Is this Sapphire Blue too Deep

[Nina-W]

Thinking of buying this pendant but I don’t know anything about sapphire. I just like the style. What do you think of the stone? Seller said it’s about 1.6ct and no heat. Do you think the blue is too deep and lack of brilliance? TIA

 

[lmyracle]

It depends on what YOU like. It’s a little too dark for me. Sapphires come in many different shades, tones and hues. Is there a certificate stating no heat? I wouldn’t just take someone’s word. Trust but verify.

 

[Begonia]

Well I'm no sapphire expert, but it seems dark and lifeless in those photos. Is that what you're seeing IRL?

 

[JackTrick]

Based on the photos, I suspect it’ll be pretty dark and inky in most lights.

 

[Nina-W]

Thanks all. Comes with another jeweler’ report but the report does confirm deep blue color no heat no windowing and 15% brilliance. Not sure what the brilliance grade means.

 

[Bron357]

Hi, as others have said it’s very dark.
Does it have a lab report? A jewellery report is all well and good but unless they are an accredited gemologist their opinion of “heated” vs “non heated” is just an opinion. Because there is a premium involved with unheated, you want a proper lab report.
I’m not sure what % brilliancy means, it’s not part of any lab report I’ve seen for coloured gems.
Back to the colour. It is very dark, it will look black in virtually all lightening conditions because it is set in a halo and will always be worn against your skin.
Because sapphires come in many many tones and hues, it can be a personal choice as to what colour, tone and hue YOU love. However, I think if you’re asking “is it too dark” it’s probably not the one for you.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

aa someone with a sapphire ring that is too dark i would proceed with caution on this
i assume it has a return window

 

[Niel]

Yes.

 

[caf]

Yes.

 

[lovedogs]

I think it's too dark. Also, another jewelers "report" really doesnt mean anything

 

[dk168]

Too dark for me personally, however, each to their own.

DK

 

[Nina-W]

Thank you all. I think I’ll pass on this one. I like the color on the first one when worn but obviously it’s darker than that.

 

[Nina-W]

Add to the note, this is an antique with OECs. Would that change anything?

 

[kenny]

Add to the note, this is an antique with OECs. Would that change anything?

New and too dark vs. old and too dark?
Nope, doesn't change a thing for me.
I don't like it.

Top color is my most important spec.
Size is my least important.

But people vary.
Buy whatever you like.

 

[dk168]

Add to the note, this is an antique with OECs. Would that change anything?

Nope, as the Sapphire itself is too dark for my liking, irrespective of its setting.

DK

 

[Nina-W]

Great. I was hesitant about the color out of all things and thanks for all the reassurance!

 

[VividRed]

15% brilliancy, whatever it means (AGL-type brilliance probably?) is extremely low. We’re talking low commercial grade, heated or not

 

[Arcadian]

I will say that its very hard to judge on images. We all try, but they don't always tell you what you're going to see in person in your own environment.based on the images the tone is deep. too deep for my personal liking.



@Linnie I think you need to work out what you want in a sapphire in terms of color and tone.


FYI I'm no expert and probably forgot stuff...lol just putting that out there.

That said there's some key things you should probably think about first;

Think about the color blue that you like....is it a lighter blue, medium blue, or dark blue?
I personally like using pantone for color to start with as they have lots of them!
https://www.pantone.com/color-finder

Next figure out the tone you want for your stone. Just note that tone is the depth of color. Deeper the tone, the darker the stone (that rhymed...lol) A lighter tone can make the stone too gray, even on a deeper colored stone. Can come down to cut too.

@VividRed mentioned brilliancy. I think its pretty much tied to the cut but, yeah AGL uses that on their Prestige reports.

here's a look of a sample report with some great explanations

Understanding the AGL Prestige Gemstone Report :: National Gemstone

www.preciousgemstones.com

And speaking of cut: A badly cut stone will not reflect light to the eyes. A badly cut stone can be too shallow, have a window. A stone cut too deep (even on a colored stone) is also equally bad.

A well cut stone will, even on a darker toned stone will reflect back to the eye. You still might not like that darker stone but you should be able to see an even cut pattern with your eyes.

There are caveats to the last thing I wrote because of the cut shape....and not all people like the same cut or the same shape, and the shape of your stone can also affect how the facets are seen to the eye too. Do explore different types of cuts and different shapes of stones, find out which ones you really like and apply that as part of your equation.