Opinions on this Sapphire

[BlingObsession]

Can you help me please? I'm looking for a lavender/bluish/purplish stone. This one is available - it is a native cut but I've been assured it is a very good native cut. What do you think of the cutting and the colour? I'm not sure if it is heated or not yet - I'm still waiting on further info from the vendor.

 

[royalstarrynight]

Well, my first question is. What do you think of the color?

It's not trade ideal saturated but I personally find the color pleasing.

Others can chime in about the cutting but I don't see the major issues of too much extinction or windowing. Do you personally like this type of shape though?

 

[BlingObsession]

I think the colour is pretty but I think it might be a bit more purple than I was looking for. I was actually looking for a spinel that was a cross between purple and blue with a bit of pink. Sort of like a jacaranda flower but haven't been able to find anything quite like that. This sapphire came up during that search. As I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to understanding the cut and saturation thing, I thought I'd seek the opinions of those far more knowledgeable than myself.

 

[JewelFreak]

I'm not crazy about the cut or the shape, though I like the color okay. Is it for a ring? From your description of what you're looking for, have you thought of tanzanite? Not good for everyday wear in a ring, but for something worn with care (or a pendant) it might have the colors you're seeking.

You don't mention your budget or the size you want, but there may be something here for you:

http://www.gemrite.com/collections/gems/spinel

http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=view&cat=110

http://stores.ebay.com/Fine-Gemston..._fsub=14&_sid=122712575&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

--- Laurie

 

[BlingObsession]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I am looking for around 2+ carats for a ring. Budget - prefer to spend less than 2k (a lot less if I'm honest). What do you think of this http://www.africagems.com/cushion-pink-spinel-g2k-3363.html.. I have not bought from them so not sure of the quality or how good the pictures reflect the stone IRL.

 

[chrono]

I think the colour is pretty but I think it might be a bit more purple than I was looking for. I was actually looking for a spinel that was a cross between purple and blue with a bit of pink. Sort of like a jacaranda flower but haven't been able to find anything quite like that. This sapphire came up during that search. As I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to understanding the cut and saturation thing, I thought I'd seek the opinions of those far more knowledgeable than myself.

Can you post a picture of your inspiration stone / spinel / flower? The Africagems spinel is very pretty although expensive. It seems this particular lavender blue with bits of pink is highly sought by PSers as well. I'm not sure why they seem uncommon but a few PSers appear to have very good luck finding such spinels.

 

[Agneau]

Ohhh, I recently bought this spinel from The Gem Trader (and I am returning it). I feel like matches your color description and price range! The only thing is it's not 2 carats.

I just posted a thread about it here:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-18-lavender-blue-luc-yen-spinel.189621/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-18-lavender-blue-luc-yen-spinel.189621/[/URL]

 

[wordie89]

I was just going to point that out to the op since i think the luc yen is so pretty!

 

[BlingObsession]

Ah - indeed that pear spinel is just the colour I want - especially as it is a colour shifter. But, I'm not a huge fan of pears (I do have a few though - but they are not my first choice) and it's a little on the small side for what I'm looking for. I shall ponder this and maybe drop Brad an email...

Agneau - when I look at Brad's pictures of the stone, they look much more pale than yours. IRL - is the stone as an intense a colour as that in your photos or is it closer to Brads?

 

[chrono]

Bling,
I, too, have a similar Luc Yen spinel from Brad. They truly shift. Sometimes they get quite light and sometimes, the colour deepens a bit. Mine goes from lavender blue to bluish pink.

 

[Agneau]

Agneau - when I look at Brad's pictures of the stone, they look much more pale than yours. IRL - is the stone as an intense a colour as that in your photos or is it closer to Brads?

From what I have read his stones tend to be a little more saturated in person and I have to agree it is in this case. It definitely has more lavender overall in person rather than his picture.
I think my pictures make it seem just a tad more saturated than in real life, but I feel the direct sunlight picture is very accurate to what the color looks like in real life in the direct sunlight.

I hope this helps!

 

[BlingObsession]

Ladies - many thanks.

I've emailed Brad. I have also emailed AfricaGem to ask for more pictures of the pinkish one - John replied saying he's overseas at the moment but will get me some shots next week. I will post them upon receipt because it's a very expensive stone and I want as much expert advice as I can get. In the meantime, I'll keep looking and hope you guys will also keep looking for me as I definitely want one with a bluish/pinkish/purplish component (no grey - not that I can see it but I know others can).