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Sapphire purchase at the NSC

It looks very dark, so much so that it may even black out in more than one lighting condition once set. Any stone will appear darker once set. I’m also not a fan of how it’s cut. What’s your budget? Are you settled on this particular shape? Are you sold on an untreated stone or is heat treating ok? Perhaps the wonderful gem nerds here can help you find some contenders.
 
Keeliamira said:
It looks very dark, so much so that it may even black out in more than one lighting condition once set. Any stone will appear darker once set. I’m also not a fan of how it’s cut. What’s your budget? Are you settled on this particular shape? Are you sold on an untreated stone or is heat treating ok? Perhaps the wonderful gem nerds here can help you find some contenders.
Click to expand...

Well I was also considering this one https://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/0.67ct-montana-asscher-greenish-blue-sapphire-u10477-/ but liked that the first one was dark. Didn't know it will be even darker once set though.
The budget is up to 800-900$ I think, and I also need it under 1 Ct to look not too big on a small sized finger.
As for the shape, I'd prefer a hexagon like this one here http://www.bespoke-gems.com/images/...spoke-gems-parti-sapphire-hexagon-202073a.jpg So either a hexagon or an asscher.
I'm not sure about the treatment, it's just I've read that untreated stones are better, but in fact I know nothing about it.
I would appreciate any help finding the right one.
 
Hi, I’m not a sapphire guru but I have a fair amount of experience.
Firstly most sapphires are heated and it’s quite acceptable. Heating just helps the gems clarity, silk inclusions can affect the transparency. You will pay more for unheated.
Secondly the sapphires you like are very dark. Once set in a ring and in less than ideal light they will look black rather than blue/ green.
Thirdly, check the dimensions. They all look “big” in photos or videos without any point of reference. Below is my 1 carat round set in a ring worn on my pinky. The sapphire is a 6mm round.
Are you “set” on the Asscher shape. It’s a rarer cut so your choices will be very limited by comparison to other shapes.
Natural Sapphire Co isn’t highly recommended by this forum as there was a problem with the owner not doing the right thing. Also the prices are at the high end.
Bespoke Gems is recommended, he is a cutter here in Australia (I’ve dealt with his personally) and his gems are beautiful. He may even have some rough he can cut for you.
Don’t rush in, buy from a vendor who has a good return policy. You do need to see gems in real life to assess but shipping will be at your cost.
234C327A-6245-45C3-A79D-A6A963768ADF.jpeg
 
What color are you looking for? Perhaps if you give some idea of what color you want it to look once set, that could also help narrow things. The first one you posted is very dark blue, the second looks greenish grey. What size finger does your intended have? For comparison, my sapphire studs are over a carat each ...here’s a photo of one next to my 2+ct E-ring. My ring finger is size 5.5. Remember also that because sapphires weigh more than diamonds, a carat sapphire is going to be smaller than a carat diamond, all things considered.
You may find reading the sapphire overview at Brilliant Earth helpful regarding color and tone, just for basic info. https://www.brilliantearth.com/sapphire-color/
DD8D6C26-BBCB-45B3-B2CB-B253FBD1215E.jpeg
 
Another thing to think about if you favor the hexagon shape is setting a round in a hexagon setting. Here’s an example of a lab created stone in a hex setting. If you like the look, it is waaaay easier to find a round sapphire and the brilliance of the cut is superior.

https://etsy.me/37er05p
 
Those stones will be pretty much be very dark to black most of the time unless you happen to be in some very strong lighting situations. The other peeve is cut. Its a small stone, which means you need to make it stand out more. That cut has a very flat table, which will do not much for the stone as it is. a wee bit higher table would be better from my personal viewpoint.

Sometimes there is a such thing as too much saturation. IMO this is one of those cases.


Gemfix has a lot of montana sapphires.

Montana Sapphires | Ethically Sourced and Mined | Beautiful American Cut

Montana Sapphire | American Cut Sapphires: Beautiful, Rare, Unique | Ethically Sourced and Mined with Minimal Environmental Impact | Conflict-Free
gemfix.com gemfix.com

The color you seem to be targeting lends itself well Montana Sapphires. That page I linked to gives quite a few at the 1K and under range. Some of them are quite saturated lively, and over the 1ct mark.

Also, are you wanting only unheated, or will heated do? Heated stones tend to be cheaper as you will get more bang for the buck.. Heated as long as its disclosed, is fine and heat is permanent and stable treatment.

Untreated will make the pool a lot smaller. I'll see what else I can scrounge up.


Edit:

Westview has a few

Westview Gems

www.stevorocks.com
 
Keeliamira said:
Another thing to think about if you favor the hexagon shape is setting a round in a hexagon setting. Here’s an example of a lab created stone in a hex setting. If you like the look, it is waaaay easier to find a round sapphire and the brilliance of the cut is superior.

https://etsy.me/37er05p
Click to expand...

Excellent point. You get the desired “look” but with a round shape sapphire.
Round shape sapphires are much easier to find and the cutting, like a round brilliant diamond, means more light return.
Light return is especially important if you prefer a darker tone.
 
Thank you so much guys!
I've checked Bespoke gems and he actually has some nice hexagone and asscher shaped stones, and I'll be looking at round ones too now. Maybe I'll go with a hexagon setting with a round stone after all.
Well the ring size is 5 and I wanted something like this with several stones: photo_2020-03-08 08.17.32.jpeg

Here is the finger and the stone here is 4mm (actually round in a hexagon shape, didn't think about it before, but looks fine to me):
photo_2020-03-08 08.17.37.jpeg

As for the color, I'm aiming at greenish blue, at the darker side.
 
At my local jewelry store they told me to go for a tourmaline since they couldn't find a sapphire in the color I wanted.
 
Some of the stones you liked are uneven in colour. Are you fine with stones with uneven colour?
You have to like the stone under different lighting. I don't know the greenish blue will turn into green until I have watched this.

I have a "green" sapphire that turns into grey in certain lighting.
 
Seacloud said:
At my local jewelry store they told me to go for a tourmaline since they couldn't find a sapphire in the color I wanted.
Click to expand...

A tourmaline is much softer and will show signs of wear quite soon. Go for a sapphire. It’s a better option. And ditch the local jeweller. A good jeweller will give good advice on what stones are better/ more durable etc.
 
Here is a greenish blue montana, 1.5ct, heated, 558 usd
www.thegemtrader.com

1.49 ct. Montana Sapphire — The Gem Trader

Color: Medium Dark Very Slightly Greenish-Blue Clarity: Slightly Included Origin: Missouri River, Montana Cut: Round Brilliant Treatments: Heat Measurements: 6.8 mm Simply stated, one of the best colors you can hope for in (non-Yogo) Montana Sapphire. The color is a strong and b
www.thegemtrader.com www.thegemtrader.com
 
pwsg07 said:
Some of the stones you liked are uneven in colour. Are you fine with stones with uneven colour?
You have to like the stone under different lighting. I don't know the greenish blue will turn into green until I have watched this.

I have a "green" sapphire that turns into grey in certain lighting.
Click to expand...

Wow is that the same stone? Didn't know they can change like that!
 
icy_jade said:
A tourmaline is much softer and will show signs of wear quite soon. Go for a sapphire. It’s a better option. And ditch the local jeweller. A good jeweller will give good advice on what stones are better/ more durable etc.
Click to expand...

Thank you, that's what I've read. They probably just want to sell what they have in stock.
 
Whenever I scroll in NSC, I get the feeling they sell only to not-knowing-anything. Great gems next to ugly duds for the same price. I guess they make their money from selling the duds with 3000% up and the good ones for normal prices. It's a marketing strategy. Probably has a name.
 
Anne111 said:
Whenever I scroll in NSC, I get the feeling they sell only to not-knowing-anything. Great gems next to ugly duds for the same price. I guess they make their money from selling the duds with 3000% up and the good ones for normal prices. It's a marketing strategy. Probably has a name.
Click to expand...

That was me, not-knowing-anything, but I'm glad I posted here.
 
I think it has a pretty big window.
 
Sapphires face up small, and if you do a square shape, it will face up even smaller. Pay attention to measurements, and it definitely helps that you have a small finger.
 
I am really excited for you as you begin your sapphire journey. I was going through the same thing this past fall. I knew nothing about sapphires and learned so much along the way. Just to add what others have said, lighting is everything with colored stones. I had no idea how much a stone's color would vary depending on the lightening. A beautiful gem in sunlight can be stunning and dull and dark IRL. Also, it's true that a stone's color will look darker when set...keep that in mind!

As for cut, I had a hard time finding a round I liked but I was going for a much larger stone. I love the idea of a round in a hex setting! Beautiful!

PLEASE, as this is your first time buying, use a reputable vendor. Look at the list on this forum and read what people say about their experiences. I have not heard much positive about natural sapphire or brilliant earth. You'll actually get a better quality stone for a better price working with vendors recommended here.

The first stone you showed did not look like a montana sapphire to me. So I'm going to suggest a few I saw on GemFix that might be within budget and the color you're looking for based on the first stone and your desire for dark.

Heat treated but a lovely blue especially if origin is not an issue for you.
gemfix.com

Round Natural Blue Sapphire Modified "Roulette" Cut | 1.09cts - Gemfix

Round Blue Natural Sapphire Modified Brilliant Cut
gemfix.com gemfix.com

this one has more of the montana look to me.
gemfix.com

Round Natural Blue Sapphire Modified "Roulette" Cut | 1.09cts - Gemfix

Blue Natural Round Sapphire Modified Brilliant Cut
gemfix.com gemfix.com

this one is so yummy! But it's right at your budget and may not be the color.
https://gemfix.com/gems/sapphire-blue-11-1329

this one is a little out of your budget but it looks like it's the color you're after.
gemfix.com

Round Natural Blue Sapphire "Roulette" Style Brilliant Cut | 1.26 cts | #11-1049 - Gemfix

Natural Blue Sapphire Round Brilliant Cut
gemfix.com gemfix.com

Can't wait to see what you end up getting...take your time. It will be worn for a lifetime!
 
Well I've contacted Doug from Bespoke gems, he said he'd check his stock but it's been a week and no answer..may be he has some problems taking into account current situation. It's a shame really since he has so many beautiful stones!

What do you say about those? Why do they have rounded edges?
www.earthstreasury.com

0.85-Carat Rich Teal Blue Montana Sapphire (Heated) - Earth's Treasury

A beautiful rich teal blue heated Montana sapphire cut in our "Sparkling Snowflake" custom hexagon design, 0.85 carats.
www.earthstreasury.com www.earthstreasury.com
www.earthstreasury.com

0.85-Carat Deep Blue-Green Montana Sapphire (Heated) - Earth's Treasury

A beautiful deep blue-green heated Montana sapphire cut in our "Sparkling Snowflake" custom hexagon design, 0.85 carats.
www.earthstreasury.com www.earthstreasury.com
They also do have a lot of round gems like this one https://www.earthstreasury.com/product/0-94-carat-deep-blue-green-montana-sapphire-heated-2/
And they are in the list of reliable dealers/cutters.

I'm also considering those:
www.thegemtrader.com

1.49 ct. Montana Sapphire — The Gem Trader

Color: Medium Dark Very Slightly Greenish-Blue Clarity: Slightly Included Origin: Missouri River, Montana Cut: Round Brilliant Treatments: Heat Measurements: 6.8 mm Simply stated, one of the best colors you can hope for in (non-Yogo) Montana Sapphire. The color is a strong and b
www.thegemtrader.com www.thegemtrader.com

Precision Gem - Gemstones for sale

Precision Gem Store - listing of current gemstones custom precision cut.
www.precisiongem.com www.precisiongem.com
https://www.finewatergems.com/store/p559/1.10ctUnheatedBlue/GreenBi-colorSapphire.html
 
I like the fine water one the best of the options you posted. The others are quite dark, and I'm not sure what the precision gem one would look like in hand
 
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