My first venture into colored stone purchase: tanzanite

[athenaworth]

I would love to find a lovely one carat round tanzanite (hopefully for less than $500). Can you lovely CS pros help me out?

 

[athenaworth]

What do you guys think of this one? http://www.angara.com/Loose-Gemstone/Tanzanite/Round-Tanzanite-0.85-Carat/Blue/67970_TZR0076

 

[Novel]

I don't know what the deal is with Angara but I don't like the cut. It loses too much color on the edges and looks maybe windowed. Have you seen the one (almost round, crown cut) that Gene has at Precision Gem? $184 for 1.12 carat. I love the lighter color play on it.

ETA: Sorry, I'm a little brusque today. Welcome to the fun world of colored stones! Glad you asked for input !

 

[athenaworth]

And here I thought I wanted a dark blue stone, and then you show me that!! Talk about gorgeous. I love the cut of it. Gah! for some reason I've felt a little hesitant with the idea of putting a dark stone in the old setting (I had original thought a blue sapphire, but decided against it because it just seemed too dark), so that light stone is tempting.

Thank you for the welcome. I can definitely understand the CS addiction.

 

[Novel]

CS likes to tempt people Isn't that stone gorgeous? It isn't perfectly round, but I bet one of the jewelers could tell you if it could go into a round setting. What is your setting like (aka, pics pleeease?)? Gene's cutting is to die for, and he has a great return policy. Also, that price! Because its so light, I guess. I have a weakness for icy stones, so thats my bias.

 

[athenaworth]

I do think that shape may work. Hmmmm . . . this is fun!

 

[Aoife]

Have you looked on Gemfix? There are several lovely round tanzanites there, although there is also a range of prices.

 

[T L]

I do think that shape may work. Hmmmm . . . this is fun!

What kind of metal is that setting?

 

[Novel]

Ooh, pretty setting. The thing to be aware of with CS is that their densities are different, so the dimensions are different. Do you know what the measurements of the stone currently in the setting are? I know there is some wiggle room, but you'd have to ask someone more knowledgeable than me just how much.

I can also see a really richly toned stone being pretty in there.

Oh, also, tanzanite isn't the hardest gem with a Moh's of 6.5, so you have to be pretty careful with it in a ring.

 

[athenaworth]

I do think that shape may work. Hmmmm . . . this is fun!

What kind of metal is that setting?

it's platinum. The deminsions of my original stone were 6.2x6.24x3.80

 

[Novel]

I do think that shape may work. Hmmmm . . . this is fun!

What kind of metal is that setting?

it's platinum. The deminsions of my original stone were 6.2x6.24x3.80

Gene's stone is listed as 6.4. There is a 6.1 mm on Gemfix as Aoife pointed out (below). I don't like the cut as much, but the color is more normal Tanzanite like.

 

[LD]

A few thoughts - please disregard as appropriate as it's only my opinion!

1. Tanzanite is more expensive and sought after in the deeper saturated stones; Whilst Gene's stone is very pretty it is by no means a top grade stone. Having said that, you must buy what you like! The one from Gemfix is a better colour but I'm not sure how accurate their photos are to real life (Gene's photos are accurate and if anything make the stone look worse that it is)!
2. Tanzanite is NOT suitable for everyday wear. I managed to completely ruin a Tanzanite many years ago - lesson learned!
3. Gene cuts lovely stones and his has a beautiful cut and he has a good returns policy
4. I'm not sure whether Gene's stone will fit in that setting. If you look at the cut, you have quite a few straight edges - the prongs would have to accommodate that and fit nicely either over the straight bits or the pointy bits. If it does fit, there may be pointy bits exposed and this ring is fairly high which increases the risk of knocks etc.

Good luck in the hunt!

 

[T L]

I do think that shape may work. Hmmmm . . . this is fun!

What kind of metal is that setting?

it's platinum. The deminsions of my original stone were 6.2x6.24x3.80

Personally, I would never set a tanzanite in platinum. The metal is too hard, and has too high a melting point. You could easily damage such a fragile stone.

 

[Tanzigrrl]

First of all, what a wonderful choice for your first venture into colored stones! It is my all time favorite!!! Did you look at Paraiba International www.paraibainternational.com/?? They have outstandingly great tanzanite prices! Check the "make us an offer" link, for even better prices.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I do think that shape may work. Hmmmm . . . this is fun!

What kind of metal is that setting?

it's platinum. The deminsions of my original stone were 6.2x6.24x3.80

Personally, I would never set a tanzanite in platinum. The metal is too hard, and has too high a melting point. You could easily damage such a fragile stone.

TL - why does the melting temperature worry you in this case?