New and needing sapphire advice.

[kkwhitlatch]

I'm trying to select a sapphire for a new anniversary ring to replace my vintage diamond engagement ring. I'd like a stone that is either an oval or pear that measures appx. 8x6 mm. I like a more medium blue as opposed to a royal blue color and I do like violet undertones (but this isn't necesasary if I found a stone without violet in a nice cut.) I'd prefer that the stone be under $2000 but I'd be willing to go up to $3000. I am not opposed to heating as long as the stone is good quality and meets my other requirements.

I've been reading these boards for guidance, especially in terms of vendors. I found the following stones on gemfix.

- this one is 2.03 cts, 8x6.5, heated and $1620

nthis one is 1.53 cts, 7.8x6.2, heated and $1280

this one is 2.02 cts, 8.4x6.6' heated and $1595

this one is 2.08 cts, 8.1x6.5, heated and $1975

I'd appreciate anyone's opinions on the above stones. I feel like there are so many option and I'm afraid I'm missing something when I look at these.

Thanks for your help.

 

[LD]

So you're ok with heated and you'd prefer (if possible) to have violet tones? If yes then.............

Stone 1 - Pear - I like this and it has a lot of violet but it is lacking in saturation and I wonder if it'll have a grey tinge IRL. If it doesn't this would be my choice but I'd need to see this to make sure. Also, is this going to be dark enough for you?

Stone 2 - Oval - the cut of this looks "off" with the culet not centred (but only fractionally "off) but personally it would annoy me (I'm fussy)!

Stone 3 - Oval - this looks like it's windowed but the photo is hiding it well (I'm not suggesting intentionally). Either that or the facet placement is not as precise as it could be. It just looks odd and probably will be quite grey.

Stone 4 - Oval - best colour especially if you want something darker and lots of violet but the culet looks off centre (could be the angle of the photo).

I've got to be honest and say that when I see photos from this Vendor, the colour always looks too good to be true and amped up. I'll let others comment on whether the stones they've received are or not.

Can you pick a couple and ask for handshots with them next to each other so you can compare?

 

[kkwhitlatch]

JD - thank you so much. I really appreciate your advice. I, too, like the pear best. My concern is its not dark enough.i think you're right about the cutlet being off on the ovals.

Good to know about the possible color issue with these photos.

I found this cushion cut on simply sapphires.



It's 3.75 cts., 9x7.2' heated and is $1722 (30 percent off its original price of $2400.) I like the purple in it my concerns are the cut and hat there maybe gray in this one too.

I guess this may take more time than I thought. I wish more jewelers had good loose sapphires to see in person!

 

[LD]

I've looked at all of the photos and this one definitely has a bow tie BUT its fairly small. I love the colour (but then I prefer to see lots of violet in my stones).

This has a GIA report that says it's heated and classified as TE (heated only nothing found in fractures etc). It's a great size for the price. Give John a call and ask whether he would be prepared to send you a photo of the gem on the back of his hand. He used to include handshots but this one doesn't have them. John is great to work with.

I'd be tempted (if you have space on your credit card) to get this for a look and also the pear from Gemfix to compare.

 

[chrono]

I've added hand shots for those who don't know where to look or don't have the time to search.

Pear 1 - Not a bad choice. The hand shot looks slightly better than the single stone shot. It is definitely on the lighter side with a hint of gray.
Oval 2 - A nicer colour overall.
Oval 3 - Quite light in tone and saturation. Not only that, it has cut issues so you'll see a small window and a large tilt window.
Oval 4 - My top choice. Good balance of tone and saturation. I would inquire about the culet though as it looks off-centered, even when I account for the tilted stone. I do not see it in the hand shot though.

 

[chrono]

I found this cushion cut on simply sapphires. It's 3.75 cts., 9x7.2 mm heated and is $1722 (30 percent off its original price of $2400.) I like the purple in it my concerns are the cut and hat there maybe gray in this one too.

There was issues with Gemfix's photography in the past where it was hit or miss but this seems to be resolved with the hand shot pictures he now provides.

I could be mistaken but I think I've seen this one posted on PS in the past and if so, the bowtie was very apparent in the photographs the potential buyer took.

 

[LD]

Seeing the handshots makes a world of difference. I would go with number 4 BUT would check about the off centre culet that was very noticeable in the magnified photo.

 

[kkwhitlatch]

Thanks so much for the advice! I am considering ordering 2 to compare. Thanks again,

Kathryn

 

[Lee Little]

I like number 4 in both sets of pictures.