Request for expert advice - first red spinel

[BoubaFris]

Hello ,

I am in need your expert opinions urgently - the return period ends tomorrow. I only have 24 hours return window

I bought a red spinel and it looks Very dark and full. have not seen any in real life before. So it looks underwhelming. Granted I have not seen the stone in daylight since I just got it and it is already nighttime here.

It was sold as a vivid red spinel with no window and loupe clean. 1.06 carat.

Do you think it looks too dark? Will it be better in daylight? Shall I return it? Opinions/advices welcome

Thank you!!

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[Bron357]

As with all coloured gems they can only “perform” according to the available light. With specialized lighting as per some Vendor photos / videos they can look quite different (ie much better) than how they look in real life.
It will also appear slightly darker when set.
So yes, it will be “dark” in low light situations and very glowy in bright sunlight. Only you can decide if the dark tone shown when inside under fluorescent lights or at night time is something you like and can live with. In sunlight or jewellery store lighting (again specialized lighting) it will look magnificent.

 

[minousbijoux]

Its a personal preference thing, but it would not make the cut for me, for sure.

 

[BoubaFris]

Thank you @Bron357. Does that stone display the usual colour for red spinels? Or is it darker than usual?

Thank you @minousbijoux. What would you look for in a red spinel?just trying to educate myself for the next stone I consider...

 

[qubitasaurus]

You should see it in all lightings. But yes, based on the available pictures it would be too dark for me. I would send it back.

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

I would send it back. It is really hard to find a nice red spinel. Many sellers use photos of the gem flooded in light making it appear bright red which makes the search harder. What you should look for is a red spinel that does not look dark in home and office lighting and does not black out in sunlight. It also should not have inclusions that affect beauty or durability.

 

[BoubaFris]

@qubitasaurus @LisaRN thank you. I shall spend some time with it tomorrow and decide. Thank you all for the advice!

 

[peacechick]

I think you should look at it in daylight first before deciding. See it as giving it a fair shake. Maybe it’s a beautiful gem in daylight, who knows? The other factor is price. I’m not sure what you paid but a red spinel that glows both at night and in the day will certainly not come cheap.

 

[BoubaFris]

Thank you @peacechick. Paid $950.

Here are some morning pictures.

Still too dark?

 

[BoubaFris]

More pictures in the office lighting

 

[peacechick]

Well, you’ve now seen it in daylight and if you still don’t love it, I think it’s time to pack it up to go back! I personally don’t find it too dark but I do notice that the photos don’t seem to show too much sparkle except the last photo. Not sure if it’s the cut or the lustre that is the issue.

 

[chrono]

It’s a darkish red even though the red looks nice. I suppose it depends on how much you paid, whether it sings to you, and how long you’re prepared to search.

 

[voce]

For $950, I would personally consider that too steep. Finewater Gems sells their red spinels for around $1000 a carat, and their reds are very nice-looking. Since your gem is a darker red and not precision cut, I would only be willing to pay $500 per carat max. My recommendation is return unless you feel so strongly about this stone you would regret it if you let go.

 

[BoubaFris]

Well, you’ve now seen it in daylight and if you still don’t love it, I think it’s time to pack it up to go back! I personally don’t find it too dark but I do notice that the photos don’t seem to show too much sparkle except the last photo. Not sure if it’s the cut or the lustre that is the issue.

Thank you! I will return it and try others later

 

[BoubaFris]

For $950, I would personally consider that too steep. Finewater Gems sells their red spinels for around $1000 a carat, and their reds are very nice-looking. Since your gem is a darker red and not precision cut, I would only be willing to pay $500 per carat max. My recommendation is return unless you feel so strongly about this stone you would regret it if you let go.

Thank you. Will do!

 

[BoubaFris]

It’s a darkish red even though the red looks nice. I suppose it depends on how much you paid, whether it sings to you, and how long you’re prepared to search.

Paid $950. I will return it. Thank you!

 

[kindred]

@BoubaFris, I am embarking on the same journey as you. It seems pretty daunting, but totally worth it if you (we) can find the right stone. If only colored stone buying were as easy as buying a round brilliant diamond!

 

[BoubaFris]

@kindred true. It is so hard to translate pictures into real life. Any success on your side? Do keep us posted when you achieve success!!

 

[kindred]

@BoubaFris - I have almost placed orders for red spinel so many times. The problem I have is that I really want an 8 mm or larger stone and a true red color and that is not easy to come by.

Fortunately there is a jeweler not too far from me who has red spinels in stock. I haven't had a chance to visit yet but I am really looking forward to it. I think it will be really helpful to get to see some in person. Even if they don't have something that I want it should be a nice learning experience.

 

[Arcadian]

This is a bit dark, but you have to enjoy this color. Its not a bad looking stone, IMO. Just dark. I would go with a more open red, though you'll probably pay a higher price for it.

If you're in an environment where you get lots of light, it will likely be ok. I live in Florida, and got the surprise of my life when I moved here from New England (which does not get as much light!) The color of my stones are quite intense in this environment than my old one.

What I will tell you is that if you don't love the stone, send it back. DOn't hold on to it thinking you MIGHT love it because likely you'll always have some regrets by doing that.