Hunt for center stone

[Scarlett1]

Ok, so am the hunt again. I am getting my engagement ring remodelled for my anniversary and have decided on a three stone ring. I originally wanted to go with an emerald as my center stone but for several reasons decided on a sapphire instead. I am looking for a cushion or oval cut sapphire about 8x6mm/7x9m (the cushion can be square or rectangular). My own engagement ring is a solitare, diamond width 4.5mm and will be getting another to match to complete the three stone setting.My budget for the center stone is $1000-$1500 but can stretch to $2000 if I have to. I would love a pale yellow/pink/blue or mint green sapphire. I have been looking at www.gemfix.com and found some lovely ones but would love your advice. My favourite two were pale lemony yellow sapphires. One an oval order/stock no. sapphire-yo-531 for $970. I love this one and think it would look beautiful in the setting I'm after and comes in under budget. The second one I love is another lemon yellow cushion cut order/stock no. sapphire-yo-539 $1995. This one again is stunning and comes with a lab report but is pushing the top end of my budget. Would really love your opinion on both of theses stones.
Some others from the site I was interested in are as follows;
Blue:
order no: sapphire-blue-1016, sapphire-blue-991
Pink:
order no: sapphire-pink-433
order no: sapphire-pink-439
Montana:
Order no: sapphire-montana-313
The blue and pink ones are heat treated so don't know am I better off going for untreated?
Appreciate any help or advice you could give me.
Thanks Scarlett

 

[Scarlett1]

The Montana is also heat treated. I know some of the stones I posted are round but really liked the colour. Thanks again,
Scarlett

 

[SB621]

I would pass on the yellows just because they can look like badly colored and dead FLY (fancy light yellow diamonds). I think a pink/ blue/ green is a much better option.

I'm not well versed in sapphire but for the 2nd blue is that extension in the corner where it is darker? I do like the green and pink ones though. I would ask for a group shot outside on the hand to compare colors.

 

[digdeep]

I have a 2+ carat untreated/unheated pale yellow sapphire that I LOVE! It is a chameleon.......it is medium light yellow and has the green modifier that turns it a beautiful pale mint green in sunshine. Untreated yellow sapphires are notoriously difficult to photograph as the camera picks up other color's that are not seen IRL, , so it is best to ask for the vendor's description of what their eye see's inside and out.

 

[JewelFreak]

I love yellow sapphires too. The oval you posted is more on the peach-ish side, which I also like, but it comes down to personal preference. In the hand shots it seems to perform better, has more life than the other yellow. I also like the green one but it looks un-thrilling in the outdoor hand shot -- it would be one I'd like to see in person; might be a surprise. The blue ones don't grab me, could be Andrew's photography, and I'm not a pink-stone person.

Do you have any preference for color among these?

--- Laurie

 

[peacechick]

It's great that you're considering so many colors! I like blues and greens more, so my favorite is the green Montana. But they're all pretty to me.

 

[minousbijoux]

Congrats, Scarlett! That is a huge decision you've come to and will make things so much easier for you. May I ask why you are narrowing it down only to Gemfix? They are a high quality, reputable vendor so there is no problem with them, but it seems that now that you are focusing on sapphires and have broadened it to include various colors, there are imo, many vendors to choose from (and a huge wealth of experience and information available from PSers).

If you DO want to limit it to just Gemfix, then I would urge you to pull up some old threads on them to learn how to read their photos and what kinds of questions to ask. Unfortunately, they will not provide additional photos (other than the closeup and the hand shot), which is why I suggest you learn what you can about their photos vs. what the stone looks like in hand. I have not bought from them, but others have made various comments including 1) the stones are often darker irl (pretty common in vendor photos); and 2)the written description they will provide you of the stone, if you ask for more detail, is often much more accurate than the photos.

All that aside, if you would consider stones from other vendors, then I would check out, in no particular order (and apologies to anyone I leave out):

Roger Dery, Spectral Gems
Peter Torraca
Michael of Litnon/Gemline
Gene of Precision Gem (though he doesn't have much on hand, and since he lists only a few every few weeks, they tend to fly out the door)
Barry of ACStones (though his are THE most popular and fly out the door the minute he lists them)
Dana of Mastercut Gems
Brad of The Gem Trader
Lisa Elser is just getting back from Tanzania and I know secured some great rough to cut

The great thing about all of these guys is that they are all domestically located, so its easy to return stones. That way, you can practice a bit by seeing some in hand and know that its easy to return them if they are not your cup of tea. When and if you feel daring, you might also consider Jeff Davies. He is located in Thailand. I find his prices a bit better, but it will be much more of a challenge to return stones to him. That said, he appears to do such high volume that he may really be able to source exactly what you like.

Sorry for the novel!

 

[Scarlett1]

Thank you so much everyone for your advice. I am so glad I found this site
I think of the ones I posted I like the yellow oval the most, but would be afraid the colour would be too yellow I.e canary or too orangy. I have googled three stone settings and think a pale pink sapphire would look beautiful in the setting. I think I am going to focus on pale pink, green or yellow as seem to be steering towards these more and to get a blue that I'm looking for is out of my price range.
No will not limit to just gemfix ( just the first site I got a good look at ) and thank you minousbijoux for list of where to look. I'm living in Ireland so need to be very sure of returns policy before I buy anything.
Looks like there is a lot more into stone hunting than I first thought, but in a good way, I love a project
Thanks again, and so the hunt continues

 

[minousbijoux]

Awesome! Now that you've gotten this far, you may want to hear from those who've set stones on a regular basis to get some ideas of how the stone might shift in appearance based on how you anticipate setting it. For this, there are many seasoned PSers (I have little experience in this regard). If I were you, I would be hoping to hear from the likes of Athenaworth, Chrono (she's on vacay so it might be a while), Frekechild, NKOTB, Vapidlapid, Fortekitty, TL, Innerkitten, Circe, distracts, SB621, Jewelfreak (Laurie - sorry if I'm lumping you in here if you don't think its warranted; its just that you're so knowledgeable), Flygirl, and probably ChrisA by now.

You may or may not want to dismiss some of the stones that are lighter in saturation until you've heard from some of these folks. This is because sometimes certain settings darken stones and often end up looking slightly more saturated as well. I hope this helps.

 

[Scarlett1]

Thanks a million minousbijoux, that's great. So much more to learn. Thanks again

 

[FrekeChild]

I think you need to narrow it down a little bit to at least a color that you want. When I first started collecting stones, I did a period of "OOOOOoooo!!! PRETTY!!" and bought everything I could afford that I thought was pretty. For my engagement ring stone I have a round cut by Barry Bridgestock (my favorite cutter) and it's a blue spinel. Because there is no other color that captures my heart like blue does. My car is blue, half my closet is blue, a huge percentage of my accumulation of shoes is blue, you get the idea.

So, I'd start out by finding out which color makes your heart sing, and then we can help out more from there.

(I personally like the yellow cushion the most out of the ones you've posted. But that's because I've been eyeing yellows lately...)

 

[Scarlett1]

Thanks FrekeChild. The lemon yellow is really appealing to me. Blue is also my favourite colour but I just can't afford the right blue I want. I'm finding it hard to narrow down the colour as here in Ireland it is impossible to find different coloured sapphire rings so can't even try on or see them in person If I could get a nice pale yellow or pink to see in person it would probably help my dilemma

 

[Scarlett1]

Ok, so after the whole day researching yesterday, reading through past posts here, googling images,etc etc. Have decided that I definitely want to go for a pale pink/salmon colour, dare I say "pad" ( didn't even know what that was 24 hours ago) in an oval shape. I have contacted many dealers mentioned here (thanks for that minousbijoux) but all said they had nothing available at present (and all said yellow would probably be the easiest to get untreated in my budget) but have fallen for that salmon colour . I contacted Jeff Davies and he said he had a piece that was heat only. Think I am going to hold out for untreated. What being on here has thought me is not to rush things. I have decided to take my time to get the right stone and wait then for setting if I have to. Really excited now that I have an image in my head of what I want and don't mind waiting (which is not like me at all, so quite surprised )

 

[Scarlett1]

What do you guys think of this one,
http://www.thegemtrader.com/Apr12PadparadschaPage.htm
Think it might be too orangey and is it slightly brown? Would love your advice.
They also had a beautiful paler one listed which is more what I'm after but it was sold

 

[Scarlett1]

Actually the more I look at this stone the more I love it, a paler colour might be a washout on my pasty Irish skin .
Strongly thinking of purchasing. Have emailed Brad to ask him more about it.

 

[carmen1]

If you are looking for something paler have you seen this one?

http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/natural-unheated-oval-pale-peach-sapphire

 

[Scarlett1]

Thanks Carmen,
But think the paler one might be too close to my skin tone and not seen as well. Am really loving the gem trader one.

 

[wordie89]

Scarlett1
It's a pretty stone, it does look like it has spots of pink on either side rather than a blend. Is that okay with you? ... I would like to see how it looks in hand.

 

[Scarlett1]

Ok, really think I want this stone am definitely falling in with it.
Brad has very kindly sent me some more photo's. Would really love some advice on this. Is there any questions that I should ask or anything I should look out for. Thanks a million Scarlett

Scarlett1
it does look like it has spots of pink on either side rather than a blend. Is that okay with you? ... I would like to see how it looks in hand.

I don't think I'd mind that much, as long as it wasn't very visible or noticeable. Brad is sending me a hand shot so should be able to add that later.

 

[minousbijoux]

I like it very much. I like the height of the crown and Brad is a great seller and easy to do business with. That said, I would not be surprised if AGL or GIA would not qualify that stone as a Padparadscha because it has brown it it. In fact, that's a good thing and probably why his price is as low as it is. Go for it!

 

[Scarlett1]

Thanks minousbijoux,
I was thinking that, could never afford an AGL certified "pad" but love the colour of this. I also was surprised at the height of the crown which I love. Have to say Brad has been fantastic, couldn't have been more helpful.

 

[SB621]

I'm not a fan of the color band through the sapphire which is probably why it is priced so low. Also the hint of brown would drive me nuts. But that is just me. If you have no issues with the color band or the hint of brown then I think it is an excellent price. I'm just worried that once you get it and look at it for a while it will bother you too.

 

[SB621]

I think you need to narrow it down a little bit to at least a color that you want. When I first started collecting stones, I did a period of "OOOOOoooo!!! PRETTY!!" and bought everything I could afford that I thought was pretty. For my engagement ring stone I have a round cut by Barry Bridgestock (my favorite cutter) and it's a blue spinel. Because there is no other color that captures my heart like blue does. My car is blue, half my closet is blue, a huge percentage of my accumulation of shoes is blue, you get the idea.

Ugh this exactly....I even set a ton of mine then sold everything last year at a major lost so I could afford the pieces that actually sung to me. Talk about hard lessons to learn!

 

[Scarlett1]

I'm not a fan of the color band through the sapphire which is probably why it is priced so low. Also the hint of brown would drive me nuts. But that is just me. If you have no issues with the color band or the hint of brown then I think it is an excellent price. I'm just worried that once you get it and look at it for a while it will bother you too.

Thanks SB. I noticed the colour band alright but was wondering was that just the photography. I don't think the brown will bother me too much as looks kind of coppery, but don't know how I'll feel when I see it in person, will have to wait and see. I knew I'd have to compromise on something for my budget and don't mind this so much.

 

[SB621]

I'm not a fan of the color band through the sapphire which is probably why it is priced so low. Also the hint of brown would drive me nuts. But that is just me. If you have no issues with the color band or the hint of brown then I think it is an excellent price. I'm just worried that once you get it and look at it for a while it will bother you too.

Thanks SB. I noticed the colour band alright but was wondering was that just the photography. I don't think the brown will bother me too much as looks kind of coppery, but don't know how I'll feel when I see it in person, will have to wait and see. I knew I'd have to compromise on something for my budget and don't mind this so much.

I would still hold out and look a bit longer. I'm a very instant gratification person and I when I buy right away I usually have remorese later on. I know with my sapphire adventure I have looked for 4 years for the right one. However, since I think you said this would be for an ering I know you want it sooner rather then later (at least not willing to wait 4 years ), but I would still look around and see what else is out there. You just never know what might pop up. Have you checked with the list of vendors to see what they have? I truly think the color band should be a no go- and it will be more apparent in RL.

 

[FrekeChild]

Contrary to Ms. SB, I say you should go ahead and buy it. Brad is amazing to work with and I think it'd be a good experience to see it in real life. You never know, you may just end up falling in love with it, but if you don't see it IRL, you're probably always going to wonder what it was like. If you see it and it's too orange or brown or whatever, then at least you know!

(Yay for picking a color! I knew you could do it!)

 

[Scarlett1]

Thanks ladies.
SB this is an anniversary project, I'm redesigning my solitaire engagement ring for my 7 year anniversary so no real rush on it. But I think I will go ahead with it. Freke! I think your right about seeing it in real life. I have never seen one and think it would be a good experience. Also Brad said it can be returned if needed.

(Yay for picking a color! I knew you could do it!)

Thanks! From yellow to green to pink to god knows what! I got there eventually

 

[FrekeChild]

Start practicing your photography skills, you're going to need them!

 

[SB621]

Ok Anniversary ring is different then!!!! I have never puchased from Brad before but assuming he has a return policey then go ahead. I do agree if you really like it then at least see it in person.

Not a sapphire but I think it might have a brilliant color (that and I'm hoping someone buys it because I really REALLY want it.) barry's photos are horrible IMO but I love his stones in RL.

http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=141&idproduct=4448

I will be curious if you get the sapphire about the color band in RL- please post updates.

 

[Scarlett1]

Am going to get it. Want to see it in real life. Will post pics when it arrives.
SB that is a beautiful stone and the colour is fab! I'll be on the hunt for garnet next I think (my son's birthstone). This place would get ya addicted!!!!!