Questions from a newbie

[newbie_jas]

Hi I am a newbie in the world of coloured gemstones and this is my first post.

I have learnt so much from this forum and want to thank the PSers for the knowledge and wisdom.

Recently I found a London blue topaz from an online seller which is suitable for my project (a pendant). The stone didn’t appear to have a window from the photo he sent me, but to be certain, I specifically asked whether the stone had a window or not. He replied that it didn’t.

I have just received the stone. It looks nice on my hands, but when I put it on a white background, I can see through its centre. I am puzzled because according to my understanding, this is a window (or is it?). This made me question my own understanding on the matter , as the seller has more experience than me in coloured gemstones.

Can anyone tell me if this is a window? How can I avoid the same situation again in future purchases? Asking the seller for a photo taken head-on?

Thank you for your help!

 

[Garnetgirl]

Hi! Welcome to Pricescope. Bumping this up, so maybe someone with more knowledge will answer.

From your photo, it doesn't look like the gem has a window, to me.
From my understanding, you should put a piece of paper with some writing on it, behind the gem. If you can read the writing, that is an indication of a window. Hope this helps. It looks like a nice stone.

 

[chatoyancy]

I think it's very pretty.

 

[PrecisionGem]

That last tier of facets is cut below the critical angle for topaz, and is forming a window. Because the pavilion is not a typical step cut often seen, the windowed facets look like a star.

 

[chrono]

Looks like a small window to me.

 

[newbie_jas]

Thanks for the reply!

 

[Acinom]

It looks like a beautiful stone. It also seem to have a small window, which could close up a little in the setting.