Have anyone bought roughs

[T L]

Date: 6/5/2009 10:07:07 AM
Author: hoofbeats95
I have a hard time believing that Dan cuts for weight. I watch his site constantly and often times I am shocked at the before and after weight of a stone. JMO.

True,
However something about the facet angles in the pavillions of SOME, not ALL, of his stones, leaves much to be desired, especially from a precision faceter.

 

[T L]

Date: 6/5/2009 11:06:31 AM
Author: PrecisionGem
Interesting thread. Here''s my 2 cents on the topic.

1. Buying rough is much more difficult than buying a cut stone. First, it''s very hard to find good rough to cut, and then once you do, evaluating it, to determine what can be cut from it takes years of experience. Buying a piece off ebay is almost a guarantee of disappointment. No one sells quality rough at discount prices. You also need to buy from a trusted source, and be able to verify that what you are buying is what you think it is. This would mean you would need a few basic tools, and know how to use them.

2. Getting someone to cut the rough for you is another thing. There are several reason why many cutters will not cut someone''s rough.
a) You buy a stone, think it''s wonderful, give it to the cutter to cut, and the finished stone does not meet your expectations, because, well it really wasn''t wonderful rough. You are not happy!
b) The stone cracks as it''s being cut, so your 15 ct. turns into a 1 ct finished stones. You are not happy!
c) Upon cutting the stone, and examining it, the cutter realizes that your sapphire is really glass. You are not Happy!
d) During the cutting process, the stone flys off the dop, and needs to be redopped, you end up with a smaller stone. You are not happy!
e) You think your 15 ct stone should yield a 6 or 7 ct finished stone, and you end up with a 4 ct stone. You are not Happy!
f) You think your stone you paid $50 off ebay is clean, but once it''s cut it''s full of bubbles and is very sleepy. You are not happy!

The list goes on.....

As cutters, we want a happy customer.

Would you cut my rough? That would make me VERY HAPPY!! LOL!! My guess is "no," but at least I tried. I have a 15 carat piece of rough, I would be happy to get a four carat stone out of it.

 

[FrekeChild]

Date: 6/5/2009 5:09:38 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

Date: 6/5/2009 10:07:07 AM
Author: hoofbeats95
I have a hard time believing that Dan cuts for weight. I watch his site constantly and often times I am shocked at the before and after weight of a stone. JMO.

True,
However something about the facet angles in the pavillions of SOME, not ALL, of his stones, leaves much to be desired, especially from a precision faceter.

TL, do you even own a Dan stone?

 

[karee888]

Date: 6/5/2009 8:33:51 PM
Author: FrekeChild

Date: 6/5/2009 5:09:38 PM

Author: tourmaline_lover

Date: 6/5/2009 10:07:07 AM

Author: hoofbeats95

I have a hard time believing that Dan cuts for weight. I watch his site constantly and often times I am shocked at the before and after weight of a stone. JMO.

True,

However something about the facet angles in the pavillions of SOME, not ALL, of his stones, leaves much to be desired, especially from a precision faceter.

TL, do you even own a Dan stone?

i don''t think so. that''s why i wanted to tell her my stones were fabulous.

 

[T L]

Date: 6/5/2009 8:33:51 PM
Author: FrekeChild

Date: 6/5/2009 5:09:38 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

Date: 6/5/2009 10:07:07 AM
Author: hoofbeats95
I have a hard time believing that Dan cuts for weight. I watch his site constantly and often times I am shocked at the before and after weight of a stone. JMO.

True,
However something about the facet angles in the pavillions of SOME, not ALL, of his stones, leaves much to be desired, especially from a precision faceter.

TL, do you even own a Dan stone?

I returned it, but I can't say which one since someone on PS owns it.

 

[T L]

Date: 6/5/2009 8:41:59 PM
Author: karee888

i don't think so. that's why i wanted to tell her my stones were fabulous.

This is not a put down to your particular stones. I'm just stating my opinion about what I think of his cutting on particular stones.

 

[FrekeChild]

Date: 6/5/2009 8:41:59 PM
Author: karee888

Date: 6/5/2009 8:33:51 PM
Author: FrekeChild

Date: 6/5/2009 5:09:38 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

Date: 6/5/2009 10:07:07 AM
Author: hoofbeats95
I have a hard time believing that Dan cuts for weight. I watch his site constantly and often times I am shocked at the before and after weight of a stone. JMO.

True,
However something about the facet angles in the pavillions of SOME, not ALL, of his stones, leaves much to be desired, especially from a precision faceter.

TL, do you even own a Dan stone?

i don't think so. that's why i wanted to tell her my stones were fabulous.

I don't think so either. I've owned (sold one) 5 Dan stones. No other stone besides Big Blue and my ering stone has blown me away the way my Dan pink spinel has. It displays dispersion much like a diamond, and the owner of a local gem store said "This stone is incredibly well cut. You should send him a thank you note." after studying it for a good fifteen minutes. And the other stones? Not shabby AT ALL.

Comments about tilt-windowing coming from someone who has said a "window doesn't bother me" (Mahenge spinel thread) and disparaging remarks from someone about a cutter, coming from someone who doesn't own a stone that has been cut by said cutter just doesn't make sense, and frankly, their opinion shouldn't be taken into consideration about such stones.

I am not defending Dan because I think he's a cool guy (although he is), or because I've gotten to know him a bit through our emails (because I have), but because he does good work. Yes I prefer Barry stones, and yes I've tried to unload a couple of the stones I've bought from Dan--but those were because the stones didn't sing to me personally. Not because they weren't cut beautifully. There are others I wouldn't let go of even if you paid me.

Magenta's spess is the first stone I've seen that wasn't exceptionally well cut. And I can tell you that he does cut for beauty over weight, but as I believe any cutter will tell you, there is a delicate balance when determining how to cut a stone and all of the factors that go into it. Stones aren't perfect and cutters aren't perfect.

It is becoming obvious that you do not like Dan's cutting--from what you've seen in photos, and apparently one stone you returned. Doesn't mean you should go around trashing his work. Dan has a LOT of happy customers here who are incredibly delighted with their stones. You aren't one of them, but then again, you aren't even one of his customers, seeing as how you returned the one stone you apparently bought.

 

[T L]

Freke,
I respect your opinion, and I'm very happy you are happy with Dan's cutting and his stones, and I'm glad you gave your experiences. However, with all due respect, I'm entitled to my opinion as well. It's called Freedom of Speech. Thank you. I not only didn't like the cutting and polish on Dan's stone, but the color was very washed out. I am not the only person on this forum to complain about Dan's stones.

As far as windows on stones, I will tolerate them if the color is vivid enough. It is virtually impossible to find vivid color in precision cut gems.

Also, how are people to decide that they want to use a facetor as the OP requested if we do not give our honest opinions because we feel we have to stifle our opinions. I also said not ALL of his stones were badly cut, just some. However, I have yet to see a badly cut Gene or Barry stone. Perhaps they do exist, but I have not heard of cutting complaints of their gems on PS.

 

[chrono]

I also own several Dan stones and consider them my learning stones. I loved them when I purchased them umpteen years ago but as my eye improved, they no longer look as beautiful to me. I do not have cutting issues on most of the Dan stones I own; only 2 really bother me with the 1/2 and 1/2 extinction.

 

[FrekeChild]

Date: 6/5/2009 11:41:08 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
Freke,

I respect your opinion, and I''m very happy you are happy with Dan''s cutting and his stones, and I''m glad you gave your experiences. However, with all due respect, I''m entitled to my opinion as well. It''s called Freedom of Speech. Thank you.

No one said anything about taking away your freedom of speech, so don''t accuse me of such things.

I happen to disagree with you on a lot of things regarding gemstones and I think that you can come off as a know-it-all. It gets old. Because you don''t know it all. None of us do.

Oh yeah, and seeing one stone in person does not make you an expert on one cutter''s skills.

 

[T L]

Date: 6/5/2009 11:53:07 PM
Author: FrekeChild

Date: 6/5/2009 11:41:08 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
Freke,

I respect your opinion, and I''m very happy you are happy with Dan''s cutting and his stones, and I''m glad you gave your experiences. However, with all due respect, I''m entitled to my opinion as well. It''s called Freedom of Speech. Thank you.

No one said anything about taking away your freedom of speech, so don''t accuse me of such things.

I happen to disagree with you on a lot of things regarding gemstones and I think that you can come off as a know-it-all. It gets old. Because you don''t know it all. None of us do.

Oh yeah, and seeing one stone in person does not make you an expert on one cutter''s skills.

I am not going to lower myself to name calling. You obviously have issues with me, and this is not the place for them.

 

[chrono]

Chocolate mousse cake, anyone?

 

[T L]

That looks fattening Chrono!! LOL!! I could use something to drink though!

 

[chrono]

How about a cool refreshing martini?

 

[T L]

That sounds better.

 

[D&T]

Date: 6/5/2009 11:56:29 PM
Author: Chrono
Chocolate mousse cake, anyone?

uggg Chrono-- NOW I''m craving some yummy cake!

 

[hoofbeats95]

Date: 6/5/2009 11:41:08 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
It is virtually impossible to find vivid color in precision cut gems.

Why is this the case?

 

[T L]

Date: 6/6/2009 9:14:54 PM
Author: hoofbeats95

Date: 6/5/2009 11:41:08 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
It is virtually impossible to find vivid color in precision cut gems.

Why is this the case?

Because very fine color in a gem cannot be wasted and it is cut more for weight than beauty or optimal light return.

 

[Harriet]

Date: 6/6/2009 9:14:54 PM
Author: hoofbeats95

Date: 6/5/2009 11:41:08 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
It is virtually impossible to find vivid color in precision cut gems.

Why is this the case?

Excuse me?

 

[icekid]

Date: 6/6/2009 9:16:23 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

Date: 6/6/2009 9:14:54 PM

Author: hoofbeats95

Date: 6/5/2009 11:41:08 PM

Author: tourmaline_lover

It is virtually impossible to find vivid color in precision cut gems.

Why is this the case?

Because very fine color in a gem cannot be wasted and it is cut more for weight than beauty or optimal light return.

This is true. But it''s also the case that it''s very difficult for American cutters to get top grade rough because these stones are usually cut close to the source.

Harriet- your danburite is lovely and definitely vibrant

 

[T L]

Since I've never seen any pictures other than that one Harriet, I'll take your word for it that you have a precision cut vivid stone.

Danburite is also not particularly expensive, so when I mean to say vivid, I also mean to say expensive and vivid. I should have clarified.

 

[T L]

Date: 6/6/2009 9:32:39 PM
Author: icekid


This is true. But it''s also the case that it''s very difficult for American cutters to get top grade rough because these stones are usually cut close to the source.

Harriet- your danburite is lovely and definitely vibrant

I agree.

 

[colormyworld]

Date: 6/6/2009 9:33:03 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
Since I've never seen any pictures other than that one Harriet, I'll take your word for it that you have a precision cut vivid stone.

Danburite is also not particularly expensive, so when I mean to say vivid, I also mean to say expensive and vivid. I should have clarified.

Wow TL you are on a roll.
Just as a FYI sapphire ,spinels and even tourmalines in undesireable colors are also very inexpensive. I am pretty sure it is the color that affects the price.

As to the cutters selection for rough. I think it is mostly picked over before they even get a crack at it.

 

[T L]

Date: 6/6/2009 9:43:17 PM
Author: colormyworld

Date: 6/6/2009 9:33:03 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
Since I''ve never seen any pictures other than that one Harriet, I''ll take your word for it that you have a precision cut vivid stone.

Danburite is also not particularly expensive, so when I mean to say vivid, I also mean to say expensive and vivid. I should have clarified.

Wow TL you are on a roll.
Just as a FYI sapphire ,spinels and even tourmalines in undesireable colors are also very inexpensive. I am pretty sure it is the color that affects the price.

As to the cutters selection for rough. I think it is mostly picked over before they even get a crack at it.

????

 

[Harriet]

Icekid,
Thanks.

TL,
There are no other photographs of my danburite because I cannot capture its colour accurately. Neither could Jeff. It is even more vivid in person, with the glow you covet. Oh, and it is categorically not a $10/ct gem.

 

[T L]

Date: 6/6/2009 9:52:25 PM
Author: Harriet
Icekid,
Thanks.

TL,
There are no other photographs of my danburite because I cannot capture its colour accurately. Neither could Jeff. It is even more vivid in person, with the glow you covet. Oh, and it is categorically not a $10/ct gem.

Harriet,
I didn''t say it was a $10/ct gem. I''m sure this danburite is much more expensive in terms of danburite, but overall danburite is not an expensive stone. I implore you to get a camera that can capture the color of the exquisite gems you have.

 

[Harriet]

Thanks, TL. I pay for what I get, even if I have to be extremely patient.

 

[colormyworld]

Date: 6/6/2009 9:54:27 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

Date: 6/6/2009 9:52:25 PM
Author: Harriet
Icekid,
Thanks.

TL,
There are no other photographs of my danburite because I cannot capture its colour accurately. Neither could Jeff. It is even more vivid in person, with the glow you covet. Oh, and it is categorically not a $10/ct gem.

Harriet,
I didn''t say it was a $10/ct gem. I''m sure this danburite is much more expensive in terms of danburite, but overall danburite is not an expensive stone. I implore you to get a camera that can capture the color of the exquisite gems you have.

TL spinel, tourmaline and sapphires are not expensive stones overall. That is until you get into the more sought after colors.

 

[T L]

Date: 6/6/2009 10:08:38 PM
Author: colormyworld
TL spinel, tourmaline and sapphires are not expensive stones overall. That is until you get into the more sought after colors.

True CMW. Also, to counter that, being expensive isn''t a requirement for being a vivid or beautiful stone, and I should have clarified that earlier. Typically, vivid stones are more expensive, but you can find some less marketed or softer stones, such as danburite, in a vivid color for an affordable price. BTW, I think Harriet probably did well in her choice on that stone, and I was just teasing her earlier, as I usually do, about getting better pictures of her gems.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 6/4/2009 10:45:57 PM
Author: Magenta


I don''t have a post for it yet - It''s on it''s way. USPS says ''Electronic Shipping Info Received'' since the 31st.

It''s from finewater gems, and still listed on their page. Gary said I could make an offer, so I did. I bought that and the citrine. When I get them here, I''ll be posting more pictures. I can''t wait to see it!

I have been looking at the stone for months. It reminds me of a sunflower and I loved it. I can''t wait to see photos of it.