This is a blue spinel. Can I get some opinions on this stone? I am fairly new to judging gems on photo. I do *prefer* darker stones--I know many people prefer lighter ones, but I personally like the darker ones (true for sapphire as well). I am not sure if I would set this or not, or just keep it in a gem collection. There is a second blue I am considering from a different vendor, but quite a bit more expensive (but I think I like it more).

