help me find a step cut colored stone for everyday wear

[Niel]

I'm looking for a step cut stone. I'm fairly open to color and type. My only real requirement is it has a lovely color, is a step cut (preferably square but would take emerald) is around 7mm and is not all that expensive like a sapp might be

 

[chrono]

Unfortunately, your only options are chrysoberyl, sapphire and spinel. Coloured stones are rarely step cut as the rough is not suited to the cut. In addition, it isn't a good cut style for colour preservation and brilliance.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

Blue Topaz comes in step cuts and in several colors that are beautiful. They are usually blue, but are irradiated stones, so have a treatment that some don't want. I own one, (can't do pictures) and like it a lot. The group often referred to as semi-precious would have step cuts--citrine with variations of color. peridot which has improved colorations of late from stones from China.

I would look at already made rings as that would be an inexpensive way to go. You can find something. Oh Aquamarine also comes in step cuts as does morganite.

Annette

 

[chrono]

Smitcompton,
Blue topaz might be a candidate as an everyday wear ring stone because they are easily and inexpensively replaceable but for the rest (citrine, peridot and beryls like aquamarine and morganite), they will not hold up well.

 

[Niel]

I've seen jeff white do step cuts for spinel and I thought it looked lovely. Its a bad idea?

 

[chrono]

He cuts really nice asscher style spinels but be prepared to pay $$$. Certain colours of spinel have gone up significantly. For 7 mm, expect to pay around $1K or more depending on the quality of the stone. It isn't easy to find suitable candidates either since this style of cut requires a good bit of depth (the deepest cut design around as far as I know) and most spinel rough just don't come in this form naturally.

 

[NKOTB]

This is nice, and wouldn't be too expensive to replace should something happen: http://torraca.net/gems.php?search=gid&for=Aqu730&t=Aquamarine

 

[Niel]

He cuts really nice asscher style spinels but be prepared to pay $$$. Certain colours of spinel have gone up significantly. For 7 mm, expect to pay around $1K or more depending on the quality of the stone. It isn't easy to find suitable candidates either since this style of cut requires a good bit of depth (the deepest cut design around as far as I know) and most spinel rough just don't come in this form naturally.

That price range I'm comfortable with. A sapphire price was what I was trying to afford. He said he had lavender rough but wouldn't quite reach 7mm. what do you think of that lavender spinel he has? I yhought it wohld look nice the only thing that was stopping me was the size. But if that's going to be impossible than it would be back in, I'm just not good enough with colors. I kniw its personal preference so that's not the answer Im looking for. I mean is thay going to look rich or pale?

 

[chrono]

Do you mind posting a picture of the lavender spinel in question? How short of 7 mm is his estimate?

 

[Niel]

http://www.whitesgems.com/gallery/SPL038.htm
he said it was like this. 6-6.5 mm

 

[Niel]

He said he had a garnety color but I'd be concerned he said it was a little dark. And being a deeper assher I don't want it to be too dark.

 

[chrono]

I have a 6.5 mm pink asscher spinel and find the size fine for appreciating the steps. However, if you are aiming for 7 mm and it ends up 6 mm, that's a big difference. I agree that tone looks somewhat dark on that spinel.

 

[Niel]

I have a 6.5 mm pink asscher spinel and find the size fine for appreciating the steps. However, if you are aiming for 7 mm and it ends up 6 mm, that's a big difference. I agree that tone looks somewhat dark on that spinel.

I do prefer darker stones but I don't know. I want to make it into a 5 stone. I guess ill just have ti see if the prie is right.

I was trying to avoid blue because I want it in a rg or yg

 

[chrono]

Personally, I find that this type of cut looks better on lighter coloured stones. When it gets too dark, it is difficult to see those gorgeous steps.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Personally, I find that this type of cut looks better on lighter coloured stones. When it gets too dark, it is difficult to see those gorgeous steps.

Agreed, the only step cut I own is a near colorless garnet, and it looks fabulously flashy.

 

[innerkitten]

Maybe one of these spinels.
http://gemcal.com/gemstones

 

[vickygigi]

Maybe one of these spinels.
http://gemcal.com/gemstones

FWIW I like the victorian purple step cut spinel and some of the steel blue ones. Not sure of the specs and whether it is what you seek, but I agree with innerkitten that these stones are pretty.

 

[minousbijoux]

Gemcal has good stones, but I agree that step cuts look better with lighter colors. He usually has some and with good pricing to boot.