Spinel from AJS

[LittleRed]

Hi, I’m interested in this Spinel from AJS. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge here but kind of need some support in case I take the plunge. I’d love confirmation that this a nice stone.

Also, I’m looking for a stone that will eventually end up in a ring. I want the stone to be a low or average height and am not exactly sure what the Portuguese cut is, but I did read it is cut deep. Will this cause it to sit up high in a ring?

The stone:
https://www.ajsgem.com/gemstones/spinel/spinel-1.03-carats.html-2

Thank you for any and all tips, cautions, advice, or encouragement!

 

[T L]

Why is the price only available on request? Just so you know, I would not overpay for that color. It's not very saturated and somewhat grayish. You can find spinels that color and size for a couple hundred dollars or so last I checked.

 

[LittleRed]

Thank you. Price is unavailable because I decided to buy the stone.

 

[chrono]

It’s a pale coloured spinel.

 

[T L]

Thank you. Price is unavailable because I decided to buy the stone.

I typically don't like to negatively comment on jewelry and stones that people have already purchased. It makes me feel bad. Lately, a lot of people on this forum have been asking opinions without notifying anyone they've already purchased the stone or jewelry piece in question.

It's not your fault of course, but I just don't want to come across too harsh. We like to save people money and grief here. If you love the stone, that's all that matters

 

[LittleRed]

Hi, TL. I had not purchased the stone when I posted. I thought about it for a bit and decided I can always return it if I decide it’s not for me. Then I hit the buy button. I’m all about saving money and avoiding grief, so I’m grateful for any and all opinions on it. It will help me decide once I see it in person. I’m actually saving up for a very nice blue stone (undecided on type) and/or an emerald, but wanted a casual every day kind of stone that I won’t worry about very much. I did not pay more than what you said it was worth. Whew!

 

[MissyBeaucoup]

Sometimes you can find a good buy among the colors that are beautiful but not considered “trade ideal”. Some people are collecting grey spinels now because the steeliness is one of the characteristics of spinel. I really appreciate what T L said about the important thing being whether you like the stone. I think it’s a pretty color, and I’m sure you will know whether it suits you when you see it on your hand. Enjoy!

 

[junebug17]

I think it’s a really pretty color! Please let us know what you think when you get it!

 

[LittleRed]

Thank you! It should arrive in 10-30 days and I’ll post here about it. I’m glad I’m at least trying it out in person.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Can't wait to read what you think of it and see your photos. It looks like the color could be nice. I expect it to be darker than the vendor photo.

 

[shinyrocks]

Be sure to let us know what you think of it when it arrives! I personally love lighter toned spinels, and as the others have said, buy what makes YOU happy. That's what is great about colored gems - there really isn't a right or wrong.

 

[LittleRed]

The spinel has arrived! Here is the vendor’s photo.


Here are my pics on a cloudy and dark day. Please let me know what you think. My first thought was that it’s very pretty and that I like it. My second thought is that I can see some warmth to it but not as much as expected.

I know my photos are slightly inaccurate in color because my skin tone is off, but I worked with various backgrounds to help the white balance be accurate as much as I could.

 

[T L]

I think it will look more icey and less warm in white metal. I think yellow gold might make it look warmer. Maybe you can post a pic of it against some yellow gold, like a scrunched up gold chain or on a flat pendant.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Oooh I have one in a similar shade. Here it is in WG.


Mine looked really odd in rose gold.

 

[LittleRed]

I think it will look more icey and less warm in white metal. I think yellow gold might make it look warmer. Maybe you can post a pic of it against some yellow gold, like a scrunched up gold chain or on a flat pendant.

Good idea! Here are the pics.

 

[LittleRed]

Oooh I have one in a similar shade. Here it is in WG.


Mine looked really odd in rose gold.

Oh! It is very similar! Does yours ever look a bit warm/brown at all? I think this one could have a hint at times but not much.
Your setting with the diamonds really helps it shine.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Oh! It is very similar! Does yours ever look a bit warm/brown at all? I think this one could have a hint at times but not much.
Your setting with the diamonds really helps it shine.

Here are more pics and price of ring to give you an idea!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/finally-got-around-to-setting-my-spinel.237344/

Ive seen a hint in certain lighting but it feels more nude/ purple to me than brown.

 

[LittleRed]

Here are more pics and price of ring to give you an idea!

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/finally-got-around-to-setting-my-spinel.237344/

Ive seen a hint in certain lighting but it feels more nude/ purple to me than brown.

Nude-purple is a great way to describe it. I’m seeing it in the worse lighting right now - a dark day with indoor lighting. Even in this lighting, I think I like it. I just need to see it on a sunny day to see it’s full potential. If it looks as lovely as yours, it’s a keeper.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Nude-purple is a great way to describe it. I’m seeing it in the worse lighting right now - a dark day with indoor lighting. Even in this lighting, I think I like it. I just need to see it on a sunny day to see it’s full potential. If it looks as lovely as yours, it’s a keeper.

Keep us updated! I'm pleasantly surprised by how many outfits it goes with! It's an easy colour to wear!

 

[LittleRed]

Keep us updated! I'm pleasantly surprised by how many outfits it goes with! It's an easy colour to wear!

This purple is one of my husband’s favorite colors on me so I’m hoping I end up keeping it. I’ll post again when we have a better day for pics.

I have 30 days to decide but I hope to decide within the next 4 or 5. If I listen to my gut feeling, I’ll make the right decision. Hearing advice from others really helps. Thanks!

 

[chatoyancy]

It’s lovely! I think the white gold looks better with this color pink.

 

[T L]

I think the yellow gold makes it look warmer, if that's what you prefer.

 

[LittleRed]

I got it with the intention of setting it in white gold. I prefer yellow gold to look at but white gold looks much better on me.

 

[LittleRed]

I’m resurrecting this thread because I went to my local jeweler today since they were having their annual “resetting event” and I tried a few settings out.

I said I was interested in Art Deco styles but they didn’t have any. These two settings had miligrain, which I liked. My other option is Ivy and Rose. It was nice seeing these in person though... I’m undecided on what to do.

What are your opinions on both settings here? My goal is to have a low(ish) key every day RH ring.

Thanks for looking and all opinions!

 

[LittleRed]

Any input on the settings above, particularly the one the spinel is in? Thanks!

 

[Tourmaline]

I am not fond of the prongs in those rings, and I don't think the stone looks like "enough" in a fancy ring. Since you kept the stone and want to wear it, I think it would look best in a thin stacking ring with a bezel setting.

 

[natasha-cupcake]

I'm an extreme newbie when it comes to colored stones, so my opinion may be worthless. That being said, I really like both settings but have a slight preference for the one with engraving on the shank. I love the detail. I don't think you can go wrong with either one--they are both lovely.

(Okay, so my opinion is even less valuable--no experience AND indecisive!!)

 

[LittleRed]

I am not fond of the prongs in those rings, and I don't think the stone looks like "enough" in a fancy ring. Since you kept the stone and want to wear it, I think it would look best in a thin stacking ring with a bezel setting.

Thank you! The prongs would be switched out for a simple 4 prong version. What you say about the stone not being enough in a fancy setting might very well be what’s bothering me. It’s a simple, “earthy” stone..... Excellent point.

 

[LittleRed]

I'm an extreme newbie when it comes to colored stones, so my opinion may be worthless. That being said, I really like both settings but have a slight preference for the one with engraving on the shank. I love the detail. I don't think you can go wrong with either one--they are both lovely.

(Okay, so my opinion is even less valuable--no experience AND indecisive!!)

Newbie opinions, as well as old pro opinions, always welcome! I do like the engraving on the shank as well. It’s a tough decision. Thanks for chiming in!

I might have to go back today and look at other options some more.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I feel like while the stone doesn't need a big frufru setting, it needs a little help from a few more sparklers so I am more inclined towards the setting with the small diamonds on the side.

Keep in mind I personally always feel CSs need a bit of help from diamond melee.