Sapphire guidance

[TLJP]

Hello, I chanced into a local jeweler for inspiration after chipping my diamond with the idea that maybe, perhaps I’d like to replace it with a sapphire with either side stones or a halo. He had several sapphires that had just come in, one being this 2.18 cushion AAA, unheated. Unfortunately I know nothing about sapphires. It’s lovely but is there any other information I should be seeking? Thanks!

 

[voce]

It looks lovely, but I'd ask for a lab report issued by an independent laboratory such as AGL, GIA, AIGS, GRS etc. to verify the sapphire is unheated. Unfortunately, there are plenty of unscrupulous people in the gem trade that will claim their stones have whatever characteristics will make them sell for more, even if untrue, so the lab report is a way to protect yourself and make sure the stone is as claimed.

 

[peacechick]

The AAA ultimately doesn’t mean anything for colored stones. It’s better to consider the stone in terms of color, cut and clarity. I think this cushion appears to have a nice cut but could be a little dark. Jewelry store lighting always make stones look bright and beautiful, so this could be as bright as it gets. Are you ok with that? Or can you take the stone for a walk out in the sun?

If the vendor is claiming the stone is unheated, he is probably charging a premium for it. So either you should ask for the AGL/GIA cert or if you don’t care about whether it’s heated, see if you can get a brighter sapphire.

 

[Arcadian]

The only issue I see is that you're going off of his word only. That would be a "no". Trust but verify. Make the sale conditional on what an independent lab says. Considering how much unheated stones go for, your guy should have no issue with this.

If he has issue with it, don't buy and run in the other direction.

 

[TLJP]

Thank you so much. All excellent suggestions. I’ll check with him. I’m sure taking the stone out in the sun will not be a problem. Peacechick, if I don’t perceive it to be lighter outside is it you’re opinion I should pass? I was already concerned that it may appear darker when set.