Should I keep this little Afghan tourmaline?

[voce]

While browsing Litnon, I noticed this stone, which only came with one picture. I was hoping that in hand the window would close up, but rather than close up, it was worse in person. The color around the pavilion is my idea of the ideal minty green. I got it both because of the relatively cheap price ($49) and because it was a calibrated face-up size (7x5) that I thought I could set into a cheap premade setting. Out of the corner of my eye, the color sparks joy. However, the longer I look at the stone, the more noticeable the window is. Should I return it or try to love it? What do you think? It's unlikely that I'll be able to afford another Afghan tourmaline anytime soon, given that I just plopped money down on a Brazilian paraiba tourmaline.

 

[lilmosun]

However, the longer I look at the stone, the more noticeable the window is. Should I return it or try to love it?

Return it. If the window bothers you now, it won't go away. And even though it's inexpensive and you can find an inexpensive setting, you won't wear it if you don't love it.

 

[suzanne2]

Oh voce, my first thought was oh, no. The window is way big and even though it's cheap, it's still not worth the money. These little buys add up, trust me, I know...

 

[2Neesers]

I would return it since the window is pretty noticeable and is already bothering you. I think if you wait a little longer, you will be able to find a Tourmaline you really love.

 

[chrono]

Return. That $50 is money towards your dream stone.

 

[woweezowee]

Return it! Not worth it - it will sit in your gem box and $50 is $50. You'll find something better!

 

[lovedogs]

Return it 100%. That window would drive me insane, and since it already bothers you I think you'll end up never setting it, or setting it and never wearing it (which is even worse!)

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Return!!!! That widow is draughty!

 

[Rad_Fan]

Agreed with others. $50 is still $50. Save it up for a better one.

 

[Hivona]

https://www.mastercutgems.com/Products/248-Tourmaline-Gems.php

Mastercut Gems is still having a sale! Maybe see if they have something you like. I’m not sure they have that many calibrated sizes to choose from but you never know!

Also, does it have to be Afghanistan tourmaline? Calibrated? Budget range? Color?

 

[voce]

https://www.mastercutgems.com/Products/248-Tourmaline-Gems.php

Mastercut Gems is still having a sale! Maybe see if they have something you like. I’m not sure they have that many calibrated sizes to choose from but you never know!

Also, does it have to be Afghanistan tourmaline? Calibrated? Budget range? Color?

I wasn't looking for Afghan tourmaline at all, just browsed affordable Litnon gems, and the minty green color had caught my eye. I eventually might want a calibrated mint green tourmaline. But not looking now, because maybe I'm just missing the neon green paraiba tourmaline that is with Yvonne right now, and after I get that one set, then my itch for a minty green tourmaline will (very hopefully) be gone. After all, I DO have itty bitty mint green garnets to look at. Because my budget priorities are elsewhere, budget for this is zero.

 

[LemonMoonLex]

I always say, if it sparks joy then keep it and beauty is always in the eye of the beholder!
But if you want the honest truth, my humble opinion is that the gem looks pretty undesirable.
Theres just nothing interesting about it and the window cements that idea for me.

And im not sure if youre like me but between "big" projects i will have an urge or an itch to keep looking even though I found my dream stone for a particular project and when i find what i think are little deals here and there i convince myself that its a good buy, when in reality i receive the stone or ring and realize how much the shopping experience and hype just got to me and that i really dont have a passion towards the piece....it was just the thrill of finding it! Thats never fun!
I say return it and spend it on something that you dont have to ask opinions on <3

Ps. I cant wait to see this paraiba! Theyre growing on me....

 

[T L]

I like the color, and I think it would look pretty with orange side stones. The price is pretty decent too, but if the window really bugs you, return it. I have a stone with a giant bay window, but the color is so amazing, it overrides the window, The gem, a paraiba, gets tons of compliments too. If the color doesn’t override the window, I would send it back.

 

[MissyBeaucoup]

That window would bother me and I think it washes out the color too. I can tolerate some inclusions but the cut really affects the geometric beauty and the play of light. Unless you love love love it, I’d send it back.