Mahenge question

[Upgradable]

If you were interested in buying a second hand spinel ring (from a reputable source) that was being described as a mahenge, would you be willing to pay more for a stone with an origin report as opposed to a gemstone brief?

What size and style ring would you consider attractive? How much would you consider paying? Go ahead and describe the ring as you see it.

(A friend and I were discussing spinels and whether or not "mahenge" is more prized than an unnamed stone with the same neon color.)

 

[bluenights]

I don't care about the origin so much, if the spinel is neon pinkish red or similar I will be happy to check it out no matter where it comes from.

 

[y2kitty]

Uppy, are you pondering selling your ring by any chance?

 

[Upgradable]

Uppy, are you pondering selling your ring by any chance?

Oh, he11 no! You're going to cut off my finger to get this baby!

 

[wordie89]

Uppy, if I may call you Uppy, I thought same thing as Herekk!!!! in something of shock. Glad to hear that beauty will still be adorning your finger.
I have a mahenge and it glows in the dark compared to my other spinels. Could be the Andrew Gulisj (sp) cut....

In my limited experience I would give preference and a 2nd or third look at something labeled mahenge but prices are usually more. I saw in my gem wanderings (on line) a blue spinel listed as mahenge and was a little surprised because I'd only ever seen pinks and reds.

 

[chrono]

Mahenge is a specific location in Tanzania where spinels are mined. There are a variety of colours coming out of the ground there but the one that made the Mahenge name famous is the hot pink reds, hence the term Mahenge has become synonymous with them.

When purchasing a spinels, I would rather a neon colour of unknown origin than a regular looking pinkish red spinel with the Mahenge origin. It has become much like Kashmir sapphires where just because it comes from a specific mining region does not guarantee its beauty / fine colour quality. However, should the colour be excellent and the stone rare (really big, clean, expensive and a true collectable), I will invest in a origin report.

Stone size and ring style is too subjective - I like big stones but some prefer a size more suited to everyday wear. The amount I am willing to pay will depend on the quality.

 

[Upgradable]

Chrono, thanks for the input. I would have expected "mahenge" commanded a deserved premium. I know the general jewelery buying public has no idea what the terms means, and most jewelers.... pppphhhht.

I guess Shakespeare was right. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

 

[minousbijoux]

I guess Shakespeare was right. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

Well quoted, Uppy

 

[beau-wy]

I would not pay more for the origin - BUT - the name would compel me to take a closer look.

 

[LD]

People get hung up on origin and I, personally, don't.

There are good and bad Mahenges.

There are good and bad Kashmirs.

etc etc etc etc

I pick a stone for COLOUR not location.

The ONLY time I pick location over anything else is if I have the choice of 2 fantastic stones, one from a known location and the other not. If the price is the same I will go for the one with the location but only if it is as good or better than the other.