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Small crack in Alex, should I be worried or return the stone?

B

BigC

Rough_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 19, 2018
Messages
25
Help please Just received my Alex that was taken out of a setting quite some time ago, but I noticed a small chip and crack on it.
I paid 2800 for the stone, is it a deal breaker? Will I have a problem setting it in a Halo?
Not the first experience I wanted but really love the stone.
But is it not worth the money anymore?
0.81car with phenomenal color change.
Please help!! :confused:
IMG_20180422_223945424_HDR.jpgIMG_20180423_101645930.jpgIMG_20180423_101547914.jpg
 
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Also know it's barely visible from the top, just from the side as it sits out of a setting.
Only in certain lighting.
 
I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable spending $2800 an a stone that is chipped and cracked. Especially if it were going to be set as a ring, where it will get bumped and knocked around, even if someone is careful. The crack could spread even further. Are you sure what you are seeing aren’t internal inclusions? I only say that because you mentioned inclusions in your other post. I have a stone that will show a clear line type inclusion when the light hits it just right. If they are internal inclusions, you would have to decide if they are too visible to your eye or not. If what you have are surface reaching inclusions or a crack that wasn’t disclosed to you, I would send the stone back for a refund.
I haven’t researched alexandrite pricing, but Multicolor has a higher carat Marquise that is moderately included, with a moderate color change for $1242. http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?617012877
 
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2Neezers said:
I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable spending $2800 an a stone that is chipped and cracked. Especially if it were going to be set as a ring, where it will get bumped and knocked around, even if someone is careful. The crack could spread even further. Are you sure what you are seeing aren’t internal inclusions? I only say that because you mentioned inclusions in your other post. I have a stone that will show a clear line type inclusion when the light hits it just right. If they are internal inclusions, you would have to decide if they are too visible to your eye or not. If what you have are surface reaching inclusions or a crack that wasn’t disclosed to you, I would send the stone back for a refund.
I haven’t researched alexandrite pricing, but Multicolor has a higher carat Marquise that is moderately included, with a moderate color change for $1242. http://www.multicolour.com/detail/?617012877
Click to expand...

I will be having a jeweler look at it tomorrow or Wednesday to determine what it really is. I though initially it was an inclusion, but there is a small nick I can feel with my fingernail where the line starts. So that's my fear that is a chip that caused the line.
If you zoom on the first picture where the line starts about 10:30-11 on the stone you can see what I feel with my fingernail.
Its a real bummer because its the only problem with the stone, color change is amazing, cut is awesome. I have a feeling when they took it out of the previous setting it got that chip.

It was sent to GIA within the past 2 years, which would have been after that happened. Would they have made note of it??
 
I would return it.
 
Most Alex’s have inclusions and many have slight imperfections. You do need to get a jeweller to check it for you because it could affect its integrity. If it was me, I would consider a full bezel setting to protect it. All that said, if it’s a concern, return it.
 
I know it’ll bother me more over time so I would return it.
 
I’ve never bought an alexandrite, but that sounds like a lot of money to spend on a stone with issues. I’d see what the jeweler says. Chrysoberyl is super hard, but if the integrity of the stone is compromised because of a flaw, I’d return it, and I HATE returning things.
 
Thanks everyone, I am going to bring it into my jeweler tomorrow and see.
It sounds like they would probably have me sign something where they are not at fault if something were to happen. If that's the case, I will be returning it, and I HATE returning things too. Its such a perfect stone.
Honestly I hope its not an issue, but I have a feeling it is..... stay tuned
 
UPDATE: First gemologist thinks it could be an inclusion and a crack, but will be examining it closer tomorrow to determine what it truly is. Could be a combo of them both but doesn't think its integrity to too compromised (initial thoughts)
There are 2 more senior gemologists that will be in tomorrow that will take a look at it, as well as a color stone appraiser who was a gem buyer for 15 years prior. They will determine the value of the stone, etc. So I will have to wait a little longer!!! :(

They feel confident they can work with the stone without damaging, but once there is a consensus I will make my decision. A bezel setting would be a logical choice if its truly damaged.
The value they place on the stone will be the big thing too, because if it doesn't appraise well, I will send it back, as I don't want to overpay for a stone either. We shall see what happens.
In think I would be hard pressed to find a Brazilian Alexandrite 0.81c marquise cut with 100% color change, green/blue to Purple for under $3000 though. Those Brazilian stones really stand out to me over the Indian and Tanzania stones.
 
My rule of thumb is that I can accept one or more small pinpoint mineral inclusions, bubbles or facet abrasions if they don't affect the beauty of the stone.. The reason I say this is that I can live with tiny mineral inclusions or bubbles and if I need to get a stone re-polished (re-cut) for a small facet abrasion I will usually lose very minimal size in the stone. Feathers or cracks are a different animal to me. I look at how small the stone would be if I removed that feather or crack all together because I just assume that somewhere down the line that feather or crack will grow if I don't. Hope that helps.
 
The crack/feather would bother me so I would return it.
 
My advice, if in doubt, don’t.
It might take a while to find another suitable Alex but you don’t really want a gem that has structural issues.
We all accidentally bump our rings from time to time, even when taking care, and the feather / crack on the side could easily worsen.
Disappointing for you.
Also keep your eye on eBay, from time to time you can find actual real Alex’s from reputable vendors (most often already set) that might be worth considering.
 
So heres the final conclusion.
IM KEEPING THE STONE.
The gemologists all looked at it and agreed its a natural inclusion, not a crack. The shouldn't be a problem setting the stone, as itll be 14K gold (so a bit softer to set anyways)
They will not be setting a prong at that area as a precation, but I will not be bezeling it with the halo, as with the setting, the halo will act as that protective bezel.
It will set lower in the halo, not raised as some settings have, again to ultimately protect the stone but it should hug it enough to really allow light to bounce in and out of the alexandrite.
If I can get a picture of the setting I will, don't have it at the moment.
I should have the ring back in 4-5weeks!! EEEEEK. Im excited to see the final product.
 
Congratulations! That sounds like awesome newws! Out of curiosity, did the gemologist say what type of inclusion it was?
 
The message I was relayed back is that it was 'a natural' I guess is what they call it?!?! I guess another name for a natural inclusion?? Maybe that would also mean a feather? Im not sure.
They said its not a crack or anything structural with the stone, it appeared the cutters went at it in a fashion to hide it a bit.
Seeing as I know very little about inclusions and colored stones, I wouldn't think they would be lying, as I am not buying the stone from them, so they would have had the reason to say its junk and to look at their stones.
There was an appraiser who used to be a gem buyer who said $2800 is a decent price, he would have thought it would cost somewhere between 3000-3500, more than likely on that high side. So I felt comfortable paying that money for the stone. The visibility of it is veryyyyy minimal unless you have it tipped on its side and shine the light directly at the area. I don't believe it will show while in the setting.... I guess we shall see in about a month!!
 
Congrats on the due diligence.........please come back and share with reunion pic's!!
 
That’s great news! I can’t wait to see it set.
 
You have done your homework and acted accordingly. What a lovely conclusion. Congratulations!! I second that you have to come back with pictures!
 
That is good news and removes worry regarding wearing the stone. Glad this turned out well.
 
A natural is part of the original skin of the crystal from which the stone was cut. It means that, rather than a chip, there wasn't material there, and they wanted to make the stone as big as possible. My diamond has two naturals. I like them. If you look with a microscope, you can see cool crystal growth patterning.
 
@BigC
In the CS world, a "natural" is another word for an area of the rough material that could not be removed when cut. It is naturally terminated so it is unlikely to grow. That said, the stone should be discounted because of the visible "flaw". It was not cut out because it would make the stone incredibly smaller if removed.
 
Congrats, great news. Can't wait to see the finished product!
 
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