Returning this Mahenge spinel

[ilovegemstones]

I am returning this but would still love to hear your input. I think I like straight pink or purplish pink but not salmon/red/pink. I prefer the round mahenge in the ring and the natural star ruby. I am starting to think that I am more of a ruby girl than a Mahenge spinel girl! If anyone knows of a good source for unheated natural faceted rubies let me know!

 

[Edward Bristol]

Many mahenge spinels come in the padparadscha, orangish tones.

Not all are neon, but it is those that made the name 'Mahenge' a brand.

 

[JewelFreak]

If you don't love it, sending it back makes sense. I see areas of extinction anyway & saturation isn't the best. I'm sure you can find something you like better.

--- Laurie

 

[chrono]

Mahenge is the region where the spinel is mined; they come in a variety of hues including blue, and a variety of quality ranging from excellent to subpar. The name "Mahenge" became synonymous with the super saturated pinkish red, then later hot pink spinels, which is what most people think of when they hear the name. I would purchase a spinel based on the colouration, not the name. If it happens to be from a region famed for a specific colour, then so be it.

I agree that you should buy what you like. If you don't like an orangish pink spinel, the stone should be returned. If you want a straight pink or pinkish red, you should keep looking. The nice thing about spinels is that they are rarely treated, compared to rubies. Even star rubies are now "low" heated to improve the clarity.

 

[ilovegemstones]

Thanks for the great tips everyone. It is all packaged to go back. I knew Mahenge was the region and that many colours are produced there, but I did not notice the salmon colour in the vendour pics - I only saw hot pinky-red. was was hoping for a mini version of the stone in your ring, Chrono!
PS the star sapphire has had low heat on coals.

 

[chrono]

ILG,
I wasn't sure if you already knew all that but it appears that you did. To help with future online purchases, ask the vendor about colour shifting since many pink/red Mahenge spinels tend to be salmon-y coloured indoors. I'm sorry that you didn't receive what you were hoping for. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find a strongly saturated red Mahenge spinel these days.

 

[wordie89]

Late to thread but would return it Not as pretty as the ones you already have! I think Chrono has the prettiest red spinel. I still have my hot pink mahenge from gemfix and 4 chrome diopside marquis that someday will be set into a pretty ring. Just need to save my $$$ after all the Christmas sharing.

 

[minousbijoux]

You've made a wise choice. It just does not come close to the level of saturation that one aspires to find when searching for the sought after and well known Mahenges (to distinguish from any old spinel from the Mahenge region )

I personally do not mind the orange pink that one can find in some highly saturated Mahenges, but I sure expect them to have the vivid or neon saturation...

 

[ilovegemstones]

It has been safely sent off. I think I am going to stick with rubies. Great tip about the shifting, Chrono. I will make a point to ask the next time I buy a gemstone. It has really made me appreciate the round pink Mahenge spinel I have in the ring pictured. I am not often in such a pink mood though. Maybe I will halo that too! How about a sapphire halo in this case? I just feel it needs something to balance the pink.

 

[minousbijoux]

It has been safely sent off. I think I am going to stick with rubies. Great tip about the shifting, Chrono. I will make a point to ask the next time I buy a gemstone. It has really made me appreciate the round pink Mahenge spinel I have in the ring pictured. I am not often in such a pink mood though. Maybe I will halo that too! How about a sapphire halo in this case? I just feel it needs something to balance the pink.

Isn't it such a relief when you have it safely mailed back? I love that feeling when its safely on its way...

 

[ilovegemstones]

Yes Minous, it is a huge relief! Especially because I don't have to make something work that I am having doubts about. It is so important to go with your gut when choosing gemstones or anything for that matter!

So if you had this round pink portuguese cut hot pink spinel shown in the ring above, how would you reset it? Would anyone consider setting it with other coloured stones? (Like a sapphire halo!) It might end up being something I never wear though. I think I need a sapphire band!