Is this a good deal?

[PenguinUT]

I really like this stone-- http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/large-pink-purple-spinel

Is it a good deal? I don't have much experience with spinels (usually buy sapphire).
(I also like this one-- http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/bb-imperial-malaya-garnet Good deal or no?)

What's the general price range for spinels-- and garnets? $100--$3000? I did read your guide but it didn't really answer the $$$ question for specific gemstones.
And one more question... Does the color of a spinel affect the price? I read in your guide that red is typically the most expensive but what about blue? I know with sapphires the price seems to jump from white-blue-pink-any other color.

Thanks for the help!

 

[katharath]

Oooh, I've been eyeing that Malaya garnet for awhile, I really like that gem. I have looked at similar gems (where I could find them) online, and I personally think it's well priced but not under priced. That is merely my opinion though

I'm not as well versed in what spinel (other than mahenge) usually sell for, so I can't really speak to the spinel price. But yes, spinel definitely is more expensive for the more desirable and better colored gems, the blues, reds, mahenges among them.

 

[katharath]

Oh, and for garnet prices - it very much depends on the type. Tsavorite, demantoid, and color change blues/greens are generally the most expensive. Then usually mint garnet. Most pinks aren't too high, you can get nice rhodolites rather cheaply, IMO. Reds usually are also pretty cheap. You'd need to be more specific in what type or color you're looking for to get a better idea of price range, I think.

 

[JewelFreak]

I've looked at both those garnets several times. If I hadn't spent my budget, one of them wouldn't be there now. Prices are reasonable -- NKOTB bought them from excellent vendors, they're well cut. Both are well saturated, depends on which color you like better. I'm partial to the Imperial one, but the malaya is very nice too.

--- Laurie

 

[katharath]

Here's a link to a blog post about garnets, and I believe it does have some references to pricing, if I remember correctly. I didn't reread it just now, but I've read it before and found it helpful.

http://cecileraleydesigns.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-confusing-world-of-garnets.html?m=1

 

[FrekeChild]

Is it a good deal?
Yes. It's a large stone, and spinels of that size are not exactly plentiful.

Good deal or no?
Yes. Peachy pink stones of any variety are going to be hard to come by, but a light peachy pink malaya cut by Barry Bridgestock, well, those are becoming as rare as hen's teeth...This one is gorgeous.

What's the general price range for spinels-- and garnets? $100--$3000?
$5-thousands and thousands. A smaller cobalt blue spinel from about 4 years ago was for sale for $19k. Red spinels are going sky high in price. Colorless spinels are super rare and getting expensive. Hot pink spinel/mahenge prices are going through the roof. Pale pink, lavender, periwinkle spinels are all getting hard to find and more expensive.
Garnets I'm not as familiar with, but I have heard that green ones are getting more expensive, and quickly.

Does the color of a spinel affect the price?
Absolutely, as I mentioned above in more specific terms. Red stones of ANY variety are going to be expensive, spinels are actually one of the more reasonably priced for the moment. Garnets can be pretty reasonably priced for red, but they often have purple or orange or brown modifiers, so it makes it incredibly hard to find a pure red stone.

what about blue?
Spinels in general seem to be going up in price right now. They have been a well kept secret for a long time, but it seems as though they are becoming more and more popular, and that means the prices are going to start going up. I know that when I first became interested in spinels (my personal favorite is blue) they were more reasonable than they are now, and I don't expect that to change. Even for those with grey or purple modifiers.