Spinel proportions

[erinl]

I am looking at a spinel that measures 7.7 x 5.9 x 4.95 mm. I know this is a little too deep. Should I even be considering this stone? I am completely in the dark about different proportions. The color seems really nice, but that is about all I have to go on.

Thanks!

 

[packrat]

Is it a supernova oval? I don't know anything about measurements for stones. Who cut it?

 

[Jim Rentfrow]

Its 83% depth based off the width, which I have seen many designs that are in the 80% range for depth. I just did a tourmaline that was at 83% that turned out well, so the depth is not too uncommon. One thing to look for is to make sure the stone does not look like a gum drop and that the cutting looks good.

What kind of cut is the stone?

 

[VapidLapid]

Those numbers do not make the stone necessarily too deep. much depends on the distribution of that total depth between the crown and the pavillion. Then too, the stated depth soundls like it falls between what could be very good for both of the top dimensions, which could be advantageous for a good cut. Too many variables if all we have is the 3 main dimensions. How does it look? Can you post a cropped down photo from where ever it is you found the stone so we can see it but not discern the seller?

 

[VapidLapid]

Its 83% depth based off the width, which I have seen many designs that are in the 80% range for depth. I just did a tourmaline that was at 83% that turned out well, so the depth is not too uncommon. One thing to look for is to make sure the stone does not look like a gum drop and that the cutting looks good.

What kind of cut is the stone?

I like gum drops. and sugarloaves, but then that's something different than a faceted stone

 

[chrono]

It depends:
1. How is the colour?
2. How is the price?
3. How much do you like it?

Yes, it is on the deep side but there are several things to consider as well. Sometimes, a stone is deep due to the design of the cut like supernovas and asschers. Also, if the depth is in the crown to help the dispersion, then it's something I will likely forgive. Sometimes a stone is also given that added depth to help increase the saturation and tone.

 

[minousbijoux]

Also, if the depth is in the crown to help the dispersion, then it's something I will likely forgive. Sometimes a stone is also given that added depth to help increase the saturation and tone.

This completely. If the height is in the crown, you can end up with a really sparkly stone - it will face up smaller than one with less depth of the same carat weight, but if it sparkles more, who cares? If it doesn't, then pass.

 

[erinl]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I emailed the vendor to get more information about the crown and pavilion measurements, but I did not get those answers--instead got assurance that the stone is a good cut. I would send a picture, but it is head on and of little help. I know that returns can be complicated and more expensive with this vendor than with other vendors, so that is my concern. The stone is a mahenge spinel, which is top on my wish list, and the color and clarity seems really good, but oddly, i am concerned that this stone is still available while most of the others from this vendor have sold......

 

[minousbijoux]

Perhaps you should ask a question along those lines. They are honorable sellers, so he/they should be willing to answer questions like this. From the photo, it looks to have excellent saturation and color.

 

[VapidLapid]

Ok well that was enough for me to know which stone it is, so I took a look. I think it is really nice. When he says recommended piece it is usually for both quality and value. That's a nice looking stone. You can get a vague idea of the pavilion profile in the reflection on the table the stone sits on. I would infer it to be a little deep, not windowed at all, with a good depth in the crown. THe extra depth may increase the saturation a tiny bit, which is not a bad thing. Maybe this is just my imagination and conjecture, but there seems to be an interesting oval pattern at the bottom of the pavilion at a right angle to the length of the stone. I quite like that and think it was made possible by the extra depth.

 

[erinl]

Vapid and minousbijoux, I knew being coy about the vendor was silly, that many would know exactly what gem/site I was looking at!! I was also looking at the 2.07 oval, its a bit bigger and over 2 carats, but not sure about the cut and color. Any thoughts?

Thanks again!

 

[VapidLapid]

The 2.07 is nice. I like the other better. 2.07 is weaker saturation and I suspect perhaps shallow crown, again inferred from the reflection. The 1.82 looks to have more glow, perhaps fluorescence

 

[minousbijoux]

I'd definitely go for saturation, glow and fluor, but that's me - I realize now that rather than collecting a certain family or color, or shape, that I am starting to collect based on those qualifications - interesting how we evolve in our tastes.

 

[PrecisionGem]

Asking for the depth of a stone, and then trying to calculate from the depth and width if the cut is any good really doesn't make sense in colored stone. I understand this is information that is used in diamonds, but diamonds have standard cuts. I never measure the depth, as it is really a meaningless, considering all the different types of cut. A dimension that would be too shallow for one cut design could be fine for another. Trust your eyes, and just look at the stone. If you are buying only from a picture, then you should get a photo straight on with the stone, this way you can see if the stone has a window or excessive extinction.

PS.. Nice looking Abby in your avitar.

 

[erinl]

Thanks for the info-- I am just not super confident in my ability to choose stones-- one blue stone jumped out to me recently though

My kitty is a singapura--besides chewing on any small cord she can find, she is such a great cat-- follows you around, greets all visitors, and when my kids maul her, she stays for more and never hisses or scratches!

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

Hey erinl I had that stone starred
I would have loved to purchase it,
In the end, I went with another, only because I wanted something other than oval (since I already have one)
It's not because I didn't love it !

I really like working with this vendor.
I trust their opinion.
I usually ask between two or three, then see what the vendor says.
I am really happy with my stones.
I am loving the colors, they have what I like !!!!!

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

but oddly, i am concerned that this stone is still available while most of the others from this vendor have sold......

Oh, sorry, I forgot to add.....
Sometimes this vendor doesn't mark stones as "sold" right away ....
I asked him about 2 stones that he had listed as available and both were actually sold
He then recommended a stone for me (that wasn't on his site yet)
I bought it, and then he put it up, listed as "sold"
I think he travels a lot, so updates his site when he can.

So I wouldn't worry that the stone has been available for awhile.
I would worry more that I am liking something, then when I feel like I can swing it
it has actually been sold, and I didn't know it !

Hope this helps.