Sliced Watermelon Tourmaline -- Is this a good example?

[cookies]

I have been eyeing this watermelon tourmaline pendant since last year. I wasn't thinking much of its quality as I couldn't afford it until very recently. Do you think this is a good example of the sliced watermelon tourmaline family? The stats are 28.41 carats, 26mm x 24mm x 4mm (thick).

The pendant comes with a price tag of $1875 (after 25% off). Does it seem a bit too high for what it is? What would be considered a fair price? It does come with a solid 16 3/4" chain in 18K yellow gold, but I would probably replace it with a white gold or silver chain, as yellow gold doesn't look good on me.

I also checked eBay and found two listings that seem nice, but I don't know if I can trust the pictures. Okay, I admit I don't trust eBay...
17.90 ct sliced watermelon tourmaline - perfect for broach or pendant
large pair of watermelon tourmaline slices - briolette beads

 

[minousbijoux]

I have read some recent articles and warnings about how they are fabricating watermelon tourmaline and much of it is treated to make it look like real watermelon tourmaline. Unfortunately, I don't remember where I read it. But maybe the experts will happen along and help you out.

 

[chrono]

I have heard the same thing too that there is a relatively new fake in the market. Quartz and topaz are cut in typical tourmaline design, then coated to look like a watermelon tourmaline, using the CVD method much like mystic topaz.

 

[cookies]

I googled "watermelon tourmaline treatment", and this came up:

Treatment/Scam Alert: Watermelon Tourmaline

So it seems like I should ask the seller for a lab report..

 

[chrono]

For something that expensive, I would.

 

[minousbijoux]

Chrono: do you know what CVD treatment means?

 

[chrono]

Chemical Vapour Deposition
http://www.gem-a.com/media/75300/schmetzer.pdf

 

[bluebirrrd]

Cookie, I'm so disheartened to hear about treatment scams in watermelon tourmaline. I can't say I'm surprised, but it still puts a damper on things for me, as a fan of the stone. Putting that concern to the side for now, I do like the original pendant you posted a photo of. I definitely think it's overpriced though. Large, perfectly colored, and well polished slices like that are hard to find, but at that price I'd think it would be sitting on a gold frame with prongs or mounted in a cinch bezel. There's very little gold there and I prefer when they aren't drilled, but that's just my opinion.

Another thing to keep in mind with the color is that it darkens a lot when sitting against your skin as in a pendant. It is nearly always photographed with light coming in from the back, which is never going to be the case when you wear it. When shopping for watermelon tourmaline, I always ask for photos against the skin. Even then, they're usually taken under bright light and they often look much different at home. I've purchased and sent back almost every one I've thought I liked so far.

I hope you get lucky and find a good one. To my eye, they are such a juicy, vibrant summer gem.