Help me interpret this stone please

[MAC-W]

The lighting seems a bit weird in this photo and I cant tell if it has a window or not

 

[davi_el_mejor]

The dark background leads me to believe it is very unsaturated. The lighting could be a light ring. I also see a bit of grey in there too. That's just my two cents, IDK if they're correct but that's what my mind/eyes see

 

[MAC-W]

Thanks for your thoughts Davi.

Never heard of a light ring before. Off to investigate more

Anyone else have any thoughts on the photo?

 

[Edward Bristol]

No window, just the camera is focused on the back. No color, or near none.

 

[T L]

That is probably going to be one very dark, very desaturated stone. The tweezers are very bright, which typically tells me that a lot of light is shining on it. I barely see any purple color, mostly grey. However, the color would be best seen against a white background.

 

[chrono]

I think he’s taking a picture of the stone from the back or doing something with the lighting so that the pavilion shows up very clearly. Also, the dark background is throwing off my perception of colour. Did the vendor provide any other pictures of the stone or something on a more neutral or white background?

 

[MAC-W]

Thank you for your thoughts Edward, TL & Chrono.

That was the only photo provided. Its not a stone I was thinking of buying but if I was I would definately do as you said and ask for pictures on a white backgound just to see the difference. I'm trying to educate myself a little more and having never seen a photo like that, thought I would ask for expert opinions. Understanding photos of stones is sooo difficult.


ETA: I've just sent the vendor an email asking for a photo of the stone on a white background. Even though I have no plans to buy the stone, I thought it would be educational for me to see the difference. Is that wrong of me to ask for a photo when I have no intention of buying? I'm not sure what the correct etiquette is for this.

 

[chrono]

If I were a vendor, I would not be pleased to find out that my time is being wasted, so to speak, to take additional pictures for a person who has no intention of buying a stone. I understand where you are coming from though.

 

[MAC-W]

Yeah, thats what I was worried about - but then I kind of justified to myself that IF the new photo came back and the stone looked really good .... The stone's not super expensive ($70) so maybe if the second photo was nice, I might be tempted. (it's a faint possibility )

OK I'm feeling guilty now

 

[chrono]

Aww.... I’m so sorry for making you feel bad, but seriously, I doubt the stone will look better against a white background. I’m sure there’s a good reason why the vendor photographed the stone as such and all vendors are in the business to make a sale, so one is going to deliberately post their worst picture.

 

[MAC-W]

S'OK Chrono, dont worry about it. Wasnt you I was feeling a little guilty beforehand anyway, but I know exactly what you mean about no-one deliberately posting the worst photo, so yeah, there's probably not much hope for the second piccy. Oh well it will be educational at least, and if it really is a bad stone then he shouldnt be charging $70 for it

 

[MAC-W]

Now I dont feel guilty any more. I just heard back from the vendor and he cannot send me anymore photos, as his photographer is on holiday!!! Hmmm, suspicious or what.

 

[Edward Bristol]

Mac-W,

Don't be too hard on the poor vendor.

It takes hours of qualified work to put a gem online and then it needs to be shipped and company expenses and taxes need to be paid, so he is probably just trying hard to make a living there. Really, for $70 you can't expect too extra work.