Help me learn about this sapphire - is it worth it?

[IrisSphere]

Hi All,

I've read quite a few threads on sapphires, and though I initially wanted a fancy sapphire (peachy colour) for a ring, because of budget reasons I've opened up my search to blue ones as well. I want it as a centre stone, but have 4 diamonds as accents (0.4 tctw) so I'm not looking for a super large stone (around 1.5ct). I've come across this Ceylon sapphire from Jeff Davies and just wondered what the community thought of this stone - price/value ratio, subjective opinions, etc. Since i'm really new in this (never bought a loose gem) and do not have a large budget (probably around $500-$650) I want to make an informed decision.

Details:

• MJ043 - 1.48ct - UNHEATED blue Sapphire - Ceylon
  7.32 x 5.20 x 4.49 mm clean,
  nice cut,
  $595 shipped

To my untrained eye, it's unheated (good!), has a nice brilliance (good!), within my budget (even better!) and a pretty colour (though I recognize it's not the deep blue that is most prized for in sapphires). I actually prefer the lighter colour as I have 18K gold i'd like to use. Is the only drawback its colour, or is there something else I am missing?

Thanks again!

EDIT: Photos here

 

[Marlow]

Please post a picture - you are new here and I don't want to open your link.

Btw. Welcome!!!

 

[chrono]

I am unable to view the picture(s). Colour is what sets the price, so I'm not sure what you are looking for in order to advise you accordingly.

 

[IrisSphere]

Oh sorry about that! I wasn't sure how to make it work.

Let me try again

EDIT: Moved the photos to the main post.

 

[chrono]

Don't use pictures to judge his stones - look at the video for a more accurate representation.

 

[Marlow]

Some red flags - a sapphire with this weight for only 400 pct - unheated and clean?????

 

[IrisSphere]

Thanks, I did look at the video and the stone seems to sparkle, and have the same colour as the photos. But what do I know

Not sure if I should include the link here, but here is the video just in case:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ_YF0eQU8Y

 

[IrisSphere]

Some red flags - a sapphire with this weight for only 400 pct - unheated and clean?????

Yes - that's what I was thinking, but I believe people have purchased successfully from him before, that's why I wanted to ask if there is anything I was missing..

 

[chrono]

Some red flags - a sapphire with this weight for only 400 pct - unheated and clean?????

I am concerned about this as well. Nothing jumped out at me in the video though. What are the dimensions of the sapphire (LxWxD)? At this price point, I would presume there is no proof that the stone is unheated? Heat/unheated aside, I'd want to know how the stone behaves under indoor lights (away from the stronger shaded sun in Bangkok).

There are some who've been pleased with their purchases and some who received stones that looked very different than pictured. In cases where returns were made, refunds were not an issue.

 

[Marlow]

Difficult - if the stones looks really like this I'd like it very much.....

Unfortunately I cannot view the video ( sit in a train) ...

400 pct would be a very good price imo .... To good to be true??? But I prefer colors like this - so really my personal opinion!!!

Oh - I see it is from J. Davies...

Maybe you try it???

 

[IrisSphere]

What are the dimensions of the sapphire (LxWxD)? At this price point, I would presume there is no proof that the stone is unheated? Heat/unheated aside, I'd want to know how the stone behaves under indoor lights (away from the stronger shaded sun in Bangkok).

There are some who've been pleased with their purchases and some who received stones that looked very different than pictured. In cases where returns were made, refunds were not an issue.

The dimensions are: 7.32 x 5.20 x 4.49 mm

Apparently, there is also a certificate that claims no treatment, but I don't know how official it is. Here is the picture:

 

[Marlow]

NOO - forget this report...

AGL, GIA or GRS or Lotus but not this !

No indication of treatment

BUT only tested with standard gemmo. equipment

I cannot say with a loupe, a refractometer ... whether a sapphire is untreated - even a rutil needle or unmelted neg. crystal wouldn't be an evidence for NO heat - could be low heat too!!!

 

[chrono]

Are you all right with it if the stone is heated? I do not put any stock in the report that comes with it. I think the stone looks nice in the video but am not sure about the colour accuracy.

 

[IrisSphere]

NOO - forget this report...

AGL, GIA or GRS or Lotus but not this !

Hmm, so if I were to buy it, do I take it somewhere to verify. Or do people ask the vendor to provide the report? What's the best process here?

 

[IrisSphere]

Are you all right with it if the stone is heated? I do not put any stock in the report that comes with it. I think the stone looks nice in the video but am not sure about the colour accuracy.

I think it would be fine, given I am not overpaying for it.. I mean how much would a stone like that go for if it was indeed heated?

 

[chrono]

Here's where things get a bit hairy:
AGL is in the US, so the stone has quite a bit of travelling to do.
There's a GIA lab in Bangkok but the report is $120 USD
GRS is also $120 USD

The vendor can submit the sapphire to the above labs for you but with the stone only $600, $120 is a good portion of that cost!

 

[chrono]

For comparison:

http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?1498993033
This sapphire is smaller, more included (not eye clean) and heated = $350

http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?584818421
The carat weight is close enough, colouration is probably comparable, eye clean and heated = $640

 

[IrisSphere]

Here's where things get a bit hairy:
AGL is in the US, so the stone has quite a bit of travelling to do.
There's a GIA lab in Bangkok but the report is $120 USD
GRS is also $120 USD

The vendor can submit the sapphire to the above labs for you but with the stone only $600, $120 is a good portion of that cost!

Hmm, yes $120 is a good chunk of change given the price of this stone. I'd have to think about it, since it probably would be too difficult to return (even with a refund from Jeff), shipping it from Canada might be a nightmare.. I just can't stop imagining it in super thin gold setting with diamond accents.. /sigh

 

[Siameseroo]

I've purchased three pairs of small sapphires from Jeff and each set has exceeded my expectations - much brighter and more saturated IRL compared to his photos. I haven't seen any of his larger sapphires, but he does have a good return policy.

 

[digdeep]

Contact Jeff directly and ask him these questions.......also ask him to put a 'hold' on this stone. It could easily get 'sold' out from under you.......this has happened before and then you may not find one as nice as this for the price point. Of course, it is your call/decision but it sounds like you like the stone at this point.

 

[lambskin]

I just looked at the OP's picture of the stone. Is it me or does the bow tie not look centered? There looks like more to the left than the right.

 

[IrisSphere]

I just looked at the OP's picture of the stone. Is it me or does the bow tie not look centered? There looks like more to the left than the right.

I think I see that too (though I would've never noticed on my own). Is that something bad, or just a peculiar detail of the stone?

 

[IrisSphere]

Contact Jeff directly and ask him these questions.......also ask him to put a 'hold' on this stone. It could easily get 'sold' out from under you.......

Yes, I did send him my questions, along with a hold - but suspect because of the time difference it might be a slight delay in his responses. Hoping it works out! Thanks for your advice

 

[IrisSphere]

I've purchased three pairs of small sapphires from Jeff and each set has exceeded my expectations - much brighter and more saturated IRL compared to his photos. I haven't seen any of his larger sapphires, but he does have a good return policy.

Thanks for the reply! Of course I realize experiences vary, but its nice to hear reassuring references. I've read similar things about his stones, so that's why I didn't think it was too "suspicious" of a deal

 

[digdeep]

Contact Jeff directly and ask him these questions.......also ask him to put a 'hold' on this stone. It could easily get 'sold' out from under you.......

Yes, I did send him my questions, along with a hold - but suspect because of the time difference it might be a slight delay in his responses. Hoping it works out! Thanks for your advice

Great! I just didn't want you to 'lose' it before making a decision............

 

[minousbijoux]

I would imagine that part of the issue with the stone is that it does seem to be a bit off in terms of cutting and it is quite deep. This means that it faces up a bit smaller than a well cut stone of comparable weight. I have found his stones to be taken in bright light, which tends to show the stone at its best. So imagine it slightly darker, and slightly less saturated. With all that said, it would still be a pretty stone and if unheated, would be a good price.

 

[chrono]

I would imagine that part of the issue with the stone is that it does seem to be a bit off in terms of cutting and it is quite deep. This means that it faces up a bit smaller than a well cut stone of comparable weight. I have found his stones to be taken in bright light, which tends to show the stone at its best. So imagine it slightly darker, and slightly less saturated. With all that said, it would still be a pretty stone and if unheated, would be a good price.

I agree with Minou. I also suspect the pavilion is slightly lopsided, or at least the culet is slightly off centered. This is not a deal breaker for me but it might be to others.