Looking at Tanzanite Ring

[ipodobe]

I've been eyeing up a Tanzy ring for over a year. I'm aware of the risks of having a softer stone, but other than that, I'm no expert on Tanzanite at all. This would be my first colored stone purchase, or major jewelry purchase for myself.

Parts of the stone look dark (exclusions?) but hard to tell in photos to my untrained eye. Listing is for $4,450 but has been for sale for a long time so I'm wondering if I can negotiate...

Does the stone and setting look like quality? Is the price fair?

Here's the listing/specs:

"A wonderful Retro period HANDMADE PLATINUM OVAL BRILLIANT CUT TANZANITE in DARK VIOLETISH BLUE color, FLAWLESS (clear, no inclusions),GIA CERTIFIED!!!

The Tanzanite is 3.42CT and measures 10.68-8.64x4.97 MM

There is one row of beautifully cut brilliant round diamonds, set in micro pave halo and side diamonds in F color, VS clarity, appr total weight is 0.72Ct.

A HUGE and ELEGANT ring to own!

The weight of the ring is 7.05gr. The finger size is 6 1/4(sizable).

Retail Value is $12800."

Thanks in advance for any help/insight!

 

[indigoblue]

I am not an expert here. I just hang around and read a lot, but surprisingly I stumbled on this site when I was trying to reset a tanzanite ring I'd bought on eBay. It never got reset because I discovered the wonderful world of colored stones and sorta forgot about what I came here to do. ha

In my opinion (and using my limited experience), the ring you are considering is gorgeous. I love the color of the stone, and the setting complements it nicely. The only thing that troubles me is the window in the center of the stone. Instead of seeing the reflection of facets, you can look right through the stone to the finger behind it (thus the term "window"). This creates a dead area and will reduce the sparkle from the stone. My tanzanite has the same problem, but my stone and its window are much smaller than this one.

Let the others give you their opinions. Weekends are generally slower around here, so don't worry if you don't get a bunch of replies today. Everyone may be out exchanging their Christmas presents. Hang around until Monday when everybody will be back and can advise you better.

 

[T L]

I don't recommend tanzanite for rings unless you wear them very infrequently.

The color, although medium dark in tone, is not top color, and it has a window. Tanzanite, unlike other colored gems, really doesn't hold its value that well since there's so much of it flooding the marketplace and television shopping networks. This is probably why it hasn't sold.

That being said, I think its a fair retail value, but I would save my $4K for something else, more durable, that you can wear more often, and with better cutting/color, even if the stone is smaller.

This doesn't show all the range of tone and saturation for tanzanite, but gives you an idea of the saturation of the stone you're considering.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I think it is too highly priced for what you are getting. Tanzanite, while it has beautiful colors, has not held its value very well.
I realize that you are looking for a deep color tanzanite, but, there is a one carat, lighter tanzanite on either diamond bistro or loupe troupe for $400.00 in 18kt gold. The setting is quite nice. It can't hurt to take a look.

www.loupetroupe.com

www.diamondbistro.com

Sorry if the addresses are wrong.

Annette

 

[ipodobe]

Wow, I really appreciate the quick and informative responses! I want something on the large side- I'm thinking 3-4 carats. I don't think I can afford a sapphire that size. I want something heirloom-ish, that can be passed down. Since a few of you mentioned Tanzanite hasn't been holding its value, it sounds like I should be looking at a different stone. I like deep, rich blues and violets. Some deep greens. Any suggestions on what else to look at that is in that price range or even less?

 

[T L]

Wow, I really appreciate the quick and informative responses! I want something on the large side- I'm thinking 3-4 carats. I don't think I can afford a sapphire that size. I want something heirloom-ish, that can be passed down. Since a few of you mentioned Tanzanite hasn't been holding its value, it sounds like I should be looking at a different stone. I like deep, rich blues and violets. Some deep greens. Any suggestions on what else to look at that is in that price range or even less?

Well, if you want an heirloom, the tanzanite might be very abraded by the time you pass it down, unless you wear it very infrequently, as I mentioned. If you like deep rich blues and violets, I can't think of another stone that possesses such traits with durability, other than sapphire and spinel, and the latter is EXTREMELY difficult to find in a deep rich blue/violet color that holds its saturation in all lighting. Spinel is typically less expensive than sapphire, but as of late, the prices have been going through the roof for fine specimens in all colors.

I have a very deep rich blue violet spinel that everyone thinks is a tanzanite or sapphire. Perhaps you could search one out, but I think you would have more luck with a sapphire, even if you have to go smaller. You could also look for cabochons, as they're typically less money than faceted stones, but be careful to make sure you're getting what you pay for, and that you know of all possible treatment by a reputable third party gemological laboratory.

As for deep greens, there's tsavorite garnet and emerald, and again, both can be very expensive in fine quality. Emerald does face up rather large for its carat weight though, so a two carat stone would face up as large as a 4 carat sapphire, for example. Any emerald of significant value should also be tested for the amount and type of treatment/clarity enhancement, as nearly all emeralds are treated.

Good luck.

 

[ipodobe]

Wow, I really appreciate the quick and informative responses! I want something on the large side- I'm thinking 3-4 carats. I don't think I can afford a sapphire that size. I want something heirloom-ish, that can be passed down. Since a few of you mentioned Tanzanite hasn't been holding its value, it sounds like I should be looking at a different stone. I like deep, rich blues and violets. Some deep greens. Any suggestions on what else to look at that is in that price range or even less?

Well, if you want an heirloom, the tanzanite might be very abraded by the time you pass it down, unless you wear it very infrequently, as I mentioned. If you like deep rich blues and violets, I can't think of another stone that possesses such traits with durability, other than sapphire and spinel, and the latter is EXTREMELY difficult to find in a deep rich blue/violet color that holds its saturation in all lighting. Spinel is typically less expensive than sapphire, but as of late, the prices have been going through the roof for fine specimens in all colors.

I have a very deep rich blue violet spinel that everyone thinks is a tanzanite or sapphire. Perhaps you could search one out, but I think you would have more luck with a sapphire, even if you have to go smaller. You could also look for cabochons, as they're typically less money than faceted stones, but be careful to make sure you're getting what you pay for, and that you know of all possible treatment by a reputable third party gemological laboratory.

As for deep greens, there's tsavorite garnet and emerald, and again, both can be very expensive in fine quality. Emerald does face up rather large for its carat weight though, so a two carat stone would face up as large as a 4 carat sapphire, for example. Any emerald of significant value should also be tested for the amount and type of treatment/clarity enhancement, as nearly all emeralds are treated.

Good luck.

Thank you, TL! Good point in knowing that the Tanzanite would be too abraded to pass down.

I naturally love Emeralds, as they are my birth stone, but I've always been hesitant due to the cost. I feel that blues "go with anything" unlike greens, but of course that is just my own personal preference.

I'll take a look at some of your suggestions! I've seen some tsavorite garnets on here that caught my eye, so I'm glad you brought them up.

Lastly...I love the vintage pieces that are timeless (like the one I was looking at) but also now am considering a loose stone and finding my own setting. It seems like this is an awesome resource for a first timer like me!

 

[T L]

You're welcome!

I also want to note that you should not get too stuck on the size of a gem in order for it to be an heirloom. If a gem has very fine color, even if it's only one carat, it will look beautiful, be treasured, and noticed from across a room . I personally rather have a smaller gem of fine color than a larger one with much lesser quality of color. I'm currently setting a tsavorite garnet of one half carat, but the color!!! It has a metallic bluish green color that is just amazing. This photo does it absolutely no justice whatsoever, but the halo will make it have more presence and the color just pops.

 

[indigoblue]

Most people around here steer clear of tanzanite because of softness of the stone, but they do have their loyal fans. Have you read the thread by Tanzigirl? [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/tanzanite-ring.149737/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/tanzanite-ring.149737/[/URL] I wish she would chime in because she's a huge fan.

Personally, I love tanzanites, even my lousy stone. It sparkles like crazy in spite of the window. Here's a picture. Don't laugh. Like I said, it's what led me to this web site, so I owe a lot to this ring. It is 2 carats and 7.80 X 6.53 X 5.30.

 

[marymm]

Wow, I really appreciate the quick and informative responses! I want something on the large side- I'm thinking 3-4 carats. I don't think I can afford a sapphire that size. I want something heirloom-ish, that can be passed down. Since a few of you mentioned Tanzanite hasn't been holding its value, it sounds like I should be looking at a different stone. I like deep, rich blues and violets. Some deep greens. Any suggestions on what else to look at that is in that price range or even less?

IMO, for the size and colors you prefer, and your budget, my vote goes for Tanzanite. Color-wise, Tanzanite is so much more affordable than Sapphire. That said, much Tanzanite sold these days is not that saturated, gorgeous true violetish-Blue Tanzanite. I would hold out for that quality.

The ring pictured in your opening post does not really appeal to me. The Tanzanite, though large, appears to have a pretty noticeable window (where from the top-view you can see straight through the stone right to your finger); the girdle is extremely thick, and at least one section looks to be quite abraded (in the profile pic); and the color does not seem well-saturated.

I am a big Tanzanite fan - I have two Tanzanite rings that I wear fairly regularly (when I'm out or at work) but not daily - I adore the rich saturated violet-Blue color. There is no way on earth that I could afford a like color and size in Sapphire. And, just like any other jewelry that is worn and then passed down, if your Tanzanite ring gets too beat up from your use, your descendants can have it re-polished and re-set, or simply enjoy it for what is - a piece of family history.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,


Please don't get me wrong, I love the colors of tanzanite. I, like Maryann own two rings, and have given one as a gift when they were so popular (10 yrs ago). I just think that ring is too expensive for what you are getting. My own rings are about 2 carats each, and were purchased before Pricescope. I love them both. Yet again I didn't pay 4400 for them.

I love tsavorite garnet. Actually I would put good color or top color next to one another (Tsav and Tanz). Now tsavorite garnet is my most expensive ring. I have 2.12 ct ring. I don't do photos, sorry. Its funny that you say that blue is a more neutral color, and I think that green is.

How about a chrome tourmaline ring, which TL is going to say it also is more easily chipped, but I just saw some pretty nice ones on Tans websites-- Oddessey Gems, ect. I thought I'd throw that out there. Troll LT and DB frequently as well.

Annette

 

[T L]

One of the most overlooked qualities of colored gems is luster. Softer stones don't have the same luster as harder gems. I think luster is probably the most overlooked quality of colored gems on this board. I value it so highly too, that when I see a gem with good color and a waxy luster, it just doesn't have the same appeal to me, even if it has the same color as a gem with better luster.

Softer gems just don't take on the luster of harder gems, and those that tend to easily get abraded, lose their luster over time and need repolishing. I'm a "luster freak" of sorts I guess, but it's something to think about. In the meantime, if you do go for a tanzanite, I would try to get the best color possible, even if its a smaller size.

 

[T L]

How about a chrome tourmaline ring, which TL is going to say it also is more easily chipped, but I just saw some pretty nice ones on Tans websites-- Oddessey Gems, ect. I thought I'd throw that out there. Troll LT and DB frequently as well.

Annette

Well, many of them tend to be overly dark, and forest green as well, so one must be careful in that regard.

There are many medium toned tsavorites however that are more bright and lovely. They also have a higher RI than tourmaline, hence more brilliance. I think that unless the tourmaline has exceptional color, it needs to be cut to optimal requirements in order to produce more brilliance, to make up for lack of color. I know some lapidaries use a small table and high crown on tourmaline to show more sparkle factor. And like you guessed, I am going to say it isn't as durable as garnet, although they have similar hardness.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

Now that I may have your direct attention TL, I want you to know that I made a audible gasp when you wrote you had bought a 4 carat tsavorite garnet. Nothing could top that for me. Its beautiful and , outside of emerald, Tsav are it for me. I made a mistake early on; I had a pair of round tsavs and I split them to make two separate rings as gifts- one for a niece and one for someone who helps me. I have 4 left--two in rings, and two loose. I would never part with them again. My demantoids are not as nice.

Good Luck TL. beautiful stone. Annette

 

[T L]

Hi,

Now that I may have your direct attention TL, I want you to know that I made a audible gasp when you wrote you had bought a 4 carat tsavorite garnet. Nothing could top that for me. Its beautiful and , outside of emerald, Tsav are it for me. I made a mistake early on; I had a pair of round tsavs and I split them to make two separate rings as gifts- one for a niece and one for someone who helps me. I have 4 left--two in rings, and two loose. I would never part with them again. My demantoids are not as nice.

Good Luck TL. beautiful stone. Annette

Thank you Annette, wish I could see pics of your tsavorite ring.

I actually have two 4 carat tsavorite rings, one is a merelani mint in a heart shape, and the other is a cabochon, which was more affordable since it is more included. The latter is your typical tsavorite garnet color, medium to medium dark green. I mentioned cabochons earlier to the OP because they do tend to be a lot more affordable than their faceted counterparts. I think in tsavorite, if you can find a nice cabochon, it can be a good deal, IF one likes cabochons of course (they're not for everyone). That little half carat tsavorite above however is just about the most perfect tsavorite color ever to me, and looks very little like the photo. Think green Christmas foil.

It's funny you mention demantoids, because if you can find a top color chrome green one, the color is amazing, and they have the added bonus of a high RI, hence more fire/sparkle. They just don't get very big, and when they do, $$$$$$$.

In any case, I don't want people to think I hate tanzanite, because I don't. In top color, they can be some of the most beautiful gems, but I just wanted to point out their various faults so the OP can weigh the advantages/disadvantages of owning one. All gems have their advantages/disadvantages, whether its price, color, rarity, durability, etc. . . . but since she mentioned she wanted it an an heirloom, I think durability, and the ability to hold its luster, is really important here.

 

[ipodobe]

It's so great to hear so many opinions! I loved hearing from the Tanzanite fans especially.

TL, I really appreciate your sharing your wisdom with me/us. I will be perusing the forum as much as possible and learning as much as I can. I'm sure I will be posting more, especially as I narrow down what I like and get closer to "the big purchase."

 

[ipodobe]

Troll LT and DB frequently as well.

Annette

Sorry what is LT and DB? I'm brand new to this.

 

[deskjockey]

Troll LT and DB frequently as well.

Annette

Sorry what is LT and DB? I'm brand new to this.

loupetroop.com and diamondbistro.com

 

[AGBF]

I have a tanzanite ring that I love, but I invested in a great stone that I searched for at length and set it very well. I have to admit, although I never thought about this before, that I wear it infrequently and am gentle on it. But that is how I wear all my jewelry!

I could not disagree more strongly with the people who recommended that the original poster buy the pale, inexpensive tanzanite that was posted on eBay merely to save money.

In my opinion, that pale tanzanite, which I have referred to on Pricescope as looking, "bleached" is not a real gemstone at all. The deep blue tanzanite flashed through with purple that people often-in my case, always-mistake for a sapphire when they see it-is a real gemstone.

My tanzanite ring and my larger red spinel ring, both offset by high colored diamond side stones are my prize colored stone rings.

Deb/AGBF

 

[ipodobe]

I have a tanzanite ring that I love, but I invested in a great stone that I searched for at length and set it very well. I have to admit, although I never thought about this before, that I wear it infrequently and am gentle on it. But that is how I wear all my jewelry!

I could not disagree more strongly with the people who recommended that the original poster buy the pale, inexpensive tanzanite that was posted on eBay merely to save money.

In my opinion, that pale tanzanite, which I have referred to on Pricescope as looking, "bleached" is not a real gemstone at all. The deep blue tanzanite flashed through with purple that people often-in my case, always-mistake for a sapphire when they see it-is a real gemstone.

My tanzanite ring and my larger red spinel ring, both offset by high colored diamond side stones are my prize colored stone rings.

Deb/AGBF

Deb-your ring is STUNNING. My jaw dropped when the photos loaded on the screen, I can't imagine how amazing it is in person.

Loose stones intrigue me...where is a good place to start looking for having them set?

 

[colorluvr]

Jaimeen at www.primagemsusa.com has some very nice tanzanites, and he occassionaly has them set in jewelry. I bought mine from him already made into a ring by his custom jeweler. This stone is very nice IRL and I'm thrilled with this ring. Unfortunately the photos don't show the purple and red in the stone. I included the photo next to a very blue sapphire so you can see a comparison to the color of the Tanzanite. I also got an unheated "fancy" tanzanite from Prima that is much more purple in color if that is something that interests you. You can contact him via his website. He has gems / rings that aren't on his website.

 

[ipodobe]

Jaimeen at www.primagemsusa.com has some very nice tanzanites, and he occassionaly has them set in jewelry. I bought mine from him already made into a ring by his custom jeweler. This stone is very nice IRL and I'm thrilled with this ring. Unfortunately the photos don't show the purple and red in the stone. I included the photo next to a very blue sapphire so you can see a comparison to the color of the Tanzanite. I also got an unheated "fancy" tanzanite from Prima that is much more purple in color if that is something that interests you. You can contact him via his website. He has gems / rings that aren't on his website.

Oh my goodness, what a collection of my favorite colors! I am trying to pry myself away from the idea of Tanzanite...but when looking at that pic, it is my favorite by far. I have been browsing all different types of gems today and I keep coming back to it.

I have found some spinels I adore too...I think I just opened a can of worms with a gemstone obsession. Oops!

 

[AGBF]

Jaimeen at www.primagemsusa.com has some very nice tanzanites, and he occassionaly has them set in jewelry. I bought mine from him already made into a ring by his custom jeweler. This stone is very nice IRL and I'm thrilled with this ring. Unfortunately the photos don't show the purple and red in the stone. I included the photo next to a very blue sapphire so you can see a comparison to the color of the Tanzanite. I also got an unheated "fancy" tanzanite from Prima that is much more purple in color if that is something that interests you. You can contact him via his website. He has gems / rings that aren't on his website.

Oh my goodness, what a collection of my favorite colors! I am trying to pry myself away from the idea of Tanzanite...

Why?

By the way, colorluvr, I do not know if I ever saw that tanzanite ring of yours before. The color is breathtaking and the halo enhances the effect. It is truly magnificent! I like it far more than the ring currently worn by the Duchess of Cambridge! So don't try to sell me on sapphires over tanzanite!

Deb

 

[T L]

By the way, colorluvr, I do not know if I ever saw that tanzanite ring of yours before. The color is breathtaking and the halo enhances the effect. It is truly magnificent! I like it far more than the ring currently worn by the Duchess of Cambridge! So don't try to sell me on sapphires over tanzanite!

Deb

I hate to be mean, but a lot of people don't like that Kate/Diana sapphire. I see way more beautiful sapphires posted by Pricescope members on a regular basis. It's not very good color if all those many photos are accurate. It's way way too dark. There are some gorgeous sapphires here, and in recent memory ones just posted by Art Nouveau, and Acinom.

 

[AGBF]

By the way, colorluvr, I do not know if I ever saw that tanzanite ring of yours before. The color is breathtaking ... I like it far more than the ring currently worn by the Duchess of Cambridge!

I hate to be mean, but a lot of people don't like that Kate/Diana sapphire. I see way more beautiful sapphires posted by Pricescope members on a regular basis.

You are right. You really shouldn't be mean to the Duchess of Cambridge, TL. She reads the Colored Stones forum on Pricescope regularly, after all, and values what we all have to say so much.

Deb

 

[ipodobe]

Jaimeen at www.primagemsusa.com has some very nice tanzanites, and he occassionaly has them set in jewelry. I bought mine from him already made into a ring by his custom jeweler. This stone is very nice IRL and I'm thrilled with this ring. Unfortunately the photos don't show the purple and red in the stone. I included the photo next to a very blue sapphire so you can see a comparison to the color of the Tanzanite. I also got an unheated "fancy" tanzanite from Prima that is much more purple in color if that is something that interests you. You can contact him via his website. He has gems / rings that aren't on his website.

Oh my goodness, what a collection of my favorite colors! I am trying to pry myself away from the idea of Tanzanite...

Why?

By the way, colorluvr, I do not know if I ever saw that tanzanite ring of yours before. The color is breathtaking and the halo enhances the effect. It is truly magnificent! I like it far more than the ring currently worn by the Duchess of Cambridge! So don't try to sell me on sapphires over tanzanite!

Deb

Just due to the durability concerns. I really do want one regardless...just thinking for my first gemstone ring something more daily wearable. I actually prefer tanzanite over sapphires.

 

[chrono]

Nothing wrong with wanting a tanzanite ring as long as you are aware of the risks and are prepared to care for it accordingly.

 

[ipodobe]

Had a long chat about it with my husband. He thinks it's a good idea as a milestone anniversary for us. Luckily for me, that is next year! So I can "build my own" ring within the budget. Now I just need to figure out where to start.

If I were to buy a loose stone, what places allow me to use my own stone in their settings, or create a custom setting?

 

[chrono]

Most vendors can either create a custom setting for you or if the stone is close to a calibrated size, your local or online jeweller can order a branded or generic setting for you (and set it). Are you looking to stay local or open to online places?

 

[BlingObsession]

Jeff Davies just set a GIA graded 7.13ct tanzy with 1ctw trillion sides for a friend of mine for a very reasonable price, i.e. significantly less than the first one posted by the OP. All stones, setting and GIA cert sourced/organized by Jeff.

Might be worth contacting him to see what he has available. The new setter he is working with does a great job. While I would have set it the Tanzy in a Mege inspired halo, my friend wanted something more streamlined. He shipped it to the UK for my friend without any problems. Here's a picture ...