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Help with Mahenges

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rwillya

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 24, 2014
Messages
21
About a year ago, I was looking to purchase a Mahenge spinel for an e-ring for my then girlfriend. We decided on a yellow diamond after she fell in love with one. I have since proposed with the ring. I really want to buy a top quality Mahenge and have it set in a pendant or a ring as a wedding present. Size and shape are not incredibly important but I would like a stone that is at least 7 mm and one that is over a carat. I searched extensively with no luck last year and have recently resumed my search and I think that I may have found two viable options. It is obvious who the one stone is from. Based off of the "somebody has got to buy this stone" thread, this stone would meet my diameter requirement and the color looks excellent. However, the price is pretty steep for this stone at $7,000.

The other option in the second picture, and please don't say who it is from if you recognize it, is a little larger in terms of diameter and weighs a little more. The second stone is loupe clean and precision cut. The picture was taken in diffused sunlight by the vendor. To me, the stones look fairly similar. The second stone looks a little less saturated than the first, but that might be due to the picture. The vendor of the second stone assured me that the color is vivid and that the changes in color in different light sources are basically imperceptible.

At this point, I am unsure of what direction to go in. I want the best stone possible and I want a top color Mahenge if one is still able to be found on the market. If price were not a factor in the choice, which option would people here go with and why?

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photo__1__27.jpg
 
I'd go with the second one, pleasing shape, excellent cut and the color looks as good maybe even better than the grossly expensive 1st one. I'd be very leery of an orange shift with either one of these though.

This pear looks killer, again, it may possess some orange under artificial lighting and it's more red then pink. It's probably Burmese too if I had to guess.

il_570xn_146.jpg

https://www.etsy.com/listing/212289...y&ga_search_query=red spinel&ref=sr_gallery_5
 
Thanks for the response, GregS.

I realize that almost all spinels (and gems in general) tend to shift at least a little bit depending on the light source. How much of a shift is acceptable? Would anyone be willing to post what the consider a top quality Mahenge spinel in different types of lighting?

GregS, is there something about these stones that makes you leary of a possible shift to being more orange?
 
I can see some orange in the second stone, not so much in the first. The lighting isn't particularly flattering for the second stone.

I have 2 very nice pink Spinels, one shows some orange the other shows some purple, both are minimal. I doubt either one of these would be very noticeable.
 
If they cost the same, I would probably go with the first, based on these two pictures, because it looks slightly more saturated and the cut is cool and a little more unusual. If there was a significant price difference, though, I would go for the second, because it's probably very pretty in person, is a more conventional shape so might be easier to set, and you wouldn't notice the slight saturation difference unless you compared them side by side, which your SO won't be doing. In terms of orange in Mahenges...I've found this has made a difference when it looks slightly muddy/brownish (to a picky PSer's eyes, anyway...most wouldn't even know what I was talking about), but I have one that the vendor (who might be the same as that of your second pic) called orangey-pink that is super lovely and glowy.
 
Hi NKOTB,

Here is a less blurry picture of the second stone. I want as neon as possible and I am having a difficult time discerning that quality from pictures. I put the search on a hiatus because I was tired of buying and returning so many Mahenges that didn't have that neon factor. Do you think the second stone is neon? The vendor described the saturation level as vivid.

photo_240.jpg
 
I have come across varying degrees of "vivid", and understand your frustration. It's hard to tell the level of saturation in the pictures. How many mahenges have you seen in person? It sounds like you'll know for sure when you see it. That cushion looks really pretty, though, I think. I also think this one would be worth asking for more pictures and a video or two of: http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/2-dot-27-precision-cut-mahenge-spinel

This one also has potential: https://www.etsy.com/listing/196423324/236-carat-mahenge-pink-spinel-in-white
 
Hi again NKOTB,

I really appreciate your help. It is very frustrating. I have seen ten Mahenges in person and all were described as vivid in terms of saturation and none of them were neon to me. I don't know if I am being too picky though.
 
Let's wait and see. The test is to view it under different light sources. Pictures are accurate for some posters, way off for others.
 
Chrono,

I consider you to be a Mahenge expert and have admired your pear ring for a long time! What do you think of the two stones based on the pictures? Does your pear Mahenge shift at all depending on the light source? How much shifting is acceptable in your opinion?
 
The light conditions and photography of the 2 spinels are different so it would be unfair to make a final call on it based on pictures alone. My pear barely shifts under fluorescent lights. I have viewed quite a few Mahenges in person and most have significant shifting to orange under fluorescents. For me, I don't like orange in my reds and pinks, so I eliminate those right way. There are others who love the orange modifier and would go for those.

As much as I am flattered that you consider me a Mahenge expert, I do not think of myself as anything else other than a Coloured Stone nut. :lol:
 
rwillya: I'm wondering if you have ever seen a Mahenge in person which you DO think has the neon and you would consider vivid? I do not mean this in a snarky way at all, but I wonder if sometimes our expectations outstrip the reality? Maybe what we call vivd and neon does not meet what you imagine it to be? I've pretty much shied away from Mahenges for that reason - with the exception of museum quality stones, I have yet to see a red Mahenge with the perfect vivid neon and sparkle... :(sad
 
Hi Minousbijoux,

It was not snarky at all! I am starting to feel exactly the way that you have described so I am very glad that you said something. I feel like my expectations are unrealistic. The pictures that I see of stones before I see them in person have yet to match what I see in person and what I read online says that top quality Mahenges don't really shift.

But all of the stones that I have seen in real life (and then returned) look their best outside in the shade and then don't really hold that color in most types of indoor lighting. Basically, I am pretty confused at this point and I am unsure if the first spinel that I posted is worth the extra three thousand dollars. From the pictures, it looks like the second stone is a hair less saturated than the first but the vendors' descriptions of each stone seem to match. Both have said that the stones are top quality Mahenges that are neon and maintain that quality in all types of lighting.
 
Hi, rwillya. I considered both those stones at one point, but decided against both for different reasons. In my opinion, I'd contact Eric at Swala and see what he has. He had a pear that honestly seemed to have that neon quality, but he was at a show and it sold almost instantly. He said he has more material, so before deciding on one of the above, I'd contact him. Can't hurt. [email protected]
 
Well, I have seen some very nice mahenges, but I've never seen one that looks exactly the same in all lighting situations. I don't think that's possible. Mahenges fluoresce in sunlight, which is why they will always look their best in the sun. You can't get this effect in typical indoor lighting, it's not going to happen.

I think what people mean about holding their color is that the "best" mahenges will remain looking red or pink in sunlight OR indoor lighting; for example a great red mahenge will look red outside or inside, it won't turn orange. It doesn't mean that they won't still look "better" in some lighting vs others - every mahenge I've ever seen looks significantly better in sunlight, although some of my mahenges shift in varying lighting from red to pink to orange. The sun causes this beautiful glowy effect that causes the "better" look. (I said "best" in quotations bc that's considered a trade ideal, not necessarily a personal ideal).

My favorite mahenge actually does shift, due to the quality of sunlight alone (other lighting isn't even needed) - it can look red, reddish orange, or very pink. (I love it bc it always looks amazing due to it's cut and extremely clean crystal. So I enjoy the various looks that it shows). I've owned and loved very red; very pink; and also orange modifier mahenges bc I feel like they are all stunning in different ways.

Just my opinion, for what it's worth. (I've owned at least a dozen mahenges and have seen many many more. However I currently only own 3 that are set in rings, and one pair of stud earrings).

I hope this is helpful in some way!
 
Hi SparkliesLuver,

I actually did contact Eric several times and each time I emailed he said he would get back to me and never did.

Would you mind explaining why you decided against both of the Mahenges?

That was very helpful Katharath! Thanks :)
 
One more note: I'd also contact Peter @ [email protected]. He might still have the silky, shield one available, if you're into different shapes. I know a PSer reserved it but that didn't work out, unfortunately. Just a thought!

Oh, really? Hm. I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe keep bugging him!

I came across the one from Brad first. It didn't seem to be as saturated as I wanted or have that neon tonality to it. And at the time it reminded me of a regular pink spinel from Gary at Finewater, which was listed for a lot less money. (Side note: I love the trillion Brad has - I find that to be wonderful! It's currently reserved though, I think. But I'd ask him to keep you posted.) I love the one from Jean-Noel, to be honest. But it was above my budget, especially since I'm working on a project at the moment. I had to at least inquire since I thought I juuuuust might be able to squeeze it into my leftover budget. That's why I had to post it here when I realized I couldn't! Hope that helps.
 
rwillya|1438801267|3911578 said:
Hi SparkliesLuver,

I actually did contact Eric several times and each time I emailed he said he would get back to me and never did.

Would you mind explaining why you decided against both of the Mahenges?

That was very helpful Katharath! Thanks :)
Click to expand...


You're welcome! Good luck on your search and I can't wait to see what you decide on. Please post pics when you find "your" mahenge!
 
Not all Mahenges react to UV light, so if that is a quality you prefer, make sure to inquire.
 
I decided on the first stone. I will post pictures when it arrives!
 
Chrono|1438804164|3911596 said:
Not all Mahenges react to UV light, so if that is a quality you prefer, make sure to inquire.
Click to expand...

I doubt that there are red, pink or orangypink ( a little bit vanadium is responsible for that) with a good to fine color ( neon or not )
without fluorescence. Mahenge are colored by chrome with little to very little amount of iron.

Iron kills fluor and iron (Fe 2+) together with chrome will produce violet, bluishpurple or blue without chrome.

Fe3+ will brownish colors.

I think a neon or vivid colored pink or red without fluor is not possible ( LW UV). All my mahenge bought fron Tan ( good old times ) from neon pink to babypink show a strong fluor - as expected.
 
Marlow|1438836214|3911756 said:
Chrono|1438804164|3911596 said:
Not all Mahenges react to UV light, so if that is a quality you prefer, make sure to inquire.
Click to expand...

I doubt that there are red, pink or orangypink ( a little bit vanadium is responsible for that) with a good to fine color ( neon or not )
without fluorescence. Mahenge are colored by chrome with little to very little amount of iron.

Iron kills fluor and iron (Fe 2+) together with chrome will produce violet, bluishpurple or blue without chrome.

Fe3+ will brownish colors.

I think a neon or vivid colored pink or red without fluor is not possible ( LW UV). All my mahenge bought fron Tan ( good old times ) from neon pink to babypink show a strong fluor - as expected.
Click to expand...

The term Mahenge is pretty subjective. Some people/vendors use it to indicate any red family spinel from Mahenge, Tanzania, while others use the term to denote the famed neon red/pink stones from the same location. I've actually seen red family spinels from Mahenge, Tanzania that have very weak to no fluor. They remind me more of rhodolite garnets, or other red family garnets, than the famed Mahenge color so highly sought after. I believe you are correct that the more neon stones must have strong fluor. Neon is also subjective as well, LOL!

Now, there is nothing wrong with rhodolite or other red family garnets, but a fine Mahenge spinel should not look like a dead ringer for a garnet. The color literally pops, especially in sunlight. That's a good way to judge them IMO.
 
I use "Mahenge" alone now for a special color and quality from Mahenge/Tanzania- otherwise it is just tanzanian spinel.

These rhodolite like ( or the stuff you get from Sri Lanka ) spinels have a higher iron content so sometimes no fluor.

But the neon or vivid spinels from Mahenge ( some gorgous neon pinks from Man Sin / Namya or rarely Luc Yen/Vietnam too) we love so much will show fluor - better strong fluor!

I have a 0,90 ct oval with a perfect neon color - and a 1+ ct with a vivid and beautiful color too but imo not neon - this color does not "pop" like the small one. On a picture next together both are "neon" - so difficult for a vendor and a buyer!!
 
rwillya said:
I decided on the first stone. I will post pictures when it arrives!
Click to expand...

Excellent! :appl: I can't wait to see your pictures.
 
Marlow,
I'm seeing more vendors now selling "regular" Tanzanians spinels as Mahenge spinels, which is technically correct because Mahenge refers to the area where they are mined. Therefore, it isn't necessarily true that all Mahenge spinels will fluorescence.
 
Maybe the same vendor who sell namibian and madagascar demantoid as russian or ordinary green tourmaline as paraiba.

I don't agree course that would mean an ugly colored tourmaline mined in the brazilian state Paraiba is a Paraiba tourmaline?
 
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