Please advise on blue sapphire?

[ElegantRascal]

Hi! This is my first post here, and I've already learned a lot from reading other threads so thank you!

I'm looking to purchase a blue sapphire to be set in a ring, and I'm having a hard time finding a good one. I'm based in the U.K. and there don't seem to be many options here so I'm thinking I might need to order online from abroad.

I'd like an eye-clean, transparent stone of a rich royal blue colour (slightly dark but not so it appears at all black). I'd prefer a cushion or oval cut, perhaps round. I don't mind heating, I don't think the price difference for non-heated is really worth it to me (hope you experts don't hate me for that!). As for size I think about 3-4.5 carats, with the length and width measurements being about 7-9mm. My budget is about $10-14,000, preferably on the lower end of that! Especially as I might need to pay extra for VAT and import duties.

I've found this stone that looks really nice to me (though very expensive) and was hoping some of you here might be able to give me an opinion on it? I know the vendor isn't popular on here but the complaints all seem quite old, the stone is certified and they give loads of information about it, and most issues seem to be with their settings and I'm only planning on getting the stone from them.

Blue Sapphires | The Natural Sapphire Company

We offer a large variety of the beautiful blue sapphire. Between different hues and tones, you'll be sure to find the perfect blue sapphire here.

www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com

And here are a few others that I like the look of:

3.61ct Ceylon Round Blue Sapphire - B9774

3.61ct Ceylon Round Blue Sapphire - B9774 at The Natural Sapphire Company

www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com

3.03ct Ceylon Cushion Blue Sapphire - B11527

3.03ct Ceylon Cushion Blue Sapphire - B11527 at The Natural Sapphire Company

www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com

3.53ct Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Oval Blue Sapphire - B9471

<br /><p> The beautiful 3.53 carat oval blue sapphire is a stunning gemstone with vibrant color and exceptional clarity. It has been expertly cut into an elegant oval shape, and its mixed brilliant cut enhances its sparkle and scintillation. </p><p> The sapphire has been expertly cut into an...

www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com

3.30ct Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Cushion Blue Sapphire - B11388

One beautiful transparent 3.30 carat cushion shape blue sapphire with dimensions of 9.63 x 7.45 x 5.37 mm. It has a mixed brilliant cut, and a clarity grade of eye clean (evaluated at eye level), vivid color intensity, and an excellent polish. The origin of this sapphire is Ceylon.

www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com

If you have time to look at these and tell me what you think I'd be so grateful! Or if you have any advice, or have seen a suitable stone elsewhere I'd love to hear about it.
Thank you so much in advance.

 

[voce]

Add someone who has bought from the Natural Sapphire Company, I think their process are high, both for the stone and for the setting. If you don't mind heated, there are stones to be had for much less. Nothing wrong with the $16k 4.12 ct stone, except the price. For $16k I would be expecting an untreated, not heated sapphire.

For example, this trusted vendor has a stone for half of the price. And you can always ask if they are willing to put it in a ring for you. All these stones vendors know jewellers too, and Litnon does have some rings for sale.

Color & Quality! Natural Royal Blue Ceylon Sapphire 4.06 ct GL - Litnon

For $10k, you can have the ring made too, not just the stone.

 

[Niffler75]

@ElegantRascal Hi, I am in the UK too. We don't have many options here do we? However it is worth bearing in mind if you order from outside the UK or EU you are going to be landed with a bill bill for customs import duty and vat.
Have a look at GemsandJewelsUK on Etsy. They have some very nice GIA certified sapphires (both heat only and untreated options). They also have some set in jewellery, all coming in under your budget.
They also may be able to source a stone for you.

 

[Rfisher]

Doesn’t places like NSC run sales often, so you have to factor that into their (20% higher I think) non sale time listed price?

 

[dk168]

I believe Jeff Davies and his son are now back in the UK, and they have an Etsy store:

JeffDaviesandSonGems - Etsy UK

Shop Precision & Custom Cut, High Quality Gems Specialist. by JeffDaviesandSonGems located in Wales, England. Smooth dispatch! Has a history of dispatching on time with tracking. Speedy replies! Has a history of replying to messages quickly. Rave reviews! Average review rating is 4.8 or higher

www.etsy.com

They do not have many blue Sapphires at the mo, however, it is worth reaching out to them to see if they have suitable roughs for your project.

They have a lovely 7.32ct round one listed at the mo, beyond my reach, however, I love ogling it for its colour and cutting.

DK

 

[Niffler75]

@dk168 Good suggestion, I was thinking of them too!

 

[dk168]

@dk168 Good suggestion, I was thinking of them too!

That Lotus-certified blue Sapphire is TDF, wish I had that kind of money to spare as I would have snapped it up in a heartbeat!

DK

 

[Niffler75]

@dk168 I know right! Totally gorgeous!

 

[ElegantRascal]

Add someone who has bought from the Natural Sapphire Company, I think their process are high, both for the stone and for the setting. If you don't mind heated, there are stones to be had for much less. Nothing wrong with the $16k 4.12 ct stone, except the price. For $16k I would be expecting an untreated, not heated sapphire.

For example, this trusted vendor has a stone for half of the price. And you can always ask if they are willing to put it in a ring for you. All these stones vendors know jewellers too, and Litnon does have some rings for sale.

Color & Quality! Natural Royal Blue Ceylon Sapphire 4.06 ct GL - Litnon

For $10k, you can have the ring made too, not just the stone.

Thank you for the advice, that's so helpful! I think you're right that the prices are too high. I do love that 4.12ct stone but it is very expensive. I'm also wondering if it's too dark, if it would look blackish once set in a ring...
Thank you so much for the link - that stone would be absolutely perfect, if only it were certified and eye clean! I'm quite set on the one I buy being eye clean, I think any visible flaws would bother me.

 

[ElegantRascal]

@ElegantRascal Hi, I am in the UK too. We don't have many options here do we? However it is worth bearing in mind if you order from outside the UK or EU you are going to be landed with a bill bill for customs import duty and vat.
Have a look at GemsandJewelsUK on Etsy. They have some very nice GIA certified sapphires (both heat only and untreated options). They also have some set in jewellery, all coming in under your budget.
They also may be able to source a stone for you.

Hi! Yes, it's kind of confusing that there isn't more choice here. I always thought the UK was quite good for jewellery, what with Hatton Garden and all, but apparently not! It is a pain having to factor in those extra international prices (plus it makes things feel more risky and stressful) and it would definitely be great to buy from the UK/EU if possible.
Thank you very much for the tip! I've taken a look and they do look good, I've sent them a message to see if they can help me.

 

[ElegantRascal]

Doesn’t places like NSC run sales often, so you have to factor that into their (20% higher I think) non sale time listed price?

Ah I didn't know that - really good to know, thank you! I wonder if they would make me a lower offer in that case, given that I'd have to pay VAT and import tax on top of their price... Or perhaps I should wait and see if they do go on sale.

 

[Niffler75]

@ElegantRascal Awesome, I have ordered from them twice before and been very satisfied. I also have a gem dealer and lapidary contact in the UK that may be able to help so just let me know and I can drop him a line.

 

[ElegantRascal]

I believe Jeff Davies and his son are now back in the UK, and they have an Etsy store:

JeffDaviesandSonGems - Etsy UK

Shop Precision & Custom Cut, High Quality Gems Specialist. by JeffDaviesandSonGems located in Wales, England. Smooth dispatch! Has a history of dispatching on time with tracking. Speedy replies! Has a history of replying to messages quickly. Rave reviews! Average review rating is 4.8 or higher

www.etsy.com

They do not have many blue Sapphires at the mo, however, it is worth reaching out to them to see if they have suitable roughs for your project.

They have a lovely 7.32ct round one listed at the mo, beyond my reach, however, I love ogling it for its colour and cutting.

DK

Thank you so much for the tip. I would certainly rather buy from a UK (or EU) vendor if possible, it'd make things so much easier (and cheaper!). I've sent them a message as you suggest, so crossed fingers!

 

[ElegantRascal]

@ElegantRascal Awesome, I have ordered from them twice before and been very satisfied. I also have a gem dealer and lapidary contact in the UK that may be able to help so just let me know and I can drop him a line.

That's so kind, thank you! I'm so glad I found this forum, the search was really overwhelming before but now I feel that I'm in safe hands.

 

[dk168]

Thank you so much for the tip. I would certainly rather buy from a UK (or EU) vendor if possible, it'd make things so much easier (and cheaper!). I've sent them a message as you suggest, so crossed fingers!

You are welcome, and welcome to PS!

There are a few of us from UK, and hopefully, one day, we can get together for a social!

I have stopped buying jewellery in UK since I discovered eBay and internet shopping in the 90s.

I view my purchases from abroad as one-way transactions, as returning them is such a pain, and I would always lose out on custom/duty/shipping charges.

I have sold a few pieces of imported jewellery in very good conditions that I did not particularly like in the past via eBay, and managed to get some decent prices for them, as they were still a lot cheaper than new ones in the shops in UK!

Good luck with finding a suitable Sapphire from a UK/EU vendor.

If you are open to importing from abroad, then please let me and the others know, as we can definitely point you in the right directions of some very good cutters.

DK

 

[LilAlex]

I believe Jeff Davies and his son are now back in the UK, and they have an Etsy store:

I'm glad a few of you have had good luck. I would not buy from anyone who posts pictures like that.

 

[Niffler75]

@ElegantRascal OK my contact has also pointed you in the direction of the Natural Sapphire Company. He states from personal experience they are 'extremely reputable and there should be some movement on prices if you negotiate.'

 

[dk168]

I'm glad a few of you have had good luck. I would not buy from anyone who posts pictures like that.

Please elaborate.

IMHO, Jeff D's pictures are very accurate, and he always provides videos of the more expensive stones.

I honestly do not believe the pic of that Sapphire had been altered in anyway, and have seen the video of the same stone. It is really that intense and saturated.

I have purchased many stones from him, and would gladly recommend him.

DK

 

[ElegantRascal]

You are welcome, and welcome to PS!

There are a few of us from UK, and hopefully, one day, we can get together for a social!

I have stopped buying jewellery in UK since I discovered eBay and internet shopping in the 90s.

I view my purchases from abroad as one-way transactions, as returning them is such a pain, and I would always lose out on custom/duty/shipping charges.

I have sold a few pieces of imported jewellery in very good conditions that I did not particularly like in the past via eBay, and managed to get some decent prices for them, as they were still a lot cheaper than new ones in the shops in UK!

Good luck with finding a suitable Sapphire from a UK/EU vendor.

If you are open to importing from abroad, then please let me and the others know, as we can definitely point you in the right directions of some very good cutters.

DK

Thank you! I think I'll just check out these UK vendors first and if they don't work out I'd definitely look into importing. Is there any chance you could make some recommendations now for me to look at, please?

Do you think that US/international stones are basically better than any one can get here in the UK? Or is it just that you can get better prices, even considering the VAT and import tax? I'm just interested in how you came to give up on UK jewellers and switch to internet sources. Do you think the US sources would be better for my purposes than e.g. Jeff Davies?
Thank you again very much!

 

[ElegantRascal]

@ElegantRascal OK my contact has also pointed you in the direction of the Natural Sapphire Company. He states from personal experience they are 'extremely reputable and there should be some movement on prices if you negotiate.'

Ah interesting - he thinks they're the best bet for me? Better than any in the UK? Thank you so much for asking for me! It's so kind.

 

[Niffler75]

@ElegantRascal I definitely think you should check the Etsy options but it goes to show for coloured stones the UK is lagging behind for choice and quality!

 

[ElegantRascal]

@ElegantRascal I definitely think you should check the Etsy options but it goes to show for coloured stones the UK is lagging behind for choice and quality!

We really do seem to be oddly badly-supplied here! Are there any other Etsy options you'd recommend, or just Jeff Davies? Thank you so much again.

 

[voce]

I think that for high priced colored stones, you should have access to an independent lab to verify extend of treatment (i.e. a colored diamond is not the result of irradiation, and the sapphire or ruby hasn't undergone heating or diffusion or clarity treatments). These labs need to have specific equipment, not just expert knowledge and a handheld loupe.

These independent gem labs are accessible in places like the US (AGL and GIA), Canada (GIA), Thailand (Lotus, AIGL), Hong Kong (GRS), Switzerland (GRS, Dungaire) and Germany (SSEF). There simply isn't anything like that in the UK or Australia or anywhere in the Commonwealth apart from a GIA in Canada. This is probably due to lack of sufficient demand, as it's the higher end stuff that gets sold at auction houses in Geneva, New York, Hong Kong, and exchanged between wholesalers in Bangkok that really really need the independent lab certification. It seems as though a lot of British vendors are not willing to deal with the VAT both ways to send their stones across borders for certification, and since Brexit I imagine it would be even more so.

I really feel for serious CS lovers in the UK.

 

[dk168]

Jeff D used to be based in Thailand when I started buying from him a few years ago.
I don't know exactly when he and his family moved back to UK, at least a year or so I'd say.
The first CS I purchased was a 1.6ct+ heart shaped heated Ruby, from a vendor that no longer exist, before I joined PS and dipped my toes in the CS section.
I was not able to find anything decent in that size for the same money.
Jewellery prices in UK is just crazy compare to what I can get from abroad, even with custom and import charges factored in.
I had been criticised in the past about not supporting local businesses.
However, it is a free world. I respect the choices others make, and expect the same curtesy in return.

DK

 

[dk168]

As for vendors outside UK, my go to cutter is Jeff White of whitesgems.com.

I bought 3 stones this year from him this year, and had just emailed him about another 2.

He has a big gallery of sold gemstones, and some of mine are included.

Have fun browsing.

DK

 

[dk168]

BTW, that gorgeous Lotus-certified Sapphire has been in his inventory for a while, probably listed when he was still in Thailand.

Not sure where he would send his nicer big ticket stones for certification nowadays.

DK

 

[lovedogs]

I'm glad a few of you have had good luck. I would not buy from anyone who posts pictures like that.

What does this mean? Many people have happily purchased from him without issue.

 

[caf]

I'm glad a few of you have had good luck. I would not buy from anyone who posts pictures like that.

I have purchased from him. His photos of my stones were good and showed the stones accurately. What do you mean?

 

[whitewave]

Jeff Davies UK just had a royal blue one. Let me go find it!!

 

[dk168]

Jeff Davies UK just had a royal blue one. Let me go find it!!

Rabbit hole territory for some!

DK