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my first gemstone!

followotherness

followotherness

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 12, 2012
Messages
11
Hi pricescopers! I've been lurking here for a while doing research and generally drooling over everyone's amazing gemstones. I've been hunting for ideas and eventually a stone for a unique e-ring. I recently decided to take a plunge and buy a fairly inexpensive spinel from a member here posted on diamondbistro, and I love it! I was pretty nervous just going by photos, but when it got here the color was so much closer to what I wanted (in my budget range, at least) than any of the stones I've seen in person at gem shows recently. Since it was so inexpensive (less than 200) I'm not sure if I should bother getting any sort of appraisal or anything on it, but should I do that just to make sure? Here are some pictures! I took these under just a small incandescent lamp last night, and it's cloudy out today so I have only been able to see it in the sunlight briefly. It moves slightly brownish when in the sunlight, but I think I prefer that to the purple shift ones I have been seeing in person. oh and it's 2.35c and eye clean.

mystone1.jpeg

mystone4.jpeg
 
For that price, I wouldn't bother with a lab memo. What are your concerns that had you wondering if you needed one?
 
Honestly I don't have too many concerns - other than if it isn't a spinel and is some softer gem. It's pretty dark like spinel tends to get and the color shift characteristics seems consistent with spinels I've been spending a lot of time looking at in person, and even so at that price all that's really going to matter is that I like it right?
 
Correct.
 
Just wanted to say congrats on your first gemstone purchase :)
 
However, I would like to ask for some opinions. I'm pretty new to gemstones, which is kind of funny because I'm a total geology nerd - but I collect things like good chert samples for flintknapping. I have a budget of about 4k for an ering- but I haven't yet been able to bring myself to even think about purchasing a stone for anywhere close to my budget. My real desire would have been a cushion or oval super bright pink spinel - typical of the mahenges. I know it's really something only I can answer for myself- but should I set this stone or go for something better quality (and therefore much more money)? What's your opinion of this stone?
 
innerkitten|1350581219|3287935 said:
Just wanted to say congrats on your first gemstone purchase :)
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Thanks! I feel like once I learn more about gemstones I'll probably be buying more of them, it seems kind of addictive!
 
For your e-ring, I would get something of better quality. Much better quality. My opinion of this stone will be unflattering but the fact that you paid only $200 for a 2.35 ct stone, one cannot complain too much.
 
Oh yes , very addictive!
 
followotherness|1350581436|3287940 said:
However, I would like to ask for some opinions. I'm pretty new to gemstones, which is kind of funny because I'm a total geology nerd - but I collect things like good chert samples for flintknapping. I have a budget of about 4k for an ering- but I haven't yet been able to bring myself to even think about purchasing a stone for anywhere close to my budget. My real desire would have been a cushion or oval super bright pink spinel - typical of the mahenges. I know it's really something only I can answer for myself- but should I set this stone or go for something better quality (and therefore much more money)? What's your opinion of this stone?
Click to expand...

I see Chrono's post. I know what she means. For an e-ring it would be nice to have a really special stone. I think with a budget of 4k you can achieve it. What about using this stone as a right hand ring or even an alternate ring. Have two rings?
 
I'm with Chrono on this one. My husband spent $180 on the spinel I have for my ering, but it was custom cut for me by Barry Bridgestock, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

The stone is nice. But it's your engagement ring.

Plus, we like to shop!
 
Chrono|1350581880|3287949 said:
For your e-ring, I would get something of better quality. Much better quality. My opinion of this stone will be unflattering but the fact that you paid only $200 for a 2.35 ct stone, one cannot complain too much.
Click to expand...


Oh Chrono, how am I supposed to learn how to evaluate gems if you are holding your tongue? :) I can see problems with this stone, but I do like it and if I do look for a higher quality stone I will certainly put it in a right hand ring or a pendant. Given my budget of 4k - if I assume that the setting will probably run $1500-$2000 (I have been talking with some setting vendors about quotes for the type of setting I'm looking for) would you say that I could potentially find a bright pink good quality spinel for about 1500-2k?
 
Since you like it, I refuse to dampen your enjoyment of the stone by saying more. However, if you are interested in getting something of better quality, I will give my opinion on it before you finalize the sale (within the return period).

With a 2K budget, you can get a fine quality Mahenge but the limiting factor now becomes size. Do you have a size in mind? Jaimeen of PrimaGems carries Mahenges of various qualities, as does Swala. The nice thing about Prima though is that they are in the US, so shipping and returns are a breeze.

I know this one is sold but this is worthy of an e-ring stone. Mahenge spinel 276 (7 rows down, far right), 1.12 ct oval for $1340. No orange per the vendor and definitely not a speck of brown.
http://www.gemfix.com/spinel.html

spinel_276.jpg
 
There are many sources.

This site has some nice eye candy. Returns could be an issue though because they are in Africa. I bought a pink spinel from them and luckily I didn't have to return it.

http://www.swalagemtraders.com/search-gems/results.php?pid=&cPage=3&sort=&perpage=8&cat=&display1=1&display2=&display3=0&category=&variety=239&key=&match=&indicate=&reserve_type=&pagefrom=search

gemfix.com might be another place to look.

Have you checked the vendors on the list at the top of the forum?
 
Chrono|1350583585|3287967 said:
Since you like it, I refuse to dampen your enjoyment of the stone by saying more. However, if you are interested in getting something of better quality, I will give my opinion on it before you finalize the sale (within the return period).

With a 2K budget, you can get a fine quality Mahenge but the limiting factor now becomes size. Do you have a size in mind? Jaimeen of PrimaGems carries Mahenges of various qualities, as does Swala. The nice thing about Prima though is that they are in the US, so shipping and returns are a breeze.
Click to expand...


lol ok Chrono! I've been looking at Swala a lot, they do have a lot of nice gems. I haven't come across PrimaGems yet - but I just checked them out and they seem to have a lot of promising gems. Will you tell me what you think of this one? My initial impression is that it seems to be inexpensive and there might be something I'm not seeing that would account for that? I'm hoping for a gem no smaller than 7x5 or 6x5 - but ideally more like 9x8 or 7x8. Larger and I know I'm going to be getting really low quality for the size.

https://www.primagemsusa.com/content/spinel-18
 
I have been checking out as many of the stickied vendors as possible - there are so many and it's so overwhelming! the price differences are often confusing, and I'm so new to gem stones that I have a hard time looking at a gem and saying "oh that has extinctions like crazy" or "that has a huge window," mostly I just see PRETTY COLORS! and everything else goes to the wind ;)
 
followotherness|1350584163|3287975 said:
https://www.primagemsusa.com/content/spinel-18
Click to expand...

Cut is very yucky. Pass and do not stop at GO! Seriously, the really nice stones are not on their website. Give them a call or an email. Their response is very quick and detailed. The stone you see in my avatar is a Mahenge from Swala. However, returns are a pain in the behind and the shipping cost is high (not their fault for being in Africa), so unless you are up to more risk, I do not recommend that route at the moment.
 
followotherness|1350581436|3287940 said:
However, I would like to ask for some opinions. I'm pretty new to gemstones, which is kind of funny because I'm a total geology nerd - but I collect things like good chert samples for flintknapping. I have a budget of about 4k for an ering- but I haven't yet been able to bring myself to even think about purchasing a stone for anywhere close to my budget. My real desire would have been a cushion or oval super bright pink spinel - typical of the mahenges. I know it's really something only I can answer for myself- but should I set this stone or go for something better quality (and therefore much more money)? What's your opinion of this stone?
Click to expand...

If I were you, with that budget, looking for that kind of thing, I would set aside 2k for the budget and 2k for the stone. I think you can get a good bright pink spinel for that price, of decent size. PrimaGems does have good stuff but as others have said, most of it is not on their website so you really need to email them or see them at Intergem (I've never bought from them but I talked to them and looked at their stuff at the spring Intergem in Dallas, and they had a ton of hot pink spinels).
 
You all are so helpful! I love that, thank you! :) I've been reading a lot on these forums, but I am still so unsure how you look at a gem and say it's a bad cut etc. Where does one learn this? Just from continually reading up and looking at gems online/in person? I would love to increase my knowledge about gems!
 
Also, PrimaGems will be at the intergem show near where I live coming up in a while! If I email them about looking for gems that would be a good idea because they might be able to bring some that I am looking for right?
 
Yes, absolutely. In fact, many of the Intergem vendors contact their "regulars" before an upcoming show to find out if there are certain things they're looking for so they know what to bring. I had to stop being forthcoming with information, because my bank accounts didn't like how accommodating the vendors were... ;(
 
Who is the cutie in your avatar pic?
 
Congrats on your first gem! Like others, I like it but with 2K, I would think you can find a really nice stone. I empathize, I'm looking for a Mahenge myself.

Are you mostly looking for ovals?
 
Congratulations on your first purchase, exciting isn't it? :))

I agree with the others that for your budget and being an e-ring, you can definitely do better. Have you read the sticky at the top of this forum about being new to gem buying? The most common thing to look for (and find!) and avoid! is a window. The second stone you linked to has a massive window and you can get to recognise them easily in most gem photos - some are a bit trickier and that's where PSers can help.
 
Chrono|1350583585|3287967 said:
Since you like it, I refuse to dampen your enjoyment of the stone by saying more. However, if you are interested in getting something of better quality, I will give my opinion on it before you finalize the sale (within the return period).
Click to expand...
Chrono, it was final sale as it was bought on DiamondBistro.

Good luck follow! I'll be watching this thread, but I'm not so good with finding bright pink spinels from Mahenge...
 
Welcome to the world of gem collecting! You are in good hands with Chrono.
 
Jereni|1350598107|3288156 said:
Congrats on your first gem! Like others, I like it but with 2K, I would think you can find a really nice stone. I empathize, I'm looking for a Mahenge myself.

Are you mostly looking for ovals?
Click to expand...

My original wish was for a cushion, regardless of what kind of gem I got! However, from browsing this forum and seeing all the lovely pink ovals I'm extending my specifications to oval :) A lot of the time at least in pictures I like the pink spinels that are ovals better than the cushions!
 
Congrats on your first gemstone! I agree with the other's that you can find a very nice spinel for your e-ring budget. The spinel you bought is nice and I am sure you can find a fun way to set it. But you want a gem that sparkles, glows and looks great in every lighting condition for your e-ring. We have many experienced forum members who will steer you in the right direction.
 
congrats on your first color stone purchase and welcome to COLOR STONE ADDICTION...... :wavey:

we all have learner stones.
the difference between a $100/carat spinel and a $1000/carat is very very noticeable.
step up to a $4000/carat [yes, they do exist] and you should be able to find an absolutely drop dead gorgeous world class stone.
is that necessary? only you know for sure.....
but for an e-ring you want the best you can afford.
the setting comes 2nd.
the center color stone is the star of the show.

i would love to own a good red spinel. unfortunately, i've seen what $2-4k/carat will buy and since my budget only allows for beer and i don't want to settle for less, i decided i wouldn't own one period.

we all have to make budget decisions. however, sacrificing the quality of your color stone for an e-ring to save $ for a setting is a no-no in my book. you can always have a stone set simply at first and later have it reset as time and $ allows.

again, welcome to the world of COLOR STONE ADDICTION!
 
in the "new to gem buying" sticky I checked out the link Chrono posted about the math of gem cuts and ri and all that fun stuff, so I've been browsing so many (my brain hurts) different gems now looking for pictures that illustrate good examples of good cuts. I wandered out of spinels to sapphires, although I'm still pretty set on a spinel since I think their history is fascinating. Anywho - I found this one and was wondering if you would tell me if I'm on the right track with being able to judge differences in cut? I am noticing a lot of stones seem to have uneven facets, and some of the pictures I can start to see what would be a window and such. Does anyone know of any of the trusted PS vendors who regularly attend trade shows like intergem, specifically on the east coast/mid atlantic region? If there are others going to the intergem show coming up I'd love to check out who they are and potentially have more sources for shopping :)

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Pink/P2346/Cushion/stoneid=P2346
 
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