Red spinel - that 'ruby' red

[Midsommer]

It's great that he's taking additional pictures for you. Hand shots? Yes, it's good to see the colour and size to first decide whether it is a contender before the expense and hassle of sending it off to a lab. For me, the amount of residue matters, so just to say heat only isn't enough information.

I've done some online searching and it is really difficult to locate an emerald cut ruby - let alone an untreated one, so it's hard to find comparable products/prices but other threads have alluded to a more reasonable price may mean there is residue etc
Even looking for emerald cut spinel turns up very little - especially under 2ct. Most are oval & round then cushion.

Just for my benefit - do you think the price of this ruby may point to it having residue? (obviously can't be determined just on pictures)

Hmmmm - I do like the look of it but if I get pictures and proceed, what would I encounter in a lab report that would be a "deal breaker" ? In this case, I think the most important thing is the visual appeal and I'm not holding out for a natural, perfect ruby but I also wouldn't want something that is priced incorrectly/hiding lots of residue.

I did see a scissor cushion cut spinel on gemfix that is more affordable but again hard for me to properly visualize the colour - hand shots for all gem fix stones are in the works according to Laura. Benefit of spinel is that it has zero enhancements but I still think my mum strongly preferences ruby. Just looking as alternatives.

 

[chrono]

The shape of spinel and ruby rough are not suited for emerald cuts, hence you do not see them often, especially spinel. I have absolutely no idea about how much residue the RW ruby will have. Who knows, perhaps it is very little. One can hope for the best, right? The deal breaker for everyone is different, so I don't know what yours is. For me, anything beyond minor residue will be it but I know I am a minority who are concerned with treatment. Given that you have very specific constraints, this might not be realistic for you.

Gemfix will take pictures of their stones now, so if you are interested, you should follow up with Andrew.

 

[innerkitten]

Have you found something?

 

[Midsommer]

The shape of spinel and ruby rough are not suited for emerald cuts, hence you do not see them often, especially spinel. I have absolutely no idea about how much residue the RW ruby will have. Who knows, perhaps it is very little. One can hope for the best, right? The deal breaker for everyone is different, so I don't know what yours is. For me, anything beyond minor residue will be it but I know I am a minority who are concerned with treatment. Given that you have very specific constraints, this might not be realistic for you.

Gemfix will take pictures of their stones now, so if you are interested, you should follow up with Andrew.

Sorry, just seen this now. Sent an email through to gemfix and was told they are actually uploading photos (handshots) of ALL their gems and it may take a week. So that is pretty helpful when buying online - more chances to see the actual stone.

Yes - I don't know where my mum fits on the spectrum re treatment preferences. A heated ruby is still a "real" ruby. I have some sapphires in a ring that, on reflection, as undoubtedly heated but it didn't occur to me to ask when purchasing. It doesn't bother me - it would for others. As there are few options (online) for emerald cut rubies - and this ones seems very lovely from pictures in terms of colour (my uneducated eye) I think it will make her very happy. If it were me I would go for something bigger and different shape but we are different people

Have you found something?

I have my eye on a ruby that someone posted a few days ago (earlier in thread) - currently waiting on hand shots from RWW before embarking on potential purchase!

The one you posted from gemcal was gorgeous (thank you) but it's an emerald cut I am now looking for.......