Looking for Blue Sapphire Oval or Cushion

[FullmetalAlchemist]

Hello! I've read a lot of the threads on hear and am feeling super overwhelmed at the prospect of purchasing a blue sapphire for an engagement ring. I just don't know where to start! I know that I want around a 1 carat weight, rich velvety blue color in either a oval or a cushion cut. I also wanted to keep the budget under $1500 and that has seemed to be a problem.
We did purchase a sapphire from GemsNY (before I realized the bad rep on this site) and I just don't like it. It's not saturated enough, it's too purple, and I think it is too dark near the edges. I've attached a picture below (second picture) and a picture of my dream color (first picture). Is it possible on our budget? Or do I need to compromise in some way?

 

[goldie_locks]

I thought I'd share this info I compiled on my search for a blue sapphire in a similar color range to what you appear to be looking for. This is based on 12 stones that were round, oval or cushion cut between roughly 1 and 2 carats. This is average $/ct. Where the heat status of the stone was uncertain I erred on the side of it being heated. B&M = local store, online vendor = online stores like Brian Gavin Diamonds (that source the stones but don't cut them), and lapidary is directly from the cutter. Based on these numbers you could probably find what you want in your price range (depending on whether your $1500 budget is for the sapphire only or includes the setting) but it will probably take some work talking to some of the recommended lapidaries on PS.



I ended up commissioning a gorgeous sapphire from Jeff White (see avatar), but I did find this one in my search that seemed promising and is still available. Not sure if it's too dark for you but the price is well within your budget: http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?1437155586

 

[normanintheskywithsapphires]

Phillip, well, you get what you pay for: silky dull blue, almost opaque body, as far as images show.

Goldilocks, that is a very interesting chart. So, it seems that online dealers take treatments more serious which confirms my suspicion that B&M still sell undisclosed heated sapphires as 'all-natural', or that B&M customers are far less educated on these issues.

Fullmetal, if you have time and patience, I'm sure you can get a fine 1ct for 1500 on auction sides or 2nd-loved or Asian dealers, if you are in a hurry, you'll probably have to make compromises.

 

[FullmetalAlchemist]

Thank you for all the advice!

@goldie_locks actually, after I panicked last night that I would just be wasting our money on cruddy sapphires online, I went on a search and that one has made it into my top so far. I've included the list below, so PLEASE feel free (or even slightly obligated ) to comment on the quality of the gems as you see it. I haven't vetted all the vendors but I learned my lesson and have started from the PS vendor reference list. I know this is long, but I really appreciate any feedback and insight anyone can offer!

1) http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G89358#
2) http://www.thegemtrader.com/Aug15BSapphirePage.htm
3) https://www.simplysapphires.com/blue/ceylon-cushion-cut-blue-sapphire-1.64-cts-7.3x6.1x4.3mm
4) https://www.simplysapphires.com/blue/ceylon-blue-cushion-cut-sapphire-1.77-carat-7.1x5.6x4.9mm
(Cornflower blue, but it's so pretty to my eyes)
5) https://www.simplysapphires.com/blue/ceylon-blue-cushion-cut-sapphire-1.06-cts-7x5.1x3.2mm
(This one is so cheap; I can't see why. Any help would go towards my education!)
6) https://www.simplysapphires.com/blue/ceylon-cushion-cut-blue-sapphire-1.14-cts-6.5x5.2x3.9mm
7) https://www.simplysapphires.com/blue/ceylon-cushion-cut-blue-sapphire-1.61-cts-7.1x5.7x4.9mm
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1280
9) https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1226
10) https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1269
11) https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1232
12) https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1209
13) https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1199
14) https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1044

 

[goldie_locks]

I am by no means an expert, so these comments are just my opinion based on my own searching for a similar stone and learning from the more experienced people here, but here's what I think:

1 & 2 - I'd definitely ask for hand shots and videos to get a better look, but they're promising. I LOVE the color of the pearlmans color in the pic, but depending on lighting conditions for the pic, the stone could be quite dark, so the hand shots will help you tell because you can compare to normal skin color. It also looks like it might have a very small bowtie, but I'd ask others to weigh in on that - it does not appear to be too distracting though.

I'm not really loving any of the simply sapphires stones. They appear grayish rather than rich and saturated like you're first two, and they're not really close to the color you showed in your first pic. #5 has a very prominent window (hence the price) and #7 appears quite dark in the video and appears to black out on half of stone.

Of the gemfix stones, I'm really liking #12 and #13 for their color. I think #12 is brighter, which I prefer, but if you want a velvety looking stone, I think #13 is very promising.

I'd love to hear what others think! Hope that helps.

 

[chroman]

I haven't had a chance to look through your list yet (spotty service atm!), but this is the first stone that popped to mind. I known its a little over budget, but just in case:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/278890398/2ct-bright-cornflower-blue-sapphire

 

[chroman]

Frm your list, #12 is my favorite, also followed my #13.

The SimplySapphire stones all look pretty dark, gray, or badly cut.

Have you seen this one at gemfix? I think I like it more than #12..
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1232