#JOTW Help find a Padparadscha for an engagement ring.

[OreoRosies86]

Trying to work that out now. I'm a bit scared of transferring that much money via paypal so I'm trying to meet him somewhere.

Could you not do a wire transfer through your bank?

Yes, I can. Is that safe though? I figured once it's transferred that's it? No recourse if anything goes wrong.

In my experience banks have a pretty stringent verification process to send or receive funds. I know you don't "know" Gary, but many PSers have dealt with him during the purchase of gems. It is a lot of money, but I would have complete confidence in trusting him and the wire transfer process.

 

[saracen]

This is interesting. But used, I guess.
http://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/fashion-rings/natural-pink-orange-padparadscha-sapphire-diamond-platinum-ring/id-j_196592/

Africa gems also has a couple of new Padparadschas. Not sure about those colors though.
http://www.africagems.com/oval-padparadscha-sapphire-g2k-92564789.html
http://www.africagems.com/oval-padparadscha-sapphire-g2k-92562689.html

 

[chrono]

I understand that you have not developed the same level of trust that many of us have with Gary of Finewatergems but I would have no issues doing a wire transfer to him.

 

[saracen]

I understand that you have not developed the same level of trust that many of us have with Gary of Finewatergems but I would have no issues doing a wire transfer to him.

Thanks Chrono. I've asked him for just a couple more videos/photos and then will actually do that. Meeting up just didn't work out.

I'm still a bit concerned about the price tag, since some folks here mentioned it's a bit much for a heated stone. I know it's very subjective and comes down to not just carat weight, but also color, cut, etc.

Never thought this would be so difficult.

 

[pregcurious]

Colored stones are very difficult to find if you have your heart set on a specific treatment, size, specific color, cut, and price. For higher priced stones like sapphire, ruby, emerald, and some colors of spinel, one has to be very patient, lucky, and/or have a healthy budget. It's also true for certain in-demand colors/sources of tourmaline and garnet.

 

[saracen]

Colored stones are very difficult to find if you have your heart set on a specific treatment, size, specific color, cut, and price. For higher priced stones like sapphire, ruby, emerald, and some colors of spinel, one has to be very patient, lucky, and/or have a healthy budget. It's also true for certain in-demand colors/sources of tourmaline and garnet.

Quickly realizing this.

 

[T L]

Colored stones are very difficult to find if you have your heart set on a specific treatment, size, specific color, cut, and price. For higher priced stones like sapphire, ruby, emerald, and some colors of spinel, one has to be very patient, lucky, and/or have a healthy budget. It's also true for certain in-demand colors/sources of tourmaline and garnet.

It's hard enough for sapphire, ruby, ruby and some spinel, just multiply that difficulty 10 to 100x for fine padparadshas.

 

[royalstarrynight]

I actually don't think that the price is too high. Esp for a pad on your timeline, expectations of quality, etc.

 

[katharath]

I actually don't think that the price is too high. Esp for a pad on your timeline, expectations of quality, etc.

I agree. Based on what you've written here, I think that at this point, you need to see Gary's pad in person. I have bought from Gary before (though admittedly not anywhere near what this gem costs), but honestly, I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Gary even at this price point. He is, in fact, one of the few vendors that I'd feel comfortable spending that level of cash with.

I hope you get the chance to see this gem in person; it seems like it may well be ideal for what you're looking for. Best of luck on your search.

 

[saracen]

Thanks for all the encouragement all.

 

[the_mother_thing]

This is interesting. But used, I guess.
http://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/fashion-rings/natural-pink-orange-padparadscha-sapphire-diamond-platinum-ring/id-j_196592/

That is a really pretty, classic ring with a pretty pad, and IMO a great option because it can be paired with a plain band or beautifully accented by a delicate blingy one, depending on her mood. I would not let the fact it was preloved stop you from considering it. Any wear it might have can probably be easily polished to look brand new.

 

[mochiko42]

Eagerly awaiting photos so I can live vicariously through others hope it meets your expectations!

 

[saracen]

A couple more photos of the side view. Quite deep, which makes me worry about it in a setting.

 

[FrekeChild]

We talked about that before? 6.5mm is deep, but not outrageously so. You'd need a custom setting anyway, so I'm not entirely sure why that would be a super huge concern.

I almost feel like you're looking for reasons to not buy this stone. Does your GF like it? Do you like it? What's the hesitation really about?

 

[saracen]

I know, I know. I feel the same way. Maybe it's because I'm buying this for the first time. Not sure. I know what you're saying and don't disagree at all. I do want her to have a beautiful stone though.

Going to see a jeweler tomorrow night to discuss ring options and will see if he can show me what it would roughly look like based on dimensions.

 

[FrekeChild]

It's a big purchase. And it's extra scary because pads sort of have this crazy mythical reputation and are super rare. I think diamonds are FAR easier to buy for engagement rings than any colored stones. What size ring does she have?

Gary is a good guy. And he has a return policy of 7 days.

(I'm glad you didn't take my above post as being abrasive, I'm genuinely wondering what's up!)

 

[saracen]

Yeah, he is.

No way. Not taking any offense at all. I'd be wondering myself. Heck, I AM wondering myself. All of you are being so nice to me here, I basically owe everyone a beer.

 

[OreoRosies86]

Is there something wrong with my monitor? That looks... brown.

 

[saracen]

Is there something wrong with my monitor? That looks... brown.

I think it's the photos. The videos showed a much more pink/orange color.

 

[OreoRosies86]

Is there something wrong with my monitor? That looks... brown.

I think it's the photos. The videos showed a much more pink/orange color.

Phew!

 

[Marlow]

@saracen

Can you post a video?

 

[saracen]

The links to the videos are below. thanks.

Just spoke with Gary from Finewater Gems. Very nice guy. He actually honored the original $15,000 price.
Let me know what you all think? I'll have 7 days to decide.

Here are two Videos of the Padparadscha:

Indoors:
View My Video

Outdoors:
View My Video

 

[treasurehunter]

happy to see you made the correct choice here, nice stone
depth looks normal for a sapphire...

 

[pregcurious]

Have you seen a lot of colored gemstones in person? I found that seeing as many red stones as possible made me feel more confident about buying a red stone. While it's difficult to find a pad in person, it may help you to see a bunch of sapphires in person to get a feel for how they are cut, what depth they have, and what qualities sapphire have. They are very different from diamonds.

 

[saracen]

Have you seen a lot of colored gemstones in person? I found that seeing as many red stones as possible made me feel more confident about buying a red stone. While it's difficult to find a pad in person, it may help you to see a bunch of sapphires in person to get a feel for how they are cut, what depth they have, and what qualities sapphire have. They are very different from diamonds.

Just saw a couple on Tuesday. One had a huge window and the other wasn't too impressive. The Finewater one is on its way to me though. I will have it Monday!

 

[chrono]

Monday seems like such a long time away.

 

[LoversKites]

I am sooo excited for you (and for pictures ).

 

[VirginiaZee]

Soooooo...... since it's Monday (although it might be early depending on your time zone), I had to ask, any photos yet? (Not that I'm impatiently refreshing the page or anything!)

 

[saracen]

Soooooo...... since it's Monday (although it might be early depending on your time zone), I had to ask, any photos yet? (Not that I'm impatiently refreshing the page or anything!)

It's sitting at the Post Office and I don't get off until 4pm. Will definitely take some photos tonight.

 

[LoversKites]

Soooooo...... since it's Monday (although it might be early depending on your time zone), I had to ask, any photos yet? (Not that I'm impatiently refreshing the page or anything!)

It's sitting at the Post Office and I don't get off until 4pm. Will definitely take some photos tonight.

Yay