Spinel or sapphire for e-ring?

[chrono]

I agree that to call it a dye job is a simplification of the process but the process of diffusion is very invasive, it goes deep into the molecular structure. If it makes you feel any better, it is a excellent, permanent and stable dye job?

As you've described, man is playing science with it, purposely infusing beryllium deeply into the corundum's chemical structure, thereby changing it significantly. I have no issues with it occurring naturally (low level of beryllium and this can be differentiated from one that has been purposefully done by humans).

 

[Lee Little]

You are correct, way more invasive than a dye job, yet that is why it is not dye. Best regards, Lee

 

[corundum_conundrum]

Corundum conundrum has been looking for a yellow sapphire for quite a while - perhaps he will weigh in with his thoughts and experiences at some point.

Chrono is spot on. They're hard to find. Easier if you don't mind standard heat, and easier still if you don't mind a little Be added to your Corundum (and far cheaper).

I find that heating can yield stones with a slight orange cast. Be stones can look pretty cool--yellow bordering on neon.

US faceters don't come across a lot of yellow sapphires to cut or recut. Several faceters have told me frankly that there's virtually no chance of them getting ahold of any material at any point. I get the sense that its not very economical for them--there's more of a demand in the asian markets, so US faceters would have to pay more for the rough or the preforms, while the US demand for them does not justify the expense. A few faceters/vendors occasionally get their hands on some nice material. Searching through their web sites should indicate which faceters trade in this stuff.

So first decide what level of treatment you want etc, whether you are interested in greenish yellow, golden yellow, orange yellow, or pastel yellow etc etc. or the rare yellow yellow and your budget and I can tell you the avenues I would explore.

 

[Kelly12]

I would choose spinel, because it is more shiny.