Help with sapphire

[tcamilleri]

Hi, this sapphire is 1.86 crts, 8 x 6 x 4.5mm. What do you guys think? Honest opinions please I am looking at it for my engagement ring.
Thanks!

 

[tcamilleri]

more photos

 

[chrono]

Looks promising. What would be very helpful is at least a hand shot. The background of the stone has been cropped out, therefore I have no way of knowing the lighting condition, if it has been flooded with light or is taken under dimly lit lights.

Has the stone been treated?
Any verification that is is treated as stated (or untreated)?
Does pricing seem in-line with similar looking stones?
Have you inquired as to the indoor colour shift?

 

[tcamilleri]

Thanks for your reply, here is a picture of it in the daylight (sun is setting). It is the one on the left.
What do you mean by color shift? (sorry I am new to all of this!)
I will get it sent to AGL for testing before I buy. I do know that it has been heat treated, which I am ok with.
Thanks!

 

[chrono]

Does the slight bowtie going across the middle of the stone bother you? It is that band of darker colour as though the stone is wearing a belt.

Sapphires will colour shift somewhat under indoor lighting - some become darker and grayer while others will look a little more violetish, almost tanzanite-like. My preference is for the latter type. How does this one appear when indoors under fluorescent lighting?

 

[tcamilleri]

I decided the darkness in the stone did not bother me and decided to purchase the stone after the AGL report came back. It arrived yesterday and I love the color however it has a pretty large colorless spot right in the middle of it! I asked the vendor about it and he said he did not notice the spot so couldnt comment about it. It was the first thing my partner and I noticed when we looked at it in the sunshine. Very obvious. The vendor has offered me a full refund, I did enqure about another stone (middle one in the group picture above) but he said he thinks it is best I find someone local to deal with. What are you opinions on the middle sapphire?
I am on my phone at the moment but will attach a picture of the stone I took soon.
Thanks!

 

[tcamilleri]

Here is the photo, a really quick one! I will try to take better ones tomorrow.
I am heading to Bali next week, is it worth trying my luck there or do you think the chances of ending up with a fake is too high?
Tania

 

[chrono]

I would request a hand shot rather than in the tray - this way you get a better estimation of lighting condition used when looking that the skin tone of the hand, shadows and etc. I'd say it is unlikely to be a synthetic. The main purpose of the lab memo is to verify treatment or its lack of. And if heated, to make sure it has not been diffused, which greatly affects its pricing and value.

On the by, are these by Simply Sapphires or someone else?

 

[tcamilleri]

Thanks for the reply. First I would like to clear up my question about fakes was about purchasing a stone in Bali, Indonesia. I will be on holiday there in a week and was wondering if there are any respected dealers I could visit?

Yes this is simply sapphires. It was hard work getting him to send me the photo of the stones in natural light. I am not sure he will be willing to do a hand shot now he has suggested I take my business elseware.

Oh well. Add me to the list of people looking for a 2ct cushion lol

 

[chrono]

I do not know of any reputable places in Indonesia and with Bali being a tourist destination, the risk is greater that you will be sold something that isn't as represented and worse yet, you will end up with no recourse once you leave the location.

 

[minousbijoux]

When I was there, Denpessar (sp?) was known as a great place to purchase high karat gold jewelry; it was not known as any sort of gem bargain ground.

 

[OTL]

Looks lovely

Would love to see it when you get it!

 

[tcamilleri]

aggh I see the photo did not attach! Lets try again

 

[tcamilleri]

I was also looking at this one (trying to deal locally) however I think it may be too dark:
http://www.aussiesapphire.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=140_3_19&products_id=576

 

[LD]

I recognise the photography. If the Vendor is called John then rest assured if you tell him exactly what you want and what you're looking for he will be honest. From the photos I suspect the sapphire will be quite dark but definitely worth asking for his opinion.

 

[tcamilleri]

A couple more photos. This sapphire is going back, I am a bit shocked that John did not notice this:S

 

[chrono]

Did not notice what?

Note that colour is "graded" or evaluated only from the top, not tilted or at an angle. The stone is too dark overall though and I would return it.

 

[Coco914]

Hi there,

I think what the OP is referring to is the colorless spot in the stone. It's not the typical windowing issue. You can see it in the "face up" photo" (located under the table, over toward the right), as well as in the photo that's been taken at an angle. I'm no professional, by any means, but I think it might be a zoning issue? When you look closely at the vendor photo of the stone (the one that's been taken of the bottom of the sapphire) you can see what appear to be spots that are less saturated or perhaps colorless.

 

[tcamilleri]

I am referring to the see through colorless spot in the middle/right of the stone. You can literally seethough the stone.
Really disappointed as I do like the color but it has one spot where you can see right through. I don't think it's a cutting issue I think it's just the color of the sapphire. Either way it is for an engagement ring an the spot annoys me too much. I sent John another email with the picture and he is offering me a full refund and 25% off if I decide to buy again (I purchased this stone while the site has 25% off store wide). I will try to buy more locally first however.
Thank you

 

[minousbijoux]

That is disappointing - to have it be sent and look forward to it only to have a noticeable light spot

 

[VapidLapid]

I noticed that spot in the first pavilion pic you posted, and sure it shows, albeit darkly in your photo top down. Even if it only shows from that one very narrow angle, in an ering that would bother me too. I am surprised to hear you say that john told you to take your business elsewhere. He has always been wonderful, and tolerant with me and others on this forum.
I think the Aussie stone is much too dark.

 

[tcamilleri]

I understand where John is coming from, I am located in Australia so it is a bit harder. He will still do business with me but thinks it would be better for me if I look locally. I agree with him but we don't seem to have any suppliers with large inventorys like you guys do in the USA.
I am talking to two Australian based dealers at the moment but the stone I posted is the closest either of them have.
I will continue on my hunt. My sapphire is out there somewhere!
Tania

 

[VapidLapid]

http://www.australiansapphire.com/stones_list.htm

 

[chrono]

I am sorry for your continued struggle with a limited supply. Whatever it might be, that stone is definitely not e-ring stone material.

 

[Gempassion]

Hi Tania,

Have you had a look at AJS gems? When I was living in Oz, I ordered my spinel from them. Shipping was quick and relatively inexpensive since Thailand isn't too far from Australia. They were wonderful to deal with.

I think that Arcadian has suggested this before, but I think it is best to buy an AJS gem that has a description with the photo. That's what I did, and the description was accurate (they were great about answering my questions about the gem too).

http://www.ajsgem.com/blue-sapphire-gemstone-sapphire-2046340410.html

Best,
Gempassion

 

[tcamilleri]

Thanks Gempassion,
I have been keeping an eye on AJS but they have very limited cushion stones.
I willl email them incase they have something not listed on the website.
The good news is I have someone located in Australia who will be getting roughs from madagascar next week and he said he can cut a 2-3 ct cushion for me! I was actually referred to him by one of the other dealers I was talking with who didn't have wait I wanted in stock. She said he is a very talented cutter.

I will let you know how it goes. Please cross your fingers for me!

Tania

 

[Gempassion]

Sounds good Tania,
Good luck!!
Let us know how you go,
Gempassion

 

[tcamilleri]

Hi again guys, I am having this sapphire sent to me for viewing it is 9.44x6.94x4.46mm and 2.58ct
Fingers crossed I like it! What do you guys think?
Tania

 

[chrono]

It has a lot of dark areas, covering about 50% to 70% of the stone. Too much contrast or extinction, however you wish to call it. The blue flash looks pretty though.

 

[Starzin]

It will be interesting to see what you think of it in hand, please post pics when you get it.

It would seem to be a very dark stone. Lighting is giving the pretty blue flash but probably the rest of the stone is basically the body colour you will be looking at most of the time. I think this is going to be an "inky" one - sorry.