Opinion on these spinels

[Aleksia1987]

Hello everyone,
I am trying to decide between two blue spinels and I need a little help. I am looking at one from Gemfix and the other is one from Gemrite. Gemrite recently listed this beauty http://www.gemrite.com/products/blue-cc-spinel-3-88-cts . It is a pretty and I love the size of this stone for the price. Gemfix has a beautiful blue spinel listed as well http://www.gemfix.com/spinel.html#thumb . It is a little smaller but appears to have that same beautiful color. Gemfix says the stone shifts I wonder if it similar to the one from Gemrite. I love both stones but I am torn between which to use in my next project. I just wanted to hear what other might have to say about them to help get me off the fence and make a decision. Thanks everyone.

 

[jstarfireb]

Both are described as having a bit of a color shift, so make sure that's something you're looking for (rather than a blue that holds its color). They both also seem to have a touch of grey on my monitor - are you OK with that? Personally I don't mind a grey modifier and sometimes even seek it out (I have a spinel that shifts between greyish lavender and charcoal grey), but it's not desired by the trade in general. I think the cut on the cushion from GemRite is more interesting, so I'd go for that unless the oval were much cheaper.

 

[T L]

Did you get the cushion? I see that its sold. I like that he posted videos. To me, the important thing with blue spinels is that they don't go too dark/extinct. Almost all of them have some grey, and almost all of them color shift. Let us know what you think of it in person when you get it.

 

[Aleksia1987]

No, I did not purchase it. Someone else bought it before I could because I took me too long to decide, The price and the weight made it a better deal I believe. Hopefully GemRite will get some more blue spinels in soon. I am still debating on the stone from Gemfix. Who ever purchased it please post some pictures and let the rest of us be envious. My search continues! Thanks.

 

[chrono]

When seeking out this colour, I would double check that it doesn't black out or become extinct indoors and under direct sunlight as most have a tendency to do this. Other than that, a precision cut stone will really help bring out the sparkle.

 

[NKOTB]

I'm sorry, I'm the one who bought the Gemrite spinel. It was before I saw your thread. I actually bought it very shortly after he listed it, then balked because I was concerned that it would be too dark and/or grey. John very kindly took the videos, and after looking at them somewhat obsessively, and several more emails of questions, I decided the only way to know for sure if it would work for me is to see it in hand (the stone seems to look different depending on what camera he was using, and whether or not I viewed the videos via YouTube). I have lusted after Freke's Big Blue spinel for quite some time now, and am hoping it will be similar. I see that you have few posts, I hope this won't dissuade you. I wanted you to know that it wasn't a lurker snatching out the stone from under you, just a coincidental fellow waffler who bit the bullet just a little sooner. For future reference, though, when are you are considering stones, it is a good idea to reserve them before posting them here, in case it does lead to a lurker scooping one before you make your decision.

 

[katharath]

I have been eyeing the one at Gemfix for awhile....but must admit that I personally liked the cushion better as well! I prefer a cushion cut though. I look forward to seeing more pics.

But for the OP - good luck on your hunt, I hope you find something you love. I do like the oval myself; I just liked the cushion better . Jeff Davies often has blue spinel, you could email him.

 

[Kelli]

I too have been wondering about the gemfix one, but I'm not in position to make a purchase anytime soon so no worries there. If you get it please post pics!

I hope NKOTB posts too. I'd love a nice blue stone someday but doubt I'll ever afford a sapphire.

 

[Kelli]

Not an untreated one in a respectable size anyway.

 

[NKOTB]

Well, OP, if you're interested, you may get another crack at the Gemrite one. I received it today, and I'm afraid it is too dark for me. I'll be shipping it back to John tomorrow. I will say that he is one of the nicest vendors I've dealt with!