Input Requested on this Mozambique Ruby

[Django74th]

I had a thread related to picking a setting for a pear ruby but I wanted to start a new one for thoughts on the ruby itself. I'm having a really hard time because our weather is constantly overcast and I can't get decent lighting. Rubies are new to me (I usually go after spinels and tourmaline) so I want to make sure I'm picking a good one. I'm looking for a glowy, well-saturated ruby and I'm less concerned about the size. With that said, I purchased this from a very well respected PS-recommended vendor which resolves some of my concerns but I still can't help but question. I found another ruby that is bigger for only around $500 more which is what has be re-thinking the pear. I like the saturation and pear shape of the first one -- just want to make sure it's not too dark and doesn't have too much extinction (which I know is typical in pear cut anyway). The pear is also cut somewhat shallow so it's spready which is nice but are there any drawbacks to a shallow cut ruby?

Opinions PLEASE!!! Which do you like? Would you pass on both? Thanks in advance!


Vendor's Picture (no flash or retouching):
Unheated Ruby from Mozambique (verified by AGL). 0.88 carats; 7.2 x 4.9 x 3mm; Very spready; Cut in New York





My Picture of the Pear in Hand (no flash or retouching) --- in very (very) overcast, dark lighting... no sunshine is in sight...





Here's the other option for consideration... or maybe I don't choose either one and I keep looking...

Other Possible Contender -- Vendor's Picture:
1.55 ct; Mozambique; no heat; 7.30 x 5.65 x 4.55 mm

 

[woweezowee]

My initial thought is that if you’re still hunting around the for a ruby, the pear isn’t *the one* for you and it doesn’t make your heart sing. I think the pear is gorgeous as far as color and clarity but that extinction is pretty major.

I don’t see anything you critique about the oval, though. It’s gorgeous! So my vote is number 2.

 

[Rfisher]

Does the pear look to your eye similar to your pic on your monitor?
If you think it looks too dark (either body color or extinction) , then I think it’s not the stone for you. Waiting for a sunny day doesn’t change how you see it on cloudy days/interior lighting, it’s pretty individual taste if bright sunshine look would make up for interior viewing look?
(For what it’s worth - I see similar amounts of shadow being cast by the stone in both pictures)

I think the shallowness would bother me in a super clear scintillating Ruby more than a silky Ruby like this one.

it’s hard to know if it’s the right stone for you without seeing multiple ones in person, to know what your tastes are. But if it doesn’t really speak to you - I would listen to that.

 

[lovedogs]

I agree that if you are doubting then the pear isn't the stone for you. I worry that the oval will have the same kinds of exctinction issues (like @Rfisher siaid)

 

[Django74th]

Thanks all! I think part of the problem is I live in gray skies so if this gemstone is best in natural light, I‘m afraid it would be unhappy here. I’m still learning to trust my gut — thanks to everyone for the input!