Help me choose a cuprian tourmaline pls?

[corgisage]

Hi all
Am looking to own a cuprian tourmaline with nice glow and vividness. All 3 have inclusions, are from mozambique and are closely priced. Seller offers a good return policy too. Thanks PSers!

8x5mm

10x7mm

10.5x7mm

 

[Seaglow]

Between the 3, I'd choose the first one.

 

[corgisage]

Between the 3, I'd choose the first one.

Thanks for chiming in Seaglow. Personally, am leaning towards the first one as well...

 

[Acinom]

Between these three I would opt for the first as well. I personally find the colour of the third not so appealling. And the second and third have huge windows.

Can you ask the vendor to send more pics of the first stone? On my screen it looks a bit pale in this pic, but can be very appealing and glowy in reality.

 

[mochiko42]

Definitely not the 2nd or 3rd. Maybe the 1st, if it really has the glow in real life and if it is reasonably priced for the lighter saturation, dark inclusions and cutting.

 

[corgisage]

Between these three I would opt for the first as well. I personally find the colour of the third not so appealling. And the second and third have huge windows.

Can you ask the vendor to send more pics of the first stone? On my screen it looks a bit pale in this pic, but can be very appealing and glowy in reality.

Hi Acinom, yea the windows do bother me a little. Adding a backview of the first stone (not that it helps much)! I have just requested more pics. Will update again. Thanks for weighing in.

Definitely not the 2nd or 3rd. Maybe the 1st, if it really has the glow in real life and if it is reasonably priced for the lighter saturation, dark inclusions and cutting.

Hi Mochiko, it is pretty affordable... Below 400USD. I guess I can always return the stone if it doesn't have the glow and is much paler irl. Thanks anyway!

 

[Acinom]

Sounds like a good price! Great idea to look at it in real life to see if you love it. If you are thrilled than it's a great price. Otherwise it's still a waste.,

How will you set it if you love it?

 

[mochiko42]

Also, since it's a visibly included stone, ask if there are any surface-reaching inclusions or any other considerations that would impact durability or make it risky to set.

 

[corgisage]

Sounds like a good price! Great idea to look at it in real life to see if you love it. If you are thrilled than it's a great price. Otherwise it's still a waste.,

How will you set it if you love it?

Am thinking of either a diamond halo ring in yellow gold or a 3 stone ring with small light purple tanzanites sidestones...

Also, since it's a visibly included stone, ask if there are any surface-reaching inclusions or any other considerations that would impact durability or make it risky to set.

Yup, have popped that question already. Also asked if it has been oiled.

 

[elle_71125]

I vote #1 too. It looks the best out of all three.

You said diamond halo and I was all Yes! Let's do this but then you said tanzi side stones and now I'm sitting here thinking that would look divine! Tough choices!

 

[doberman]

Forget #2 and #3, they're both have windows that would bother me immensely. #1 is included but still very nice.

 

[chrono]

Agree with everyone else. 2 and 3 are definitely out. 1 will be dependent on real life appearance. It looks really light and hazy.

 

[OTL]

From my recent shopping experience I think you'd better expect the first stone to be much lighter than photo.

 

[corgisage]

Hi guys my stone arrived. It definitely isn't as glowy as the vendor's pic but still quite pretty. These photos are taken in indoor fluorescent lighting at night. From my loupe, i can see 2 blackish strands inside. Are these inclusions or needles and are they normal? The vendor said no oil though only normal heat. Will prolly take more photos in the sunshine when i have the chance. Is this a keeper? I have 14 days to think hard about it...

 

[Seaglow]

It's a nice color as it appears on my screen. The inclusions you see are most likely copper needles. Congratulations!

 

[elle_71125]

You're right. It doesn't have that crazy paraiba glow but for the price point you paid, it's got an ok glow (mostly under those lights).

If you're just in it for the name, keep it. If you're looking for more glow, send it back. It may take a while to save up some funds but it's worth it for the color & glow. Yvonne Raley often has small but decently glowing pieces for sale. They are on the lower price range without giving up too much in the way of glow. Also, there have been a few posted on LT here and there.

 

[doberman]

I think it's nice. It doesn't have the neon glow but it does have a softer glow. The only negative I see is a possible window but it's hard to say for sure without more photos.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

My best advice is this: if it doesn't grab you by your heart strings when you open the package, send it back. It doesn't have to be "trade ideal" or whatever - if it doesn't speak to you, that's what matters. It does also depend what you're looking for. Do you want the glow, regardless of size? Or are you more focused on size and would sacrifice the glow? To each their own. It also depends on budget and if you see yourself having a larger one down the road, whether that's in a month or two years.

I'm with @doberman in that it has a soft glow, but it does look like it might have a window. All comes down to personal preferences and goals. Happy deciding!

 

[corgisage]

@Seaglow ooh didn't know those were copper needles. Thanks for enlightening me

@elle_71125 I really am quite ok with the glow given the price I paid. Also I still find Yvonne's paraibas outside my budget... But thanks anyway for the suggestions!

@doberman yes there is a window which would hopefully look minimised after setting... i still like the color and the soft glow though.

@SparkliesLuver i have not seen any gems irl that glows (even just a tiny glow) so i was quite smitten. I admit i am quite easily contented haha. Even if I have the budget, i do not think i can justify paying so much for a stone...so i am more inclined to keep it.

Anyway thank you all for the really helpful advice!!! Here are some more photos of the gem taken by the window with some sunshine.

 

[MissyBeaucoup]

I love it! It's a beautiful color that goes great with your skin tone. The shape is a nice proportion with your lovely long fingers. And it's a good deal pricewise, so yay for that too.

I am fascinated with inclusions. A perfectly clear stone is amazing, but those copper needles tell a story about how the rock formed. They're not that noticeable from far off, but add a lot of personality under a loupe. I'm sure they are helping you afford a much nicer stone in color and size, and that's well worth it in my opinion. (I much much prefer this stone to #2 & #3. Those both give me that "keep shopping" feeling.)

In the end, it's up to you and what you like. Have fun!

 

[corgisage]

My custom 14k yellow gold ring setting from leejewelry just arrived. Its a diamond halo with milgrain design and marquise-shaped shoulders. Gonna set my tourmaline at a local jeweller today! Am so excited!

 

[lilmosun]

Beautiful setting and perfect for you lovely cuprian!! Can't wait to see it all come together...congratulations.

 

[corgisage]

Thank you for the kind words @lilmosun
It is done and I love it too bits.
Here are some pics I took in daylight and indoors. Thank you everyone for all the advice and following me on my little journey.

 

[elle_71125]

It turned out beautifuly.
I love the setting. It's dainty and elegant. A perfect match for your new cuprian.

 

[Acinom]

What a stunning result!! You have found the perfect home for your beautiful stone.

 

[chatoyancy]

Very pretty!

 

[Burmesedaze]

Love it. A fitting setting for the stone and your fingers!