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Sapphire help needed!

clumberlove

clumberlove

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Sep 22, 2018
Messages
279
Hi everyone! I used to be more active on here a few years ago but small children and pandemic and life sort of got in the way.

Anyway, I am in need of help for a big (to me) purchase. The Mr has agreed to get engaged after many years and I have my heart set on a blue sapphire for my e-ring. He knows how I feel about gems so has left it to me to find the right stone!

I feel like I've gone down a bit of a rabbit hole and the more I look the more uncertain I am about what to do.

My ideal is a cornflower or lighter end royal blue. Origin not important as long as the colour is right. I prefer slightly silky or glowy stones as I live in the UK and it is grey here more often than not! I am open to a sparkly stone as well. Maximum budget for stone alone $6000. Maximum budget if already set $7000. No wiggle room on budget as I'm staring down unpleasant import fees of about 20%.

My dilemma is I am torn between getting a ring already made and avoiding the extra trouble of setting etc locally and sourcing a loose stone and working with a local jeweller for the finished product.

I have seen some really nice finished rings from Nabati Jewelry on Etsy, based in NY.

I also like some stones from Gemfix and know they have a really good reputation.

I even went down the Instagram route, but as it is for an engagement ring and an expensive purchase by my standards I am a bit wary of buying from somewhere like Sri Lanka as returns can be very tricky.

So here I am, hoping that you lovelies can offer some advice as I am driving myself insane with indecision!
 
I cannot help you much, but maybe clarifying how big of a sapphire you want would help others.
 
OP, have you looked at Africa Gems? Marc is great with answering questions and sending extra photos/videos. I also have a 20% coupon (sitewide) and 25% coupon (on select new stones), if you're interested. If you are ok with a heated sapphire, it will definitely widen your options while staying on budget.

Blue Sapphire - Loose Blue Sapphire Gemstones | Blue Sapphires for SALE

Shopping for BLUE SAPPHIRES? AfricaGems is The LOOSE BLUE SAPPHIRE GEMSTONE Experts. We stock LOOSE BLUE SAPPHIRE GEMSTONES from large blue sapphires to small blue sapphire gems. We guarantee all of our blue sapphire purchases. Choose from an incredible array of fine blue sapphires, both...
www.africagems.com www.africagems.com
 
I would suggest having a look on eBay uk for a UK seller.
Many business sellers use the eBay platform for sales.
 
I have taken a look at Africa Gems and Marc sent me some videos of a few sapphires I thought looked nice and within budget. I think I am drawn most to the smaller emerald cut, but opinions from those with a better eye than me are welcome!

One video is in indirect daylight and the other is direct fluorescent lighting.
https://imgur.com/a/MRWnnAt
https://imgur.com/a/Z5XNBw0
 
Ooooooooo! I evaluate my gems under indirect natural light at midday (because it most closely mimics what the labs use <around 5500k>). Few stones look their best under fluorescent lighting, so I wouldn't worry about that.... though they still look great in that vid! Anyway, I too would choose the far right emerald cut. Yum!!

P.S. I have coupons for you, girl. :Up_to_something: So if you decide to buy, do let me know! I just purchased a spinel from Marc and received a new code.
 
I agree the last / smallest EC looks the most promising.
 
Throwing some out to look at… I just gave a cursory look at these:

cant beat the price:
https://ivyandrose.com/products/3-5...ring-halo-cushion-shape-white-gold-engagement

ivyandrose.com

1.5 CARAT SAPPHIRE DIAMOND COCKTAIL RING HALO ROUND CUT PLATINUM ENGAGEMENT BLUE

This striking and high quality sapphire and diamond ring has an eye catching, glamorous design featuring a royal blue sapphire in a luxurious, diamond encrusted platinum setting! The 1.14ct round cut sapphire center is a gorgeous royal blue color. It is a beautiful true blue that is perfectly...
ivyandrose.com ivyandrose.com

2.17ct Blue Cushion Sapphire Ring

This is a lovely 2.17ct Blue Cushion Cut Sapphire. The color on this one is so vibrant and pure blue! Truly remarkable!
www.diamondsbylauren.com

2.41ct Blue Oval Sapphire Ring

This is a fantastic 2.41ct Blue Oval Shape Sapphire Ring. The cut on this stone is great - so lively. The color is incredibly vibrant!
www.diamondsbylauren.com

www.finewatergems.com

2.29 ct Blue Sapphire

2.29 ct Blue Sapphire
www.finewatergems.com
 
Autumn in New England said:
Ooooooooo! I evaluate my gems under indirect natural light at midday (because it most closely mimics what the labs use <around 5500k>). Few stones look their best under fluorescent lighting, so I wouldn't worry about that.... though they still look great in that vid! Anyway, I too would choose the far right emerald cut. Yum!!

P.S. I have coupons for you, girl. :Up_to_something: So if you decide to buy, do let me know! I just purchased a spinel from Marc and received a new code.
Click to expand...


chrono said:
I agree the last / smallest EC looks the most promising.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your opinions! I'm glad my eye isn't completely off! So are there other things I should ask? Maybe for some more videos of it by itself?
 
clumberlove said:
Thank you for your opinions! I'm glad my eye isn't completely off! So are there other things I should ask? Maybe for some more videos of it by itself?
Click to expand...

Sure! And if it were me, I'd ask him a little more about the nuances of the color... specifically tone (sounds like you're looking for "medium" or "medium-dark" at most) and saturation ("vivid" would be tops). Ask him if the stone is eye clean, if that's not already mentioned. Ask about the cut grade... any windowing (I don't see any from what you've shown) or major extinction (areas that black out)? This is all very subjective, of course, and you'll need to see the gem in person. But I always find it helpful to ask these sorts of questions ahead of time, especially with someone as well-versed as Marc. And he'll be straight with you. I'm sure he mentioned if the stone is treated. Traditional heat is ok, and anything else would be a no-go. I'm certain he wouldn't sell it otherwise. Lastly, does the stone come certified? Marc is a very, very reputable dealer, but, as we always say, trust but verify. So you may want to send it out for testing, if not. That's important to me; it may not be as important to you. The good thing is, Marc offers free, insured returns. So there's no risk or hassle if you're unhappy.
 
Autumn in New England said:
Sure! And if it were me, I'd ask him a little more about the nuances of the color... specifically tone (sounds like you're looking for "medium" or "medium-dark" at most) and saturation ("vivid" would be tops). Ask him if the stone is eye clean, if that's not already mentioned. Ask about the cut grade... any windowing (I don't see any from what you've shown) or major extinction (areas that black out)? This is all very subjective, of course, and you'll need to see the gem in person. But I always find it helpful to ask these sorts of questions ahead of time, especially with someone as well-versed as Marc. And he'll be straight with you. I'm sure he mentioned if the stone is treated. Traditional heat is ok, and anything else would be a no-go. I'm certain he wouldn't sell it otherwise. Lastly, does the stone come certified? Marc is a very, very reputable dealer, but, as we always say, trust but verify. So you may want to send it out for testing, if not. That's important to me; it may not be as important to you. The good thing is, Marc offers free, insured returns. So there's no risk or hassle if you're unhappy.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for all your help! Having not made such an expensive purchase before I'm a bit out of my depth!
 
clumberlove said:
Thank you so much for all your help! Having not made such an expensive purchase before I'm a bit out of my depth!
Click to expand...

We all begin that way! Best of luck to you... please keep us posted!! :kiss2:
 
Autumn in New England said:
Sure! And if it were me, I'd ask him a little more about the nuances of the color... specifically tone (sounds like you're looking for "medium" or "medium-dark" at most) and saturation ("vivid" would be tops). Ask him if the stone is eye clean, if that's not already mentioned. Ask about the cut grade... any windowing (I don't see any from what you've shown) or major extinction (areas that black out)? This is all very subjective, of course, and you'll need to see the gem in person. But I always find it helpful to ask these sorts of questions ahead of time, especially with someone as well-versed as Marc. And he'll be straight with you. I'm sure he mentioned if the stone is treated. Traditional heat is ok, and anything else would be a no-go. I'm certain he wouldn't sell it otherwise. Lastly, does the stone come certified? Marc is a very, very reputable dealer, but, as we always say, trust but verify. So you may want to send it out for testing, if not. That's important to me; it may not be as important to you. The good thing is, Marc offers free, insured returns. So there's no risk or hassle if you're unhappy.
Click to expand...

Oh, and it is described as eye clean, vivid, rich royal blue, excellent cut. It is heat treated.
 
whitewave said:

2.17ct Blue Cushion Sapphire Ring

This is a lovely 2.17ct Blue Cushion Cut Sapphire. The color on this one is so vibrant and pure blue! Truly remarkable!
www.diamondsbylauren.com
Click to expand...

So glad someone else posted this one! I immediately thought of it for your budget. Looks gorgeous. Diamonds by Lauren has some great options and could likely source something. I also like the other AfricaGems ones you posted. I think with sapphires, it's all about what makes your heart sing.
 
I’ve bought from both Marc and David at diamonds by Lauren, so I recommend both since I had easy painless transactions with both.

As I mentioned, Marc set my stone in a Stuller setting whereas David mostly does custom (or at least that is my impression) and I can attest that DBL’s custom work is high quality.

I do like the smaller emerald cut from Marc… two things to point out though: compare mm when looking at sapphires. Because they are cut deep, they face up small (look smaller than carat weight) and emerald and asscher shapes face up smaller too. I worry the smaller emerald is a double whammy of “looks smaller than it is” which might me acceptable to the OP.

Just pointing it out. When comparing, compare the mm sizes and price point. (I have not compared any of theses in this thread)
 
Congrats!! Super excited for you.
I would also look locally to get a feel of what you do or do not like. Buying a blue sapphire online is not easy. But with the help of the experienced PSers, I am sure you will find one.
 
PSer @arkieb1 (Arkiebgemsandjewels on Insta) has sold some stunning sapphires in the past. Arkieb do You have any sapphires for sale at the moment?
 
Hmmm... in truth, I'm not sure I'm loving the saturation of the top one in the video (it looks great in the photo). And the clarity and cut of the second one look a bit iffy. How do you feel about them, my friend?
 
Autumn in New England said:
Hmmm... in truth, I'm not sure I'm loving the saturation of the top one in the video (it looks great in the photo). And the clarity and cut of the second one look a bit iffy. How do you feel about them, my friend?
Click to expand...

According to the vendor his phone makes the first one look a bit washed out but it is closer to the colour of the still in real life.

I think I agree about the 2nd, they just aren't grabbing my attention like the emerald cut, but I thought it was worth checking out some other options before making a decision.
 
clumberlove said:
According to the vendor his phone makes the first one look a bit washed out but it is closer to the colour of the still in real life.

I think I agree about the 2nd, they just aren't grabbing my attention like the emerald cut, but I thought it was worth checking out some other options before making a decision.
Click to expand...

It's always a good idea to shop around before committing. And as long as you have a good return policy with whichever stone you choose, don't be afraid to take a chance and inspect a stone in person. Sometimes you have to kiss a couple of frogs to find your prince! :tongue:
 
So update: I went for the smaller emerald cut from Africa Gems. It has now arrived! It is beautiful, really saturated and I have not successfully captured the colour I see in real life (why are gems so hard to photograph?!)

It's a real true blue, with a slight purple tone in indoor lighting. It has a sort of sheen to it which I guess is from some silk. Here are some terrible photos.20220512_125533.jpg20220512_125415.jpg20220512_125402.jpg

It has some little tilt windows on the narrow ends of table, but I think they will not be noticeable when set. It doesn't have any actual windowing.

I'm very happy it is a nice colour in all the lighting I've tried it in!

I'm thinking to set it with trap side diamonds so it will sit nicely with a wedding band eventually.

Thank you everyone for your help, especially @Autumn in New England for suggesting to try talking to Marc.
 
Yay!! The color even in your "terrible" photos looks gorgeous!! :mrgreen2: I can only imagine that it's that much more beautiful in person. I'm so happy you're happy, clumber!! I look forward to seeing the ring once you set it. I think the 3-stone trap idea will compliment it perfectly.
 
I love that sapphire! The color is gorgeous. How are you going to set it?
 
clumberlove said:
I'm thinking of a 3 stone with trap sides, to keep it all angular. Probably platinum as it will be my engagement ring =)2
Click to expand...

Wow that was a quick search! I love it. Can we see some shots on your hand? What size is it?
 
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