Mahenge Spinel Help!

[SparklePolo]

I've been stalking all of the threads on Mahenge Spinel and started the endless search for one with the classic pop of reddish pink. I've talked to Yvonne Raley, Marc at Africa Gems and am waiting to hear back from AJS Gems.

I know it's super late to jump on the Mahenge Spinel bandwagon, and it's difficult to find one with ideal color and affordable price today (most of what I've found are in the $2K range...). I don't want to overpay but I'll admit there is an obsession at this point Thanks in advance!

Here are pics of a 1.19 carats (7.5 x 5.5 mm).

Daylight Florescent:

Incandescent:

Natural Daylight:

UV Light:


Here is another option (more pics to follow):
1.25 carats (7.5 x 5 x 4 mm)
Not sure about fluorescence but will find out soon.

 

[elle_71125]

You should also check with Mike at GranGem on Etsy. He has some lovely Mahenge spinels. I’ve purchased two from him and they are both gorgeous.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/GranGem?r...name&listing_id=669061358&section_id=26922661

Here’s a nice one on his page.


https://www.instagram.com/p/B2B3mLvlGql/?igshid=2s6874eekp0z

 

[T L]

I don’t like the top oval. It’s too purplish pink for me, and I see brown. I think the picture of the stone in the third photo is enhanced. Look at the background color.

 

[voce]

@T L I think you're looking for perfection, but not that many perfect Mahenge spinels are up for sale now. That said, I, too, would pass, but that's because I prefer a redder pink, not a pink pink.

 

[T L]

No, not looking for perfection. I’ve seen some very pretty Mahenges and other red or pink spinels on this forum in recent times. I just cannot see spending $2k for a one carat stone that’s so brownish purplish pink. If that’s all that’s coming out of Mahenge right now, I would save my $$ for another location or gem.

 

[lilmosun]

Not sure if this is still available (it's not marked sold/complete)
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings/1-dot-58ct-mahenge-spinel-ring-in-18k-yg-size-9;27596

Pretty sure the original owner was katharath - someone who had her share of top mahenge spinels at one time - and this was her holy grail stone. If I were looking for another mahenge spinel, I would've jumped at the opportunity to own this one.

 

[voce]

No, not looking for perfection. I’ve seen some very pretty Mahenges and other red or pink spinels on this forum in recent times. I just cannot see spending $2k for a one carat stone that’s so brownish purplish pink. If that’s all that’s coming out of Mahenge right now, I would save my $$ for another location or gem.

What you call brownish purplish pink looks to me very slightly brownish and slightly purplish. This color is the color that most of the material that's available these days, so it's very typical "current stock" color. I bought a red Mahenge spinel from Marc at Africa Gems and I believe that was the last one that really appealed to me for its price point. You can't evaluate the current offerings with the same price point and expectations for old stock that was mined 10 years ago. This is what's available now and what is typical of current stock, same as when a lot of Mogok or Burmese rubies get posted here they're nowhere close to the reputation, since what's being mined today is much, much different from what the miners got in the past. If you think that the OP could get better for the price point, I disagree with you.

 

[2Neesers]

How exciting! I love Mahenge Spinels . What does your ideal Mahenge shade look like?
Here’s an option that doesn’t break the bank at Multicolour:
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?-266416948

I bought mine from Sukrita at Prima/Aurelia Gems. I just told her what I was looking for and my budget and she pulled a couple of options for me. Here’s her Etsy store link (she has more available than what is listed): https://www.etsy.com/shop/AureliaGems?search_query=Mahenge+spinel

 

[T L]

If you think that the OP could get better for the price point, I disagree with you.

I agree with you, but to this last statement, i think it’s still worth looking around, even at second hand material, for something nicer, even at the same price point,

 

[SparklePolo]

You should also check with Mike at GranGem on Etsy. He has some lovely Mahenge spinels. I’ve purchased two from him and they are both gorgeous.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/GranGem?r...name&listing_id=669061358&section_id=26922661

Here’s a nice one on his page.


https://www.instagram.com/p/B2B3mLvlGql/?igshid=2s6874eekp0z

Thank you! He recently sold a Mahenge spinel that I inquired about. This one is more pink than I'd like, while the sold stone was the perfect pinkish red. I'm still beating myself for not moving fast enough

 

[SparklePolo]

Not sure if this is still available (it's not marked sold/complete)
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rings/1-dot-58ct-mahenge-spinel-ring-in-18k-yg-size-9;27596

Pretty sure the original owner was katharath - someone who had her share of top mahenge spinels at one time - and this was her holy grail stone. If I were looking for another mahenge spinel, I would've jumped at the opportunity to own this one.

I reached out to the seller. Fingers crossed the Loupe Troop message works!

 

[SparklePolo]

No, not looking for perfection. I’ve seen some very pretty Mahenges and other red or pink spinels on this forum in recent times. I just cannot see spending $2k for a one carat stone that’s so brownish purplish pink. If that’s all that’s coming out of Mahenge right now, I would save my $$ for another location or gem.

TL, I have admired many of your beautiful pieces and value your opinion. I did not notice the brownish purplish pink at first but it's good to know. I only wish that I found out about Mahenge spinels years ago (and had the funds to buy, lol).

 

[SparklePolo]

What you call brownish purplish pink looks to me very slightly brownish and slightly purplish. This color is the color that most of the material that's available these days, so it's very typical "current stock" color. I bought a red Mahenge spinel from Marc at Africa Gems and I believe that was the last one that really appealed to me for its price point. You can't evaluate the current offerings with the same price point and expectations for old stock that was mined 10 years ago. This is what's available now and what is typical of current stock, same as when a lot of Mogok or Burmese rubies get posted here they're nowhere close to the reputation, since what's being mined today is much, much different from what the miners got in the past. If you think that the OP could get better for the price point, I disagree with you.

Marc has been very helpful with taking pictures/videos and answering my questions. According to him, this is the "top color" stone in his collection. Without having seen any Mahenge spinels in person, I was originally under the impression that this stone is close to the old stock color. Now I'm wondering if I should just wait for it sad

 

[SparklePolo]

How exciting! I love Mahenge Spinels . What does your ideal Mahenge shade look like?
Here’s an option that doesn’t break the bank at Multicolour:
http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?-266416948

I bought mine from Sukrita at Prima/Aurelia Gems. I just told her what I was looking for and my budget and she pulled a couple of options for me. Here’s her Etsy store link (she has more available than what is listed): https://www.etsy.com/shop/AureliaGems?search_query=Mahenge+spinel

I will reach out to her. Thank you!

 

[T L]

I was originally under the impression that this stone is close to the old stock color. Now I'm wondering if I should just wait for it sad

Actually that color is very typical of what is coming out now.

 

[chrono]

The first one is too brown/orange and just not it.
The second is NICE but I'm thinking the inclusions will be visible.
The third might be very pink, but it's a good looking pink.

I would definitely scour second hand stones at this point for better colour + price but there's that risk of no returns/refunds.

 

[elle_71125]

Have you checked out Gemfix yet? They have a few that look to be more on the red side...to my eye anyway.
https://gemfix.com/gem-category/spinel

 

[SparklePolo]

Have you checked out Gemfix yet? They have a few that look to be more on the red side...to my eye anyway.
https://gemfix.com/gem-category/spinel

elle, Gemfix has always been my go-to for color reference and videos (I love that Andrew matches his stones with Pantone colors ), but I've read somewhere that they have a tricky return policy and I'm not located nearly to visit their store. Do you have any experience buying from them?

 

[rainydaze]

Have you checked out Gemfix yet? They have a few that look to be more on the red side...to my eye anyway.
https://gemfix.com/gem-category/spinel

I had that top one for a few days. To my eye it had some orange in it, and it was somewhat flat in its appearance.

 

[elle_71125]

elle, Gemfix has always been my go-to for color reference and videos (I love that Andrew matches his stones with Pantone colors ), but I've read somewhere that they have a tricky return policy and I'm not located nearly to visit their store. Do you have any experience buying from them?

Honestly, no. He is on the recommended vendor list, which is why I brought it up. I just assumed they would be good regarding returns. Plus, I lust after his spinels pretty regularly.

I'd definitely pass on the square-ish one based on @rainydaze photo above.

 

[2Neesers]

I have purchased and returned stones from Gemfix with no issues at all. Laura was very accommodating and helpful and the refund was given as soon as she received the stones back from me. My experiences with them have been great.

 

[SparklePolo]

So I reached out to Aurelia Gems (thank you @2Neezers ), and Sukrita already came back with 4 options!

Here are videos of the stones in outdoor (cloudy day) and indoor natural lighting, with details below:
[URL='https://youtu.be/b-HxfltaxIQ']https://youtu.be/b-HxfltaxIQ [/URL]
https://youtu.be/UOxNqDQizFg

Pear Shape (bottom)
1.30 cts
6.0 x 7.6 MM

Cushion Shape (2nd)
1.93 cts
6.1 x 7.3 MM
(this one is way above my budget but I'm willing to up it if it's "the one")

Oval Shape(3rd)
1.06 cts
5.4 x 6.7 MM

Oval Shape (4th)
1.25 cts
5.8 x 7.4 MM

What do you all think??

 

[2Neesers]

I’m glad Sukrita had such great options for you! What I like about her videos is that they aren’t glamour shots taken in a light box, so you get a better feel for what the stones real life look. To my eye, the 3rd and 4th are the most reddish pink like you are looking for, but I am not an expert and I’m sure they will advise you . Sukrita is always good about taking more videos once you eliminate some of the options and narrow down your choices.

 

[T L]

Pink spinels should always be viewed on a neutral light background, in fluorescent as well as natural diffused light and sunlight. They should also fluoresce in sunlight. The spinels from Aurelia above are very pretty bubblegum pink (I see a purplish secondary), but do they go orange in fluorescent light? Do they get more vivid in the sun (a UV light is not a good way of determining this, sunlight photos are necessary).

The neon pinkish reds of the original deposit and Burmese material are $$$$$$$$, and unattainable to most. If you search “pink spinel” or “hot pink spinel,” you may find more. Location should not be a qualifier since the newer material coming out of Mahenge looks much like other locations.

 

[voce]

Eh, well, the pinks from Sukrita all look purplish to me, although none of them look brownish. I fear you'll get no consensus from us, because while as @2Neezers states the ovals are more reddish of the bunch, the light return from the pear and cushion is better.

What @T L says is very true: why get married to Mahenge?

I think Yvonne's best reddish pink stones are the following...

From Mahenge
From Burma
From Vietnam
(in that order of preference)

 

[T L]

Here’s a Burmese pink that I love, which is probably quite expensive, but my preference for this is much more than the orangy pinks I see all over the place lately, even on what is deemed older material. Even if this stone did not fluoresce, I think it is a stunning example of what is so beautiful about a pink spinel. It may not be your cup of tea, but I just wanted to post it as an example of a beautiful pink spinel, to give you more options.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2QRydTJ8cg/?igshid=gotnuhh0ykzy

 

[2Neesers]

I think this is the link for the 4th stone on Prima’s site, you would have to confirm that with Sukrita, but the carat weight and measurements match. This is just to show the difference between the professional photo and her videos.
https://www.primagemsusa.com/content/125-carats-natural-mahenge-spinel-0

 

[voce]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2QRydTJ8cg/?igshid=gotnuhh0ykzy

A cleaner pink. But, as it's from Vlad Yavorskyy, I suspect it's way out of the OP's budget. This is not my cup of tea, as there is no other modifier, so for this color I'd rather have a sapphire than have a spinel; it's easier to find this color and quality in a sapphire than in a spinel, since imo pink sapphires are much more plentiful. The orangy pinkish stuff in sapphires will be marketed as padparadscha and therefore exorbitantly expensive, so I find it much more cost-effective to buy orangey pinks as a spinel.

 

[rainydaze]

I had the same experience with GemFix that @2Neezers - no issues and I have purchased and returned four stones. And then re-bought one of the ones I had returned!

 

[T L]

@voce - I’ve seen that color from Mr. Spinel in IG and a myriad of other colors from him. He may be worth a look. He has orangy pinks too. I love sapphire, but they’re a pain due to all the kinds of treatments these days you have to watch out for. I just love spinels, the luster and sparkle factor just get me every time