Pink Tourmaline - Photos!!

[tenyearanniversary]

Oh no, I appear to have caught the bug......

I've just been sent photos of this tourmaline that is almost 6 carats. It is a Califonia Stewart Mine Hot Pink Tourmaline.

Do you all like it? What would be a fair price for it? Could I set it in a ring?

Thanks for any help!!

 

[innerkitten]

Being from California myself I love seeing a pretty California tourmaline! At the last San Francisco Mineral Society show the owner of one of the tourmaline mines down in So.Cal was there. She had some amazing jewelry with stones made from her mine.( Great show if you live in the Bay Area).

 

[movie zombie]

i have a few pieces of small pink tourmaline from that mine......the good stuff [that the empress of china adored] has been long gone. however, the san diego natural history museum has a divine color stone exhibit right now and you can drool over them at your leisure.

at that size, wow, i'm envious! it would not be cheap despite the inclusions i can see in the photo. the size will in and of itself make it pricier. if you get this stone do not heat or chemically clean it!

i have not seen one of that size for sale! you are indeed a lucky buyer!

 

[tenyearanniversary]

i have a few pieces of small pink tourmaline from that mine......the good stuff [that the empress of china adored] has been long gone. however, the san diego natural history museum has a divine color stone exhibit right now and you can drool over them at your leisure.

at that size, wow, i'm envious! it would not be cheap despite the inclusions i can see in the photo. the size will in and of itself make it pricier. if you get this stone do not heat or chemically clean it!

i have not seen one of that size for sale! you are indeed a lucky buyer!

Is $800 a good price for this? Could this stone possibly be eye clean when mounted? Should one try to get non-included tourmalines or are they accepted like in emeralds? I am a complete novice....Thank you for any help!

 

[T L]

i have a few pieces of small pink tourmaline from that mine......the good stuff [that the empress of china adored] has been long gone. however, the san diego natural history museum has a divine color stone exhibit right now and you can drool over them at your leisure.

at that size, wow, i'm envious! it would not be cheap despite the inclusions i can see in the photo. the size will in and of itself make it pricier. if you get this stone do not heat or chemically clean it!

i have not seen one of that size for sale! you are indeed a lucky buyer!

Is $800 a good price for this? Could this stone possibly be eye clean when mounted? Should one try to get non-included tourmalines or are they accepted like in emeralds? I am a complete novice....Thank you for any help!

I would check with Vancegems (you can find them on facebook). They sell at Intergem shows, and sell Maine tourmaline more saturated than that stone, and for less per carat. I think $800/ct is too expensive, especially with the barrage of non-detectable treatments on tourmaline these days. Bill Vance also precision cuts the gems himself. He is usually at the intergem shows, but he can send you some photographs as well. I just recently sold a stone way more saturated than that one, although it was only four and a half carats. I bought it for around $125/ct from Bill Vance. That stone is also very included, which should detract from its value.

This is the stone I sold

ETA: I think you said $800 for the whole stone, and not per carat (sorry! ). In any case, I think the saturation on that stone is lacking. I would try to see what Bill Vance has.

 

[movie zombie]

buying a california pink tourmaline isn't the usual buying experience.

personally, and no offense TL, i like the OP's stone better...why? its from a california mine with history, it has great size, the inclusions appear "soft" to my eye and will probably not be as visible in real life as they are in that close up, the color is not as dark, and the cut is a bit better IMO. for $800 its a steal for a california tourmaline of 6+ carats.

will it hold its own in the color stone market? only for those that appreciate california pink tourmaline....it is a different "pink" to be sure and i value that difference.

oh, and as to the original question re setting: its the same as with all color stones in that as long as inclusions are not at the surface and depends on how you're going to set it.

if you're in the market to purchase a pink tourmaline, well, there is pink tourmaline from many places to be had. but if you are specifically looking for california pink tourmaline i can say i have not seen anything of that size on the market from any of the san diego county mines.

 

[T L]

buying a california pink tourmaline isn't the usual buying experience.

personally, and no offense TL, i like the OP's stone better...why? its from a california mine with history, it has great size, the inclusions appear "soft" to my eye and will probably not be as visible in real life as they are in that close up, the color is not as dark, and the cut is a bit better IMO. for $800 its a steal for a california tourmaline of 6+ carats.

will it hold its own in the color stone market? only for those that appreciate california pink tourmaline....it is a different "pink" to be sure and i value that difference.

oh, and as to the original question re setting: its the same as with all color stones in that as long as inclusions are not at the surface and depends on how you're going to set it.

if you're in the market to purchase a pink tourmaline, well, there is pink tourmaline from many places to be had. but if you are specifically looking for california pink tourmaline i can say i have not seen anything of that size on the market from any of the san diego county mines.

Saturation should dictate price no matter the origin for pink tourmaline. I am sorry, but we will have to agree to disagree MZ. I don't like that stone at all, and I see some orange in it, which to me, is probably going to be more evident in certain lighting, and take away from the pink saturation. Of course, I would ask the vendor about the color shift in various light sources. The tourmaline I just sold has no color shift, and holds its saturation.

 

[Deia]

I love that stone, such a pretty pink!

 

[tenyearanniversary]

I'm still trying to absorb all your knowledge, thank you so much for your response.

Is this one better? It's smaller (3.94 carat) but also California pink tourmaline. Is that a bow tie on it?

 

[tenyearanniversary]

BTW, I'm not stuck on California pink tourmaline. I just happened upon one.....instinctively I do like a paler pink rather than like a more magenta pink, but I don't want to buy a pale pink tourmaline if it is not desirable in the market as I would like to have a chance for the stone to be worth a little more in the future........

 

[NKOTB]

Is $800 a good price for this? Could this stone possibly be eye clean when mounted? Should one try to get non-included tourmalines or are they accepted like in emeralds? I am a complete novice....Thank you for any help!

Well, now I know why I didn't get a response for a quote on this stone.

The vendor does describe it as eye clean in the hand, as well as hot pink, so I would assume it is at least somewhat deeper than indicated by the photo (with the brightly lit tweezers).

I don't know that I would say tourmalines are generally included, like emeralds (though some, like rubellites, and these California pinks, seem to be more so than others). I am still a novice myself (under a year of collecting), but do have many tourmalines that are very clean, and have a 6+carat one coming my way that is flawless. However, they can apparently damage relatively easily when worn frequently (according to TL) as a ring, and I imagine the large size might increase that risk.

So, I guess I would ask...What appeals to you about this specific stone? Is it the colour (as it appears in the photo, or as described)? The size? The provenance? Or all of the above? How often do you think you would wear it?

 

[movie zombie]

that's ok, TL. since we're being honest, i didn't like your stone at all either.....but each to their own. we do disagree at times....and will continue to do so, i'm sure. i'm not sure that the purposeof participating in this forum is to "agree" but to post our individual opinions and thoughts on stones. in the end, only the OP can make up her own mind as to what she is looking for and what is important to her.

re the stone: its not about saturation with this stone as much as it is about the fact that it is in many ways "true" to the tourmalines from that area. although, admittedly, it would not even begin to hold a candle to the fine pieces i saw at the museum. those would make almost any tourmaline seem inadequate. pure of color and crystal. very unusual to see a tourmaline of that quality from any location these days. and most of us would not be willing to pay the price such a piece would carry. sigh. champagne taste, beer budget.

the pinks from the san diego county area tend to run more blue/cool......and that is what i see in this particular stone. specimans that cannot be faceted or cabbed seem to have much richer color to them....giving an idea as to what past faceting rough would have looked like:

odd that i do like the pink tourmalines from that area given i'm not known to like pink stones....so its nothing personal, TL, just that my taste and yours differ. nothing wrong with that, imo.

4.69 carat with perhaps better cut and color for $799 with GIA certificate:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-69-HIMALAYA-MINE-PINK-TOURMALINE-TOP-USA-CUT-GIA-CERT-/360430065236?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D15%26pmod%3D220750630647%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5985487702553497708

two stones = 9 carats for $2,200:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/9-CT-PINK-TOURMALINE-SUIT-STEWART-MINE-TOP-USA-CUT-4PCS-/360234694396?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D15%26pmod%3D220750630647%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5985506724429356000


however, the OP is not necessarily wanting a california tourmaline as much as a lighter pink tourmaline......it does seem that san diego county produces the lighter pinks though i wouldn't rule out checking around for other sources.

 

[innerkitten]

If we agreed on everything it would be kind of boring. Variety is the spice of life.

 

[T L]

BTW, I'm not stuck on California pink tourmaline. I just happened upon one.....instinctively I do like a paler pink rather than like a more magenta pink, but I don't want to buy a pale pink tourmaline if it is not desirable in the market as I would like to have a chance for the stone to be worth a little more in the future........

I actually rather have a pale pink spinel, which are readily available, than a tourmaline that color. The reason being is that all tourmaline really has going for it is color. It is a low RI stone, and kind of glassy with a poor luster, and it also chips easily. Spinel has a higher RI, very durable, and has great luster, and is available in that color. A pale peachy pink tourmaline just doesn't do it for me, and they're usually quite inexpensive. However, if you like it, than that's a different story.

MZ, I respect your opinion on these stones. I guess I have an issue with the price for the color, more than anything, as I've seen this kind of tourmaline go for far less money. I do see the appeal though. It's a bright stone, and some people like that. Honestly, for those prices, I much rather have a spinel, not an included pale pink tourmaline.

 

[movie zombie]

TL, did you checkout the prices of some of the other california pinks he has for sale?! and he has a california green tourmaline that is really lovely.

oddly, like i mentioned before, i'm not into pink and have no desire for a pink spinel [but do have a cherry red spinel cab]....but those san diego pinks speak to me even included. they have a personality and charm for me.

i haven't seen any california pinks go for "cheap" recently and i haven't seen stones of that size much on the market either. i've done business with some cutters who are clearing out some old inventory but there has been nothing of the size of these babies. and admittedly as well nothing with as fine a crystal as some of this guy's upper end offerings with GIA certificates.

thanks but no thanks re an $800 spinel.....seriously. i've seen enough spinels to know that i've developed an eye for the finer stuff and anything less for me just does not perform well enough to please my eye. spinel is one of those stones that if i can't have some of the best, i don't want it.

its a good thing we all don't want the same thing! can you imagine what the prices would be if we did?!

 

[0-0-0]

I second the pink spinel suggestion if you are not stuck on pink tourmaline. The color reminds me of some of the lighter pink spinels from Tajikistan. They may cost slightly more than pink tourmalines for the larger stones, but should be more durable for a ring.

 

[movie zombie]

hands down, durability goes to the spinel.

there are some nigerian pink tourmalines around....or used to be. i haven't been looking but the were of the lighter color/tone/saturation. might try looking for one of those.

 

[T L]

hands down, durability goes to the spinel.

there are some nigerian pink tourmalines around....or used to be. i haven't been looking but the were of the lighter color/tone/saturation. might try looking for one of those.

Gene or Barry might have some of those Nigerian pale pinks. A lot of pink tourmaline comes from Nigeria. It may be more cost effective too. Sometimes tourmaline is heated, and becomes paler pink as a result as well.

 

[T L]

Another thing I don't care for about pink tourmaline is that the treatment (typically irradiation) is not detectable. See the GIA comments on this same ebay seller's GIA report for this tourmaline.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-47CT-HIMALAYA-MINE-PINK-TOURMALINE-MEG-BERRY-GIA-CERT-/360430065234?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item53eb4e5652#ht_500wt_1054

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=360430065234

"The color of tourmaline is commonly irradiated to improve or change the color. Evidence that may confirm irradiation is typically lacking."

The above GIA notes tell me they just can't detect it, even though the seller states, in this listing, that the GIA report confirms no treatment. He states, "This one is fully GIA certifed as no sign of any treatment or heating!" Am I missing something here?

Spinels are typically not treated, so no worries there. For $2500, I would want a stone with detectable treatment, but you know, that's me. Others have disagreed with me on that subject.

 

[NKOTB]

Brad at TGT also has a large light pink Nigerian tourm for under 700 - for comparison.

 

[chrono]

California Stewart Mine pink tourmaline is a collector stone, in a certain sense. It is somewhat famous but only among those who understand gemstones and care about its mining history. The price is a bit higher than some other pink tourmalines due to its origin. Sure, the size is impressive but I am concerned that due to its size, it may not be eye clean in person.

Brad's stone looks to be cleaner and better saturated. I find that his stone almost always look better than the pictures. It does appear to have a bit of a bow-tie but rather small one that if the price is right and the colour is what you are looking for, it would be something I can overlook.

In general, go for eye clean stones in tourmalines. For almost all gemstones, pale colours are not desirable in the trade but buy what you like at a reasonable price. For the most part, I like well saturated medium toned stones but occasionally like light violetish blue spinels.

 

[tenyearanniversary]

Thank you all for your response. Do you like this one?? It's 36 carats.

Sorry I'm all over the map with the size......I'll look for spinels......It does make more sense to get something durable if I'm going to spend money on a nice setting.......And it sounds like spinels sparkle more?

 

[T L]

Thank you all for your response. Do you like this one?? It's 36 carats.

Sorry I'm all over the map with the size......I'll look for spinels......It does make more sense to get something durable if I'm going to spend money on a nice setting.......And it sounds like spinels sparkle more?

I like the color better than the top one, but it is very included, which may or may not bother you. I have a sleepy rubellite that I love because the color is so saturated. I don't think you'll ever find a 36 carat spinel. They tend to get pricier over 3 carats, but they are way more durable and sparkly than tourmaline. I used to collect tourmaline quite a bit until I discovered the beauty of spinel. There are some beautiful colors of tourmaline, but I also like a stone that has a great luster and higher RI, and tourmaline chips so easily too.

 

[tenyearanniversary]

Brad at TGT also has a large light pink Nigerian tourm for under 700 - for comparison.

Thank you so much! What is TGT?

 

[T L]

California Stewart Mine pink tourmaline is a collector stone, in a certain sense. It is somewhat famous but only among those who understand gemstones and care about its mining history. The price is a bit higher than some other pink tourmalines due to its origin. Sure, the size is impressive but I am concerned that due to its size, it may not be eye clean in person.

Brad's stone looks to be cleaner and better saturated. I find that his stone almost always look better than the pictures. It does appear to have a bit of a bow-tie but rather small one that if the price is right and the colour is what you are looking for, it would be something I can overlook.

In general, go for eye clean stones in tourmalines. For almost all gemstones, pale colours are not desirable in the trade but buy what you like at a reasonable price. For the most part, I like well saturated medium toned stones but occasionally like light violetish blue spinels.

Can you determine origin on these stones though? You see, if I'm paying a premium for an origin, I would want a lab report that states the given origin, like Brazilian Paraiba for example.

 

[T L]

Brad at TGT also has a large light pink Nigerian tourm for under 700 - for comparison.

Thank you so much! What is TGT?

thegemtrader.com

 

[movie zombie]

i do not like the 36 carat at all.

 

[LD]

I haven't read through the whole thread so I apologise if I'm re-stating anything anybody else has said! Ok, with that caveat ......

I'm not sure that I would describe that stone as "hot pink". It looks quite pale.

Eye clean? There are quite a lot of inclusions going on. While it may be stated to be eye clean (although that's difficult to imagine from the photo), the fact that the inclusions are making the gem look "silky" or "smokey" make me think the inclusions will hinder performance (whether they're seen or not).

Yes it's 6ct and that of course has to be factored in but for me, size isn't everything

Personally, I'm not keen on pink tourmalines because they tend to shift in colour (to a brownish colour) and anything this big has to be treated like a baby (to a certain extent). I think this is also expensive but then you have to balance that against how many 6ct stones do you see.

So, buy it if you like it BUT only if it is absolutely screaming your name and you HAVE to have it.

 

[movie zombie]

gemtrader also has a mozambique pink tourmaline......