Is this one a poor step cut sapphire or just normal?

[Spnb]

This is a no-heat 1.6 ct Royal Blue Sapphire that was said to have a velvety quality. The photo was taken inside under normal light on a raining day. Priced normal, not on sale or anything.

I was initially drawn to it by the velvety blue color under the counter lights, but it does look kind of dark without the lights. Would you say that the color is too dark for you? And I am not sure if the stone has a good cut, because I've seen some photos where a step cut sapphire still had quite some shine.

Appreciate any input. Thanks!

 

[seaurchin]

I can't tell that much about the cut because the stone looks somewhat opaque in the pic but the cut looks good to me on the top anyway (I am no expert though). It definitely looks like a dark blue in the photo shown. I guess if you like it or not is just a matter of personal preference. I like it. Do you?

 

[Avondale]

I’d say there’s an undisputed elegance in the combination of rich dark blue and white (both diamonds and metal). Also, the design of this ring makes it very easy to wear daily, so you’ll get plenty of options to enjoy it in abundant sunlight where it will (I’m assuming) display the lovely colour you saw under the counter lights. Don’t be too concerned about whether it’s too dark by someone else’s standards. What you see with your own eyes is the priority.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

as the owner of several too dark dark blue saphires i can definatly see blue in the photo
but id be careful
only buy it if you can return it

 

[CaseyLouLou]

I have learned that velvety blue sapphires that glow under sunlight and bright light often do not looks so great in dim indoor lightning. You can have both so if you are ok with wearing it only in bright light then it looks like a promising option. Very pretty ring and the cut looks fine.

 

[Bron357]

Very few blue sapphires look great in all lighting conditions.
People love different hues, tones and saturation- buy what you love.
If it’s going to be mostly worn and enjoyed indoor / office lighting, chose a sapphire you like under these lighting conditions.
Most Jewellery shops spend a fortune on lighting that makes all their gemstones look fantastic. It’s best to ask if you can step outside the store into more standard indoor lighting / outside natural light to check that you still live the gem in ordinary lighting conditions.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Welcome to the forum! Some great comments here... and I agree. As others have said, I can't tell much about the cut quality from the photo, except to say I love the shape. I also really love the mixture of baguette and marquise diamonds. It's a beautiful ring!

With regard to the color of the sapphire, that's a very personal decision. Jewelry stores have special lighting meant to bring out the best performance possible in gems. It's been a while since I purchased from one, but I always took the piece to a window and had them turn off the overhead lights to check it out in natural daylight.

Everyone has different ideas of which lighting they prefer to view gems. One member recently said, because she spends most of her time under the fluorescent lighting at work, that was the lighting under which she judged all of her gems. But ask most collectors/vendors, and they'd tell you to avoid fluoresent lighting for judging gems. So it's all a matter of preference. I judge all of my gems under natural, indirect light (called "skylight" in the trade) at around noon. I think of it like, if I were a cave woman, and stumbled upon a ruby while out hunting and gathering, that's how I'd be viewing it.... in as natural a state as possible.

Ultimately, the color must please you. If you're having doubts, perhaps it's best to browse a bit more before making a final decision. Good luck!

 

[Rfisher]

not sure if the stone has a good cut, because I've seen some photos where a step cut sapphire still had quite some shin

When you say ‘shine’ do you mean scintillation?
Maybe that’s what your heart wants more than this ones level of ‘velvety glow’? There’s been a few sapphire journeys on PS where the poster gets a few velvety/silky ones in hand and ultimately chooses one with no silk for sharp scintillation instead.