Large Asscher tsavorite or mint garnet

[Jopdrop]

Hi all,

I don’t post here often but I have been a regular reader here for over a decade. I have been obsessed with this stone originally owned by Endless Summer ever since she first had it commissioned. It has been available on JBG for a very long time now. I would love to own it however I am worried that the reason it hasn’t yet sold is because it is overpriced. I do understand though that there likely aren’t any other stones like this on the market so calling it overpriced isn’t really fair when there isn’t anything to compare it to.
Does anyone know of any other large merelani mints or mid toned tsavorites in a well cut Asscher that are around? Or any vendors that may have rough on hand currently?

Regards,
Matt

 

[Redwoods-hiker-girl]

I agree that it's gorgeous! Have you contacted Jeff White to ask him about cutting a similar Asscher for you? You might also check with Gary Braun at Finewater and Gene Flanigan at Precision Gem. I've commissioned a number of stones from each of these three, and I recommend them highly.

 

[Jopdrop]

I agree that it's gorgeous! Have you contacted Jeff White to ask him about cutting a similar Asscher for you? You might also check with Gary Braun at Finewater and Gene Flanigan at Precision Gem. I've commissioned a number of stones from each of these three, and I recommend them highly.

I haven’t reached out to him. I know that this was from a very old parcel and I believe Jeff said that he wouldn’t ever have another piece like this. I will reach out anyway though, perhaps there is another piece in the back of a safe somewhere.

 

[minousbijoux]

The combination of over 5 carats and an asscher cut makes this stone as rare as hen's teeth. I have adored that ring since I first set eyes on it, and would not want to miss it if I were in the market. Taken as a whole, it is a drop dead gorgeous piece. I do hope you get it!

 

[Jopdrop]

The combination of over 5 carats and an asscher cut makes this stone as rare as hen's teeth. I have adored that ring since I first set eyes on it, and would not want to miss it if I were in the market. Taken as a whole, it is a drop dead gorgeous piece. I do hope you get it!

I am so tempted. I am just a bit nervous because it has been available for such a long time. It would also mean forgoing the 2.5ct ACA that I have in the works. My logical side is telling me that a 2.5ct ACA will always be available but it’s still a tough choice.
There is also no returns with JBG if I do a layaway so that is another big factor to consider. The photos on the listing are nowhere near as vibrant as the ones posted by Endless Summer.

 

[minousbijoux]

I am so tempted. I am just a bit nervous because it has been available for such a long time. It would also mean forgoing the 2.5ct ACA that I have in the works. My logical side is telling me that a 2.5ct ACA will always be available but it’s still a tough choice.
There is also no returns with JBG if I do a layaway so that is another big factor to consider.

Yes, that is a lot to consider!

 

[icy_jade]

If you can created a similar looking ring at a fraction of the cost using another gemstone like tourmaline, would that be an option you would take?

 

[Jopdrop]

If you can created a similar looking ring at a fraction of the cost using another gemstone like tourmaline, would that be an option you would take?

Unfortunately not, I have actually tried that and I have 6 or 7 mint tourmaline Asschers in my collection for the purpose. Unfortunately none of them scratched the itch for me. They lack the brilliance of a garnet.
These are a few of them. They are beautiful but not quite the same. I do still love them though and I want to work out a project to utilise them.

 

[icy_jade]

I think a very very clean aquamarine may work too if you are ok with a blue version. Must be very very clean so that it’s sparkly but ok if you have explored the tourmaline option, and think a replacement gemstone doesn’t work then scratch that.

 

[Autumn in New England]

That is a STUNNER. The end!

 

[Jopdrop]

I think a very very clean aquamarine may work too if you are ok with a blue version. Must be very very clean so that it’s sparkly but ok if you have explored the tourmaline option, and think a replacement gemstone doesn’t work then scratch that.

I’m actually not a huge fan of aquamarine either. I find they’re usually not saturated enough for me and even precision cut stones don’t have a the light return that I love.

 

[LilAlex]

The photos on the listing are nowhere near as vibrant as the ones posted by Endless Summer.

I agree with this. I don't know if you are cautioning us that the JBG ones are not representative or worried that the earlier PS glamour shots may not be. Will the vendor send you better photos? Outdoors under cloudy skies? They are all tilted away so you are not seeing the stone en face. None of the JBG photos do it for me.

 

[Jopdrop]

I agree with this. I don't know if you are cautioning us that the JBG ones are not representative or worried that the earlier PS glamour shots may not be. Will the vendor send you better photos? Outdoors under cloudy skies? They are all tilted away so you are not seeing the stone en face. None of the JBG photos do it for me.

My concern is that the JBG photos are more accurate than the PS glamour shots. I have seen videos of this ring on instagram though where it looks closer to the glamour shots. I will definitely be asking for more photos/videos if I go ahead.

 

[icy_jade]

The first photo you posted - the ring will only ever look like that in the most ideal lighting condition. I have a mint garnet and it does not look like that at all times I assure you.

So if you want a stone that looks like that all the time, it’s impossible. Just to be clear as otherwise you will be very disappointed when you see it or have an unrealistic expectation of mint garnets.

 

[icy_jade]

JBG photos are more accurate than the PS glamour shots.

Had a look at the pics on the site and I think it’s what you will see in real life majority of the time. Then once in a while when the stars align you will see the ring/stone like you see in the first pic and it will blow your socks off, but only once in a while.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Honestly? I just went to check out the site and was surprised at how "Meh" the ring looks for the price tag. Even the video of the hand moving it around it was incredibly bland looking. It reminds me of a tourmaline that I have lying in my draw, untouched.

But that's purely what my eye sees and if you love it, you love it! Sometimes you just can't let these things go and if it's amazing in your eyes and you have the funds just go for it.

 

[dk168]

I don't know the asking price for the piece as I can't find "JBG"!

However, I believe a substantial amount belongs to the setting itself.

I have a blue Zircon cut by Jeff W in his Asscher cut, I call it his Windmill cut and it is amazing!

DK

 

[dk168]

The original thread of the ring:

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...scher-mint-garnet-set-as-a-five-stone.219509/

DK

 

[Avondale]

I don't know the asking price for the piece as I can't find "JBG"!

Jewels by Grace, it's listed for nearly 22k.

 

[Jopdrop]

The first photo you posted - the ring will only ever look like that in the most ideal lighting condition. I have a mint garnet and it does not look like that at all times I assure you.

So if you want a stone that looks like that all the time, it’s impossible. Just to be clear as otherwise you will be very disappointed when you see it or have an unrealistic expectation of mint garnets.

I have a handful of smaller mint garnets already. Some are always “on” and look neon in almost all lighting. Others look more like the JBG photos.
I’ve reached out to her to see what she sees with her eyes most of the time.
The two videos she has posted on instagram look amazing and a friend saw it at Tucson and told me it is stunning IRL.
Hopefully she gets back to me with good news.

 

[dk168]

Jewels by Grace, it's listed for nearly 22k.

Jeff has a trillion mint garnet on his site for sale currently, only 3.84ct, and the colour is not as nice as in bright as the stone in the ring on sale.

https://www.whitesgems.com/gar271

This is the glamour shot of the Asscher in his sold gemstone gallery:

https://www.whitesgems.com/garnetgallery?pgid=k9nfe0vo-f51efd56-ef2b-47f4-a7d2-aea51b21a0ac

DK

 

[dk168]

IMHO, it is unlikely one can find a good enough rough for a 5ct+ Asscher cut Tsavorite nowadays. If one exists, it would cost a fortune and probably more than the asking price for this ring!

Can't remember who, however, a PSer recently tried to source a Tsavorite around 3ct and had a struggle.

Mine from Jeff W recently was a round stone of 2.53 ct. and 7.57 x 7.57 mm in size, and I can't get a bigger Tsavorite even if I had the money!

DK

 

[icy_jade]

Agree with @dk168 and tsavs won’t perform the same way anyway. Even the best I’ve seen can have meh moments. Plus prices for tsavs are ridiculous…

If OP wants that light up in the sun effect, I thought neon tourmalines and good aquamarines will work as well. Not all tourmalines/aquas can glow/light up in the sun but those that do are pretty nice.

$22k… is way more than what I paid for an unheated 3 carat Mozambican ruby a few months ago so I cannot in good conscience advise anyone to buy a mint garnet, no matter how pretty, at that price.

 

[dk168]

This is my mint grossular Garnet from Jeff W, a small one at 1.68ct, 8.02 x 6.11mm (my first oval from him), according to him, the video was shot in natural light and there was a blue sky overhead:

As I had said before, I suspect a big chunk of the asking price is for the setting, as the traps and bullets are quite big, and the platinum ring setting is substantial.

The stone is very clean and gorgeous for a big 5ct+ stone IMHO, and Jeff is very proud of it as it is featured in the covering photo of his FB page to this date!

If OP is considering creating a similar ring from scratch, Gary B at Finewater Gems has a larger mint Tourmaline listed currently:

https://www.finewatergems.com/store/p618/16.09ctMintTourmaline.html

I can't remember seeing this stone when I met Gary in Tucson in February 2023 to be able to comment what it is like IRL, sorry!

DK

 

[glitterata]

If you're considering spending $22K on a ring you can't return, go see it in person first. Where do you live? Book a hotel room and get on an airplane. Then you will know. Whatever the trip costs, it will be way less than $22K of unending regret if you find the ring disappointing after you buy it. And either way, you could have a pleasant weekend in LA.

 

[icy_jade]

big chunk of the asking price

And the consignment charges too? I recall it as 20% for some reason. I may be wrong of course.

Side stones are 0.99 tcw. Not cheap but certainly not that type of sky high price?

 

[Jopdrop]

This is my mint grossular Garnet from Jeff W, a small one at 1.68ct, 8.02 x 6.11mm (my first oval from him), according to him, the video was shot in natural light and there was a blue sky overhead:

As I had said before, I suspect a big chunk of the asking price is for the setting, as the traps and bullets are quite big, and the platinum ring setting is substantial.

The stone is very clean and gorgeous for a big 5ct+ stone IMHO, and Jeff is very proud of it as it is featured in the covering photo of his FB page to this date!

If OP is considering creating a similar ring from scratch, Gary B at Finewater Gems has a larger mint Tourmaline listed currently:

https://www.finewatergems.com/store/p618/16.09ctMintTourmaline.html

I can't remember seeing this stone when I met Gary in Tucson in February 2023 to be able to comment what it is like IRL, sorry!

DK

Your stone is beautiful!!

I actually think that the tsavorite in his cover photo is a slightly smaller stone from the same parcel. IIRC he cut two of these. The other was around 4 carats. Stunning either way.

I do love tourmaline too, but I just don’t think it will scratch the itch. Tourmaline comes in beautiful colours but it always looks flat to me compared to a garnet.

If you're considering spending $22K on a ring you can't return, go see it in person first. Where do you live? Book a hotel room and get on an airplane. Then you will know. Whatever the trip costs, it will be way less than $22K of unending regret if you find the ring disappointing after you buy it. And either way, you could have a pleasant weekend in LA.

I would love to see it in person first. That’s not something I can do anytime soon though. I am in Australia so it is a 15 hour flight and would cost at least $5000 for return tickets. I already have a few holidays planned for the year and I can’t take anymore time away from my company this year. I will have to settle for lots of photos and videos in different lighting.

 

[Mreader]

I’ve seen this ring on PS before and also seen the crazy price tag on JbG. I’m curious AS HECK on what the original price was. I have a feeling it’s a huge disparity.

In regard to photos, I don’t know which ones are more realistic, but I have noticed that jewels by grace pictures tend to not be as pretty as the real life ones.

 

[glitterata]

I would love to see it in person first. That’s not something I can do anytime soon though. I am in Australia so it is a 15 hour flight and would cost at least $5000 for return tickets. I already have a few holidays planned for the year and I can’t take anymore time away from my company this year. I will have to settle for lots of photos and videos in different lighting.

Ah, I see. LA Pricescopers, you have an errand! Go check out this ring in person for Jopdrop and report back whether it looks like the videos to your eyes.

Actually, @Jopdrop, if it were me, I would be looking for a vanadium chrysoberyl. That would have the liveliness (high refractive index) you're looking for, along with a similar color and much higher hardness/durability. Not that those are cheap or easy to find either.

 

[dk168]

Your stone is beautiful!!

I actually think that the tsavorite in his cover photo is a slightly smaller stone from the same parcel. IIRC he cut two of these. The other was around 4 carats. Stunning either way.

Thank you.

However, I would like to clarity what you meant with regard to your comment please, as in which Tsavorite in whose cover photo.

This is Jeff's FB Page cover photo that I was referring to, and I believe the stone on the left is the 5.14ct Mint Garnet in the ring currently consigned with JbG.



DK