In search of a Ruby for my engagement ring

[pregcurious]

This is probably at the upper range of your budget at $4K but the colour is pretty, zero treatment, excellent transparency and it is close enough to an asscher cut. The downside is that it is closer to the 1 ct range and step cuts almost always face up smaller than other cut shapes. This one should fit a 6 x 6 mm setting. That said, step cuts are exceedingly rare for rubies so if you really want a step cut stone, this might be the one for you.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AIGS-Certified-Fine-Red-Pink-Mozambique-Ruby-1-13ct-Square-Octagon-Sparkle/121548306477?_trksid=p2046732.c100040.m2060&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107095009%26meid%3Db071279eae4c4c41bcef5b243a9a2508%26pid%3D100040%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D121548311364

I would call this a pink sapphire, but it is beautiful.

 

[pregcurious]

Robert would be who I'd contact.

http://www.preciousgemstones.com/rubyfs.html

Persian gemstone, did you see the 1.41 heated cushion/oval for $4230? If Burmese, but if it is already in AZ, it would not be subject to the import ban.

 

[chrono]

I agree that it looks very nice and given that it is Burmese (and typically redder than Mozambique rubies), it is worth considering.
http://www.preciousgemstones.com/141mongrufs.html

 

[LoversKites]

Robert would be who I'd contact.

http://www.preciousgemstones.com/rubyfs.html

Persian gemstone, did you see the 1.41 heated cushion/oval for $4230? If Burmese, but if it is already in AZ, it would not be subject to the import ban.

Although the OP is looking at untreated only, this one is worth considering.

 

[chrono]

Oh wow! I did not think it would be that expensive. I am afraid we will have to sacrifice getting an all natural ruby for a heated one. But I do not think we want any other kind of treatment imposed on the stone.

LK,
It started that way until she realized that she would need a budget of at least $15K to get such a ruby.

 

[LoversKites]

Oh wow! I did not think it would be that expensive. I am afraid we will have to sacrifice getting an all natural ruby for a heated one. But I do not think we want any other kind of treatment imposed on the stone.

LK,
It started that way until she realized that she would need a budget of at least $15K to get such a ruby.

Oops, my bad, I forgot.

 

[chrono]

It's okay. We all have those days.

 

[Marlow]

A Mong Hsu with a LI 2 clarity....only heat???

I am quite sure you'll find residues with this clarity grade and size....

I cannot find the AGL report - is there a link?

And again - it is a Burmese ruby - you cannot import this into USA !

 

[chrono]

The report is here:
http://www.preciousgemstones.com/141monghsuaglcert.jpg

The vendor is already in the USA. This could be a pre-embargo ruby (started in mid 200 based on the January 2008 AGL report.
http://www.preciousgemstones.com/index.html#Options

 

[LoversKites]

Does 'faint' clarity enhancement mean oiling?

 

[chrono]

This might provide some clarity:
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/509c23aee4b011ec832b1737/t/5106e8f5e4b03481db285438/1359407349853/AGL+Modifies+Disclosure+Policy+on+Heated+Rubies+-+June+09.pdf

It isn't oiling, just heating residue.

 

[Marlow]

Thank you Chrono.

 

[chrono]

You're welcome.

 

[LoversKites]

This might provide some clarity:
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/509c23aee4b011ec832b1737/t/5106e8f5e4b03481db285438/1359407349853/AGL+Modifies+Disclosure+Policy+on+Heated+Rubies+-+June+09.pdf

It isn't oiling, just heating residue.

I've never understood exactly what heating residue is and this write up explains it in simple terms. Thanks Chrono.

 

[T L]

This is probably at the upper range of your budget at $4K but the colour is pretty, zero treatment, excellent transparency and it is close enough to an asscher cut. The downside is that it is closer to the 1 ct range and step cuts almost always face up smaller than other cut shapes. This one should fit a 6 x 6 mm setting. That said, step cuts are exceedingly rare for rubies so if you really want a step cut stone, this might be the one for you.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AIGS-Certified-Fine-Red-Pink-Mozambique-Ruby-1-13ct-Square-Octagon-Sparkle/121548306477?_trksid=p2046732.c100040.m2060&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107095009%26meid%3Db071279eae4c4c41bcef5b243a9a2508%26pid%3D100040%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D121548311364

I would call this a pink sapphire, but it is beautiful.

In the photo, it looks more purplish-red than pink-red as described. If the color is accurate, it's a very pretty stone either way.

 

[PersianGemstone]

Are you sure you like it though? You said you want a dominant red colour, I'd call that one mostly a mix of pink and purple. If you end up getting it be sure that it looks good in all lighting you'll usually be under.

Before I met my boyfriend, I had originally wanted a pink sapphire with coloring such as this one. So yes, I do like it even though it is not a dominant red color. If we did get it, I will definitely take your suggestion and view it under various lighting.

 

[PersianGemstone]

Robert would be who I'd contact.

http://www.preciousgemstones.com/rubyfs.html

Persian gemstone, did you see the 1.41 heated cushion/oval for $4230? If Burmese, but if it is already in AZ, it would not be subject to the import ban.

Yes, I did see it. The image looks a little pixelated and only the one angle, so it's hard to tell how it looks. Plus, the stones posted by Chrono are more like what I am looking for in terms of color and cut.

 

[PersianGemstone]

I've had the chance to show all the suggested rubies to my boyfriend. As I pointed out which one I love the most (the ebay one)...I realized that it's possible I may have overestimated the $4-6K budget, especially if he has to put down $4K in one fell swoop versus some sort of payment plan. Do jewelers/jewelry dealers offer payment plans or is that something that is only offered by jewelry retail chains?

On a slightly different note...One of my friends found their center stone and jewelry designer via PS. She said that because both vendors were listed on this website, she was given 15% off from by both of them. Is that a common occurrence or is it at the discretion of the vendor?

In the meantime, if you happen to come across any more rubies I'd love it if you could share.

 

[chrono]

Very few CS vendors will offer this; I think only the large chains like as NSC and AfricaGems do. It is more common in the white/colourless diamond sector. Discounts are set by each vendor and in the diamond side, paying by wire transfer usually nets a 2% discount to offset their credit card fees. Sales run from time to time, which might account for the heavier 15% discount.

 

[LoversKites]

On a slightly different note...One of my friends found their center stone and jewelry designer via PS. She said that because both vendors were listed on this website, she was given 15% off from by both of them. Is that a common occurrence or is it at the discretion of the vendor?

In the meantime, if you happen to come across any more rubies I'd love it if you could share.

Here's a thread that calified the matter: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/important-clarification-pricescope-discounts-commissions.202031/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/important-clarification-pricescope-discounts-commissions.202031/[/URL]

I'll look out for rubies.

Very few CS vendors will offer this; I think only the large chains like as NSC and AfricaGems do. It is more common in the white/colourless diamond sector. Discounts are set by each vendor and in the diamond side, paying by wire transfer usually nets a 2% discount to offset their credit card fees. Sales run from time to time, which might account for the heavier 15% discount.

Yeah, I was thinking 15% is a really big discount, esp if it was for a colourless diamond.

 

[PersianGemstone]

Thank you, Chrono & LoversKites!

 

[PersianGemstone]

Is anyone aware of any appraisers or at least a gem specialist, that can ascertain if my mother's ruby is genuine, in the Dallas/Forth Worth area of Texas? If we can determine that and maybe have a certificate made for it regarding grade, color, clarity, etc. I may consider it for my engagement ring, even if it's not a square-inspired cut. I only would consider it because it's my mother's, it may be vintage/antique (see story below), and it is my boyfriend's birthstone, and it's a beautiful blood red...so lots of symbolism, possible history, and a shade of color I like.

The only thing my mother could tell me about it is that she bought it in Iran well over 35 years ago. She was told by the jeweler, at the time of sale, that it was a vintage/antique ruby. He noted that it was vintage/antique because there was a hole directly in the top of the stone near the tip of the pear. He told her that in olden days, some jewelers wouldn't set stones in metal, but rather drill holes directly in the stone and hang the stone from the chain. Does anyone know if there is any truth to this story my mother was told?

Here's some pics. She had the ruby wrapped in gold and placed on a chain. One of the pics is of the ruby necklace next to her wedding ring (that clearly needs to be cleaned, but I digress).

 

[Marlow]

Always difficult to say from some pictures but the pear shaped stone is quite large and clean with a brownish tone.

My personal opinion is it is not a natural ruby.

Do you see inclusions??

 

[PersianGemstone]

Always difficult to say from some pictures but the pear shaped stone is quite large and clean with a brownish tone.

My personal opinion is it is not a natural ruby.

Do you see inclusions??

I agree that it is difficult to tell from a picture. That is why I was hoping someone can help me (or rather my mother) find a gem specialist in the Dallas/Fort Worth area so that my mother can take it to them to ascertain its genuineness. Or maybe someone knows of a website where one can locate such a person/company that will do the assessment.

I displayed the pictures to show where the hole in the stone is and to see if the story she was told was real or not. Was there a time period where jewelers would directly pierce precious stones versus setting it into a metal? Or was there a region of the world where such a technique may have been popular/preferred? I recall reading that in India, it was popular to do that with Sardonyx. However, this is not a Sardonyx.

Unfortunately I cannot answer your question regarding inclusions as my mother and I live in two different states and the necklace is with her.

 

[ElleK]

I would suggest sending it to AGL where they can do a slew of tests to ascertain treatment, possible origin, etc.

http://aglgemlab.com/pricelist/

 

[Marlow]

I would suggest sending it to AGL where they can do a slew of tests to ascertain treatment, possible origin, etc.

http://aglgemlab.com/pricelist/

Which means 75$ for a possible glass or synthetic....

Maybe the OP has a opportunity to find a pawn shop etc. for a first check and then maybe AGL...

I fear it is glass ( to clean, to large, shape unusual for ruby)

Maybe a tourmaline or garnet ????

I know that the gold is important and the stones not - they often use fantastic gold jewellery but set synthetic course it is a kind of money in Turkey, Iran etc.

 

[T L]

If it's very large and clean, and has checkerboard faceting (does it?), it's very likely to be synthetic. However, a lab would know for sure.

 

[partgypsy]

It seems worth $75 for a report, at the very least to satisfy your curiosity?

more places to browse,
http://www.mineralminers.com/html/rbygems.stm
I like the 1.6 carat cushion ruby for just under 3K



Gemfix has a number of rubies some in your price range
http://www.gemfix.com/ruby.html#thumb
such as Untreated Ruby Oval Mixed Cut Weight: 1.17 cts Enhancements: None
Price: $ 2970.00 Order/Stock No.: ruby_544
Description: Glowing pinkish-red ruby, gorgeous! Certifed untreated. Pantone calls this one "Ruby RedC". AGL lab report included.

 

[PersianGemstone]

I would suggest sending it to AGL where they can do a slew of tests to ascertain treatment, possible origin, etc.

http://aglgemlab.com/pricelist/

Which means 75$ for a possible glass or synthetic....

Maybe the OP has a opportunity to find a pawn shop etc. for a first check and then maybe AGL...

I fear it is glass ( to clean, to large, shape unusual for ruby)

Maybe a tourmaline or garnet ????

I know that the gold is important and the stones not - they often use fantastic gold jewellery but set synthetic course it is a kind of money in Turkey, Iran etc.

I think going to a pawn shop is a great first stop! I'll definitely suggest it to my mother and if all goes well there, then I'll give her the AGL website listed above.

 

[PersianGemstone]

If it's very large and clean, and has checkerboard faceting (does it?), it's very likely to be synthetic. However, a lab would know for sure.

I'm not sure if it is checkerboard faceting and my mother is not too savvy with faceting so she won't be able to clarify.