Looking to buy a pink sapphire...

[cdsf]

I only have basic knowledge in gemstones and am learning what to look for- look for natural over synthetic, heated is accepted, treatments are not accepted, color saturation is all opinion but should be strong, clarity should be high VVS - VS2?, should be transparent, type II, what else am I forgetting? Are there other things I need to keep in mind? does origin make a huge difference?
Is it important to get a lab report when buying a loose stone? And just really how much of a difference is there in wholesale vs retail price? Thanks!

 

[emmmme]

I probably can't help you much but others who can will likely ask what size/weight are you looking for. Good luck!

 

[colorluvr]

I can answer one of your questions with a definite YES! You should definitely get a a reputable lab report. It is the only way you will know if the sapphire has had treatment beyond traditional heating. AGL is the most respected for colored stones in the US (however GIA is reputable also). There are a few other labs overseas that can do testing on sapphires such as AIGS and GRS. Only labs with the proper equipment can test for treatment on sapphires. The machines to test for diffusion are very expensive so the smaller labs are not able to do this testing.

You didn't state what color of "pink" you want. Pinks go from light to very dark, some with tinges of orange and some that lean to the more violet, but are still considered pink. Please post a picture of the color "pink" you want.

 

[cdsf]

Thank you. I will post some pics. I do like the orange-pink variety, more vivid then pale. I dont necessarily need one classified as padparadscha but do love that color family. Probably looking around 1.5-2 ct. I know prices vary depending on many factors. Can anyone tell me what I should expect as far as price goes? Like a fair range maybe?

 

[pregcurious]

Thank you. I will post some pics. I do like the orange-pink variety, more vivid then pale. I dont necessarily need one classified as padparadscha but do love that color family. Probably looking around 1.5-2 ct. I know prices vary depending on many factors. Can anyone tell me what I should expect as far as price goes? Like a fair range maybe?

Prices will vary all over the place for anything in the orange-pink pink family because of the "pad" factor. It's also difficult to say because I can't tell how much brown you can tolerate. Brown will lower the price of a stone, so if you can tolerate a lot, that's good for your wallet. Also, how picky are you on the quality of the cut?

Please take a look at the vendor list (stickied thread at the top of this forum) to see how prices vary. This is really better than us guessing a price and misleading you.

 

[chrono]

Natural is definitely preferred over a simulant and discussion of synthetic isn't allowed on PS.
For some, heat only is fine but for some, it must be 100% untreated. For another group, anything is fine due to budget constraints.
Preference for strength of saturation is personal but quality stones should be very well saturated.
Gemstones are judged by eye cleanliness so throw out the VVS and VS ratings. Transparent is always a good thing.
Origin only matters if the stone is exceptional.
Lab reports are to verify treatment or if you are buying from an unvetted source.