New to CS section - please opine re: this matched pair!

[blingbunny10]

Hot pink tourmalines
1.83ct / 6.5 mm
VVS
Origin - Nigeria

Thinking about getting these hot pink tourmalines for earrings -- and maybe doing diamond jackets down the line.
A couple of questions:

1) Is this a good use for tourmaline? I've searched the forums but have read very different opinions.... I know spinels are preferred but they are out of budget right now and super hard to find in the color I want.
2) What do you think of the stats and picture? According to these, what is a fair price for these?

Thanks for your help! I am clueless about colored stones.... I just know they are purrrty!

 

[blingbunny10]

Over 30 views and not 1 reply.... That bad, huh?

 

[chrono]

Please be patient; there many more lurkers than posters. Also, many are in different time zones and could be having dinner at the moment. Tourmalines are great for everyday wear earrings, either plain or dressed up. While the colour is pretty, they don't look "hot" on my screen. I do not know the accuracy of the photo but if it is as I see it, they could list anywhere from $100 to $300 for the pair depending on who the vendor is. Secondly, I don't know if it stays pink indoors or become brownish or orangish. Tourmalines like to colour shift depending on the light source so it's best to find out about this pair.

 

[movie zombie]

the picture to me looks either doctored or overly lighted, perhaps with a flash.
i'm betting they will be much darker IRL.
but you won't know until you see them: is there a good return policy?

 

[blingbunny10]

Hi Chrono -
I was mostly joking about the replies. I really appreciate your input. I didn't know about the tendency to color shift, so I will be sure to ask about that and keep that in mind for future stones.

Movie Zombie -
Argh looking at the pic again, I think you're absolutely right about the darkness of the stones! The edges look pretty dark.... There is a full return policy, but given the cost of international shipping I think I'd be reluctant to return.

 

[minousbijoux]

Hi Bling:

Especially recently, that particular vendor has had a few disappointed customers returning stones as colors were not represented well in his photos, coming across brighter than they really were.

As an fyi, about a year back, I was making stacking rings for a friend and bought all manner of small round stones, including two vividly saturated rubellites from Bob Kast. I did not end up using them, and they are for sale on DB. I am not telling you because I think you would be interested in buying them (they are two different dimensions and slightly smaller than what you seek), but they are stunning color. It may be more challenging, but you may want to buy them individually from ebay vendors, or have someone like Bob Kast cut some for you...I'm pretty sure they'll be cheaper than the advertised price for those two stones. Just a thought

 

[blingbunny10]

Hi minous,

Thanks for the advice. I'd seen Jeff recommended in this forum several times, so it's a bummer to hear that there have been recent complaints.

I've totally been stalking DB recently so I actually saw those stones listed. They are so pretty, but you're right that i'm looking for earring stones, and I know the different sizes would bother me. Have you thought about selling them individually? A peachy gold stacking ring with one of those stones would be gorgeous!

 

[ChrisA222]

I deal with Jeff all the time....his stones are amazing. I view the pics as how the stones will look in direct lighting.
I would ask him if the stones shift, as most Nigerian pink stoned will go orange or even Brown depending on light. Brazilian stones are usually more color stable but can be included and more expensive. But if you like the color of that pair. I'd ask Jeff what he thinks...he's great to work with, and make a decision. He will even make settings for you...he made my 18k ring in my avatar. Good luck

 

[chrono]

I hear the Brazilian tourmalines are also being irradiated without disclosure because it is not detectable.

 

[ChrisA222]

So what do you do, Chrono? Avoid Brazilian Tourmalines (which usually perform better) altogether? Annoying that they are doing this, and annoying that its not detectable. But, I would hate to lose out on a great stone because of that. Hmmm. I think if I happen to find 'the' stone which happened to be a Brazillian Tourmaline, I would take my chances and be OK if its irradiated. If what you are saying is true, that there is no way to detect the treatment. I dont think the value has gone down on that material because of rumors of irradiation, but then again, I haven't done any research. I just see them at premium prices usually.

Some things I would accept irradiation. Colored Diamonds, for one. Can't afford a natural blue Diamond, love the color of the irradiated ones...thats fine with me. The best-saturated Morganites I've seen are irradiated...and again, I don't think that lowers the value in that type of stone. Same with blue Topaz, natural vs irradiated, same value.

I guess it bothers some more than others...but if its not detectable, then its a gamble some will take and others wouldnt. It certainly doesn't bother me the way a reconsituted be-diffused Sapphire or Ruby would. No way would I spend 5 cents on one of those. To each their own I guess!

 

[chrono]

So what's going to happen a few years down the road when irradiation becomes detectable by the labs? It's all luck and gambling, I suppose. I don't mind not paying too much and assuming this risk. I would not pay $$$ for a very saturated tourmaline though, especially in certain colours like pink, red and blue. I just cannot accept irradiated stones, no matter if it is topaz, coloured diamonds or whatnot. I think I'd rather accept a synthetic stone first.