Paraiba Tourmaline?

[Loriann]

Does anyone know why a gemologist would not want to appraise this stone? Thank you

 

[colorchange]

If it''s an appraiser, I guess because he feels it''s so overvalued that he is not willing to mislead in "actual" value of the gem or something like that... but most gemmologists are not appraisers and (at least here in France) all appraisers are not gemmologist (indeed here most tell "first you bring it to the [national lab] then based on this I will give you my opinion" as they do not feel like telling the treatments of gems with the usual gemmologist''s microscope and immersion).

Regards

 

[colorchange]

It might also be because a simple gemmologist cann hardly tell between a Paraiba and african tourmaline...

 

[MJO]

Date: 3/7/2006 10:21:43 AM
Author:Loriann
Does anyone know why a gemologist would not want to appraise this stone? Thank you

Hello Loiann,

It''s not worth the trouble. The most reliable way to find out if the stone is paraiba is to do an x-ray defraction on it. The AGL charges at least $500 to do this test. The other way is to not as definative is to use a spectrascope and check for copper absorbtion lines. Also you mentioned that your Paraiba was neon green. Neon green is not as expensive as neon blue. Neon blue retails for about $1,000 in small (under1/2ct) sizes. Green is probubly $200/ct in this size.

Regards,
Maurice

 

[Loriann]

Thank you so much for that info. I think I am going to return this stone and spend the money more wisely.

 

[colorchange]

The wisest buyings are those of center stones.
It is not very wise unless you have a jewellery project to buy gems that can hardly be mounted, so typicaly sapphires spinels and rubies over 1Ct are "good choices" as are many semi-precious gems...

And about the value of very small stones... they are never worth much.