys! The other two aren’t married yet but taken at the moment. I’ve decided that I have to peek! As much as I’d love to feel surprised life is not a hallmark movie. I need to put on my big girl panties and inspect the stones.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP

Featured Topics

Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top