Large Black Spinel or Sapphire

[razshan]

Hi All,
I'm in the market for a black stone for a custom engagement ring, with the only guidance is that it has to be big! Bigger The better! I'm after a 20-30+ carat stone, but have struggled to find certified stones of this size.
I was looking at Treated Black Diamonds, but have been advised by members of this forum that black spinels and sapphires represent better value. Could anyone suggest dealers who may be able to help me source large stones like this? Extra points if they're Australian.

Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks
Shannon

 

[passions4purples]

What's your budget, and do you have any preferences regarding cut?

ETA: Sorry, I misread and I thought you wanted 2-3 carats! I'd have no idea where to look for 20-30, or even if that's wearable as a ring. Good luck though - and if you find it I'd love to see it!

 

[voce]

Try Sapphire Pal on Etsy? They seem to have a large number of sapphires and would probably be able to source something. Sometimes the colored sapphires can get really really dark, so I'm sure Australia would have some black sapphire.

 

[chrono]

I’m super curious how she is going to wear a 25 mm / 1 inch stone on her finger! Because that’s the size of a 30 ct stone so please confirm that she is fine with that size. My concern is the impracticality and it’s going to get smacked and chipped too easily.

Secondly, please be sure black is what she wants. It’s admittedly a very unusual choice as an engagement stone.

 

[razshan]

I’m super curious how she is going to wear a 25 mm / 1 inch stone on her finger! Because that’s the size of a 30 ct stone so please confirm that she is fine with that size. My concern is the impracticality and it’s going to get smacked and chipped too easily.

Secondly, please be sure black is what she wants. It’s admittedly a very unusual choice as an engagement stone.

Hi Chrono,

Yes it is unusual/unique, much like my partner.
Yes she orginally wanted a black diamond, but due to price constraints,
And the issue of the flaws in black diamonds and the possibility of damage,
I'm looking at black Spinels and Sapphires as the next best option,
with a budget of a few grand and preferably in an emerald or similar cut.
She has a black onyx ring that is actually larger than the size I'm looking at,
So it is wearable, and it's her style, large and chunky.
Thanks
Shannon

 

[chrono]

I’m afraid even a spinel or sapphire won’t hold up in that size due to the exposure of being knocked about. A cabochon will probably hold up better. Will it be worn often?

 

[SparkliesLuver]

I know Doug has black spinel rough and he's in Australia. I'm not sure he has any that will cut that large of a stone, but it can't hurt to ask.

https://www.bespoke-gems.com/SacredGeometrics_Gemstones_Rough_BlackSpinel.php

 

[qubitasaurus]

I would ask about the black spinel rough listed here

http://www.osirisgems.com/gems1.html