Help newbie buy $500 ruby ring pls

[T L]

Thanks for helping TL. I see what you mean. What do you think of this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-97ct-Mind-blowing-Oval-Portuguese-Cut-Pink-Tourmaline-/330443910093?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item4ceffdebcd

Well, the precision cut gem people here will hate it because of the window, but the color is much better than the garnet. My only problem is that I refuse to buy any pink or blue tourmaline from ebay Thai sellers, as I heard (but cannot 100% positively confirm) that much of what they sell is irradiated, and the treatment is not detectible. Therefore, I have issues with paying hundreds of dollars for hot pink tourmaline off ebay.

 

[rubyshoes]

Ok, I think I will ask him to cancel the sale, hopefully he will be nice about it. I am so confused now about what to buy. Could someone also please chime in?

 

[T L]

Ok, I think I will ask him to cancel the sale, hopefully he will be nice about it. I am so confused now about what to buy. Could someone also please chime in?

The problem is that you're looking for a large stone, and you want the most expensive color family, red (hot pinks are expensive too). If you want a nice bright color, and in an untreated gem, you will have to go much much much smaller. If you want a hot pink tourmaline, Bob Kast (bobkast.com) sometimes offers very nice ones he cuts himself for very inexpensive pricing. However, they will be very small, and show some pink to them in some lighting.

Therefore, if you're willing to budge on color, I think I rather go for a lighter pink stone rather than get a very extinct brownish red one, like the garnet you chose. Or, if you are unwilling to budge on color, you must downsize a great deal on carat weight. You need to think about these things.

 

[rubyshoes]

TL, I am again considering an option that Rubybeth had suggested, which was this stone (see uploaded photo from gemfix)-

In fact, I prefer this pink color to that garnet. I think what wowed me with the garnet was it's carat weight. It also looked very rich to me (the color). This is my first time ever buying a gemstone so it's all very intimidating and I am realizing that in my excitement I am rushing a bit (which I shouldn't). I really hope the seller refunds my money. Anyway, all part of the learning process. What is your opinion on the gemfix tourmaline?

P.S. I really do appreciate your advice, I'd be lost without all the help I am getting here...

 

[T L]

TL, I am again considering an option that Rubybeth had suggested, which was this stone (see uploaded photo from gemfix)-

In fact, I prefer this pink color to that garnet. I think what wowed me with the garnet was it's carat weight. It also looked very rich to me (the color). This is my first time ever buying a gemstone so it's all very intimidating and I am realizing that in my excitement I am rushing a bit (which I shouldn't). I really hope the seller refunds my money. Anyway, all part of the learning process. What is your opinion on the gemfix tourmaline?

P.S. I really do appreciate your advice, I'd be lost without all the help I am getting here...

Well, that's what this forum is about, consumer advice. Hopefully we can help you make a wise decision where you end up getting a piece of jewelry you love.

That tourmaline is very pretty, but I would ask Andrew if the photo is accurate in color. He has admitted to some photos being more or less accurate in the past. I would also ask if it color shifts to a more orange color in some lighting, as that is not always something one would want. If you can't get your money back from Tan, then perhaps you can get a store credit for when the right stone comes around.

 

[athenaworth]

I may be late here, but did you see this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Luscious-Ruby-Diamond-Estate-Filigree-Ring-14K-/230606783592?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item35b13c4468#ht_2978wt_1141 and this http://cgi.ebay.com/Luxurious-Ruby-3-4ct-VS-HI-Diamond-Estate-Ring-5-4gr-/360349307857?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item53e67e13d1#ht_2873wt_1141

 

[rubyshoes]

Well I've dropped the idea of a colored red stone and I'm buying a pink lemonade ring from Diamonds by Lauren. So I am happy about that. Will be confirming the details with David tomorrow.

As far as the purchase of the garnet goes, I was informed Tan has already shipped it (bummer!) so now I have to wait to get it so I can send it back for a full refund. The good thing is, he has sent me ebay messages confirming he will offer me a full refund. Does anyone know how long it usually takes to get a parcel from him? And is it a hassle when you return a stone you didn't like or does he refund your $$$ without a fuss? I am assuming I should probably send it to him via registered mail with delivery confirmation to be on the safe side?

 

[T L]

Well I've dropped the idea of a colored red stone and I'm buying a pink lemonade ring from Diamonds by Lauren. So I am happy about that. Will be confirming the details with David tomorrow.

As far as the purchase of the garnet goes, I was informed Tan has already shipped it (bummer!) so now I have to wait to get it so I can send it back for a full refund. The good thing is, he has sent me ebay messages confirming he will offer me a full refund. Does anyone know how long it usually takes to get a parcel from him? And is it a hassle when you return a stone you didn't like or does he refund your $$$ without a fuss? I am assuming I should probably send it to him via registered mail with delivery confirmation to be on the safe side?

I never had a problem with getting a refund from him. It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to get a parcel via regular registered post in the United States from him. I always send it USPS express, with a tracking number, and I declare it as documents for $100 value. It always has gotten there. I pack it like it's documents with a thin magazine in the package.

What is a "pink lemondade" ring from DBL?

 

[rubyshoes]

Thanks TL. I will do the same (declaring as documents etc). Pink lemonade is their combo of pink stones and a yellow center stone in rose gold and white gold. This is the type I am getting:

http://rockdiamond.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-diamond-38ct-natural-yellow-pear-diamond-clean-r3405

 

[T L]

Very pretty!

 

[innerkitten]

The DBL ring is pretty! I'm sure you'll be satisfied with it.

 

[rubyshoes]

Thanks TL and innerkitten, am very excited. I should get it in about 3 weeks

 

[T L]

Thanks TL and innerkitten, am very excited. I should get it in about 3 weeks

Yes, you can't really go wrong with natural colored diamonds. They are so beautiful. We need pictures when you get it.