I'm buying an Alexandrite but want some thoughts about it before the purchase is complete

[yayab]

Hello People!
I am in the process of buying an Alex and I just wanted to know you guys' thoughts on it before the purchase is complete. The ring is described as a natural, untreated Brazilian Alexandrite with "excellent color change" from emerald green to purplish blue at .5 ct set in 14k gold (would have preferred 18k but life) for just over $1K. I've included pics please tell me you're thoughts, was this a good deal
?

 

[lovedogs]

Is there any kind of certificate that will come with the stone? For a high quality alex, the price seems too low.

 

[lovedogs]

This is a trustworthhy vendor selling a .6+ stone for over 1K. The color change isn't great, but it's a fair price for what it is. This is what makes me very suspicious of what you are supposedly getting.

0.69 ct Alexandrite

0.69 ct Alexandrite

www.finewatergems.com

 

[yayab]

Is there any kind of certificate that will come with the stone? For a high quality alex, the price seems too low.

I agree and it I was told that does come with a certificate and I do plan to have it appraised as soon as it arrives but I was wondering if I should cancel the order before then.

 

[yayab]

This is a trustworthhy vendor selling a .6+ stone for over 1K. The color change isn't great, but it's a fair price for what it is. This is what makes me very suspicious of what you are supposedly getting.

0.69 ct Alexandrite

0.69 ct Alexandrite

www.finewatergems.com

That is concerning

 

[lovedogs]

I agree and it I was told that does come with a certificate and I do plan to have it appraised as soon as it arrives but I was wondering if I should cancel the order before then.

I would cancel it. Because it coming with a "certificate" doesn't mean anything. It depends what kind of certificate and by who. Because some certificates are worth less than the paper they are printed on.

What is your budget and what are you looking for? We can help you find something much better.

 

[lovedogs]

Another trustworthy vendor for alex stones is multicoulor. Here are some around the 1k mark (ish) that look good. I'm afraid the one you are buying is either fake, or will look muddy and brown 100% of the time.

Alexandrite Oval 0.730 CTS | YAX785aa | Multicolour.com

Natural Alexandrite Oval weighing 0.730 CTS in Single loose gemstones category at Multicolour.com

www.multicolour.com

Alexandrite Oval 0.420 CTS | YAX837ai | Multicolour.com

Natural Alexandrite Oval weighing 0.420 CTS in Single loose gemstones category at Multicolour.com

www.multicolour.com

Alexandrite Oval 0.840 CTS | YAX828aa | Multicolour.com

Natural Alexandrite Oval weighing 0.840 CTS in Single loose gemstones category at Multicolour.com

www.multicolour.com

 

[yayab]

I know that I am looking for a GIA or equally reputable certificate, are these often forged? Also they do have a decent return policy if I am unhappy with the ring. I will get a lab report done by a very good place in NYC... still not worth the risk?

I am looking for an Alex anywhere from .3 to .5ct with nice color change for max 1,500 not including fees/ tax

 

[yayab]

Another trustworthy vendor for alex stones is multicoulor. Here are some around the 1k mark (ish) that look good. I'm afraid the one you are buying is either fake, or will look muddy and brown 100% of the time.

Alexandrite Oval 0.730 CTS | YAX785aa | Multicolour.com

Natural Alexandrite Oval weighing 0.730 CTS in Single loose gemstones category at Multicolour.com

www.multicolour.com

Alexandrite Oval 0.420 CTS | YAX837ai | Multicolour.com

Natural Alexandrite Oval weighing 0.420 CTS in Single loose gemstones category at Multicolour.com

www.multicolour.com

Alexandrite Oval 0.840 CTS | YAX828aa | Multicolour.com

Natural Alexandrite Oval weighing 0.840 CTS in Single loose gemstones category at Multicolour.com

www.multicolour.com

thank you! I will look these over

 

[lovedogs]

I know that I am looking for a GIA or equally reputable certificate, are these often forged? Also they do have a decent return policy if I am unhappy with the ring. I will get a lab report done by a very good place in NYC... still not worth the risk?

I am looking for an Alex anywhere from .3 to .5ct with nice color change for max 1,500 not including fees/ tax

If it's a real GIA certificate then no, it's not forged. But I assume that the seller is going to offer you an "appraisal by a GIA graduate", which means nothing sometimes. There are very few labs that I would trust to get a certificate for an alex stone.

 

[lovedogs]

Here are some epic ones with an amazing color change. Small, but actually changes color in the way you would hope for. Plus a free GIA cert.

Loose gemstones, rare colored stones, pearls and certified diamonds.

Buy loose gemstones and certified diamonds direct. Choose from over 10.000 real time gemstone inventory, including alexandrite, sapphire, ruby, tanzanite, tsavorite, spinel and tourmaline.

www.multicolour.com

Loose gemstones, rare colored stones, pearls and certified diamonds.

Buy loose gemstones and certified diamonds direct. Choose from over 10.000 real time gemstone inventory, including alexandrite, sapphire, ruby, tanzanite, tsavorite, spinel and tourmaline.

www.multicolour.com

Loose gemstones, rare colored stones, pearls and certified diamonds.

Buy loose gemstones and certified diamonds direct. Choose from over 10.000 real time gemstone inventory, including alexandrite, sapphire, ruby, tanzanite, tsavorite, spinel and tourmaline.

www.multicolour.com

 

[yayab]

That is really good to know! I plan on taking it to
Gemological Institute of America, Inc. that they have listed on their site as their official store location based in NYC

 

[Bonsai]

That price is way too low for a round alexandrite with good color change
Something is either up or they desperately need $

For alexandrite I like to se the gem lab report bc sometimes the way sellers describe the color is not how Gia describes it
I’ve seen sellers say it’s blue green to purple and the Gia call it grey purple or whatever

 

[LilAlex]

Unless you absolutely must have an alex, there are way more rewarding ways to spend a few K on jewelry, imo. Even really fine ones will not bowl you over in person. I kept one for the cool factor -- amazing color change and crazy-vivid purple in incandescent light. But I am almost never in incandescent light; they barely exist any more.

I try to talk anyone and everyone out of buying an alex online. Go to the highest-end jeweler in the biggest city near you and ask to see their five-figure Hematitas -- and you will be underwhelmed.

 

[yayab]

Okay so I can't use GIA as originally planned because in New York City they are closed. I plan to use AGL now and have setup an appointment. Is this an equally reliable source? I know GIA is the best but are they a close second or could any of you recommend any others in the U.S. preferable NYC.

I'm going to go ahead with the purchase because my curiosity is peaked and I need to know because they have a decent collection of Alex (the place I purchased from) and I would like to leave a review and expose them if what you all are saying is true which i don't doubt it is.

Thank you so much for weighing in guys! Check back in a week or 2 and I will update you to let you know the lab report. I really want to know because they have soooo many claims about their Alex and even give tips on how to spot fakes (probably a sure sign their's are fake).

They do say on their site that often their rings are below market value to stay competitive because they are a very small shop and family owned. They claim every ring is individually made and they do not price for retail, so we'll see.

 

[yayab]

Unless you absolutely must have an alex, there are way more rewarding ways to spend a few K on jewelry, imo. Even really fine ones will not bowl you over in person. I kept one for the cool factor -- amazing color change and crazy-vivid purple in incandescent light. But I am almost never in incandescent light; they barely exist any more.

I try to talk anyone and everyone out of buying an alex online. Go to the highest-end jeweler in the biggest city near you and ask to see their five-figure Hematitas -- and you will be underwhelmed.

I want gemstones that aren't just pretty but will appreciate in value over time. Alex has been said to be that gemstone, please recommend others if Alex is not the stone for such gains. I am looking for an investment twice as much as a pretty piece.

 

[lovedogs]

I want gemstones that aren't just pretty but will appreciate in value over time. Alex has been said to be that gemstone, please recommend others if Alex is not the stone for such gains. I am looking for an investment twice as much as a pretty piece.

Absolutely do not ever buy a gemstone as an investment. They are not an investment. They will not appreciate in value over time.

 

[yayab]

Understood! This forum is great, very informative for us newbies I really appreciate these replies.

 

[voce]

I want gemstones that aren't just pretty but will appreciate in value over time. Alex has been said to be that gemstone, please recommend others if Alex is not the stone for such gains. I am looking for an investment twice as much as a pretty piece.

Unless you buy a colored diamond (questionable whether their value will continue to appreciate over time), the only gems that have ever appreciated in value over time are ones that are of the finest quality and multi-carat, not sub-carat. In other words, stones that are already five figures at least.

I also strongly warn against purchasing gemstones as investments. They are highly illiquid, and unless you're already in the trade, or only buy 2ct+ finest quality unheated ruby, you're unlikely to generate positive return.

I know you're still gonna do what you've probably made up your mind to do, but consider yourself warned.

 

[JackTrick]

While GIA NY may be closed, GIA Carlsbad is open if you're comfortable mailing the stone.

 

[yayab]

I looked into that already but when I called they are back ordered for the next month. I will be outside of my return policy by the time I get the ring back.

 

[MollyMalone]

Okay so I can't use GIA as originally planned because in New York City they are closed. I plan to use AGL now and have setup an appointment. Is this an equally reliable source? I know GIA is the best but are they a close second or could any of you recommend any others in the U.S. preferable NYC. * * *

AGL would be my first choice of lab for a colored gem report. And I'm not the only PSer who would choose AGL over GIA for this purpose, so fret no more

 

[Bron357]

Unless you are buying ultra rare gemstones, there really isn’t any investment value in gemstones.
And you need to be spending big dollars to obtain the investment grade in gemstones ie very rare because of origin, size, colour and lack of treatments.
Quality and recognised certification is essential.
A certified Argyle pink diamond would/will appreciate as the mine is closing and there is no other “equal” source.
Kashmir sapphires and Burmese Rubies of “old stock” and good colour / untreated are considered investment gems.
Certified Russian Alexandrite, old stock, of good size and colour change is likewise a probable investment as there are no new productive mining.
The gem you are thinking of buying is lovely but it’s not “investment” level, that size and origin isn’t rare.
The best most of us can hope for is not to lose too much money if we need to sell.

 

[whitewave]

I want gemstones that aren't just pretty but will appreciate in value over time. Alex has been said to be that gemstone, please recommend others if Alex is not the stone for such gains. I am looking for an investment twice as much as a pretty piece.

Gemstones might be assests but I would never buy any stone as an investment.

 

[whitewave]

Unless you are buying ultra rare gemstones, there really isn’t any investment value in gemstones.
And you need to be spending big dollars to obtain the investment grade in gemstones ie very rare because of origin, size, colour and lack of treatments.
Quality and recognised certification is essential.
A certified Argyle pink diamond would/will appreciate as the mine is closing and there is no other “equal” source.
Kashmir sapphires and Burmese Rubies of “old stock” and good colour / untreated are considered investment gems.
Certified Russian Alexandrite, old stock, of good size and colour change is likewise a probable investment as there are no new productive mining.
The gem you are thinking of buying is lovely but it’s not “investment” level, that size and origin isn’t rare.
The best most of us can hope for is not to lose too much money if we need to sell.

Yes. An argyle pink might be an exception.

 

[Starfacet]

I wouldn't pay for a GIA cert myself. What if the results come back unfavorable? Can you return it? Are you comfortable being out the cost of the certification? I would only buy if the vendor has already paid for a certificate from GIA or maybe AGL.

 

[ShinyPink]

I purchased an oval .47 ct alex from Yvonne a few months ago. She charged about $1000/ct. and it's complete color change and clean. You might want to ask her what she has or can get. She did say that ovals cost less than rounds.

 

[yayab]

AGL would be my first choice of lab for a colored gem report. And I'm not the only PSer who would choose AGL over GIA for this purpose, so fret no more

Thank you!

 

[yayab]

I don't mind being out of the money for the Cert which is why I'm going to get one.

This information is beyond useful and far more informative then what I've found online. I will more than likely return the ring even if it turns out to be authentic, although judging buy what's been said and what I've read it's not likely. But curiosity killed the cat, let's see if satisfaction (or disappointment more likely) brings it back.

If it does turn out to be real then it was a steal considering what you all have told me about it being extremely below market value but I am now looking into more traditional investments for my money and I will not be making a purchase like this again, that's for sure.

Seriously thank you for the replies.

 

[Bonsai]

Don’t buy something with the intention to return it