Is this jedi? Show me your jedi spinels!

[Probee]

Hello,

I’m starting my colored gem collection and still learning how to identify gem colors and cost. Would this be considered jedi? If no, what would it be called? How much should I expect to pay per ct for stones that are over 2 ct? Would love to see your jedi. Thank you!

 

[Lentibulariaceae]

Personally I wouldn’t consider that Jedi, but I also hold “Jedi” stones to an absurdly high standard. There’s also no consistent criteria for “Jedi” status, as far as I am aware. I do have one I would consider to be on the lower end of Jedi:


This pretty guy actually originally belonged to our very own @CBianco and was my first spinel as a collector! 0.56 ct (which funnily enough, all of my completely unrelated spinels are the exact same size) Burmese Namya spinel. Even on the very dark shelf that sends most of my gems into their most unflattering light, this guy still glows.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Everyone sort of has a slightly differing opinion on what constitutes a "jedi." I'm not a big fan of trade terms du jour. But if that gem's color looks as good in person, I'd say it's certainly a contender. A "jedi" spinel is said to be "untouched by the dark side," hence the star wars homage. It should be intensely saturated red or pink with strong fluorescence (some would say "neon").

 

[Probee]

Personally I wouldn’t consider that Jedi, but I also hold “Jedi” stones to an absurdly high standard. There’s also no consistent criteria for “Jedi” status, as far as I am aware. I do have one I would consider to be on the lower end of Jedi:


This pretty guy actually originally belonged to our very own @CBianco and was my first spinel as a collector! 0.56 ct (which funnily enough, all of my completely unrelated spinels are the exact same size) Burmese Namya spinel. Even on the very dark shelf that sends most of my gems into their most unflattering light, this guy still glows.

That’s a very pretty stone. What make it a perfect jedi? I’m assume the one I posted may have some dark spots? Your stone seem to have a cool modifier? Thank you for sharing.

 

[Probee]

Everyone sort of has a slightly differing opinion on what constitutes a "jedi." I'm not a big fan of trade terms du jour. But if that gem's color looks as good in person, I'd say it's certainly a contender. A "jedi" spinel is said to be "untouched by the dark side," hence the star wars homage. It should be intensely saturated red or pink with strong fluorescence (some would say "neon").

That’s great information! I was looking at another PS member’ posting, I think landscape, and they have a significant collection and they don’t all look the same. Is glow a significant factor for jedi? Show much should I expect to pay for the one above? It’s slightly over 2ct. Thank you.

 

[Autumn in New England]

That’s great information! I was looking at another PS member’ posting, I think landscape, and they have a significant collection and they don’t all look the same. Is glow a significant factor for jedi? Show much should I expect to pay for the one above? It’s slightly over 2ct. Thank you.

Glow is THE factor, I would say, aside from the fact that it should be a pink to red spinel (although I've seen some vendors refer to "neon" cobalts as jedi too). Pricing can vary wildly with even subtle differences in quality.

 

[Dr_Diesel]

Per AIGS:


“Jedi Spinel refers to the color of medium to high saturation of red, pinkish red, reddish pink to orangy red, without brown, black tones, with evenly distributed color of natural faceted spinel. Jedi Spinel also has excellent brilliance with flawless clarity to naked eyes, exclusively from Myanmar mining areas, without heat treatment or oiling or coating treatment with medium to strong fluorescence. Only gemstones with above qualifications can be regarded as AIGS Type Jedi Spinel.”

AIGS Launches Jedi Spinel Grading Reports

Excerpt

roskingemnewsreport.com

 

[Dr_Diesel]

Hello,

I’m starting my colored gem collection and still learning how to identify gem colors and cost. Would this be considered jedi? If no, what would it be called? How much should I expect to pay per ct for stones that are over 2 ct? Would love to see your jedi. Thank you!

I’m guessing this one would likely be called vivid red

 

[Probee]

Glow is THE factor, I would say, aside from the fact that it should be a pink to red spinel (although I've seen some vendors refer to "neon" cobalts as jedi too). Pricing can vary wildly with even subtle differences in quality.

I just want to make sure I’m in the ballpark and not way off. Any suggestion on websites to look for something similar with fair pricing?

 

[Autumn in New England]

Per AIGS:


“Jedi Spinel refers to the color of medium to high saturation of red, pinkish red, reddish pink to orangy red, without brown, black tones, with evenly distributed color of natural faceted spinel. Jedi Spinel also has excellent brilliance with flawless clarity to naked eyes, exclusively from Myanmar mining areas, without heat treatment or oiling or coating treatment with medium to strong fluorescence. Only gemstones with above qualifications can be regarded as AIGS Type Jedi Spinel.”

AIGS Launches Jedi Spinel Grading Reports

Excerpt

roskingemnewsreport.com

This is immensely helpful... I appreciate that AIGS has attempted to qualify the term.

 

[Autumn in New England]

I just want to make sure I’m in the ballpark and not way off. Any suggestion on websites to look for something similar with fair pricing?

I believe our Dr_Diesel recently purchased his from HiGems on Insta. Their collection is .

 

[Autumn in New England]

I’m guessing this one would likely be called vivid red

Please educate me as to why, doc? I tend to interpret all medium tone, vivid saturation red/pink spinels with strong fluorescence as "jedi." Yet I see others differentiate further. Do you think this one's tone will be too dark in person?

 

[Dr_Diesel]

Stephan from HiGems is only willing to refer to saturated, highly fluorescent pink or pinkish reds as Jedi.

I asked him about the one I recently bought about whether or not it would qualify as Jedi. He said that he would refer to it as vivid red despite it’s very strong fluorescence and medium tone.

He always refers to the straight reds as vivid red and refuses to call them Jedi.

… so I defer to him because he has more experience with Jedis (and their certification) than I do.

Maybe at some point I’ll submit the 1.76 to AIGS and see if it qualifies.

I suppose it depends on the person, but I’ve seen that color referred to as “Jedi Red” if it shows strong fluorescence.

These trade names are pretty subjective.

 

[lovedogs]

I believe our Dr_Diesel recently purchased his from HiGems on Insta. Their collection is .

Hi gems is great. That's where I bought mine too

 

[Autumn in New England]

Stephan from HiGems is only willing to refer to saturated, highly fluorescent pink or pinkish reds as Jedi.

I asked him about the one I recently bought about whether or not it would qualify as Jedi. He said that he would refer to it as vivid red despite it’s very strong fluorescence and medium tone.

He always refers to the straight reds as vivid red and refuses to call them Jedi.

… so I defer to him because he has more experience with Jedis (and their certification) than I do.

Maybe at some point I’ll submit the 1.76 to AIGS and see if it qualifies.

I suppose it depends on the person, but I’ve seen that color referred to as “Jedi Red” if it shows strong fluorescence.

These trade names are pretty subjective.

Thank you! AIGS seems to mention that even orangey-reds can qualify. Interesting... color is highly subjective, as you said.

 

[Autumn in New England]

@Dr_Diesel Do you think my stone would qualify under AIGS's definition? It was advertised as such, but I tend to ignore all of those monikers (as in, I wasn't shopping for "jedi"). I just knew that I wanted a vibrant stone with good fluorescence that wasn't overly dark. She has a slight kiss of orange, I would say, which gives her that "stoplight" look. But Lotus just called her "red, medium tone, vivid saturation from Mogok." I didn't want anything pink-leaning (since I already have a Mahenge). She's also extremely brilliant. The native cut is "meh," but no windowing at least.

 

[Dr_Diesel]

@Dr_Diesel Do you think my stone would qualify under AIGS's definition? It was advertised as such, but I tend to ignore all of those monikers (as in, I wasn't shopping for "jedi"). I just knew that I wanted a vibrant stone with good fluorescence that wasn't overly dark. She has a slight kiss of orange, I would say, which gives her that "stoplight" look. But Lotus just called her "red, medium tone, vivid saturation from Mogok." I didn't want anything pink-leaning (since I already have a Mahenge). She's also extremely brilliant. The native cut is "meh," but no windowing at least.

I think it’s very possible. In fact, I’ll bet it would. I would certainly call it a Jedi for whatever that’s worth.

It seems the combination of vivid saturation and strong fluorescence should meet AIGS criteria.

Lotus simply doesn’t use the term Jedi.

The ones with a kiss of orange do seem to have a more fiery, vibrant presence.

IMO, both your stone and mine “should” qualify as Jedi, at least in my mind.

There is certainly nothing dark about them!

 

[Autumn in New England]

I think it’s very possible. In fact, I’ll bet it would. I would certainly call it a Jedi for whatever that’s worth.

It seems the combination of vivid saturation and strong fluorescence should meet AIGS criteria.

Lotus simply doesn’t use the term Jedi.

The ones with a kiss of orange do seem to have a more fiery, vibrant presence.

IMO, both your stone and mine “should” qualify as Jedi, at least in my mind.

There is certainly nothing dark about them!

Look how cute they look together! Aww... lol Yes, if mine would be considered jedi, yours certainly is!!

What are the dimensions of your hottie? Mine has a high crown, so I lost some spread.

 

[Odyssey44]

Hi gems is great. That's where I bought mine too

I bought a peachy pink spinel from him because I liked the color. He was super nice, honest and knowledgeable. I would not hesitate to buy from him again. Just FYI OP, you need to send him cash. He does not take paypal. Telling you so you will not be surprised.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

Just barging in to say in my non-expert meaningless opinion, a pure red spinel would not be Jedi. But a neon cobalt blue, or any other neon color, would. Black spinel would be Mandalorian. Medium purple is reserved for Samuel L. Jackson.

Back to your regularly scheduled serious conversation.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Just barging in to say in my non-expert meaningless opinion, a pure red spinel would not be Jedi. But a neon cobalt blue, or any other neon color, would. Black spinel would be Mandalorian. Medium purple is reserved for Samuel L. Jackson.

Back to your regularly scheduled serious conversation.

I see what you did there!

 

[Dr_Diesel]

Look how cute they look together! Aww... lol Yes, if mine would be considered jedi, yours certainly is!!

What are the dimensions of your hottie? Mine has a high crown, so I lost some spread.

Mine is super deep with a high crown as well:

1.76ct @ 6.56 x 5.44 x 5.80mm (106% depth)

And yours?

 

[Autumn in New England]

Mine is super deep with a high crown as well:

1.76ct @ 6.56 x 5.44 x 5.80mm (106% depth)

And yours?

That seems to be what gives them their brilliance though. I don't think mine is unusually deep, but the crown is rather high. I need to look at the cert for measurements. I lost my calipers!

 

[Dr_Diesel]

That seems to be what gives them their brilliance though. I don't think mine is unusually deep, but the crown is rather high. I need to look at the cert for measurements. I lost my calipers!

The depth also enhances color saturation

 

[Autumn in New England]

The depth also enhances color saturation

So, yep, mine is both high and deep like yours. At 2.74ct., it's only 8.30 x 6.32 x 6.21mm. I feel like it should be way bigger at that weight.... and being a cushion doesn't help. It was one of the reasons I got a decent price, I think. But I firmly believe it adds to the brilliance and saturation, as you said. I suppose I prefer it to a spready dullard. lol

 

[Dr_Diesel]

So, yep, mine is both high and deep like yours. At 2.74ct., it's only 8.30 x 6.32 x 6.21mm. I feel like it should be way bigger at that weight.... and being a cushion doesn't help. It was one of the reasons I got a decent price, I think. But I firmly believe it adds to the brilliance and saturation, as you said. I suppose I prefer it to a spready dullard. lol

This is typical Burmese cutting and, IMO, is THE most effective way to cut spinel.

Many people assume that "native" cutting is "all about weight retention" and it's simply not true.

The best cutters I've ever met are not the ones that do computer-guided high-precision work. The best cutters IMO are the ones who understand the material and can make appropriate choices.

Cutting stones is ALWAYS a series of compromises and, in red spinel, depth can yield both brilliance and better saturation. The "compromise" is on how much depth to lose (how low to cut the table) to maximize brilliance, color and weight without creating windows or extinction.

Off-center culets on the other hand are simply about preserving weight and face-up size while compromising brilliance....but it is an intentional, calculated trade-off.

....I'm actually learning BOTH traditional freehand cutting on a traditional machine and "precision cutting" on a Facetron right now, so I am gaining a greater appreciation for both methods.

*A note on so-called "optimal light performance." This is not a static condition. A cut that performs "optimally" in one set of lighting conditions and at a particular angle or range of angles will invariably be suboptimal in other conditions or at other orientations. IMO, the more effective cutting is traditional (stepped pavilion and brilliant crown) cutting that works "near optimally" in a variety of different lighting conditions and at a variety of angles - again, a series of compromises. ​

 

[Autumn in New England]

This is typical Burmese cutting and, IMO, is THE most effective way to cut spinel.

Many people assume that "native" cutting is "all about weight retention" and it's simply not true.

The best cutters I've ever met are not the ones that do computer-guided high-precision work. The best cutters IMO are the ones who understand the material and can make appropriate choices.

Cutting stones is ALWAYS a series of compromises and, in red spinel, depth can yield both brilliance and better saturation. The "compromise" is on how much depth to lose (how low to cut the table) to maximize brilliance, color and weight without creating windows or extinction.

Off-center culets on the other hand are simply about preserving weight and face-up size while compromising brilliance....but it is an intentional, calculated trade-off.

....I'm actually learning BOTH traditional freehand cutting on a traditional machine and "precision cutting" on a Facetron right now, so I am gaining a greater appreciation for both methods.

*A note on so-called "optimal light performance." This is not a static condition. A cut that performs "optimally" in one set of lighting conditions and at a particular angle or range of angles will invariably be suboptimal in other conditions or at other orientations. IMO, the more effective cutting is traditional (stepped pavilion and brilliant crown) cutting that works "near optimally" in a variety of different lighting conditions and at a variety of angles - again, a series of compromises. ​

That explains why so many native cuts are mixed. Thank you! Please hurry up and perfect your cutting style, so I can have you be my personal lapidary.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Hello,

I’m starting my colored gem collection and still learning how to identify gem colors and cost. Would this be considered jedi? If no, what would it be called? How much should I expect to pay per ct for stones that are over 2 ct? Would love to see your jedi. Thank you!

wow ! its like a lolly pop
the colour is luscious
a fine start to your collection

 

[Autumn in New England]

wow ! its like a lolly pop
the colour is luscious
a fine start to your collection

I love how you liken everything to food... same, girl, same.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I love how you liken everything to food... same, girl, same.

dont you just want to lick it !!!